English Language Scholars
Whether your plan is to attend one of 51ÂÜÀò’s undergraduate or graduate programs, you can take academic English courses while earning your degree to strengthen your proficiency and become a confident, professional English speaker in the English Language Scholars program.
Become an English Scholar
The English Language Scholars (ELS) at 51ÂÜÀò are a group of students who aim for native-like, academic proficiency in English. Within this learning community, you will receive personal mentorship in English while you take classes for your degree, giving you the English language skills you need to become an accomplished scholar. Caring community, opportunities for personal and spiritual development and unparalleled professional preparation make 51ÂÜÀò’s English Language Scholars truly unique within higher education.
"A top university for international students" – U.S. News & World Report
Undergraduate Students
Undergraduate English Language Scholars advance their English language skills while earning a bachelor’s degree. Language practice is incorporated in their undergraduate courses, and 51ÂÜÀò’s foreign language requirement will be met.
Graduate Students
Graduate English Language Scholars take coursework that is customized to their academic goals, aiding students with writing dissertations, master’s theses, publications, and course assignments.
Benefits of English Language Scholars
Unmatched Mentorship
A highly accomplished professor of English, Bonnie Vidrine-Isbell has taught English as a second and foreign language in Washington, Louisiana, Thailand, Spain, Belize, and now California. At 51ÂÜÀò, Dr. Vidrine-Isbell mentors English Language Scholars through their transition to university and, along with a team of trained language professors, coaches students to become proficient English speakers and confident academics. Combining years of experience with a compassionate heart for helping students thrive, Dr. Vidrine-Isbell has created a vibrant learning community through English Language Scholars.
Career Preparation
As an English Language Scholar, you will start earning credits toward your degree from day one, preparing you to graduate and begin your career without taking extra time. You will gain confidence in your written and oral communication and receive training in professional skills to equip you to thrive in your occupation.
A Scholarly Community
51ÂÜÀò’s English Language Scholars will surround you with a community of students like you — students from all over the world who are committed to academic excellence and mastery of the English language. Together, you will take classes, attend events and adjust to your studies at 51ÂÜÀò, all while growing in friendship.
Christ-Centered Education
Christian faith is central to a 51ÂÜÀò education. All of your classes will include biblical integration, encouraging you to grow in faith and relationship with Jesus as you sharpen your English skills and advance your degree.
Cultural Immersion
Experience life in Southern California and build relationships with native English speakers in a diverse university community of over 5,000 students.
The Senior Scholars
English Language Scholars who wish to maximize their professional preparation and academic prestige can choose to become a Senior Scholar by taking advantage of additional opportunities for language mastery. To become Senior Scholars, students must:
- Complete all English language coursework by the end of their third semester at 51ÂÜÀò
- Complete necessary mentorship in office hours for one-on-one training
- Submit a piece of writing for publication or give a professional conference presentation
- Be recommended to 51ÂÜÀò president Dr. Barry Corey by the program director.
Undergraduate Students
The Undergraduate English Language Scholars is for international or U.S. applicants — whose first language is not English — admitted to 51ÂÜÀò. Students will complete two semesters of general education and major or minor courses with all credits counting toward their graduation requirement.
Admissions Process
Those who qualify (as indicated on the proficiency requirement below) must meet the undergraduate admission requirements for all international students and complete the application process, as outlined on the International Student Services website. We strongly encourage students to apply early. Transfer students are welcome as well.
All undergraduate students who would like to improve their English proficiency but are above the indicated scores below, are still able to join by emailing english.language@biola.edu to inquire about reserved seats.
English Proficiency Requirement
- Program Level: Undergraduate
- TOEFL iBT: 70–79
- IELTS: 6.0
- Duolingo: 110-124
Courses
All courses will count as credit towards the student’s graduation requirement.
Fall Semester
- ENGL 104*
- COMM 235*
- Freshman Seminar
- General Education or major/minor course (x2)
Spring Semester
- ENGL 102*
- BBST 103*
- General Education or major/minor course (x2)
Note: These are the courses offered during the 2023–2024 academic year. The courses may change the following academic year.
