English as a Second Language
English as a Second Language
Special Program: Certificate

The English as a Second Language (ESL) credit program offers non-native speakers an opportunity to develop their English skills as part of their full-time college program. It is also available part-time for students preparing to enter a degree program or anyone wishing to improve their English language for personal or employment reasons. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded an English Language Achievement Certificate designated "Highest Commendation," "Commendation," or "Proficient" depending on grades achieved in the Advanced course sequence.

Students who wish to enroll in the ESL program must complete and submit the online MCCC admissions application and take the free ESL ACCUPLACER placement test. Contact the Testing Center at (609) 570-3295 for arrangements. After completing the test, visit the International Student Services and ESL offices in SC 251, SC 262, or SC 263 for advisement and class registration.

Full-time students must enroll in 12 credits based on their ESL ACCUPLACER placement test results. Four-credit courses in Speech, Reading, and Writing are offered in levels progressing from ESL Foundation, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, to Advanced.

International students who wish to enter a program of study must complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), administered worldwide by Educational Testing Service. Students who score 109 or higher on the TOEFL are exempt from ESL coursework. MCCC’s International Student Services and ESL office provides a packet detailing other current requirements for international students.

Mercer County Community College offers a 2-credit online TOEFL Prep Course [ESL 080] for international students wishing to take the TOEFL iBT (Internet-based test). Eligibility for this course requires either a minimum score of 60 to 109 on the TOEFL or enrollment in MCCC’s Intermediate-level ESL courses. Graded as "credit" or "no credit," this TOEFL iBT Prep Course – not a substitute for any courses in the MCCC English as a Second Language certificate program – can be repeated up to three times. Fees apply.

While studying in the ESL credit program, students may be eligible to enroll in a limited number of college courses such as math, science, computer science, or arts according to their ability in specific disciplines. An advisor will assist with this determination.

CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
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Code Course Credits
Foundation
ESL 041 ESL Foundation in Speech Concepts 4
ESL 042 ESL Foundation in Reading Concepts 4
ESL 043 ESL Foundation in Grammar Concepts 4
Advanced Beginner
ESL 051 ESL Speech Concepts I 4
ESL 052 ESL Reading and Critical Thinking I 4
ESL 053 ESL Writing Concepts I 4
Intermediate
ESL 061 ESL Speech Concepts II 4
ESL 062 ESL Reading and Critical Thinking II 4
ESL 063 ESL Writing Concepts II 4
Advanced
ESL 071 ESL Speech Concepts III 4
ESL 072 ESL Reading and Critical Thinking III 4
ESL 073 ESL Writing Concepts III 4

NOTE: Prior to registration, students are required to take the ESL ACCUPLACER test for assessment of their English proficiency level, regardless of their TOEFL score. Students are assigned to the appropriate ESL program level based on test scores achieved.