The English Language and Culture Institute at South Dakota State University will re-open in Spring 2025 with full-time ESL study available at the low-intermediate level (minimum levels: TOEFL 42/IELTS 4.5).
Students in the program will attend 21 hours of classroom instruction per week, including eight hours weekly for Reading and Writing, eight hours weekly for Listening and Speaking, a three-hour workshop weekly on communication, and a two-hour session on American culture.
Students who complete two semesters of the ELCI successfully (80% average or higher) will be able to transition into undergraduate degree study at SDSU as long as they also meet academic requirements of 2.6 on 4.0 scale for first-time college students or 2.0 on 4.0 scale for college transfers. Graduate students will be able to consult their program directors for guidance in completing English Language Proficiency requirements for their disciplines.
For more information, please contact SDSU.ESL@sdstate.edu.
- University collaboration throughout departments on campus.
- Pathway to nationally recognized programs at an affordable price.
- Connect with your intended program before you begin.
- Learn about support services designed for all students' success.
- Students with a TOEFL score of 42 or an IELTS score of 4.5 (or equivalents in other testing programs) may be considered for admission to the program.
- In addition to successful completion of the ESL program, students will also need to meet all additional requirements for undergraduate admission to SDSU to begin degree studies. Graduate students will need to consult their program directors for guidance in completing English Language Proficiency requirements for their disciplines.
- Students without test scores or who do not score high enough on TOEFL or IELTS may be interviewed by ELCI staff and gain admission to the program via alternative methods. Please contact the program at SDSU.ESL@sdstate.edu for more information.
- Students who earn a B grade or higher in program coursework will gain full admission to SDSU for undergraduate degree students. Students will not need to re-take a standardized test of English language proficiency to progress to degree study.
- By enrolling in the ELCI, students will set themselves up for academic success on the SDSU campus and in the university at large!
- The ELCI will be available in August and January each academic year.
See what students are saying about SDSU on our YouTube Channel.
For more information, please email Kirsten Linke or call 605-688-4122.