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English programs
The English Language Center offers a variety of courses: * Academic English Program and Specialized English Courses - levels 4 to 6 of the Intensive English Program focus on academic skills needed for college or university studies. Advanced Online English courses are also available for level 4 and 5. Advanced students can also take a TOEFL Preparation Course , Pronunciation and Conversational English Skills or the Professional Skills Development Course * English for Professionals - customized English language training for professionals in different fields: business, health care, Music, engineering, computer systems, to name a few New Online Course: |
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Intensive English Program (IEP)
The Intensive English Program (IEP) is designed for students who want to improve their English skills and/or prepare for higher education in the USA. Students in the IEP program take intensive reading, writing, speaking and listening classes each day, up to 20 hours per week. Additional hours are available in the ELC open computer lab, weekly conversation partners and daily campus/program activities.
The IEP offers six levels of instruction-from introductory to advanced-in the core language skill areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. At the advanced levels, emphasis is placed on Academic English, preparing students for higher education in the United States.
Length of study in the IEP may range from four to twelve months depending on the student's level of English proficiency. Students usually progress from one level to the next in one semester (four months).
Academic English Program and Specialized English Courses
The Academic English Program is designed for students who want to improve their English skills in order to pursue higher education studies in the United States. Students who successfully complete this program (through level 5 with grades of A or B and teacher recommendations) receive a certificate from the ELC and the TOEFL test requirement for admission to UMBC’s undergraduate programs is waived.
The ELC offers advanced English courses for academic and professional purposes for three levels (high-intermediate through advanced) in writing, reading/vocabulary development and oral communication. These courses are ideally suited for college-bound or enrolled students, scholars, visiting professors, business professionals or international English teachers.
The program offers small classes with online and on-campus delivery options, as well as free tutoring, language lab access and more.
Class Schedules: Fall and Spring | Summer
Registration Instructions:
Courses are offered in the fall, spring and summer academic semesters. The courses can be taken as credit (for institutional credit) or non-credit. Students may enter the semester-long Academic English courses (Levels 4 through 6) only at the beginning of the fall, spring and summer semesters (Fall I, Spring I or Summer). One semester is 15 weeks in the fall and the spring, and eight weeks in the summer. New students beginning the ELC program with advanced classes are required to pay for one full semester (2 sessions) and attend for the entire semester. An "incomplete grade" will be given to any student who leaves prior to completion of the course.
1. Complete the Academic English Application (contact ELC for application)
2. Mail or fax the completed application to:
UMBC English Language Center
University Center, Room 207
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, Maryland, 21250 U.S.A.
Attn: Josie Penn
FAX: 410 455-1115
Institutional Credit: Students enrolled in UMBC or another University of Maryland system (USM) school earn institutional credit for these courses. This credit counts towards a student's full-time status requirement but does not count toward graduation. To register contact the ELC at 410 455-2831 or email us.
Course Offerings (8 = Online Course Option)
- ELC 041-ESL: Writing and Grammar for Academic Purposes
Learn different styles of academic writing and how to write well-formed essays with clear topic sentences and documented resources. - ELC 051- ESL: Advanced Writing and Grammar for Academic Purposes
Master advanced writing skills such as conducting critical analysis, and preparing critiques and writing an academic research paper. - ELC 061/071- ESL Special Topics: Academic Writing for Research and Professional Purposes
Learn how to write academic papers for a specific discipline or professional field. - Professional Skills Development Course
Develop the writing and oral communication skills necessary to communicate within multiple professional settings using various styles and multi-media.
Reading & Vocabulary Development Courses:
- ELC 042 ESL: Reading and Vocabulary Development for Academic Purposes
Learn how to read both fiction and non-fiction material critically and expand your vocabulary. - ELC 052 ESL: Advanced Reading and Vocabulary Development for Academic Purposes
Read and critique a variety of texts across disciplines and professions.
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ELC 043 ESL: Speaking and Listening for Academic Purposes
Through extensive conversation and listening practice, learn to comprehend and communicate in academic settings. -
ELC 053 ESL: Advanced Speaking and Listening for Academic Purposes
Focus on refining formal and informal communication skills for academic and professional settings. -
ELC 054 ESL: Cross-Cultural Communication and University Life
Become a global communicator able to communicate effectively across cultures and languages within diverse contexts in the U.S. and internationally. -
ELC 063/073 ESL: Special Topics II: Speaking and Listening (Effective Presentations in Academic and Professional Settings)
Master the use of appropriate English for diverse professional settings and tasks including negotiations, conflict resolution, professional briefings, conference calls, interviews and business networking. -
Professional Skills Development Course
Develop the writing and oral communication skills necessary to communicate within multiple professional settings using various styles and multi-media.
