Total Credits
14–18Related Credentials
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Cost
For Multilingual Learners Like You
We live in an increasingly globalized world, one in which strong English skills can help you communicate across diverse language backgrounds in academic and professional settings. The Advanced English Language Communication (AELC) certificate can help you do just that.
Offered by the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP), the AELC certificate can enhance your academic communication skills, develop your multilingual identity and showcase your linguistic strengths. The curriculum includes courses in academic reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammar, along with electives in business communication and pronunciation.
Designed for multilingual learners, the certificate builds the sophisticated English skills that are essential for success in US higher education and professional settings. By enhancing both language proficiency and confidence, the program can prepare you for graduate study, workplace communication, and engagement with diverse communities where advanced English language skills are required, while also providing a credential to document your work.
Learning Outcomes
The Advanced English Language Communication certificate will help you:
- communicate clearly and effectively in writing and speaking for academic and professional settings.
- demonstrate comprehension of college-level reading and listening content.
- use a range of sophisticated grammar and vocabulary accurately and appropriately.
- demonstrate an understanding of multilingualism and linguistic diversity in academic and professional settings.
Admission
The AELC certificate is available to nondegree-seeking students at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. The sole requirement is that English must not be one of the applicant’s naive languages.
MELP also offers an Advanced English Language Communication Minor for UMN Twin Cities degree-seeking students.
Courses
The AELC certificate requires completion of three core courses in each of three areas: grammar, reading/composition and listening/speaking. For reading/composition and listening/speaking, you may choose one of two courses. In addition, students select at least one elective from MELP or the Linguistics department.
Core Courses
Earn 12–14 credits by selecting one core course in each of the three skill areas.
Grammar
Reading/Composition
- Academic Reading and Composition (ESL 3202W), 5 credits; Writing Intensive
- Research Writing in the US University (ESL 3402W), 4 credits; Writing Intensive
Listening/Speaking
- Academic Listening and Speaking (ESL 3502), 5 credits
- Speaking for Academic Purposes (ESL 3602), 4 credits
Elective Courses
Earn a minimum of two credits in the following electives.
- Integrated Skills for Academic English (ESL 3001), 2 credits
- English for Business Interactions (ESL 3006), 2 credits
- English Pronunciation (ESL 3551), 4 credits
- Language and Society (LING 1701), 4 credits; meets Race, Power and Justice in the US Liberal Education requirement
- World Englishes: The Linguistics of English-based Varieties Around the Globe (LING 1705), 4 credits; meets Global Perspectives and Social Sciences Liberal Education requirement
Course Details
Descriptions and prerequisites can be found in the Course Catalog. Details by semester can be found in the Class Schedule.
Admissions Advising
Meet Jeff Olsen Krengel
I work with prospective students interested in our undergraduate applied science majors and those who want to design their own degree program. I’m available to answer your questions and help you find a program that meets your needs.
In my free time, I can be found reading, running with my son, or visiting a brewery. I am an avid sports fan cheering for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota United FC, and Liverpool FC.
Give me a call at 612-625-4340. Or you can send me a message or request an appointment below.