English Language Learning Certificate: English for Academic Purposes

Certificate Description

English is the global language of business. National University’s English Language Learning Program meets the needs of each student and is designed for non-native English speakers who want to learn English and improve their professional and workplace communication skills. The program also offers advanced academic prep courses for learners who want to develop the academic skills needed to pursue a degree at National University.

English for Academic Purposes includes six academic prep courses that must be taken in sequence. Each 4-week course is offered online with opportunities to interact with an instructor and practice using the language. You will develop the academic language, knowledge, and skills required to pursue a degree at National University. English for Academic Purposes provides a pathway to college credit, with some offering academic credit transfer once you are admitted into National University.

Key Benefits

• 100% online certificate program.
• No textbooks and other materials required for purchase.
• Language Proficiency Building: Students establish a strong foundation in English language skills essential for academic success.
• Cultural Adaptation: Helps students adapt to the academic culture and expectations of English-speaking institutions.
• Confidence Boost: Builds confidence in communication and comprehension abilities necessary for further academic pursuits.
• Independent Learning: Promotes self-directed learning skills necessary for academic success beyond the classroom.
• Research Proficiency: Builds advanced research skills, including data analysis, synthesis of sources, and critical evaluation of research findings.
• Advanced Writing Proficiency: Enhances academic writing skills for more complex genres such as research papers, literature reviews, and argumentative essays.
• Writing Enhancement: Provides targeted instruction on academic writing conventions, including thesis development, paragraph structure, and citation.

Course Sequence & Learning Modules

1. ELL2101X Academic Foundations I
   • Unit 1 – Meaningful Learning
   • Unit 2 – Reflection and Success
   • Unit 3 – Time Management
   • Unit 4 – Patience and Persistence
2. ELL2102X Academic Foundation II
   • Unit 1 - An Introduction to Academic Writing
   • Unit 2 - the Iterative Process
   • Unit 3 - Writing and Integrity
   • Unit 4 – Academic Detectives
3. ELL2103X Academic Skills Development I
   • Unit 1 – You Are Your Writing
   • Unit 2 – Technology & Communication
   • Unit 3 – Mind Mapping
   • Unit 4 – Comparing and Contrasting
4. ELL2104X Academic Skills Development II
   • Unit 1 – Making an Argument
   • Unit 2 – Exploring Argumentative Models
   • Unit 3 – From Models to Practice
   • Unit 4 – Critical Thinking
5. ELL2105X Academic Performance Development I
   • Unit 1 – Critical Thinking
   • Unit 2 – Higher-order Thinking Skills
   • Unit 3 – Logical Fallacies and Rhetorical Ploys
   • Unit 4 – Deductive and Inductive Reasoning
6. ELL2106X Academic Performance Development II
   • Unit 1 – Research Skills and Information Literacy
   • Unit 2 – Navigating Scholarly Literature
   • Unit 3 –  Research Publications
   • Unit 4 – Academic Presentations

Certificate Learning Outcomes

• Promote andragogical learning strategies through intercultural competence for academic learning environments.?
• Guide ethical conduct and academic performance guidelines.
• Develop academic writing and research competencies, including discipline-oriented terminology and subject-specific content, context, and concepts.
• Foster critical discourse and formal presentation skills.
• Cultivate analytical thinking, problem-solving, ethos, pathos, and logos.
• Stimulate metacognitive, reflective, and higher-order thinking skills.
• Advance receptiveness and empathy on issues related to global connectivity, intercultural communications, and human perspectives.
• Encourage collaboration, interactivities, and peer review/exchange that fosters teamwork, supports diversity and inclusion, and develops personal communication skills.
• Uphold leadership fundamentals, inclusive leadership concepts, and issue-based perspectives.
• Employ technology-based productivity tools, Web-based learning, and multimedia.

Requirements to Enroll

To be eligible to enroll in the English Language Learning Certificate: English for Academic Purposes learners must complete the following:

• Enroll in the ELL1900X - Orientation and Assessment AND
• Earn a score of 59 or higher on the Global Scale of English (GSE)

Estimated Time to Completion

The English Language Learning Certificate: English for Academic Purposes is a 6-month certificate program. 243 hours of work time are expected for this certificate.

Access Time

Learners will have access to each course one at a time. Each course is 4 weeks. Total access time for the certificate is 6 months.

Certificate of Completion

Learners will be awarded a National University Workforce Education Solutions Professional and Continuing Education Certificate of Completion after completion of all 6 ELL courses as part of this certificate program.

How to Get Started

1. Register for the ELL1900X - Orientation and Assessment course and complete your English Proficiency Level Test
2. Call 805-200-2332 or Email wespace@nu.edu to review your English Proficient Level Test score and next steps for registration
3. Add the Level 3 English Language Learning Certificate: English for Academic Purposes to your cart and complete the checkout process

CVS Health Employees (Tuition Assistance)

1. Connect with CVS Health and complete the EdAssist Employee Tuition Assistance Program application
2. Email your Letter of Credit (course voucher) to National University Professional and Continuing Education at wespace@nu.edu, to confirm Employee Tuition Assistance Program eligibility
3. National University Professional and Continuing Education sends program invoice directly to EdAssist and approved tuition assistance funds are sent on your behalf to National University

Certificate Schedule & Enrollment (Monthly)

• July 2024: Schedule 07/03/2024 - 12/21/2024 | Enrollment Period 06/03/2024 - 07/03/2024
• August 2024: Schedule 08/05/2024 - 08/05/2025 | Enrollment Period 07/03/2024 - 07/31/2024
• September 2024: Schedule 09/02/2024 - 03/01/2025 | Enrollment Period 08/05/2024 - 08/28/2024
• October 2024: Schedule 09/30/2024 - 03/29/2025 | Enrollment Period 09/02/2024 - 09/25/2024
• November 2024: Schedule 10/28/2024 - 04/26/2025 | Enrollment Period 09/30/2024 - 10/23/2024
• December 2024: Schedule 11/25/2024 - 05/24/2025 | Enrollment Period 10/28/2024 - 11/20/2024
• January 2025: Schedule 01/06/2025 - 06/21/2025 | Enrollment Period 11/25/2024 - 01/01/2025
• February 2025: Schedule 02/03/2025 - TBD 2025 | Enrollment Period 01/06/2025 - 01/29/2025
• March 2025: Schedule 03/03/2025 - TBD 2025 | Enrollment Period 02/03/2025 - 02/26/2025
• April 2025: Schedule 03/31/2025 - TBD 2025 | Enrollment Period 03/03/2025 - 03/26/2025
• May 2025: Schedule 04/28/2025 - TBD 2025 | Enrollment Period 03/31/2025 - 04/23/2025
• June 2025: Schedule 05/26/2025 - TBD 2025 | Enrollment Period 04/28/2025 - 05/21/2025