Nov 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Graduate Studies ESL Pathway


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Program Objectives

  • Students can communicate in a variety of demanding and spontaneous contexts. Students can use language skills with organization and flexibility. Errors occur but do not distract from meaning.
  • Students are able to understand university level and specialized texts, and abstract topics of varying lengths.
  • Students are able to use a variety of complex and academic reading and vocabulary strategies.
  • Students are able to draft, revise, and edit academic/researched essays which argue or explain complex matters
  • Students are able to use critical reading and thinking skills to integrate and prioritize certain source material to support their position. Students are able to use precise and accurate vocabulary and grammar with little error.
  • Students are able to actively engage in academic discourse with general accuracy. Students are able to explain complex matters with precise examples and details. Students use listening strategies to comprehend complex academic discourse. Cultural reference and expression are used or comprehended in complex discourse.

Program Admission


F-1 visa-seeking applicants will apply to their desired graduate program.  Depending on their English proficiency score, the following admission decisions will be recommended (provided other criteria for degree admission are met):

Graduate Admission Decisions

Full Graduate Degree Admission - iBT (79), TOEFL Essentials (8.6), IELTS (6.5), MET (57), PTE (54), Duolingo (105). Please note, some Graduate Programs require higher scores

Graduate Studies ESL Pathway - iBT (68-78), TOEFL Essentials (7.5-8.5), IELTS (6.0), MET (53-56), PTE (44-53), Duolingo (95-104)

Intensive English Program - Any English score below the minimum required for Full Graduate Degree Admission or Graduate Studies ESL Pathway.

Applicants who qualify for the Graduate Studies ESL Pathway will be contacted to confirm admission to the Pathway program.  Upon acceptance by the applicant, International Admissions will “withdraw” the degree application in Banner, and the ESL Program will build the student’s ESL Pathway record in Banner. ESL staff will communicate with the applicant on required ESL testing upon arrival and coordinate the program of study with the Graduate Coordinator in their intended program of study based on the results of the ESL placement test.  

When students complete the Graduate Studies ESL Pathway, the ESL Program will report to the Graduate School, International Admissions, and Office of International Students and Scholars.  International Admissions will reactivate the previously withdrawn degree app so that the student does not have to apply again.  The Office of International Students and Scholars will issue a new I-20 with the degree program listed.

Contact Information


English as a Second Language Program, 318 King Hall, +1.734.487.0338, esl@emich.edu

International Admissions, 244 Student Center, +1.734.487.0205, international.admissions­@emich.edu

Office for International Students & Scholars, 240 Student Center, +1.734.487.3116, oiss@emich.edu

Pathway Requirements: 16 hours


This program consists of 16 credits on the main campus and can be taken over two consecutive semesters, including the summer term. Students admitted to a certificate program on an F-1 visa are required by SEVP to enroll in a minimum of 8-9 hours per semester. Students who complete a majority of the required ESL courses in their first term may enroll in courses in their program of study in the second term to ensure students have the required minimum number of credits for their F-1 visa status. Students will enroll in one or more of the following courses pending results of an ESL placement test upon arrival at EMU.

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