Undergraduate Certificate in English Language Proficiency
When you learn to communicate with confidence, you’re taking an important step toward success in your educational and career goals.
At Saint Mary's University's English Language Academy, you will learn academic English effectively in an innovative and supportive environment. English proficiency (ESL, ELL) will help you continue your education with the skills and confidence you need to succeed. At the English Language Academy at Saint Mary's, you can:
- Gain the communication skills needed to succeed in college
- Learn to navigate the higher education system
- Earn up to 30 credits toward a bachelor completion degree at Saint Mary's
- Learn from caring instructors in a friendly environment
- Take advantage of an exceptional academic value and financial aid
- Gain higher education experience in a supportive setting
For English Language Learners applying to Saint Mary's University master programs, the English Language Academy offers graduate preparatory classes. Instead of taking the TOEFL, students may enroll in ELA classes. Students who earn a B or higher in ELA400 and ELA401 do not have to take the TOEFL exam as part of their applications.
Become an English language learner today. Contact Saint Mary's to begin communicating with confidence!
Locations
Twin Cities
Admissions Contact
Ian Pannkuk
(612) 728-5158
The English Language Academy offers an undergraduate certificate in English Language Proficiency and opens the door to higher education for students who are studying the English language. Students have the opportunity to learn academic English quickly and effectively in an innovative and supportive environment. In addition, students may apply all ELA credits towards the lower-division general education requirements of any Saint Mary’s bachelor's degree.
Students must complete 30 total credits from the courses listed below as determined by intake assessment and as indicated by their individual degree plan.
Certificate Requirements | 30 credits |
ELA 111 Introductory Academic Reading and Writing | 6 cr. |
ELA 130 Intermediate Academic Speaking and Listening | 6 cr. |
ELA 131 Intermediate Academic Reading and Writing | 6 cr. |
ELA 160 Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening | 6 cr. |
ELA 161 Advanced Academic Reading and Writing | 6 cr. |
| ELA 400 Academic Listening and Speaking for Graduate Studies | 6 cr. |
| ELA 401 Academic Reading and Writing for Graduate Studies | 6 cr. |
ELA111 Introductory Academic Reading and Writing (6)This course introduces strategies for reading the types of and volume of materials expected of college students and for writing across the curriculum. Reading samples cover material from the range of general education. the Process Approach to Writing is introduced as a strategy for successful academic writng, as well as academic voice and style. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of word processing for acaademic papers. THis class is designed especially for students who do not speak English as their first language.
ELA130 Intermediate Academic Speaking and Listening (6)This course develops listening and speaking strategies for the academic setting, to enhance student performance in college coursework. Content includes a multi-media approach to typical academic conversations and lectures. The course covers a range of general education topics to expose students to the variety of vocabulary required at the college level. This class is designed especially for students who do not speak English as their first language.
ELA131 Intermediate Academic Reading and Writing (6)This course further develops strategies for reading and writing at the college level across the curriculum. Readings cover material from a wide range of general education topics, building vocabulary. Using The Process Approach to Writing, students develop skills in academic writing, paragraph development, and use of appropriate style. Students also develop their word processing skills for academic writing. This class is designed especially for students who do not speak English as their first language.
ELA160 Advanced Academic Speaking and Listening (6)This course further prepares students to meet the oral communications expectations of college-level coursework. Using a multi-media approach to listening and speaking strategies for the academic setting, the course addresses a variety of typical academic lectures and communication exchanges from across the curriculum. Critical evaluation of lectures and conversations is stressed. Special attention is given to cultural and idiomatic uses of the language.
ELA161 Advanced Academic Reading and Writing (6)This course is designed to prepare students to meet the reading and writing expectations of college-level coursework. Using a variety of readings from a range of general education topics, students encounter critical reading skills and strategies for differentiating between genres of material. Using the Process Approach to Writing, students are encouraged to write critically about topics across the curriculum, exploring types of college writing such as the research paper, the essay, and the persuasive paper. Special attention is given to cultural and idiomatic uses of the language.
Faculty
TC - Bachelor of Science Program - Shared Core Courses - Core University Professor, TC - Bachelor's Communication Core and English Language Academy - Program Director (50%)