Bachelor of Arts in TESOL

Location

Curriculum

120 credit hours

Program Length

as few as 36 months

Accreditation

Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC

Bachelor of Arts in TESOL — a Passport to the World

Are you passionate about helping non-native English speakers gain proficiency in English? Do you have a calling to teach English as a Second Language in the public school system in the United States or in a language institute or university in China or the Middle East? Columbia International University’s Bachelor of Arts in TESOL program can equip you with the skills you need to pursue a career in teaching English as a second language. With millions of people around the world registering for English classes every day, the demand for qualified English teachers is high. 

In this program, you will receive excellent training in various areas of English language teaching to prepare you to become an excellent English teacher. You will take courses in linguistics, syntax, teaching methods, cross-cultural communication and other related topics to gain a thorough understanding of language acquisition and effective language teaching. Through classroom instruction and practical experience, you will learn how to design and deliver English language lessons that are engaging, relevant and effective. 

In addition, you will have opportunities to gain practical experience through supervised teaching experiences and internships. These experiences will allow you to apply what you have learned in a real-world setting, work with diverse populations, and hone your teaching skills. By completing this program, you will be well-equipped to pursue a variety of career opportunities both in the United States and internationally. 
 

Dr. Joe LeTexier

Why Choose Columbia International University

Columbia International University’s Bachelor of Arts in TESOL program, with four decades of experience, is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to be an effective TESOL teacher. You will learn from professors who have not only a deep understanding of linguistics and teaching techniques, but also real-world experience teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). 

Our program is rooted in the belief that effective TESOL teaching involves not only language instruction, but also cultural awareness and sensitivity. As a student in the program, you will take courses in linguistics, syntax, teaching methods and other topics that are necessary for you to become a knowledgeable and culturally sensitive English teacher. You will also have the opportunity to apply what you have learned through practical experiences, such as teaching internships and observation opportunities. 

With a Bachelor of Arts in TESOL from CIU, you will be prepared to teach English in a variety of settings. Whether you have a desire to teach in a language institute or university in China or the Middle East, or to teach English as a Second Language in the public school system in the United States, this program will give you the tools you need to make a positive impact on the lives of your students. 
 

Overall Benefits of the Degree

With the Bachelor of Arts in TESOL, you can go anywhere in the world and teach English. Universities and language institutes in the Middle East and Asia hire English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. Often, in addition to a salary, universities and language institutes will provide room and board. What a great opportunity to see the world, serve in another country as an English teacher and even pay down student loans in the process. 

Students with the B.A. in TESOL can also teach English as a Second Language (ESL) to international students, immigrants and refugees in North America. Public school districts and private language schools hire English teachers. 

Some of the career paths for graduates of the B.A. in TESOL program include: 

  • Teaching English in a global university. 
  • Teaching English in a language institute around the world or in North America. 
  • Teaching English among children and youth in a public or private school system in the United States. 
  • Teaching English among adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America. 
  • Pursuing Ph.D. work leading to careers in college, seminary and university-level teaching, both in the United States and abroad. 
     

Featured Faculty

What Will I Study?

  • BIB 1116 Old Testament Survey

    In this course, you will become familiar with the basic contents of each book of the Old Testament and the broad historical framework of Old Testament events. You will pay special attention to key passages and prominent themes of the Old Testament. You will read the Old Testament with a view to using it for spiritual formation and discipleship.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 1120 New Testament Survey

    This course is an overview of the books of the New Testament and the historical circumstances surrounding these writings. You will focus on the background, content, message, and personal application of each book in the New Testament. You will also examine the process by which the New Testament canon was formed and the New Testament was transmitted through the history of the Church.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 3420 Principles of Bible Interpretation

    This course will guide you through the hermeneutical principles basic to interpreting Scripture. Many of these principles are common to language and literature, while others apply uniquely to the Bible. All of them are based on the way in which the Bible interprets itself. You will begin to lay a foundation of cognitive understanding, with an emphasis on practice in applying the principles.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 3616 Romans

    Within the framework of an exegetical study, you will focus on the New Testament's most organized, thorough exposition of the Christian faith and its relation to human history and implications for Christian living. Giving special attention to the personal application of the message, you will apply principles of biblical interpretation to the study of this book.

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIB 4310 Progress of Redemption

    In this course, you will explore God's plan of redemption as it progressively unfolds in the Bible. You will trace the basic historical revelation in the Old and New Testaments to see what God is doing and by what method. You will consider the spoken revelations as you observe the progress of doctrine.

