Pratt Institute offers support for students who are English Language Learners. The term English language learners (ELL), or English learners (EL), refers to students whose first language is not English but who are learning English. This support is offered for both undergraduate and graduate students as outlined below.
Undergraduate Students
Students with TOEFL scores less than 100 will be enrolled in HMS101C, a 3-credit, language-supported Literary and Critical Studies course section. Following this course, students will be taking HMS201C. HMS101C and HMS201C are specially designed to support students who are English language learners (ELL). These courses are the equivalent of HMS101A(B)and HMS201A(B) that are required courses for all undergraduate students at Pratt as part of the first-year program.
Graduate Students
Graduate students who have TOEFL scores less than 100 are required to take the English Placement Exam. According to the results, students will either be placed in the Writing Across Curriculum (WAC) course or will be considered “exempt”.
Course Descriptions for the Writing Across Curriculum Course
This course explores the writing and critical skills necessary for the successful completion of a graduate thesis. In a workshop setting, students will engage in free writing followed by critical and structural evaluation, revision, and final editing, with a focus on introductory paragraphs and thesis statements. Students will also examine techniques for structuring a complex discussion; develop an understanding of what assertions and claims need evidentiary support; and consider the elements of a successful and insightful conclusion.
English Language Support for International Students
ELL Portfolio Certificate
Students with TOEFL scores less than 100 are strongly encouraged to take ELL Portfolio over the summer or winter terms. ELL Portfolio features two required online courses, Written Communication and Oral Communication. Prepare for a graduate or undergraduate program, or simply improve your language skills by learning English while creating an English language portfolio that connects to art, design, and architecture. Winter sessions start in October, and summer sessions start in May.
Learn more and register online today!
Upon successful completion of ELL Portfolio, students will receive a certificate of completion, which will advance them through the English language requirements for matriculation. Graduate students with a TOEFL score of less than 92 who complete ELL Portfolio will enroll in the WAC course in the following term. Similarly, students with a TOFEL score of less than 100 who complete ELL Portfolio will be exempted from further English requirements.
Exemptions
The waiver requirements for the WAC course are different from the TOEFL waiver by the graduate departments. Students in the following categories are exempted from the WAC course regardless of their TOEFL scores
- Native English speakers who are citizens of countries where English is a national language.
- Have submitted a TOEFL score equal to or higher than 100iBT, or the equivalent
- Have submitted a combined IELTS score of 7.5 or higher
- Have graduated from a four-year college or university degree program in the US or another English-speaking country within the last 12 months
- Have a score of 4 or above on the AP English exam
- Have completed high school education in the US within the last 12 months
- Have submitted a score of 620 or higher on the SAT Verbal section
- Are participants in the Fullbright or Humphries Scholars program
- Have an International Baccalaureate diploma and have received a 4 or better on the HL English Language A: Language and Literature Exam.
- Are a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient.
WAC Course Appeals
Students who want to appeal their placement in WAC courses, i.e. seeking exemption from WAC courses, must schedule an appointment with the Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences during the first two weeks of each semester. To schedule an appointment email to cep@pratt.edu