New students are tested in written and spoken English, and in grammar skills. Beginning Proficiency Students in these levels receive basic instruction in written and spoken English. This is to help them develop confidence, listening comprehension, and pronunciation, as well as grammar skills. They normally qualify for academic studies at the university after two or three semesters of study. Intermediate Proficiency Further work on functional grammar and writing is done at these levels.
Students normally qualify for academic studies at the university after one or two semesters.
Students in these levels may begin to take coursework in their major. Graduate students may begin coursework if admitted by their graduate program, and with permission of the graduate director in that program. Students in these levels normally need only one semester before enrolling fully in their degree program as a university student. Students enrolled in Level 7 classes may take MSU university courses if permitted by a department adviser and the ESL program coordinator. Level 7 is not required of everyone, but many advanced ESL students have realized that Level 7 classes will help them make their transition smoother from the ESL program to university studies.