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Intensive English Program

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[1] Purpose

The Intensive English Program (IEP) offers a series of language courses to non-native speakers of English at five different levels: Levels 1 through 5, each level eight weeks in length. The program strives to enable students to function on a day-to-day basis in an English-speaking environment, prepare them to successfully complete academic work in regular university courses, and introduce them to American culture. A course in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) preparation skills are is also offered, and the Institutional TOEFL is administered each semester.

The program provides training to

  1. International undergraduate or graduate students applying for admission to a US college or university who must first improve their language skills
  2. International undergraduate or graduate students who have been admitted to UCA but require or desire further language preparation
  3. International students and community residents who wish to improve their language skills for personal or professional purposes
  4. International groups that require specialized language and cultural courses and activities

[2] Application Process

International applicants to the Intensive English Program must submit the following to the Office of International Engagement (see International Engagement web site):

  1. Application for admission.
  2. Non-refundable application fee of US $50.00 drawn from a US bank, or an international money order.
  3. Evidence of sufficient financial support in the form of a certified bank statement from the applicant’s financial sponsor proving the availability of a minimum of $17,000.00 for one full academic year (9 months) of study. Tuition and fees must be paid in full at the beginning of each semester or summer session.
  4. Original or certified copies of all secondary, college, and university academic transcripts, including certified English translations, if applicant is also applying for conditional admission to UCA in order to pursue an undergraduate degree after completing the IEP.
  5. TOEFL score, if available, although it is not required for admission to the IEP.

Other applicants, including immigrants, permanent residents, citizens, and refugees must submit the following:

  1. Application for admission.
  2. Non-refundable application fee of US of $50.00 drawn from a US bank, or an international money order.
  3. Original or certified copies of all secondary, college, and university transcripts, including certified English translations, if applicant is also applying for conditional admission to UCA in order to pursue an undergraduate degree after completing the IEP.
  4. TOEFL score, if available, although it is not required for admission to the IEP.

Upon acceptance, students will receive a letter of admission to the Intensive English Program and, if applicable, a Form I-20 and a letter of conditional admission to the university.

[3] General Information

[3.1] Placement

IEP students are tested and interviewed upon their arrival at UCA. These results determine proficiency-level placement.

[3.2] Eligibility for Concurrent University Courses

Although a TOEFL score is not required for admission to the IEP, students who have earned a TOEFL score of 450-473 on the paper-based test, 133-150 on the computer-based test, or 45-60 on the Internet-based test and are conditionally admitted to UCA are normally eligible to take one regular concurrent university course while taking IEP classes. Continuing IEP students who have earned a TOEFL score of 477-497 on the paper-based test, 153-170 on the computer-based test, or 53-60 on the Internet-based test; have a GPA of 3.0 or better; and are conditionally admitted to UCA are eligible to take two additional regular concurrent university courses with special permission. IEP students must have an official TOEFL score on file, along with their other admission documents, before they will be considered eligible to take concurrent courses. Scores must be received directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS). UCA’s school code is 6012.

[3.3] IEP Completion and Admission to an Undergraduate Degree Program

All IEP students receive a certificate noting their participation in the program at the end of a semester. Excellent attendance is noted on certificates for students who meet all class attendance requirements, and academic achievement is noted on certificates for students who earn a GPA of 3.5 or above.

Undergraduate students who successfully complete the advanced level of the IEP with no individual course grade below a B are eligible to enroll directly in a UCA degree program the following term without submitting a TOEFL score, provided they meet all other admission requirements. No TOEFL score is necessary for these students.

Undergraduate IEP students who earn a minimum TOEFL score of 500 on the paper-based test or 173 on the computer-based test are also eligible to enroll directly in a UCA degree program the following term, provided they meet all other admission requirements.

[3.4] Academic Credit for Level 5 Courses

The School of Language and Literature may grant three credit hours for WLAN 2300 to full-time IEP students who meet the following criteria:

  1. Students must have completed at least 9 hours of Level 5 IEP course work with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  2. Students must achieve As and Bs in all IEP classes and a score of 500 or above on the TOEFL.
  3. Students must pass the Compass reading and writing tests for transitional classes or attain equivalent scores on the ACT or SAT tests.
  4. Students must have been admitted to UCA on the basis of high school grades or grades issued by another university from which the student is transferring.

International students who have achieved the minimum score on TOEFL required for undergraduate admission to the university may also elect to enroll in IEP to enhance their English language skills prior to starting their degree programs. Such students will also receive credit for WLAN 2300 if they meet the criteria listed above.

[3.5] Facilities and Services

IEP offices and most classrooms are located in Torreyson Library West. IEP students have access to UCA’s language, computer, and writing laboratories and all other UCA facilities and services.

[3.6] Room and Board

Incoming IEP students normally live on campus in university residence halls and eat in the university cafeteria.

[4] Further Information

For more information regarding the Intensive English Program, contact

Celeste Flowers, IEP Coordinator

316 Torreyson Library West
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035 U.S.A.
Telephone: (501) 852-7412

[5] Intensive English Program Courses (IEP)

Follow this link for IEP course descriptions: course link.