Intensive English Language Program

www.pdx.edu/english-language-programs

University Center Building, Suite 400
Phone: 503-725-4088 (Voice message only)
503-725-2437 (Voice/SMS text)

esl@pdx.edu

Director: Eowyn Ferey (Interim)

Mailing Address:
Intensive English Language Program
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751

Street Address:
Intensive English Language Program
527 SW Hall Street
University Center Building, Suite 400
Portland, OR 97201

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offers courses designed to develop students’ competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The IELP offers a wide variety of courses to help students meet their goals. The IELP Intensive Program is offered throughout the regular academic year and summer. There are two program options: (1) for students that desire academic preparation for undergraduate studies and (2) for students that desire academic preparation for graduate studies.

(1) Academic Preparation for Undergraduate Study – In this program there are six levels from Level 0 (Pre-Entry) for low beginners to Level 5 for advanced students. New students must take the IELP placement exams given by the program the week prior to the new term. Students placed in Level 0 (Pre-Entry) must successfully pass that level before taking courses in Levels 1-5. Full-time students in the Level 0 register for 18 credits per term. Full-time students in Levels 1-5 register for 18 - 20 credits per term. For more information on the Intensive Program, see our IELP website: www.pdx.edu/center-for-international-and-english-learning/intensive-english-language-program.

(2) Academic Preparation for Graduate Study – This program has one level. Students who plan to enter the Graduate Preparation Program must complete Level 4 and Level 5 in the Academic Preparation for Undergraduate Study Program with passing grades before entering the Academic Preparation for Graduate Study Program. For students who are in both levels 4 and 5, movement to one or more graduate preparation track courses may take place before all level 5 classes are completed, based upon review of the students’ overall academic record.

Accelerated Entry to Academic Preparation Program for Graduate Study

Students planning to pursue graduate study and planning to enroll in Academic Preparation for Graduate Study (AP-G) courses may request to move from level 4 directly into AP-G courses if they meet the following requirements:

• Complete EACH level 4 class with a 3.0 GPA in each class
• Earn an overall 3.0 GPA in the program (cumulative IELP GPA). Students who wish to enter the accelerated graduate track option must meet with their IELP academic advisor to determine their eligibility.
• Students who elect to enter the Accelerated Graduate Track retain the option to take level 5 classes in the Academic Preparation for Undergraduate Study Program at the same time or upon completion of the Graduate Track classes.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

No IELP application is required for students admitted to Portland State University.  New PSU students should contact the IELP about placement and registration prior to the start of the term.  Non-PSU students who wish to enroll in the IELP may apply directly to the IELP by submitting an application form and supporting documents to ielpadm@pdx.edu.  All new students must take a placement test in English administered by the IELP. Placement into courses will be based on these test results as well as on other standardized test scores if available.  

Students admitted to PSU without an ESL restriction may elect to take Academic Preparation courses in Levels 4 and 5. Up to 24 credits in the Academic Preparation programs may be applied towards an undergraduate degree.

For information and application materials, contact the IELP: www.pdx.edu/center-for-international-and-english-learning/contact-us.