Intensive English program
For students ready to quickly strengthen their English and prepare for university study, the English Language Institute (ELI) offers Metro Detroit's only intensive English program.
Students receive 18 hours of weekly instruction at the high-intermediate and advanced levels, designed to build both communication and academic readiness. Courses are integrated and skill-based, reinforcing communication skills while emphasizing academic skills. Throughout the program, students develop the skills necessary to succeed in a university classroom, including:
- Understanding academic lectures
- Building vocabulary and responding critically to readings
- Taking effective notes
- Delivering formal presentations, participating in discussions and engaging in debates
- Writing structured academic essays
- Effectively citing sources, paraphrasing, and summarizing
Progression through the program
In order to satisfy Wayne State University's English proficiency requirement, students can complete the full-time intensive English program in one or two semesters, and then apply for admission to their academic degree program. To advance from high-intermediate to advanced, a minimum grade of C (73%) in each class is required. To complete the intensive English program and meet the general English proficiency requirement for the university, a minimum grade of C+ (78%) in all three advanced classes is required. We recommend reviewing our detailed curriculum , updated schedule , and comprehensive placement chart to better understand the scope of this program.
Completion of program
Upon successful completion of our three advanced classes, students will satisfy Wayne State University's general English proficiency requirement for admission. In other words, standardized test scores such as TOEFL iBT, IELTS, MET, and Duolingo are not required to move on to Wayne State University.
After final grades are submitted, a student's completion of the intensive program will be certified by submitting a memo to the admissions offices and removing the English language proficiency hold from the student's record. The student will also receive a Certificate of Completion from the English Language Institute.