The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offers courses designed to develop students’ competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The IELP is an intensive program offered throughout the regular academic year including the summer. There are three program options: (1) for students that desire academic preparation for undergraduate studies, (2) for students that desire academic preparation for graduate studies, and (3) for students who want to learn about American culture and improve their English communication skills. There are five levels, as well as a Pre-Entry Program for students with minimal English skills. New students must take the ESL placement exams given by the program the week prior to the new term. Students placed in the Pre-Entry Program must successfully pass that program before taking courses in Levels 1-5. Full-time students in the Pre-Entry Program register for 22 credits per term. Full-time students in Levels 1-5 register for 18 credits per term. The IELP courses are divided into the following categories:

Pre-Entry Program:

Grammar/writing (8 credits)

Reading (6 credits)

Speaking/Listening (4 credits)

American Culture and Academic Life (4 credits in academic year, 2 credits summer term)

Foundational Levels (1-3):

Grammar/Writing (8 credits)

Reading (4 credits)

Speaking/Listening (4 credits)

Skills Enhancement Course (2 credits)

Academic Preparation for Undergraduate Studies, Academic Preparation for Graduate Students (Level 4):

Advanced English Grammar (4 credits)

Guided Research Writing (4 credits)

Academic Reading (4 credits)

Understanding Academic Lectures (4 credits)

Skills Enhancement Course (2 credits)

Academic Preparation for Undergraduate Studies (Level 5):

Grammar and Editing for Academic Writing (4 credits)

Independent Research Writing (4 credits)

Advanced Academic Reading (4 credits)

Discussion Skills (4 credits) OR Public Speaking (4 credits)

Skills Enhancement Course (2 credits)

Academic Preparation for Graduate Students (Level 5):

Research and Writing for Graduate Students (4 credits)

Reading Strategies for Graduate Students (4 credits)

Oral Communication for Graduate Students (4 credits)

Language Proficiency Test Preparation (4 credits) OR Grammar and Editing for Academic Writing (4 credits)

Skills Enhancement Course (2 credits)

Communication and Culture (Levels 4 and 5)

Students enroll in one of two sets of courses that alternate each term. Each set of courses includes the following:

Multimedia Listening (4 credits)

Writing for Specific Purposes (4 credits)

Cultural Themes in Reading (4 credits)

Oral Communication Fluency (4 credits)

Skills Enhancement Course (2 credits)

Students who are admitted to PSU but have not met PSU’s language proficiency requirement can register as full time students in the IELP by contacting the IELP office and taking a placement test prior to their first term. PSU-admitted students can take one PSU course concurrently with Level 4 and 5 IELP classes if they meet eligibility requirements.

Students admitted to PSU without an ESL restriction may elect to take Academic Preparation courses in Levels 4 and 5. Up to 24 credits in the Academic Preparation programs can be applied towards an undergraduate degree.

Admission requirements