English Language Services

The mission of English Language Services (ELS) at Illinois Tech is to provide engaging English language programs and services in a dynamic learning environment relevant to the academic and professional needs of multilingual learners, as well as promote intercultural awareness in the university community.

English Language Services offers several options for students to develop their language abilities. To view more information about the English Language Services department and the programs and services offered, please visit english.iit.edu. English Language Services is accredited by CEA (the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation), a specialized English-language accreditation, and under the university through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and is licensed to operate under the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

To view information about specific programs and courses, please visit the Language Courses section of this bulletin. Programs include:

  • Intensive English and Pathway Program (IFY and IGY)
  • English Language Program (commonly referred to as PESL)
  • English for Design (EfD)

English Language Services also offers special programs/courses for visiting groups as well as individuals who want to study part-time. Contact us at els@iit.edu to find out more.

Supplemental English Language Courses

English language courses are non-credit courses (excluding EfD) and may be required as a condition of admission. English Language Services offers the following programs:

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM

English Language Services offers supplemental Proficiency of English as a Second Language (PESL) courses for international undergraduate and graduate students through its English Language Program. These courses are for students who have been admitted to Illinois Tech, but need additional language support to be successful in their major courses. The courses focus on building students’ communication and critical thinking skills in unique interdisciplinary classroom environments. 

PESL courses meet the needs of international students to provide academic support for major and program courses, and the language skills and strategies needed to integrate into the global workforce after graduating. Courses in academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking provide a linguistic bridge and help international students acculturate to academic and social life in Chicago. Qualified and experienced instructors deliver carefully designed lessons to help students learn, think, and express themselves in the English language.

Different requirements will apply based on a student’s individual needs and admission requirements, and requirements related to the student’s specific undergraduate and/or graduate programs. Please note: When PESL courses are required as part of admission to the university, they are required starting in the first semester of studying on campus as a student. 

Courses in the English language program, when all of the skill­-building courses are taken concurrently, also serve as additional semesters for English­-only students continuing from the Intensive English Program and higher-level courses for applicable pathway program students (IFY and IGY). English language courses for graduate and undergraduate students begin with PESL 0##. Undergraduate course sections begin with U. English language courses beginning with ELP 8## are taken by non-degree students opting into supplemental English language courses.

More information about English competency requirements is available in the Undergraduate Admission section and Graduate Admission section of the university bulletins. Learn more about English competency requirements by visiting English Language Services' Programs and Courses page at https://www.iit.edu/els/programs-and-courses.

PESL 021Listening Enhancement I3
PESL 022Listening Enhancement II3
PESL 031Reading and Vocabulary Development I3
PESL 032Reading and Vocabulary Development II3
PESL 041Academic Writing I3
PESL 042Academic Writing II3
PESL 061Effective Communication I3
PESL 062Effective Communication II3

Intensive English Program and pathway program

The Intensive English Program (IEP) at Illinois Institute of Technology is designed to meet the personal, professional, and academic goals of international students. The program consists of the following:

  • Four* levels of instruction, from high-beginning to advanced 
    *Please note: All levels may not be offered each term. Available levels are based on enrollment. 
  • Core skills: Listening/Speaking, Reading/Writing, Grammar
  • Supplemental courses: American Culture and Pronunciation
  • 12 weeks of classes within each university semester (one level per semester). Spring and Fall semesters include breaks and an additional week for Final exams
  • 18 total hours of class per week (no credit toward degrees)
  • Classes meet daily Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Click to view example schedule (Curriculum)
  • An average of 15 students in a class

Students accepted to the IEP will study English, meet new people from different countries and cultures, and will experience Chicago while preparing for their academic and professional careers. Experienced full-time and part-time instructors with graduate degrees assist students in achieving their language goals.

Courses in the IEP also serve as the English communication courses for pathway program students in International Year Programs (International Freshman Year, IFY, and International Graduate Year, IGY.) 

Please visit english.iit.edu/iep for more information and for admission requirements. 

IEP 021IEP Listening and Speaking Level I6
IEP 022IEP Listening and Speaking Level II6
IEP 023IEP Listening and Speaking Level III6
IEP 024IEP Listening and Speaking Level IV6
IEP 026Pronunciation3
IEP 028Advanced Pronunciation3
IEP 041IEP Reading and Writing Level I6
IEP 042IEP Reading and Writing Level II6
IEP 043IEP Reading and Writing Level III6
IEP 044IEP Reading and Writing Level IV6
IEP 061IEP Grammar Level I3
IEP 062IEP Grammar Level II3
IEP 063IEP Grammar Level III3
IEP 064IEP Grammar Level IV3
IEP 071Introduction to United States Culture3
IEP 073United States Culture3
IEP 086Academic Preparation for University Success I3
IEP 087Academic Preparation for University Success II3
IEP 096Independent Study and Special Projects21