    3.00 credit hours
  • THE 3310 Christian Theology

    This course provides a study of the theological truths of the Bible, during which you will focus on the basic doctrines necessary for a Christian worldview: Scripture, God, Christ, Holy Spirit, sin and salvation, church, and future events. You will examine the doctrinal teaching of the Bible, supplemented with insights from the theological reflections of the church throughout its history and from contemporary theological discussions.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ENG 1110 Composition and Research

    This course provides you an introduction to reaching well-reasoned conclusions based upon the most credible evidence available, skills fundamental to college writing but also for life as an educated adult. You will develop your abilities with modern academic library resources as evidenced through an annotated working bibliography, among other assignments. You will spend the majority of the course drafting and revising papers which demonstrate the effective use of secondary resources.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ENG 1111 Literature and Research

    This second writing course is designed to foster an appreciation of literature, use literary texts as a platform for strengthening skills in reading, writing, and analysis, and continue to emphasize foundational skills in library research. Texts and genres (such as short fiction, poetry, and drama) will vary.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 2110 Introduction to Philosophy

    In this course, you will explore some of the fundamental issues that must be addressed by anyone attempting to formulate a comprehensive understanding of things (worldview), and will examine primary texts in order to observe some of the very best thinking regarding these fundamental issues.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 4140 Seminar in Ethics

    In this capstone course, you will integrate Scripture, theology, and philosophy as they relate to who we are, what we should do, and living well. You will develop a Christian framework for ethical thinking and decision-making based on the Christian understanding of human nature as bearing the Image of God. Course limited to students classified as seniors.

    3.00 credit hours
  • PSY 2110 General Psychology

    In this survey of scientific psychology, you will focus on historical roots, human development, and the physiological basis of behavior, learning, motivation, perception, emotions, personality, socialization, and pathology. You will learn how to filter psychological data through biblical principles to help produce a biblically-consistent model of human psychology which can then be used in both Christian and non-Christian environments.

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 1110 Introduction to World History

    This course gives an overview of the major trends in global history that have created our modern world. The course will explore the major chronology of world history, focusing on the changes, continuities, and connections between major world regions during this period focusing on Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The course will examine the cultural, technological, political, economic, religious and social transformations which shaped the societies. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • HIS 2310 United States History and Government

    In this survey from colonial America to the present, you will examine the enduring issues and themes of American history. While the course is structured around historical events, particular effort is made to understand the paradox of American unity through diverse social, economic, political, and cultural factors.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MAT 1110 College Algebra

    This course covers standard college algebra such as functions and expressions, linear, quadratic and rational expressions, and financial formulas. The course will also include real numbers, equations and inequalities, linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • MAT 2100 Introduction to Statistics

    This course provides an elementary overview of probability and statistics that will prepare students to conduct and interpret research in a variety of scientific fields. The content will include descriptive statistics; probability; discrete and continuous random variables; binomial, normal, and student-t distributions; methods for conducting inference, including confidence intervals and hypothesis tests; and linear correlation and regression. (3 semester hours)

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHI 2610 Introduction to Logic

    This is an introduction of the science of reasoning in both formal and informal logic, so that you can begin to accurately apply the logic/ mathematical properties of validity, satisfiability, consistency, logical truth, and logical equivalence.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ART 2110 Art Appreciation

    This course introduces students to the fine arts in their various media and period styles, with the goal of developing students' understanding and experience of the role of the arts in life. An ongoing focus on the relationship between art and the Bible will encourage students to develop a theology of art.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MUS 2110 Music Appreciation

    This course will introduce the student to the place that music traditionally held as one of the seven liberal arts as an apologetic to the study and enjoyment of music. The goal of the class is to enhance critical listening skills and to develop a working vocabulary of music that is meaningful to the non-musician. The course will introduce the basic elements of music and a brief overview of the history of Western classical music, American Jazz, World, and Pop music. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • BIO 2113 General Biology

    In this course, you will explore the concepts of biology, emphasizing the structure, function, and cellular organization of living organisms. Following an introduction to the general nature of science, the scientific method, and the nature of biology, you will focus on cellular biology, botany, zoology, and human biology.

    3.00 credit hours
  • NTR 2110 Introduction to Nutrition

    This course is designed to provide a foundational knowledge about nutrition as health science that discusses the nutrients essential for human life. Students will begin to learn and better understand the biochemical composition, metabolic action, requirements, and food sources of the nutrients studied. Students will also learn scientific basis for promoting health and quality of life. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • PHE 2120 Health Science & Personal Wellness

    This course provides an introduction to health science and personal wellness concepts. You will have the opportunity to build a foundation of knowledge that will help you actively pursue a healthy and well lifestyle. An introduction to and application of the foundations of physical, aerobic, and muscular fitness will be included. Strategies to maintain personal health and wellness, including weight control through nutrients and physical activity, will be covered. You will gain an understanding of the impact physical activity has on personal wellness as well as the broad spectrum of health science issues. This course provides information and experiences that will enable you to make informed decisions by incorporating healthy solutions as they relate to quality of life and longevity.

    3.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0101 Christian Service Learning I

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 20 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0201 Christian Service Learning II

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 30 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • CSL 0202 Christian Service Learning III

    Having identified a local church during your first semester experience, you will now faithfully attend that church and volunteer at least 30 clock hours of service at that church or within a ministry in the community that is approved by the CSL Director. This service must be documented and approved by the CSL Director and a record submitted to the CSL office. No credit will be given, but completion of the service hours is a graduation requirement. Lack of faithfulness in attending or participating in a local church is an issue related to Christian character; failure to demonstrate faithfulness will be addressed by the Student Life office. (0)

    0.00 credit hours
  • ICS 1210 Discovering the Mission of God

    This course is designed to help you develop world-Christian characteristics. You will explore the Christian's heritage in the history of the church and missions, begin to develop a scriptural perspective on the purpose of the gospel in confronting ideologies, religions and spiritual needs of the world, and discuss current strategies for identifying and reaching the lost.

