The Columbia College English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program serves learners of English by providing courses designed to support development of English language skills for academic study. It is offered only through the Day Campus. Prospective students must meet the English Proficiency Requirements set by the College in order to qualify for admission.
Mission
The mission of the Columbia College EAP program is to provide quality language instruction and shared cultural experiences to non-native speakers of English with an emphasis on the skills necessary for academic success and integration into the American college experience.
To carry out the mission, the goals of the program are to:
- Enhance the English language and study skills of students that will enable them to transition to mainstream academic courses;
- Develop intercultural awareness and understanding among students;
- Provide students, faculty, and staff at the College with opportunities for international learning and experiences; and
- Offer support, including services related to admission, advising, academics, and student life, which helps students take full advantage of the College experience.
English Classes for Credit
English classes at many colleges and universities do not carry any credit. Other colleges and universities offer credit only for a few select classes. All EAP classes carry academic credit that counts toward your degree at Columbia College.
Levels
Columbia College’s EAP program provides two 16-week levels of English study during the fall and spring semesters for non-native speakers of English: High Intermediate and Advanced.
Core Courses
Core courses are the foundation of the EAP program. They are designed to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing and are offered each semester at both levels and consist of the following:
Incoming EAP students are also encouraged to enroll in COLL 133 - Foundations: US Academic Life during their first year. This course is open to all international students.
Elective Courses
Elective courses are open to all international students. EAP students must enroll in at least one each semester:
Advanced-level students, when qualified, may be permitted to enroll in a select (non-EAP) course. Enrollment in evening or online classes during the fall and spring semesters is strictly prohibited.
Course Grading and Level Advancement
In order to pass core and elective courses, students must earn a grade of “C” or higher. Students advance from one level to the next as a result of their final reported grades. If a student fails their Oral Communication Skills course but passes their Written Communication Skills course, for example, the student is permitted to advance to the next level in only the Written Communication Skills course. The student must repeat the Oral Communication Skills course the following semester. In this case, they will be a split-level student the following semester.
If students complete the high-intermediate level and want to skip the advanced level, they must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and a TOEFL iBT score of 72 or higher (with no subset score lower than 16) or equivalent.
Certificate of Participation
A certificate of participation is awarded to students who complete courses in the EAP program.