Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language prepares students with specialized knowledge and skills to teach English as a Foreign Language in overseas settings.

The program focuses on the fundamentals of EFL teaching principles and methodology, linguistics, materials/curriculum development, and assessment.

English has become the gateway to many international and technical jobs, as well as the key to entrance into institutions of higher education. The number of people interested in learning English as a second or third language is increasing steadily. With the rising demand for English instructors comes an increasing need for individuals qualified to teach English as a Foreign Language. The majority of overseas English language schools require their teachers to be certified in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Our flexible, four-course program is taught by qualified instructors with experience in language pedagogy and overseas teaching. (Note: The TEFL Certificate Program is not designed for teachers seeking K-12 ESOL endorsement in Florida.)

If you are looking to teach English overseas, the TEFL Certificate at UCF is your gateway to a new career. Your courses will not only prepare you for teaching in another country, they are accredited courses that will count toward your graduate degree.

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

• Complete all of the following
  • Complete at least 4 of the following:
    • TSL5345 - Methods of ESOL Teaching (3)
    • TSL6940 - ESOL Practicum (3)
    • TSL5940 - Issues in TEFL (3)
    • TSL6142 - Critical Approaches to ESOL (3)
    • TSL6250 - Applied Linguistics in ESOL (3)
    • TSL6350 - Grammar for ESOL Teachers (3)
    • TSL6440 - Assessment Issues in TESOL (3)
    • TSL6640 - Research in Second Language (3)
    • TSL6252 - Sociolinguistics for ESOL (3)
    • TSL5380 - Computers and Technology for ESOL (3)
    • TSL5601 - Second Language Vocabulary Learning (3)
    • TSL6642 - Issues in Second Language Acquisition (3)
    • TSL6374 - TESOL Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation (3)
    • TSL6442 - Fundamentals of Standardized Assessment in TESOL (3)
    • TSL5376 - Reading and Writing in a Second Language (3)
  • Note: Though the courses may be taken in any order, it is recommended that TSL 6940 - ESOL Practicum be taken near the end of a program of study (if that course is included).

Independent Learning

• Many of the courses have service-learning or practical experience components. This is to ensure that at the end of your TEFL Graduate Certificate you have the education, experience, and expertise to teach EFL in any setting.

Grand Total Credits: 12

Application Requirements

Admission is open to those with a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution recognized by UCF. An application to the graduate certificate program and official transcripts must be submitted. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance and the applicant's potential for completing the certificate.

Application Deadlines