TOEFL Preparation Course
TOEFL Preparation Course
Course Description
The TOEFL exam is often required for academic and professional advancement in the United States. In this course, you can learn the language skills needed to prepare for the iBT TOEFL exam (now the only TOEFL exam accepted in the United States). The course will focus on test-taking strategies, vocabulary building, writing for the TOEFL and building oral proficiency confidence of the participants. Working with the instructor, participants develop individualized learning plans to meet specific test-taking goals. This course is for participants with intermediate to advanced English language skills. [Non-credit only] Please note that students who successfully complete the ELC center IEP classes through level 5 (with grades of A or B and instructor recommendations) do not need to take the TOEFL exam to apply for undergraduate admission at UMBC. This option is not available for graduate students or those who plan to do undergraduate or graduate studies at other universities.
2009 Schedule
Semester |
Dates |
Times |
Fee |
Spring Session I |
January 27 - March 12, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$450.00 |
Spring Session II |
March 24 - May 7, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$450.00 |
Summer Session |
June 1 -July 15, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$525.00 |
Fall Session I |
September 2 – October 14, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$525.00 |
Fall Session II |
October 26 – December 14, 2009 |
4:00 – 6:30 p.m. Mondays & Wednesdays |
$525.00 |
Helpful TOEFL Resources:
ETS/TOEFL: Educational Testing Service's web site for the TOEFL test, includes helpful test-taking resources, test schedule and test registration information.
TOEFL access: A resource for student's planning on taking the TOEFL test or have an interesting in studying abroad. Includes many helpful test-taking resources, student forums and study abroad information.
Professional Skills Development Course
Course Description:
Globalization and electronic communication have revolutionized how we communicate through writing and speaking in academic, business and professional settings. This course helps participants learn the skills to communicate with diverse audiences using various electronic media and communication mediums. Participants refine writing, speaking and pronunciation skills in individual and collaborative projects. Course topics include business correspondence and presentations, email, report and proposal writing, participation in professional meetings and seminars, and professional presentation development.
Pronunciation and Conversational English Skills
This course is designed to give intermediate and advanced speakers of English opportunities to practice speaking in many different non-academic contexts and about various topics. The instructor will assist participants with vocabulary development, individualized pronunciation instruction and activities to build communication skills in a relaxed environment. Participants can expect to increase their confidence and their ability to successfully participate in discussions, getting their message across clearly. Oral fluency and accuracy will both be emphasized.
These courses are suited to participants with intermediate to advanced English language skills.
2009 Schedule
Semester |
Dates |
Times |
Fee |
Spring Session I |
January 27 - March 12, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$450.00 |
Spring Session II |
March 24 - May 7, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$450.00 |
Summer Session |
June 1 -July 15, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$525.00 |
Fall Session I |
September 1 – October 14, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$525.00 |
Fall Session II |
October 26 – December 9, 2009 |
4:00 - 6:30 p.m. |
$525.00 |
English for Professionals
Today’s global business environment requires strong communication skills. The ELC has the experience and proven reputation for delivering high-quality English language training for professionals to meet these new requirements.
The ELC can customize English language training for specific purposes, in diverse fields as health care administration, medical research, engineering and computer science to name a few.
Are you an international professional interested in refining your business English skills? The ELC offers specialized English language courses for professionals interested in strengthening their communication skills.
Courses offered include technical writing, advanced speaking and listening, and written and oral communication (Click Here).
These courses are available as open enrollment or as contract training.
For additional information contact the ELC at elc@umbc.edu or call 410 455-2831.
English For Specific Purposes
The ELC has considerable experience developing customized training programs for academics and professionals in a wide range of areas. Benefiting from UMBC’s research and academic strengths and Maryland’s core industries, these programs are able to provide the trainees with the most up-to-date practices based on the latest research in the field. Participants are able to combine classroom instruction with site visits or hands-on training at some of the top organizations and companies within education, medical research, health care administration, public administration, business management and information technology.
Within close proximity to UMBC are number of world-class research facilities, including the University of Maryland Medical Center, the Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, the National Institutes of Health and the most recent Human Genome Project and Celera Genomics. Numerous federal agencies also make Maryland their home, such as NIH, FDA, USA and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.
With its access to the most current learning technologies, the ELC has the capacity to reach learners around the world. Training delivery can be provided on-site, off-site, online or in any combination of the three.
To learn how the ELC can develop customized training to meet your organization’s needs, please email elc@umbc.edu or call 410-455-2831.
English for Contemporary American Music program
This graduate certificate music program is designed for students seeking an additional year to prepare for graduate studies or professional advancement. International students may combine learning English at the English Language Center with Music studies in these areas:
Performance
Composition
Music technology
For More Information Click here