Are fees for international students and California residents different?

No. Anaheim University's tuition fees are the same no matter where the student resides. 

How are tuition payments handled?

All payments must be made in US dollars. Students may pay by credit card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa or Discover), bank transfer, check or money order made payable to Anaheim University. To pay by credit card, download a credit card authorization form here, complete it, and e-mail or fax it to the University. For bank wire transfer account information, please contact Anaheim University's Admissions Office. Payments are processed through the University's Admissions Offices in California. Upon acceptance, MA & Graduate Diploma in TESOL students must pay the registration fee, records fee and tuition fee for the first course. The Tuition and Records Fee for each course is paid no later than 2 weeks prior to course commencement. Prior to graduation, the $300 graduation fee must be paid. Where applicable, MA TESOL students pay their residential session fees along with the tuition fee and records fee 2 weeks prior to course commencement. TESOL Certificate and Teaching English to Young Learners Certificate students pay the registration and tuition fees upon acceptance.

Are there any fees if I am unable to finish the MA in TESOL program within 125 weeks?

If a student does not complete the degree program within the 125-week period, the student is required to pay a records fee each term to maintain the degree-seeking status.

Are there any fees if I am unable to finish the TESOL Cert. program within 15 weeks?

Students are expected to complete the TESOL / TEYL Certificates within the 15-week term. Students requiring a 15-week extension will be charged an additional $200 extension fee. Note: Extension fees may apply to students accepted into the University prior to April 2007. Please see your enrollment agreement.

Do I have to own my own computer?

No. You do not need to own your own computer. However, all students must have regular access to a computer connected to the Internet.

Do I have to purchase equipment or special software?

Students do not need special hardware or software for most of Anaheim University's online learning system.  The following are webcam class system requirements:

PC Users

• Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
• Dual core 2.4GHz CPU or faster with at least 2 GB of RAM
• Internet Explorer® 7.0 or newer, Mozilla® Firefox® 3.0 or newer, or Google Chrome 5.0 or newer (JavaScript and Java enabled)
• Internet connection with cable modem, DSL or better recommended

• Mac OS® X v10.5 Leopard® or newer
• Safari® 3.0 or newer, Firefox 3.0 or newer or Google Chrome 5.0 or newer (JavaScript and Java enabled)
• Internet connection with cable modem, DSL or better recommended
• Intel processor with 512 MB of RAM or better is required for video.
• Macs with PowerPC G4/G5 processor can attend live classes, but are unable to use or view webcams.

Recommended Hardware

The online webcam software works with most standard webcams. The following webcams come highly recommended from testing

• Logitech® HD Pro Webcam C910
• Logitech Webcam Pro 9000
• Logitech HD Webcam C510
• Logitech HD Webcam C310
• Students who wish to speak by live webcam or microphone, will be required to use a microphone/earphone headset. No headset is required to text chat. 

Are textbooks included in the tuition?

No. Textbooks are not included in the tuition. Each course usually requires either one or two textbooks. It is suggested that you budget approximately $1,200 for textbooks for the entire program. AU students have the opportunity of ordering their textbooks through the Anaheim University Online Bookstore, which also sells used textbooks at a discounted rate. Purchases will be subject to the refund policy of eCampus.com, which runs the bookstore.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes. The University currently accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit card. Download a credit card authorization form here.

Can I make credit card installment payments?

Yes. Credit card companies have various installment payment plans in order to accommodate students, and these plans vary based on your credit card limit. However, students in the past have made up to 36 payments by credit card installment payment plans.

Do students have regular contact with their professors?

Yes. Students in all TESOL programs are in regular contact with their professors in the Online Discussion Forum. In addition, students in the MA and Diploma in TESOL programs communicate with their professors in an online face-to-face setting through the real-time online webcam classes.

May I contact my professor by e-mail?

Yes. The professor's e-mail address is typically listed in the online course guide.

Do I have regular contact with other students in my course?

Yes. Through the University's Online Discussion Forum, students communicate regularly with all other students enrolled in the same course. Each week, a student is nominated as "Student Host." It is the Student Host's responsibility to encourage students to participate and to keep discussions going by presenting topics for discussion. This Student Host system in conjunction with the real-time online webcam classes has proven to be so effective, it is said that AU students have more contact with their professors and fellow students than most students do in on-campus programs! To further enhance this communication, AU students have the option of having their e-mail address connected to the Forum discussions. This allows students to follow conversations from students and professors from around the world 24 hours a day no matter where they are.

Is there any support for students who do not have access to major libraries?

Yes. The AU online library offers students 24-hour access to a vast collection of publications and other printed resources available in digital format for their research. The Academia Library was developed by a team of professionals who have evaluated thousands of Internet resources to identify and annotate only those deemed useful to students doing academic or professional research on the Web. The Academia Library offers academically appropriate, Internet-based resources. Each resource is updated regularly to ensure quality, accuracy, and currency.

