Academic English Program
Students in the Academic English Program develop their communication skills in four core areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. PSU’s diverse, urban campus is the backdrop for international students to connect with Americans and actively engage in fun educational and social opportunities.
IELP has 6 Levels (PEP-5) + Graduate Academic Preparation
Pre-Entry Program: beginning level courses in reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and listening. Students build basic communication skills for real-world conversations and writing.
PEP is for students with no English experience or very limited skills. Tutoring support is an important course component for developing basic English skills. Students progress to level 1 after one or two terms in PEP.
An IELP Full-time Student can expect:
Class time: 18-22 hours per week, plus additional time for homework
Intermediate: Levels 1-3: courses in speaking, listening, reading, grammar, and writing with an emphasis on building fluency and accuracy.
Levels 1-3 are for advanced beginner to intermediate students. Courses are designed to help students build a strong foundation in written and oral communication. Students have many opportunities to actively practice their English skills both in and out of the classroom through research projects, individual and group presentations, and discussions. Students are encouraged to incorporate personal interests into their learning.
An IELP Full-time Student can expect:
Class time: 18 hours per week, plus additional time for homework
Advanced: Level 4-5: advanced courses in listening to academic lectures, note taking, public speaking, discussion skills, research writing, grammar and editing, and academic vocabulary.
Levels 4-5 prepares intermediate to advanced students for academic success in an American university. Undergraduate students can be admitted to PSU without a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score.
Admitted PSU students can meet PSU’s language proficiency requirement by successfully completing the PSU Pathway Program.
An IELP Full-time Student can expect:
Class time: 18 hours per week, plus additional time for homework
Graduate Academic Preparation Courses: specialized courses to support current and prospective graduate students in refining their communication skills for academic success in American master's and doctoral programs. Students polish their academic writing and presentation skills, develop strategies to effectively participate in American graduate-level classes, and receive support in adjusting to the culture and pressures of academia.
An IELP Full-time Student can expect:
Class time: 18 hours per week, plus additional time for homework