Integrated Academic Skills (IAS)
Support for improving English proficiency, right at the start of your graduate program.
Integrated Academic Skills is a comprehensive curriculum specially designed for new PhD or MFA students who need extra support in developing their proficiency in spoken English. This three-quarter sequence focuses on developing oral English skills for the academic context as students work toward fulfilling The Graduate School’s English proficiency requirement. Enrollment is based on students’ performance on their Versant English Speaking & Listening Test (VESLT) results.
Participation is mandatory for students selected for the program. Integrated Academic Skills takes a multi-faceted approach to developing students’ oral English skills. Students participate in three English Language Programs services (two services are required; one service is optional):
- Required: A group instruction class focused on pronunciation, fluency, and academic communication (LING 380)
- Required: Individual instruction where students work one-on-one with a tutor to set and achieve specific goals (LING 482)
- Optional: Online language software students can use anytime, anywhere, with in-person support from an instructor (LING 483)
Integrated Academic Skills (IAS) runs during fall, winter, and spring quarters. September VESLT results determine which students will be enrolled in IAS for fall quarter. December VESLT results determine which students will be enrolled in IAS for winter quarter. February VESLT results determine which students will be enrolled in IAS for spring quarter.
For questions about this program, please contact ELP Assistant Director Brian Hampson.