Academic English
Fall, spring and summer program dates
Fall 1, 2023 | Aug. 21-Oct. 13
Fall 2, 2023 | Oct. 16-Dec. 15*
*Thanksgiving break Nov. 20-24
Spring 1, 2024 | Jan. 8-March 1
Spring 2, 2024 | March 4-May 3*
Summer 2024 | May 6-June 28
Fall 1, 2024 | Aug. 19-Oct. 11
Fall 2, 2024 | Oct. 14-Dec. 13**
*Spring break March 11-15
**Thanksgiving break Nov. 25-29
About Academic English
Academic English at Washington State University is an accredited, academic preparation intensive English program.
Academic English requires 18 hours of instruction per week or less depending upon your visa status. Level availability depends on minimum enrollment requirements. Each level will span an 8-week term.
Academic English mission
- Provide high quality intensive English language instruction to the international community in a supportive, respectful atmosphere to help students meet their academic, personal, and professional goals
- Prepare our students academically and culturally by using innovative techniques and instructional methods to build and support the foundation for successful navigation of student life
- Increase Washington State University’s international standing by laying the foundation for all WSU students to become global citizens by integrating our students into all of the different aspects of WSU, such as undergraduate and graduate degree programs, clubs, and events
The main program offers 6 levels of language instruction (pdf), from beginning to high advanced.
- Beginner
- Low Intermediate
- Intermediate
- High Intermediate
- Advanced – Undergraduate study preparation (meets WSU language proficiency requirement for undergraduate admission)
- High Advanced – Graduate study preparation (meets WSU language proficiency requirement for graduate study)
Classes typically run from Monday mornings through Friday afternoons. You are expected to attend class and participate. There are 15 students or fewer in each class. Students come from all over the world. We speak only English in class.
You will find your classes and teachers’ offices are all located in the same building. You will receive individual attention and instruction from our teachers. Residence halls, apartments, and restaurants are a 5-10 minute walk from our building. We regularly offer social and cultural activities to prepare you for life in the United States and at Washington State University. You are welcome here.
Academic English placement table
Tests: Duolingo; IELA: International English Language Test Assessment; IELTS: International English Language Testing System; ITEP: International Test of English Proficiency; MELAB: Michigan English Language Assessment Battery; MET: Michigan English Test; Password; PTEA: Pearson Test of English Academic; TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
| Program: | Level 4: 1 Term | Level 3: 2 Terms | Level 2: 3 Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duolingo | 75 | 65 | <55 |
| IELA | 154 | 140 | 130 |
| IELTS | 5 | 3 | ≤2.5 |
| ITEP | 3 | 2.5 | <2.0 |
| MET | 43 | - | - |
| Password | Level 4 | Level 3 | Level 2 |
| PTEA | 41-43 | 36-40 | ≤35 |
| TOEFL | 50-59 | 32-49 | ≤31 |
Please have Duolingo, TOEFL, and IELTS scores sent directly from the testing agency.
Duolingo
For Duolingo tests, you will have to select Washington State University as your school of choice. Please read the rules and follow them CAREFULLY.
- Log in to englishtest.duolingo.com with the email address you used to take the test.
- Scroll down to your certified test results and click the “SEND RESULTS” button at the top next to “print results.”
- Select university for what you are applying to.
- Start typing Washington State University and select your choices using the checkbox. Be sure to select the correct program for your level (Undergraduate or Graduate).
- If you have an applicant ID, do not forget to add it!
- Press “Send.”
TOEFL
Your test fee includes up to 4 free official TOEFL score reports to be sent to the institutions, agencies, or other recipients that you select before you take the test. You can add or delete recipients through your ETS account until 10 p.m. (local test center time) on the day before your test.
- Log in to your TOEFL iBT account
- On the home page, select “Order Score Reports.” (You will need to register for a test date before you can do this step.)
- For Product Type, click “TOEFL Services” then click “Continue.”
- Select the test date you want to send the scores of and click “Continue.”
- Search for Washington State University and select it. Use the school code 4705.
IELTS
If you took your IELTS exam in a test center, you could request to send IELTS results to up to 5 organizations. We would prefer that you send the results to us electronically. Make this request with your test center.
Online test takers can send their results to as many institutions as they need.
Here is the information you will need for the request:
Name of department: International Undergraduate Admissions
Name of Institution: Washington State University
Email: international@wsu.edu
Address:
Office of International Programs International Undergraduate
PO Box 645115 Pullman, WA 99164-5115
USA
Please e-mail ialc@wsu.edu with your questions.
Curriculum
Instruction focuses on building the speaking, listening, and writing skills that are essential to academic success.
Academic English consists of 18 hours of instruction per week. This means each student will take 18 core hours at each level.
Levels 1-4
- Reading/Composition
- Grammar
- Listening/Speaking
Level 5
- Academic Reading
- Academic Composition
- Academic Listening and Discussion
Level 6
- Academic Research and Composition
- Academic Listening and Discussion
We offer many field trips and events to help you fully experience life in the United States.
A bridge to WSU admission
Completion of Levels 5 and 6 may be used instead of TOEFL scores for admission to WSU.
- Advanced (Level 5) meets the language proficiency requirement to enter WSU as an undergraduate
- High advanced (Level 6) meets the language proficiency requirement for entry to WSU’s Graduate School
Student computer labs
WSU offers several computer labs equipped with personal computer workstations and plenty of study space.
Students are welcome to use the labs’ computers for virtually any purpose. The labs provide ideal places to write papers for classes, communicate with friends and family at home, listen to music, or watch videos.
Language support program
If your English ability is preventing you from being successful in your classes or your research at WSU, the Language Support Program can help. International students at WSU who want additional language support (and who are not on appointment in their department) can take Academic English courses at WSU and still maintain their full-time status.