TESOL Program FAQ

How long does the TESOL Certificate take to complete?

Many people complete our certificate program in 2 semesters, but it is a flexible program and you can complete it in the time you have available.

What are the requirements for the certificate?

Our TESOL Requirements page lists courses and other requirements.

Do I need to be a student at the University of Utah to complete the certificate?

At this time, you do need to be an admitted student at the University of Utah.  Admissions requirements can be found at http://admissions.utah.edu/apply/. You can enroll as a graduate student, an undergraduate student, or a non–degree seeking student.

What are the deadlines for admission?

The University has deadlines for admission for future semesters, so you need to be admitted before you take classes.  There is no deadline for admission to the Certificate program itself, however.

How do I sign up for the certificate?

TESOL enrollment information, including fees and enrollment forms, are available on the department enrollment page.

How much does the certificate cost?

There is a $45 fee (increasing to $55 on August 22, 2016) for administrative costs related to the certificate and you can pay that to the Department of Linguistics Secretary in LNCO 2300.

The tuition is figured at the regular university tuition rates so it depends on your residency status and how many courses you take at once.

Do you offer courses online?

Yes, all of our TESOL certificate courses are available online and can be completed from almost anywhere in the world.  Some are available either online or in the classroom and some are available online only.

When are the courses taught?

Our course offerings might vary a little each semester, but in general our undergraduate course schedule for TESOL courses looks like this:

LING 1200 – online (fall, spring, summer) or in-class (fall, spring, summer)

LING 3220 – online only (fall, spring, summer)

LING 3500 – online (fall, spring, summer) or in-class (fall)

LING 3600 – online (fall, spring), in-class (fall, spring, summer), FLXU (pre-spring, summer)

LING 5810 – online only (fall, spring)

LING 5813 – online only (fall, spring)

If I have a previous degree, do I still need to take writing?

No, if you have a degree that includes the equivalent of writing 2010, then this course is waived and it does not count as the one transferred course toward the requirements.

What is the difference between a Linguistics major and a TESOL Certificate?

The course requirements for the certificate are approximately half of the courses needed to complete a linguistics major http://linguistics.utah.edu/undergraduate/undergraddegreerequirements.php (not including the general education requirements).  Many Linguistics students receive a certificate as part of their requirements for the major.

Do I have to be a Linguistics major to receive the certificate?

No, the certificate can be completed as a standalone certificate or in addition to any degree you are pursuing at the University of Utah.  But once you take some linguistics classes, you will realize why so many people choose to continue with it after completing the certificate!