Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – K-12

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 12

Next Session Start: August 24, 2026

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

The Certificate of Graduate Studies in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) with a concentration in K-12, offered online, can prepare you to work with nonnative English speakers in their communities or abroad. Presented from a Christian worldview, this concentration equips currently licensed teachers with foundational understandings and practical strategies for serving the needs of English language learners ranging from kindergarten to high school. This certificate may also help advance your career in teaching and/or administration by positioning you as an expert in this vitally important field. To discuss this program with an admissions counselor by phone or in-person in Virginia Beach, call 888.713.1595.

Gain foundational understandings in linguistics, second language acquisition, literacy, methodology, and assessment.
Learn strategies and best practices for instruction and assessment of English language learners.
Apply skills in alignment with the WIDA and TESOL English language proficiency standards.
Learn from the #1 among the Best TEFL, TESL, and TESOL Schools in Virginia, as recognized by PLEXUSS, 2024.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Regent University Ranked #1 in Virginia for Best TESOL Program | PLEXUSS, 2024

Career Opportunities

ESL/ESOL Teacher
ESL/ESOL Administrator
Teacher or administrator in international contexts

Note: In Virginia and many other states, currently licensed teachers can obtain an additional endorsement in ESL by earning a passing score on the ESOL Praxis II. The Regent TESOL certificate with a concentration in K-12 addresses all of the areas covered on this important assessment. For information, please consult your state department of education, as well as the Educational Testing Services website.

Featured Courses

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
Code	Name	Credits
ETSL 505	Serving English Language Learners in K-12 Classrooms	3	Designed to prepare teachers to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs) in K-12 classrooms. The course is appropriate for prospective and current ESL teachers and general classroom teachers.
ETSL 510	Linguistics	3	Provides an introduction to the study and analysis of phonology (sound), morphology (word formation) and syntax (grammar) in human language. Focuses on English, but comparisons will be made to other languages.
ETSL 530	Teaching English Language Learners Reading & Writing in the Content Areas	3	Preparation for developing ESL students’ literacy skills in the content areas. Attention will also be given to grammar and the other language modes.
ETSL 560	First & Second Language Acquisition	3	Review of research findings regarding child and adult first and second language acquisition with emphasis on the second-language learner and TESOL curriculum development, including identification and analysis of cognitive, affective, socio-cultural, and educational factors.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2026-27 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 14	Monday, August 24
Session M	Friday, September 11	Monday, September 21
Session B	Friday, October 16	Monday, October 26
Session C	Wednesday, January 6	Monday, January 11
Session T	Friday, January 29	Monday, February 8
Session D	Friday, March 5	Monday, March 15
Session E	Friday, April 30	Monday, May 10
Session F	Friday, June 11	Monday, June 21

Note: You must submit a current copy of your teaching license with your admissions application.

Application Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Teaching License

To be admitted, you must submit an active teaching license from your state. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Step 4: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2026-27 Tuition Rates

Certificate	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Total Credits	Tuition Cost for Certificate
Career Switcher for Elementary Education Licensure Certificate	$250	27	$6,750 (plus associated fees)
Certificate in the Law & Higher Education	$250	9	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Artificial Intelligence for Education	$250	12	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism	$250	12	$3,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Career Switcher	$250	24	$6,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Christian Education	$250	9	$2,250
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership	$250	12	$3,000
Certificate of Graduate Studies in eLearning Design	$250	10	$2,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Gifted & Talented Education for Teachers	$250	12-14	$3,000-$3,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)	$250	10	$2,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – Adult Education-Collegiate	$250	15-18	$3,750-$4,500
Certificate of Graduate Studies in TESOL – K-12	$250	15	$3,750
Post-Master's Certificate in Advancing Leadership (CAL)	$250	9	$2,250
Post-Master's Certificate in Reading Specialist	$250	21	$5,250

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750
Library Orientation	$50 (one-time)

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

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“Looking back, I can take almost every single facet of my daily work and tie it to my training at Regent. ”

Thomas "Randy" Brunk, M.Ed., 1989 Head of School, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy

“I didn’t have time to sit in the classroom, and I needed to do the work on my own time. Regent checked off all the boxes that I needed it to. The ability to be able to do things at my own pace was wonderful ... The biggest thing I took away from Regent was servant leadership. I kind of put that into my own soul.”

Ernie Stokes, Ed.S., 2018 Music Teacher, Butts Road Intermediate and Camelot Elementary

“What I love about Regent is being treated not only as a student trying to pursue an education but as a person who is trying to make a difference in the world.”

Jasmine Farnsworth, Doctor of Education, 2022

“I found Regent's School of Education to be a place where I could obtain some of those practical skills I needed to help others. The TESOL curriculum included a good balance of instruction in reading, writing, and conversation skills that I can apply with adults or children.”

Jason Clark, M.Ed., 2010 TESOL

“One of the biggest skills I learned through my studies at Regent was confidence. I learned that I am worthy, and I can go forward in my career and affect more students than just those in my own classroom.”

Kathy Galford, Ed.D., 2018 School Principal, Chesapeake Public Schools