English as a Second Language

American National University offers a six-level, Vocational Certificate in English as a Second Language program designed for students who possess prior education, training, skills, or professional experience and seek to strengthen their English language proficiency for professional or career advancement. The curriculum provides comprehensive instruction in Reading, Writing, Grammar, Listening, Speaking, and Vocabulary across progressive levels of learning.

Each level builds upon the previous level, enabling students to further develop the English communication skills necessary to apply their existing knowledge and abilities in a professional and workplace setting. Each level of learning includes training in Reading, Writing, and Grammar as well as Listening, Speaking, and Vocabulary for students who are interested in pursuing admission to American National University's graduate and undergraduate academic programs.

Program outcomes. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Achieve English fluency sufficient for conversational skills in American English-speaking culture.
• Master academic and cultural skills necessary for success in an American English-speaking College or University.
• Earn a successful IELTS or TOEFL score that allows for admission to the student's College or University of choice.

Applicants for the ESL program must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, provide a government-issued photo ID or passport, and submit evaluated foreign transcripts (if applicable) from a NACES member service. Applicants must submit a Statement of Vocational Purpose for admission consideration to this program. Once accepted, applicants take the ESL Program Placement Test (the CaMLA Exam Placement Test), which determines the starting course level; there is no fee for the placement test.

American National University awards no academic credit hours to any of its English as a Second Language courses; however, all students are required to attend 9 hours of instruction every week during each 10-week term to ensure interaction between students, faculty, and among students. The program requires 1,080 clock hours (60 weeks).

For the convenience of its students, the University operates on a quarter-based schedule with year-round classes. Students may begin their programs at any of the starting dates during the year.

Upcoming start dates: January 3, 2027; March 21, 2027; June 6, 2027; August 22, 2027; November 7, 2027.

Tuition. The English as a Second Language non-credit certificate is $9,500 (all inclusive), or $1,583.33 per term.

All-inclusive pricing. ANU tuition includes all fees (application, course, technology, graduation, etc.), textbooks, and lab equipment (where applicable). The University's all-inclusive pricing provides the equipment needed to complete all coursework; some items are loaned and must be returned within 15 days after graduation or withdrawal.

Fees applicable to all students. Transcript fee $10 (first copy free); returned check/declined credit card fee $25; transaction chargeback 10% + $15; diploma reprint $50; duplicate ID $10; experiential learning evaluation $50 per course; challenge exams $50 per exam. Fees are non-refundable after 5 calendar days from enrollment.

Estimated annual cost of attendance (three terms). Tuition: review program cost. Food and Housing $9,344 (living with parent/guardian) or $9,312 (not living with parent/guardian); Transportation $2,864; Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $936; Personal Expenses $2,752 or $4,816.

Payment. All students must pay tuition in full before the term begins, unless they are enrolled in a program with limited seats. Students using federal aid or loans must have all forms completed and payment schedules finalized before the term starts; students using employer, Veterans Education Benefits, or other third-party tuition assistance must have an approved contract on file for delayed payment.

Net price calculator. Estimate your yearly cost with ANU's net price calculator: https://an.edu/admissions/financial-assistance/net-price-va/

What the program leads to. American National University’s six-level Vocational Certificate in English as a Second Language is a non-credit certificate program designed for students who possess prior education, training, skills, or professional experience and seek to strengthen their English language proficiency for professional or career advancement. Each level builds upon the previous level, enabling students to further develop the English communication skills necessary to apply their existing knowledge and abilities in a professional and workplace setting. The purpose of the program is to develop English skills that are necessary to enable the applicant to use already existing knowledge, training, or skills, and upon completion, pursue utilization of the skill(s).

Program outcomes. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Achieve English fluency sufficient for conversational skills in American English-speaking culture.
• Master academic and cultural skills necessary for success in an American English-speaking College or University.
• Earn a successful IELTS or TOEFL score that allows for admission to the student’s College or University of choice.

Progression to ANU degree programs. Each level of learning includes training in Reading, Writing, and Grammar as well as Listening, Speaking, and Vocabulary for students who are interested in pursuing admission to American National University’s graduate and undergraduate academic programs. International students who do not yet meet ANU’s English-proficiency requirement can be provisionally accepted into a program and enrolled in a course at the English Language Institute that will help them build the foundation they need to succeed in an English-speaking educational program; the Institute can help them successfully pass the TOEFL® or IELTS®.

Certificate awarded. American National University awards no academic credit hours to any of its English as a Second Language courses. English as a Second Language certificate students must pass each course in the program with a “C” or better.