English as a Second Language
About the English as a Second Language Department
This Program is Not Currently Accepting Applications
The ESL Program at New Jersey City University is committed to serving the educational and cultural needs of a highly diverse urban student population. The courses primarily aim to teach academic writing and reading. They are designed to equip students with the English language, literature, and research skills they need to function effectively in courses leading to a bachelor’s degree, as well as in their future careers.
Fulfillment of University Requirements
Completion of ESL 101 (EC 1 – ESL) and ESL 102 (EC 2- ESL) or ESL 115 (EC 1 for Bilingual Students) and ESL 116 (EC 2 for Bilingual Students) satisfies the University’s English requirements for graduation.
Class Meeting
Most ESL courses are six credits and meet six hours per week during a 15-week semester. The Program offers day, evening, and Saturday courses at the following times:
Day: 12:45–3:25 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays
Evening: 4:25–6:45 p.m.; 7:00–9:45 p.m. (two nights a week)
Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–1:50 p.m.
|
ESL COURSECREDITSElementary ESL |
6* |
|
Intermediate Expository Writing I – ESL |
6* |
|
Intermediate Expository Writing II – ESL |
6 |
|
English Composition I ESL |
6 |
|
English Composition I Bilingual |
6 |
|
Advanced Expository Writing ESL |
3 |
|
English Composition II ESL |
6 |
|
English Composition II Bilingual |
6 |
|
Accent Reduction I ESL |
3 |
|
Accent Reduction II ESL |
3 |
*non degree
Support Services
The ESL Computer Lab in Karnoutsos 224 consists of 25 PC’s, a projector, laser printer, and internet access. ESL Tutoring is available free of charge through the HUB tutoring center located in the Guarini Library on the NJCU campus.
Our Students
For more than 40 years, the ESL Program has been teaching students the language skills they need to graduate from New Jersey City University. The population of NJCU reflects the diversity of the surrounding community, which is one of the most diverse in the country. Languages spoken by ESL students include Spanish, Arabic, Gujarati, Chinese, French Creole, Tagalog, and many African languages. An average of 300 students enroll in ESL courses at NJCU each semester.
Testing and Placement Procedures
Students admitted to New Jersey City University whose first language is not English must contact the ESL Testing Administrator, Dr. Marian Leonor, for testing and placement into the program. This applies to freshmen as well as to students who transfer to New Jersey City University without ESL 101/102 or 115/116 credits from another accredited institution.
Students are administered a three-part placement test, consisting of a standardized grammar test, a written composition, and an oral interview. Based on these results, students are placed into an appropriate ESL course.
Non-credit Students
Our courses are also available on a non-credit basis. The cost of a non-credit course is less than that of a credit-bearing course.
International Students
NJCU welcomes international students who are studying on special visas. However, the ESL Program is not an intensive language program (consisting of 20 hours of instruction per week). All matters related to the admission of international students and the granting of visas are the responsibility of the International Student Advisor and the Office of Admissions.
Faculty in English as a Second Language Program
All faculty and staff members hold advanced degrees in TESOL, linguistics, or education.
Contact Us
Karnoutsos Hall, Room 202
Phone: 201-200-3087
Fax: 201-200-3516
For questions related to testing times and location, or information regarding the ESL Program, please contact Dr. Steven Haber by e-mail at shaber@njcu.edu or call 201-200-3282.
NJCU's American English Program also offers non-credit courses in Conversational English, Academic English, TOEFL Preparation, and Business English.