Bachelor of Arts in TESOL
The BA in TESOL provides students with an overall foundation in the theory and practice of TESOL. It does not include teacher certification in the state of Tennessee, so students earning a BA have enough elective hours after completing the requirements to double major in another subject or add a minor or two. The BA is a good choice for students who plan to teach abroad or would like to major in another subject simultaneously.
Bachelor of Arts in TESOL with Teaching Certification (BAT)
If you envision yourself teaching in U.S. public schools at some point in the future, the BAT is the right option for you. In addition to fulfilling the requirements for the TESOL part of the degree, students will complete a professional requirement in the education department that includes receiving a teaching license in Tennessee. The professional requirement uses a student’s elective hours, so it is not as easy to add an additional major or minor with this option. It does, however, give the student much exposure to public schools in the area.
Minor in TESOL
If you plan to major in another field, but think you might have opportunities to teach English at some point, the TESOL minor can be a valuable addition to your transcript. Students who pursue certification in an education-related field are likely to have many English language learners as students, and understanding TESOL better equips a teacher to teach these ESL learners. A TESOL minor will prove beneficial when seeking employment at these schools. All students graduating with a TESOL minor (or major) will also receive a TESOL Certificate.