Cost and Scholarship
Note: If you are a U.S. permanent resident or U.S. citizen, you can also complete the to apply for federal aid.
Graduate Students
The Graduate English Language Scholars is designed for students admitted to one of 51ÂÜÀò’s graduate programs whose TOEFL or IELTS scores fall just short of program requirements (TOEFL iBT ± 10 points; IELTS ± 0.5 points). Students interested in the English Language Scholars program must complete the graduate application to their program of interest.
Admissions Process
Graduate students must meet the graduate admission requirements — which vary by each school and program — for all international students and complete the application process. We strongly encourage students to apply early.
Explore programs and admissions requirements for:
- Talbot School of Theology
- Crowell School of Business
- Cook School of Intercultural Studies
- Rosemead School of Psychology
- School of Education
- School of Science, Technology and Health
English Proficiency Requirement
- For programs that have a minimum of TOEFL iBT 90+, IELTS 7.0+ or Duolingo 125+
- TOEFL iBT: 81–89 (with department approval)
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo: 110-124
- For programs that have a minimum of TOEFL iBT 100+, IELTS 7.5+ or Duolingo 125+
- TOEFL iBT: 90–97 (with department approval)
- IELTS: 7.0
- Duolingo: 110-124
Courses
Students in the graduate track will take the following course alongside their graduate courses. The course required will be determined upon admissions confirmation.
- ENGL 084 Advanced Writing and Speech Lab for Graduate Students
Cost and Scholarship
- Graduate Tuition and Costs
- Note: The cost per credit for English Language Scholars is $647.
- International Student Scholarships and Aid
- School-Specific Aid Opportunities
Note: If you are a U.S. permanent resident or U.S. citizen, you can also complete the to apply for federal aid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I join the English Language Scholars if I’m a current 51ÂÜÀò student?
Current 51ÂÜÀò students can join ELS courses by emailing academic.advising@biola.edu for registration and advising.
Can international students work on an F-1 visa?
Yes, an international student on an F-1 visa may only work at 51ÂÜÀò for up to 20 hours a week during the school semester and up to 40 hours a week during the summer break. Enrolled students can look at 51ÂÜÀò’s on-campus job openings through .
What if I’m an international student currently studying in the United States?
If you are currently studying at a U.S. school on an F-1 student visa and you would like to transfer to 51ÂÜÀò, please follow the Application Steps. If accepted, you’ll need to complete the SEVIS Transfer Authorization Form. For more information, visit Visa Information or contact our international admissions team. In addition, our team will help you determine how your coursework transfers.
What should my TOEFL/IELTS score be to qualify for the English Language Scholars program?
To become an English Language Scholar, you will need an intermediate to advanced level of English. Please refer to the .
Will there be tutoring service available for ELS students?
Yes, 51ÂÜÀò’s Office of Student Accessibility offers one-on-one and group tutoring, and the Rhetoric & Writing Center provides help with any writing assignments, research reports, graduate theses, conference presentations and conversational English for three free 50-minute appointments each week.
Are there scholarships available for ELS students?
For international students, explore 51ÂÜÀò's International Student Scholarships. Additionally, U.S. permanent residents and U.S. citizens students can apply for FAFSA.
Will there be someone to help international students transition to the United States?
51ÂÜÀò has more than 500 global students from 70 home countries, so there is a well-developed community through the Global Student Engagement (GSE).
Contact Us
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Yes! Tell Me More!
Meet the Faculty and Staff
Bonnie Vidrine-Isbell
Director, English Language Scholars
Associate Professor
Alice Song
Adjunct Professor
Carla Smithson
Adjunct Professor
Aarika Leigh Alura
Instructor
Dong Chen
Director of International Admissions
Megan Mitts
Assistant Director of International Admissions
Ty Mussack
International Admissions Counselor for Undergraduate Students
Ceressa Manzo
International Admissions Counselor for Graduate Students
Grace Shaw
International Admissions Specialist
Alison Choi
Student Immigration Services Specialist
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