    3.00 credit hours
  • MSD 1110 Encountering Spiritual Formation

    This course is designed to introduce the student to the foundational principles of spiritual formation for effective life, ministry, and vocation. The process of the student's spiritual formation includes their relationship with God, their biblical self-image, their relationship with the Body of Christ, their personal relationships, and their relationship with the world. Students are invited into a multiple-year journey of encountering spiritual formation in community. The goal of this course is to help students build a foundation for continued spiritual formation at and beyond their time at CIU.

    3.00 credit hours
  • EDU 2110 Foundations of Education

    This course is an introductory study of the historical, social, philosophical, psychological, and pedagogical "foundations" of education, designed for those preparing to become professional educators. You will develop the tools to articulate a personal philosophy of education, with an emphasis on the social context of urban schools and an understanding of biblical principles relating to education.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ICS 3140 Cultural Anthropology

    In this course, you will study cultural anthropology for the purpose of equipping followers of Christ to be competent interpreters of culture in 21st Century global contexts.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ICS 3300 Biblical Theology of Mission

    You will engage in a comprehensive study of the biblical foundation for mission as it relates to the church's missionary obligation before God to the world in both word and deed. Special attention will be given to exposing you to important issues within evangelical missiology today.

    3.00 credit hours
  • ICS 4110 Intercultural Internship Preparations

    This course is required of Intercultural Studies majors in the semester before the ICS 4930. You will prepare for your internship spiritually, mentally, and logistically. (Approval and registration are required in advance of the internship experience.)

    0.00 credit hours
  • ICS 4400 Practical Skill Development in Intercultural Studies

    This course is designed to offer you ministry skills experience within the discipline, providing opportunity for you as an upperclass student to gain competency and confidence within related vocations. Experiential learning requirements are defined by your program and assessed by the program faculty. A minimum of 50 clock hours of direct experience is required for a unit of credit, and advisor approval is required. Repeatable.

    3.00 credit hours
  • LNG 4710 Theoretical Foundations for Language Teaching

    This course is an introduction to the principles and practices of English language teaching. It examines the theories and practices of language teaching and learning in general, and English language teaching and learning in particular, focusing on research-based practices and strategies for teaching K-12 as well as adult English language learners. Students will also learn the principles of curriculum development and assessment for language programs. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • LNG 4930 TESOL Internship

    The Internship is an intensive experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages, and usually takes place following the junior year. It focuses on developing skills and techniques while applying language teaching theory and principles. (3)

    3.00 credit hours
  • MSD 1210 Foundations for Calling and Work

    In this course, you will explore the biblical and theological foundations for vocation with an eye toward your own future career interests. You will reflect on your chosen major and, as you begin that degree, make a plan toward your future career placement (3).

    3.00 credit hours

Accreditation and Accolades

ABHE (The Association for Biblical Higher Education)
SACSCOC (The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges)

Career Path Opportunities

  • Teaching English in a global university. 
  • Teaching English in a language institute around the world or in North America. 
  • Teaching English among children and youth in a public or private school system in the United States. 
  • Teaching English among adult refugees and asylum seekers around the world or in North America. 
  • Academic Careers by pursuing Ph.D. work leading to careers in college, seminary and university-level teaching, both in the United States and abroad. 
     

Top FAQs

What is TESOL?

TESOL is an acronym that stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It is an umbrella term used to describe the practice of teaching the English language to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. In the past, TESOL was referred to as TEFL, which means Teaching English as a Foreign Language. The term TESOL is more commonly used today, and it includes all forms of teaching English to non-native speakers, regardless of their location or circumstances.

What is ESL?

ESL stands for English as a Second Language. It is a term used to describe the process of teaching English to non-native speakers who live in an English-speaking country, such as the United States, Canada, or Australia. The goal of ESL is to help non-native speakers gain proficiency in the English language, which can improve their communication skills, education and job opportunities.

Why is English in such high demand?

English is the most widely spoken language in the world, and it is the primary language used in international business, travel and diplomacy. Millions of people around the world desire to learn English because it can help them enter the global workforce, find better-paying jobs and pursue higher education in English-speaking countries. Additionally, English is the language of technology and the internet, making it essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in the digital age.

What types of jobs are available in TESOL?

There are many different types of jobs available in the TESOL field. Some examples include working as an English language teacher in universities, private language institutes, K–12 schools, or as a private tutor. Additionally, TESOL professionals may work as curriculum developers, program directors, teacher trainers and consultants. TESOL professionals may also work in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or international corporations.

What if I have school debt?

If you have school debt, there are still opportunities to work in TESOL and pay down your loans. Many universities and language institutes around the world offer English teaching jobs that include a salary, as well as room and board. This means that it is possible to live and work abroad as an English teacher, while also earning money to pay down your student loans. Additionally, some TESOL programs offer loan forgiveness or loan repayment assistance programs to graduates who work in underserved communities or low-income schools.

 

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