How can I purchase textbooks?

AU students may order textbooks through the Anaheim University Online Bookstore. The Online Bookstore provides a competitive and reliable textbook service that ensures receipt of the correct textbook in a timely manner. Purchases will be subject to the refund policy of the bookstore.

Is there an alumni association?

Yes. AU's Alumni Association for lifelong learning is more than just a membership. As graduates of AU, students are automatically enrolled in a learning process that will extend beyond their degree. The University fully subscribes to the principle that "learning never ends." One of the great advantages of the online university is that students can maintain contact with the University, the faculty and fellow classmates throughout their lifetime. The Alumni Association will send students up-to-date information on new developments, suggested readings, cutting-edge information, occupational trends, and professional career opportunities.

How can I learn about upcoming events in my field of study?

Students wishing to read or post announcements about upcoming events, seminars, fairs, conventions, etc. or other subjects of academic interest to students in their major or to all AU students may do so through the AU Online Discussion Forum.

Is it possible to publish my research through Anaheim University?

Yes. The Anaheim University Press is an online innovation that provides opportunities for faculty and students to individually or collectively publish articles and research reports that will be made available for global interest. In addition to these online services, graduate theses and projects may be published, furthering the work of research in the fields of study represented by the University's programs. The AU Press will also give consideration to the publication of printed materials which conforms to the University mission.

What is the Research Portfolio, and what guidance, if any, do I get preparing it?

A number of courses in the MA TESOL provide students with an opportunity to conduct a small scale research project and write a report. For the EDU 600 Research Portfolio course, students will be required to submit reports of TWO such studies. Students will need to revise the reports in the light of the feedback that they received on their original reports. As with all of our courses, a professor is assigned to EDU 600 to instruct students and offer academic guidance and support.

Is there a graduation ceremony

Yes. The University holds graduation ceremonies from time to time and although it is not mandatory all students are welcome to take part.

Can the TESOL programs be completed entirely by home study?

There are 2 x 4-day residential sessions required for the MA in TESOL program. The Graduate Diploma in TESOL, TESOL Certificate & Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL) programs are 100% online with no residential requirements.

Where are the MA TESOL on-campus residential sessions held?

Residential sessions are held in California and other select locations. In the past, residential sessions have been held at California State University Fullerton (Fullerton, California); Alliant International University (San Diego, California); University of Hawaii (Honolulu, Hawaii); Sookmyung Women's University (Seoul, Korea), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (Seoul, Korea); Universidad de la Sabana (Bogota, Colombia), and in classroom facilities in Tokyo, Japan.

What is the schedule for the MA TESOL residential sessions?

Click here to see the MA TESOL Course Schedule. Please note that these dates are tentative and subject to change.

How much time do students spend on campus in MA TESOL residential sessions?

The average residential session begins on a Thursday and ends on the following Sunday, or runs from a Saturday to the following Tuesday. Students normally spend approximately 27 hours in the classroom per session.

What do I do if I am unable to attend a scheduled MA TESOL residential session?

If a student is unable to attend a scheduled residential session, s/he may attend a different residential session in the future. In such an event, this may cause a delay in the student's degree completion process.

Does the university provide dormitories at MA TESOL residential sessions?

Currently, the University does not provide dormitory rooms for students attending residential sessions. However, a number of hotels located in close proximity to the residential sessions offer discounts to Anaheim University students attending the residential sessions. This information is provided to students prior to the sessions.

When I attend a residential session for the MA TESOL, which residential session do I attend first?

The residential sessions are in two strands. A student attending a residential session for the first time should attend the first strand “TESOL in Practice”, which features workshops and seminars on methodology, curriculum design, materials, assessment, professional development, and classroom observation.

Can I take the two required residential sessions at the same time?

No. Classes for the two residential sessions are held at the same time in different classrooms, making it impossible to attend both during one residential session.

What happens at the MA TESOL residential sessions?

The residential consists of two strands. The first of these, intended for students undertaking their first residential, consists of workshops and seminars on methodology, curriculum design, materials, assessment, professional development, and classroom observation. The second strand, intended for students undertaking their second residential, is oriented towards theoretical / research issues in TESOL / Applied Linguistics. The last session of each day is a joint one involving all students and faculty. These sessions take a variety of formats, from debates on key issues in the field, to mini-presentations and simulations.

Is there a practicum? Will I have to do student teaching?

