Certificate Programs
English as a Second Language
27-31This certificate provides students whose first language is not English with an opportunity to develop proficiency In English at an advanced Standard American English level. The program is designed for students who plan to continue in another college degree or certificate program, supplement an advanced degree from another country, or function In an English-speaking workplace, either in the United States or internationally. English skills of students entering the program will be evaluated for appropriate placement. Once begun, movement through these courses is dependent upon the successful completion of courses level by level and the satisfaction of prerequisites, such as the completion of EN101 or En105 before taking EN102. Students who wish additional study or need full-time status may matriculate In a degree or additional certificate program once they have successfully completed the required level 4 Advanced ESL courses. In this way, students may complete the ESL Certificate while beginning coursework in their majors. For students intending to complete an A.A., A.S., or A.A.S. degree program:
To provide students an opportunity to obtain an official certification of high-level English language skills.
- Graduates obtain the certificate.
- Graduates use the certificate as evidence of proficiency in English for employers or academic program admissions.
- Students will communicate information and ideas in written form, using correct structure, grammar, spelling, and organization.
- Students will organize and present ideas in language appropriate to the situation and understandable to the audience.
- Students will read and comprehend appropriate reading material.
- Students will understand spoken English in everyday situations in and out of academe.
- Students will demonstrate pragmatic awareness (e.g., non-verbal communication and diction) in the context of language.
- Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology.
- Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information.
Plan of Study:
4.0
This course prepares advanced non-native English-speaking students for academic reading at the level necessary for college coursework. It focuses on developing vocabulary and strengthening interpretive reading and critical thinking skills as well as introducing library search strategies. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in SL105 ESL 3: Intermediate Reading, or an appropriate placement test result. See when this course is offered ...
4.0
This courses introduces non-native English speakers to the writing of well-organized and well-developed essays. It focuses on form and content, improving the clarity and sophistication of written expression in English. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in SL106 ESL 3: Intermediate Composition, or appropriate placement test result. See when this course is offered ...
4.0
This course prepares non-native English speakers to use grammar for effective written and oral communication in academic settings. Topics include advanced verb tenses, relative clauses, and conditionals. Students apply grammar concepts in speaking and writing activities. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in SL107 ESL 3: Intermediate Grammar or an appropriate placement test result. See when this course is offered ...
4.0
This course prepares non-native English speakers to succeed in college-level coursework by developing advanced English comprehension, speaking, and note-taking skills. Live and recorded lectures on academic topics provide practice in note-taking skills, content analysis, and the preparation of oral and written summaries or paraphrases. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C SL108 ESL 3: Intermediate Listening and Speaking, or appropriate placement test result. See when this course is offered ...
3.0
This course teaches non-native English speakers the fundamentals of American English pronunciation. Emphasis is placed on the pronunciation of language in real speaking contexts to improve oral comprehensibility of speech through intensive practice of stress, rhythm, and intonation. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in SL100 ESL 2: Beginning English Skills 2, or an appropriate placement
test result.
See when this course is offered ...
4.0
This course satisfies the EN101 English 1: Composition requirement for non-native English speakers. It focuses on self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive writing. Emphasis is placed on the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required both in academic settings and in a variety of professions and occupations in American culture. Patterns of organization and development, communicative grammar and syntax, and the significant acquisition of vocabulary and idiom are stressed. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result, or successful completion of SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition. See when this course is offered ...
OR
3.0
This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations.Prerequisites: The required developmental reading (DS050 Developmental Reading, DS051 Essential Reading & Study Skills, or DS080 Study Reading), or SL115 ESL4: Advanced Reading, and/or writing courses (EN099 Introduction to College English or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition) or permission of the instructor or designee. See when this course is offered ...
3.0
This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN106 English 1: Composition and Reading. See when this course is offered ...
