English Language Services
Michael Paul Galvin Tower, 4th Floor
10 West 35th Street
312.567.5220
els@illinoistech.edu
english.iit.edu
The mission of English Language Services (ELS) at Illinois Tech is to provide engaging English language programs and services in a dynamic learning environment relevant to the academic and professional needs of multilingual learners, as well as promote intercultural awareness in the university community.
English Language Services offers several courses and programs for students to develop their language abilities. To view more information about the English Language Services department and the programs, courses, and services offered, please visit english.iit.edu. English Language Services is accredited by CEA (the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation), a specialized English-language accreditation, and through the university's Higher Learning Commission (HLC) accreditation, and is licensed to operate under the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
To view information about specific programs and courses, please visit the Language Courses section of this catalog or our website at english.iit.edu. Programs and courses include:
- Communicating for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS)
- English for Design
English Language Services also offers special programs/courses for visiting groups who are interested in customized programs specific to the needs of their group. Contact us at els@illinoistech.edu to find out more.
English Communication Courses
English communication courses may be required as a condition of admission. English Language Services offers the following programs relevant to Illinois Tech's international undergraduate students:
Communication for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS)
English Language Services offers Communication for Academic and Professional Success (CAPS) courses for Illinois Tech’s multilingual students. These courses are designed for students who have been admitted to Illinois Tech, but need additional language and cross-cultural support to be successful in their degree programs. The courses focus on building students’ communication and critical thinking skills in unique interdisciplinary classroom environments.
CAPS courses meet the needs of international students to provide academic support for major and program courses, and the language skills and strategies needed to integrate into the global workforce after graduating. Courses in academic reading, writing, listening, and speaking provide a linguistic bridge and help international students acculturate to academic and social life in Chicago. Qualified and experienced instructors deliver carefully designed lessons to help students learn, think, and express themselves in the English language.
Different requirements will apply based on a student’s individual needs and admission requirements, and requirements related to the student’s specific programs. Please note: When CAPS courses are required as part of admission to the university, they are required starting in the first semester of studying on campus.
Course List
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 111 | Writing in the University for Multilingual Speakers of English | 3 |
| HUM 180 | Topics in Humanities (Global Issues through Literature) | 3 |
| or CAPS 053 | Global Issues through Literature | |
| COM 112 | Chicago Voices | 3 |
| COM 114 | Telling Your Story: Advanced Language Skills for Academics and Work | 3 |
| CAPS 039 | Advanced Communication for Multilingual Speakers | 3 |
Core Curriculum Equivalencies
Undergraduate students who are required to take English communication courses can complete these requirements while also satisfying Core Curriculum requirements, giving students additional language instruction and support while meeting Core requirements.
| COM 111 | Basic Writing Proficiency (equivalent to COM 101 for multilingual students) |
| HUM 180-E (E sections only)* | 100-Level Humanities Course requirement |
| COM 112 | Non-major communication course, Human Sciences Module, or free elective |
| COM 114 | Non-major communication course, Human Sciences Module, or free elective |
*Please note: Students must enroll in an E-section of HUM 180 in order to fulfill both the English communication requirement and Core Curriculum requirement.
For more information about English competency requirements, please visit the Undergraduate Admission section of the university catalogs or visit English Language Services' Programs and Courses page at https://www.iit.edu/els/programs-and-courses.