We generally only accept experienced teachers onto the masters program, as we believe that a masters degree is a post, not pre-experience degree. There is no provision for a practicum, because the assumption is that those doing the degree will be teaching at the same time as they do the degree. During the course they are encouraged, and indeed expected, to apply the knowledge and skills they are acquiring in studying for the degree to their daily teaching lives. There is no practicum in the degree for two reasons. Firstly, it is neither necessary nor feasible for practicing teachers, who are working full-time, to take time out for practicum placement. Secondly, the cost of arranging and paying for supervision is very high and would significantly increase the cost of the degree. It is clear from the course description that there is no practicum. It is therefore assumed that people without experience who apply for and are accepted onto the course are aware of this will arrange for practical experience, both observing experienced teachers in action and being observed doing some teaching themselves. It is quite rare for individuals without experience to apply for and be accepted onto the course. We do not have teaching experience as an entry requirement, as it then becomes a Catch 22 for individuals who want to break into the field. The classroom management and observation course requires some contact with classroom instruction. Occasionally we have experienced teachers doing the course who are not currently teaching and who, for various reasons (e.g. young children at home) have difficulty getting access to classrooms. In this case, we negotiate alternative options for them. There is no doubt that individuals with no experience whatever are at a disadvantage. However, as indicated above, there are ways of compensating for this, and we do our best to help them deal with this disadvantage.

What language proficiency requirements are there for non-native English speakers?

MA or Graduate Diploma in TESOL
Non-native English speakers applying to the MA/Graduate Diploma in TESOL must have one of the following English proficiency test scores: a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (CBT 213, iBT 79), a minimum TOEIC score of 800, or a minimum IELTS score of 6.0. Please note: Students with a TOEFL score of 500-549, a TOEIC score of 625-799, or an IELTS score of 5.5 – 6.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis and must receive a grade of B or higher in their first two courses. Every student is expected to have a level of language ability that will permit understanding of the textbooks, course materials and examinations.

Certificate in TESOL or Teaching English to Young Learners
Non-native English speakers applying to the TESOL Certificate and Certificate in Teaching English to Young Learners programs must have one of the following English proficiency test scores: 500 or higher on the TOEFL (173 CBT, iBT 61), 625 or higher on the TOEIC, 5.5 or higher on the IELTS, or Level 3 (60) on the BULATS.

Is a bachelor's degree required for admission?

Anaheim University requires all applicants for the MA and Graduate Diploma in TESOL to have a minimum of a recognized four-year undergraduate or bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is not required for admission to the Certificate in TESOL or TEYL programs.

Can students with an undergraduate degree from a foreign university, such as a Japanese university, enter the AU Master or Graduate Diploma in TESOL program?

Yes. Anaheim University accepts undergraduate or bachelor's degrees from any country as long as the degree is recognized by the government or education ministry of the country in which it was conferred.

What does it mean to be a matriculated student?

Matriculated students are those who have been officially enrolled in the degree program and are considered degree-seekers by the University, having completed at least two courses with a grade of B or better. Students who are simply attending a single course are not considered to be matriculated students.

How do I apply for the program?

You can apply online at www.anaheim.edu by clicking 'Apply Today' in the right menu section, or you may contact the University by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an application and either a paper application or a digital application, whichever you prefer, will be sent to you. In the case of a digital application, you will need to print it out, sign it and submit it by mail. Please submit your application to: Anaheim University Office of Admissions Rm. 110, 1240 South State College Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92806, USA

Can students who have taken courses at other universities transfer their credit into the AU MA or Graduate Diploma in TESOL program? 

Yes. In accordance with California Education Code regulations, graduate students may transfer a maximum of six credits from another university into a Master's degree program.

Is the GMAT or GRE required for admission?

No. Neither the GMAT nor the GRE are required for admission into Anaheim University's programs.

Does AU award credit for professional or life experience?

No. Anaheim University does not award credit for professional or life experience.

Is an entrance examination required?

No. Other than the English proficiency requirements, AU does not require applicants to take an admission or entrance examination.

Do students have to enroll in the entire degree program, or can they simply enroll in one course to see how they like it?

Students may enroll in only one course, or as many courses as they wish. There is no obligation to complete the entire degree program once you have started.

Do students need to have computer access prior to enrolling?

Yes. Every student must have access to the Internet and a computer with word processing software in order to study in Anaheim University's programs. This does not mean that the student must own a computer. In some cases, students participate in AU courses and use rental computers through local Internet cafes, etc.

How soon after applying can students begin their studies?

A student's application must be reviewed by the Office of Admissions and approved by the Dean. The approval process can usually be completed within one week after receipt of all required application documents. Following approval and acceptance into the University, a new student can begin their studies at the beginning of the next term as long as space is available. New terms begin every ten weeks for the MA and Graduate Diploma in TESOL programs and on the first Monday of every month for the TESOL/TEYL certificate programs. It is recommended that you submit your application at least two weeks prior to the commencement of the term, so that there is sufficient time for course materials and other related information to be sent to you.