English Language Proficiency Requirement
Proficiency in the English language is required for success as a student at ²ÝݮӰÊÓ, and more advanced degrees require greater proficiency. International students applying to all ²ÝݮӰÊÓ programs must submit evidence of English proficiency in the form of official test results, such as the or , as part of their admission process.
Testing Requirements for Admission
TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT) | IELTS | |
Bachelor’s Level Programs | 68 or above | 6.0 |
Select Master’s Level Programs:
|
80 | 6.5 |
General Master’s Level Programs | 90 | 6.5 |
Doctoral Level Programs | 100 | 7.0 |
- TOEFL sub-scores, bachelor’s level: Bachelor’s-level students must score 15 or above on each of the four sub-score areas, and must have a minimum score of 17 in at least two of the sub-areas.
- TOEFL sub-scores, master’s and doctoral level: For all master’s-level students, sub-scores in the areas of reading, listening, speaking, and writing will be examined; any low scores in these areas will be considered during the admissions process and may require further proof of proficiency.
- IELTS: No score band on your full test may be below 5.0.
- Students with a lower score on one of these tests may be admitted with a requirement for further intensive language training (ESL or other language intensive).
German Exchange Students: ²ÝݮӰÊÓ accepts the DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst – German Academic Exchange Service) verification of English competency.
Test results must be:
- Current; testing date must be within two (2) years of applying for admission to ²ÝݮӰÊÓ.
- Sent directly to the ²ÝݮӰÊÓ Office of Admission by the testing agency; the ²ÝݮӰÊÓ TOEFL code is 1556.
Validation of Proficiency
Testing Upon Arrival at ²ÝݮӰÊÓ
Upon arrival at ²ÝݮӰÊÓ, all new international students must complete a ²ÝݮӰÊÓ-administered English language proficiency test during at the beginning of a student’s first semester.
New students who test below the University’s required standards will be required to take appropriate ESL or other English courses during their first semester, or until they demonstrate the required proficiency for academic work. These are for-credit courses, are billed at regular course rates, and do not count toward master’s or doctoral degrees. See the for further information about academic policies regarding credit and fulfillment of graduation requirements.
Exceptions to Submission of Test Results
International students in certain categories do not need to submit a test score for an admission decision. However, all new international students are required to take the ²ÝݮӰÊÓ English Proficiency test during new student orientation.
Undergraduate Program Exceptions
- Canadian students
- Students who earned high school degrees taught in English (minimum of 2 semesters):
- From the United Kingdom, British West Indies, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand
- At an International Baccalaureate (IB) accredited school
- At a school where instruction is in English (International High Schools) and is accredited by an American accreditation agency
- Students who have earned at least 60 hours of transferable credit from a U.S. accredited college or university
- Including a minimum grade of “C” in Composition 1 and Composition 2 (or the equivalent to WRIT 1000 and First Year Seminar at ²ÝݮӰÊÓ)
- Students from Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark); transfer students from Scandinavian countries should review
Seminary and Other Graduate Program Exceptions
- Canadian students
- Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree taught in English in a country where English is the primary language (United Kingdom, British West Indies, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand)
- Students who have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree, or have at least 30 hours of master’s degree-level credit, with a “C” average, at a U.S. accredited college or university
- Students from Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark) must submit a TOEFL or IELTS test score only when applying for a DMin degree program
Additional Requirements
²ÝݮӰÊÓ reserves the right to require additional material, such as a writing sample or the TOEFL or IELTS, before making an admission decision for any student.
Non-US-based Curriculum
A local advising center can provide valuable advice about testing, financial aid, and immigration issues.