English Proficiency Guidelines

English Proficiency Guidelines

Overview

UMHB does not offer a full-time English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program but rather a limited bridge-type of supportive ESOL courses.  Some students may require ESOL courses in addition to degree credit classes in order to succeed in university level coursework.  Therefore, an English language proficiency test must be submitted as part of international admissions requirements.

Students who have completed high school courses in an English-language program or who complete an interview with the ESOL program director may be exempted from submitting an English language proficiency score report.  Documentation of the high school language of instruction is required.  This exemption does not apply to ESOL courserequirements unless specifically granted by the ESOL program director.

Students whose scores do not meet the minimum requirements for admission to graduate or undergraduate academic work may be required to enroll in ESOL classes.

Graduate students must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score as a part of their application.  English language proficiency admission requirements may vary due to the linguistic competence necessary for each graduate program. If an international student has attended an English-speaking college or preparatory school prior to admission to UMHB, the ESOL requirements may be waived. Please contact the ESOL Director for information regarding waivers. 

Admission to Graduate Programs without ESOL

Please contact the Graduate Admissions office for English language proficiency scores specific to each graduate program. 

Students Who Do Not Meet English Language Placement Standards for Admission to UMHB Undergraduate Programs without ESOL support

Upon or shortly after arrival, the student will be given a four-part English placement test.  Parts one and two are the Listening and Reading Comprehension components. Parts three and four are a grammar and writing assesments. Students are scored on accuracy of grammar, coherence of writing, and skilled use of written English. Based upon the results of placement testing, students will be enrolled in the appropriate combination of ESOL and/or academic courses. 

Several ESOL classes of 3 and 4 credit hours are offered in grammar, reading, writing, and oral communication.  In addition, there are basic, intermediate, and advanced levels of each class to meet student needs. In terms of cost, ESOL tuition is 50% of the cost of undergraduate tuition.

In order to progress from the ESOL program to other classes, a student must meet ALL of the following exit requirements: 

1. Score at or above the designated cut-off on the English Proficiency exam.
2. Score at least 85% in all ESOL classes.
3. Pass an oral speaking exam.

The oral speaking exam will assess communication skills of the student and the ESOL director will make the decision as to whether the student can be released to all regular classes or remain in a specified number of ESOL courses. Students must enroll in all ESOL courses recommended by the ESOL director. 

Standards for Continued Enrollment

Undergraduate Students: If, after completion of the advanced level ESOL classes, a student does not meet the ESOL exit requirements for all language skills (listening, reading, and writing), he/she will be evaluated by an academic committee to determine whether enrollment can be maintained.