TESOL Certificate Program

TESOL Certificate Program

This is a professional development program designed for current and aspiring English-language educators. The program helps participants further enhance their English proficiency while developing up-to-date knowledge and practical skills in English linguistics, language acquisition, and English teaching methodology. Through this training, participants will acquire the ability to apply these competencies effectively in English education.

This program is accredited as a "Brush up Program for professional" (BP) by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

Brush up Program for professional (BP) -MEXT

Goal

The program aims to prepare English teachers with strong English proficiency and specialized knowledge and skills in English linguistics, language education, and English teaching methodology. It equips participants to deliver high-quality instruction across a variety of educational contexts by effectively applying these competencies.

Program features

• Courses are offered in English or Japanese and are conducted primarily online in small-group formats.

• To accommodate the schedules of working professionals, classes are held during the sixth period (after 18:00) in both the spring and fall semesters. An intensive summer session is also available.

• Students who complete the program and subsequently advance to the Master's Program of this graduate school may transfer credits earned in the specialized courses toward their master's degree requirements.

Potential participants

English teachers, ALTs, individuals aspiring to become English teachers, and anyone wishing to further develop their skills in English education.

Enrollment period

The program is designed to be completed in one year; however, students may continue beyond one year if necessary. A Certificate of Completion will be issued upon earning 10 credits, including at least 6 credits from specialized courses.

Eligibility to Enroll in the TESOL Certificate Program

The TESOL Certificate Program is open to all, regardless of gender or age; participants do not have to be enrolled in our graduate program.

Those who wan to participate must have the academic ability equivalent to a university graduate and be either a current English teacher, have experience as an English teacher, or be aspiring to become an English teacher.

Curriculum

The program offers specialized courses that provide expertise in English linguistics and language acquisition, as well as courses that integrate this knowledge into English communication and teaching methodology. In addition, there are skill-based courses designed to help participants further enhance their own English proficiency.

By studying the structure of the English language and its differences from Japanese in a professional context, participants will be able to teach English more efficiently and effectively in their respective educational settings. At the same time, improving their own English skills will enable them to communicate confidently in English with students and ALT teachers.

Specialized Courses in English Linguistics

• Introduction to Linguistics
• English Syntax
• English Phonetics & Phonology

Specialized Courses in Language Acquisition

• Introduction to Language Acquisition

• Introduction to Second Language Acquisition

• Applied Second Language Acquisition

• Acquisition of English by Japanese Speakers

• Individual Differences in Second Language Acquisition

Specialized Courses in English Communication and Teaching Methodology

• Communicative/Pedagogical Grammar of English

• Pragmatics for English Education and Communication

• Communicative English Pronunciation

• Analyzing the Organization of Social Interaction

• Language and Social Interaction

• Reflective Teaching Practices

Skill-Based Courses to Improve English Proficiency

• Brushing up English Communication Skills I

• Brushing up English Communication Skills II