3.0
This course is an introduction to public speaking. It emphasizes the fundamentals of preparing, organizing, supporting, and delivering the speech based on factual material. It includes topic selection, audience analysis, fact vs. opinion, outlining, supporting material, and visual support. Informative, demonstrative, and persuasive speeches are presented. Elements of interpersonal communication, logic, and persuasion are discussed. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN106 English 1: Composition and Reading. See when this course is offered ...
Upon completion of the level 4 ESL components of the Certificate, all students choose an entry-level course required in their proposed majors. For example, for a major in Accounting a student might choose SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
For students intending to complete an A.O.S degree program
4.0
This course prepares advanced non-native English-speaking students for academic reading at the level necessary for college coursework. It focuses on developing vocabulary and strengthening interpretive reading and critical thinking skills as well as introducing library search strategies. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in SL105 ESL 3: Intermediate Reading, or an appropriate placement test result. See when this course is offered ...
4.0
This courses introduces non-native English speakers to the writing of well-organized and well-developed essays. It focuses on form and content, improving the clarity and sophistication of written expression in English. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in SL106 ESL 3: Intermediate Composition, or appropriate placement test result. See when this course is offered ...
4.0
This course prepares non-native English speakers to use grammar for effective written and oral communication in academic settings. Topics include advanced verb tenses, relative clauses, and conditionals. Students apply grammar concepts in speaking and writing activities. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in SL107 ESL 3: Intermediate Grammar or an appropriate placement test result. See when this course is offered ...
4.0
This course prepares non-native English speakers to succeed in college-level coursework by developing advanced English comprehension, speaking, and note-taking skills. Live and recorded lectures on academic topics provide practice in note-taking skills, content analysis, and the preparation of oral and written summaries or paraphrases. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C SL108 ESL 3: Intermediate Listening and Speaking, or appropriate placement test result. See when this course is offered ...
3.0
This course teaches non-native English speakers the fundamentals of American English pronunciation. Emphasis is placed on the pronunciation of language in real speaking contexts to improve oral comprehensibility of speech through intensive practice of stress, rhythm, and intonation. Prerequisite: A minimum grade of C in SL100 ESL 2: Beginning English Skills 2, or an appropriate placement
test result.
See when this course is offered ...
3.0
This course covers the effective oral and written contexts of occupational communications. It includes practice in oral presentations, business letters, resumes, memos, instructional materials and reports, and visual aids. It is designed specifically for A.O.S. degree programs. Prerequisite: An appropriate placement test result; or successful completion of DS050 Developmental Reading, DS051 Essential Reading & Study Skills, or SL115 ESL4: Advanced Reading, and successful completion of either EN099 Introduction to College English or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition. See when this course is offered ...
3.0
This course emphasizes the preparation of written reports, focusing on organization, format, language, and purpose. Reports based on the types written in the fields of business, industry, and sciences are prepared. Prerequisite: EN110 Oral & Written Communication. See when this course is offered ...
Upon completion of the level 4 ESL components of the Certificate, all students choose an entry-level course required in their proposed majors. For example, for a major in Accounting a student might choose SO101 Introduction to Sociology.
 
Program Completion
| Program Length (months) | 16 |
| Completers between July-2011 and June-2012 | 26 |
| Completers in Normal Time | 3 |
| On-time Graduation Rate | 12% |
Estimated Cost to Complete in Normal Time
| In-state Tuition & Fees | 3378 |
| Books & Supplies | 860 |
| Room & Board | 10,325 |
| Total Cost | 14,563 |
| Complete list of Tuition and Fees |
Debt at Completion
| Completers with Debt | 4 |
| Median Federal Debt | NR |
| Median Private Debt | NA |
| Median Institutional Financing Plan Debt | NA |
Occupations and Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Codes
Job Placement
| MVCC is not required to report placement data by the state or our accrediting agencies |
| NR: Not reported due to privacy concerns (number of completers is less than 10) |
| NA: Not applicable |
Office for Vice President of
Learning and Academic Affairs
Payne Hall, Room 395
315.792.5301
Contact Information
Mary Noti
Assistant to the VP of
Learning and Academic Affairs
Email: Office of VPLAA




