Session	Duration	Weeks	Class Days	Time
Fall I	August- October	8 weeks	Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu	5 pm- 6:50 pm
Fall II	October-  December	8 weeks	Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu	5 pm- 6:50 pm
Spring I	January - March	8 weeks	Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu	5 pm- 6:50 pm
Spring II	March - May	8 weeks	Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu	5 pm- 6:50 pm
Summer II	June - August	8 weeks	Mon/Wed or Tue/Thu	5 pm- 6:50 pm

 

Tuition Information, Fees, and Financial Aid

Tuition Information and Fees

Each course costs $502. (Course tuition: $480, student health fee: $22)

Scholarship Opportunities:

VCU’s English Language Program gives some scholarships to students who qualify. For requirements, deadlines, and how to apply, see the VCU website. Please note that these scholarship opportunities are limited. 

If you have any questions, please contact VCU’s English Language Program at geo-elp@vcu.edu or call 804-828-2551

Courses

Offered online and in person on a rotating basis.

Pronouncing American English

This course focuses on speaking English clearly and confidently. Students explore common American English sounds, rhythm, and stress. Lessons include many chances to practice speaking in real situations with classmates and instructors. Emphasis is placed on building confidence, clarity, and fluency, making English easier to understand and enjoy.

Course Highlights:

• Developing clear and confident speech in daily conversation
• Listening carefully to understand words, phrases, and sentences
• Practicing pronunciation of individual sounds and words
• Learning natural stress, rhythm, and intonation to make speech sound fluent
  
  

Grammar for Effective Communication

This course provides opportunities to use English grammar with confidence in speaking and writing. Lessons focus on core grammar concepts, including verb tenses, subject-verb agreement, word order, and modal verbs. Activities include interactive exercises, real-life examples, and engaging practice to make grammar meaningful and practical.

Course Highlights:

• Using correct grammar structures in everyday communication
• Building confidence in speaking and writing
• Applying grammar through practical exercises and conversations
• Understanding how grammar supports clear and effective communication
  
  

English Language Test Preparation

This course helps students prepare for English proficiency tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Lessons cover reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills, along with strategies for answering test questions confidently. Students engage in practice exercises that mirror real test situations, helping them become familiar with test formats and timing.

Course Highlights:

• Strengthening all language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking
• Exploring test formats and question types for TOEFL, IELTS, and similar exams
• Practicing test questions and strategies to build confidence
• Expanding vocabulary and grammar for better performance
  
  

English for Professional Communication

Course Description

This course supports English language learners in developing practical communication skills for the workplace. Lessons focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing in professional environments, including interacting with supervisors and coworkers, joining meetings, following instructions, and managing everyday workplace situations. Through interactive activities, role-plays, and realistic scenarios, learners gain confidence, clarity, and professionalism. 

Course Highlights:

• Using appropriate tone, politeness, and workplace etiquette
• Following spoken instructions and workplace procedures
• Participating in team meetings, check-ins, and discussions
• Asking questions, clarifying tasks, and reporting issues clearly
  
  

English Through Community and Cultural Conversations

Course Description

This course focuses on English communication in community and cultural settings. Students participate in conversations, social projects, and cultural activities, building skills for both professional and personal interactions. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, listening, and expressing ideas clearly in diverse social situations.

Course Highlights

• Participating in collaborative conversations and group projects
• Practicing listening and understanding spoken English
• Learning about cultural customs, social norms, and polite communication
• Building confidence for real-life social and community interactions
  
  

English Through Current Events

Course Description

This course uses news stories, videos, and media content to develop English skills. Students practice reading, listening, speaking, and writing while discussing current events. Lessons encourage critical thinking, comprehension, and clear expression, preparing learners for real-world communication.

Course Highlights:

• Reading and listening to current news, podcasts, and media
• Discussing events, ideas, and opinions in English
• Practicing writing and presenting summaries
• Expanding vocabulary for media and real-life communication
  
  

Learning English through AI Tools

This course introduces the use of artificial intelligence tools to support English learning. Lessons include writing prompts, receiving AI feedback, and evaluating responses. Students work on practical projects, such as AI-assisted presentations, grammar exercises, reading activities, and pronunciation practice. Focus is placed on developing language skills, digital literacy, and responsible use of AI in both academic and everyday contexts.

Course Highlights:

• Using AI tools like chatbots, pronunciation tutors, and text summarizers to practice English
• Practicing speaking and presentations with AI support
• Learning digital safety and accuracy when interacting with AI
• Collaborating with peers to create projects such as guides or travel brochures responsibly
  
  

Advanced English Reading Comprehension Skills

Course Description

This course develops reading comprehension and critical thinking skills in English. Students read stories, articles, and reports, learning to analyze, compare, and discuss ideas. Lessons include writing summaries, reflections, and structured discussions, promoting clear thinking and confident English expression.

Course Highlights:

• Reading short stories, news articles, and reports
• Discussing main ideas, opinions, and details
• Writing summaries, reflections, and short essays
• Expanding vocabulary for reading and academic discussion
  
  

Advanced Conversation Skills 

Course Description

This course strengthens conversation skills and spoken fluency in English. Lessons include extended dialogues, storytelling, and group discussions. Students focus on pronunciation, natural rhythm, and expressing ideas clearly, gaining confidence in both informal and formal conversations.

Course Highlights:

• Speaking fluently in daily life and professional conversations
• Practicing storytelling and sharing experiences
• Expanding vocabulary for varied topics
• Participating in group discussions and presentations
  
  

Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

Course Description
This course develops advanced English speaking skills for public speaking and presentations. Students learn to organize ideas clearly, speak confidently, and engage an audience in formal and professional settings. Lessons focus on speech planning, delivery, pronunciation, body language, and visual support, helping students communicate ideas effectively and persuasively in English.

Course Highlights

• Planning and organizing speeches, presentations, and talks
• Using gestures, eye contact, and body language to support communication
• Creating and presenting visual aids such as slides or charts
• Participating in practice presentations, peer feedback, and group discussions
  
  

Advanced English Writing Skills

Course Description

This course develops advanced writing skills in English for academic, professional, and creative contexts. Students learn to organize ideas clearly, write structured essays, reports, and reflections, and use precise vocabulary and grammar. Lessons focus on planning, drafting, revising, and editing texts, helping students express ideas confidently and effectively in writing.

Course Highlights

• Writing essays, summaries, and reflective pieces
• Organizing ideas clearly with strong structure and flow
• Practicing grammar, punctuation, and style for polished writing
• Revising and editing texts to improve clarity and accuracy
  
  

Professional Certificate Programs

Take your English skills to the next level with our structured certificate programs. Each certificate combines carefully selected courses to help you achieve specific professional or academic goals.

Individual Course Certificates: Students will earn a certificate of completion for each course they successfully complete. These individual certificates demonstrate your achievement and can be used to showcase your skills.

Professional Certificate Programs: Students who wish to earn a professional certificate may choose to complete all required courses for a specific certificate program. Earning a professional certificate is optional and provides a comprehensive qualification in your chosen area of focus. 

Note: Required courses may be substituted with alternative courses when appropriate based on your individual needs and goals. Please consult with your ELP advisor to discuss course substitutions that best support your learning objectives.