English Language Services
The mission of English Language Services at Illinois Institute of Technology is to provide engaging English language instruction in a dynamic learning environment relevant to the academic and professional needs of non-native learners.
English Language Services offers several options for students to develop their language abilities. To view more information about the English Language Services department and what they offer, please visit english.iit.edu. English Language Services is accredited by CEA (the Commission on English Language Program 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
- English Language Program (commonly referred to as PESL)
- Professional Communication Advancement
- English for Design
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 not for academic credit and may be required as a condition of admission. English Language Services offers the following programs:
English Language Program
English Language Program courses, commonly referred to as PESL, are supplemental English language courses for undergraduate and graduate students. They provide a linguistic bridge for currently admitted international students who need improvement with the English language. Illinois Institute of Technology offers skill-building courses in academic reading, listening, writing, and oral communication that develop linguistic as well as cultural competence. 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. 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 students opting into supplemental English language courses that are not part of a degree program.
More information about English competency requirements is available in the Undergraduate Admission section and Graduate Admission section of the university bulletins. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the English competency requirements are available on the English Language Services website (appliedtech.iit.edu/english-language-services/faqs-assessments).
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PESL 021 | Listening Enhancement I | 3 |
| PESL 022 | Listening Enhancement II | 3 |
| PESL 031 | Reading and Vocabulary Development I | 3 |
| PESL 032 | Reading and Vocabulary Development II | 3 |
| PESL 040 | Fundamentals of Academic Writing | 3 |
| PESL 041 | Academic Writing I | 3 |
| PESL 042 | Academic Writing II | 3 |
| PESL 061 | Effective Communication I | 3 |
| PESL 062 | Effective Communication II | 3 |
| ELP 821 | Listening Enhancement I | 3.5 |
| ELP 822 | Listening Enhancement II | 3.5 |
| ELP 831 | Reading and Vocabulary Development I | 3.5 |
| ELP 832 | Reading and Vocabulary Development II | 3.5 |
| ELP 840 | Fundamentals of Academic Writing | 3.5 |
| ELP 841 | Academic Writing I | 3.5 |
| ELP 842 | Academic Writing II | 3.5 |
| ELP 861 | Effective Communication I | 3.5 |
| ELP 862 | Effective Communication II | 3.5 |
| ELP 899 | Special Topics in English as a Second Language | 9 |
Intensive English 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
- Core skills: Listening/Speaking, Reading/Writing, Grammar
- Elective courses: Test Prep (GRE Verbal, TOEFL), American Culture, and Pronunciation
- 18 total hours of class per week = 18 credit hour equivalents (no credit toward degrees)
- Classes meet daily Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Click here to view example schedule.
- 15 students average 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.
Please visit english.iit.edu/iep for more information.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| IEP 021 | IEP Listening and Speaking Level I | 8.5 |
| IEP 022 | IEP Listening and Speaking Level II | 6 |
| IEP 023 | IEP Listening and Speaking Level III | 6 |
| IEP 024 | IEP Listening and Speaking Level IV | 6 |
| IEP 025 | IEP Listening and Speaking | 1-10 |
| IEP 026 | Pronunciation | 3 |
| IEP 028 | Advanced Pronunciation | 3 |
| IEP 041 | IEP Reading and Writing Level I | 6 |
| IEP 042 | IEP Reading and Writing Level II | 6 |
| IEP 043 | IEP Reading and Writing Level III | 6 |
| IEP 044 | IEP Reading and Writing Level IV | 6 |
| IEP 045 | IEP Reading and Writing | 1-10 |
| IEP 061 | IEP Grammar Level I | 3 |
| IEP 062 | IEP Grammar Level II | 3 |
| IEP 063 | IEP Grammar Level III | 3 |
| IEP 064 | IEP Grammar Level IV | 3 |
| IEP 065 | IEP Grammar | 4.3 |
| IEP 071 | Introduction to United States Culture | 3 |
| IEP 073 | United States Culture | 3 |
| IEP 075 | TOEFL Preparation for IEP | 3 |
| IEP 077 | GRE Preparation for IEP | 3 |
| IEP 081 | English for Special Purposes | 1.9-4.9 |
| IEP 082 | English for Special Purposes: Architecture | 1.9-4.9 |
| IEP 083 | English for Special Purposes: Engineering | 1.9-4.9 |
| IEP 096 | Independent Study and Special Projects | 21 |
