English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students
The ability to communicate effectively in English—to read, write and speak the language fluently—is vital for Stevens graduate students. Therefore, every international applicant must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting the results of a TOEFL or an IELTS test.
Depending on TOEFL/IELTS scores, some students may be required to take an English Language Communications course during their first semester at Stevens. Those students will receive a letter from the English Language Communication (ELC) staff during orientation that informs them of their course placement. For detailed information about scores and associated requirements, please refer to the English Language Proficiency Policy on the Graduate Admissions website.
English Language Communication (ELC) Courses
ELC 71: Language and Communication in Academic Contexts (6 hours; 4 credits)
ELC 71 focuses on improving critical reading skills, developing effective listening strategies, gaining intelligibility in speaking, and acquiring familiarity with academic writing conventions. Through a variety of materials and task based activities, students will gain competence in writing well organized, coherent, and grammatically correct texts. Class discussions, text analysis, and teamwork will enhance students’ analytical skills and promote confidence in social interaction in an English-speaking environment. Additional required work in the Language Laboratory will also improve informal communication, as well as the ability to give formal presentations.
ELC 81 Writing and Speaking for Academic Purposes I (4 hours; 2 credits)
ELC 81 focuses on improving academic writing skills through emphasis on specific tasks, including email, summary, and problem-solution writing, which are necessary for success at the graduate level. There is additional focus on improving speaking and listening strategies for academic, social, and professional interaction, which includes an understanding of how these two skills are related. A variety of materials and task-based activities help students gain competence and confidence in writing and speaking, both formally and informally. Additionally, required attendance in the Language Laboratory will enhance students’ intelligibility in social and academic situations.
ELC 91 Writing and Speaking for Academic Purposes II (4 hours; 2 credits)
ELC 91 helps students position themselves as successful members of the graduate community by exploring the effective use of academic conventions. Resolving questions of rhetoric through text analysis, class discussions, and collaborative activities strengthens critical reading, thinking, and academic writing skills. A variety of genre-specific tasks help students improve communication of both sourced/non-sourced and verbal/non-verbal (graphs, tables, etc.) information. Additionally, refining critical elements of pronunciation through class and Language Laboratory work will improve the quality of formal and informal presentations.