Welcome to UCM’s English Language Institute (ELI). We offer an academic Intensive English Program and professional language training and short-term cultural programming for students at the University of Central Missouri. It is our goal to provide English language learners the skills they need to be successful at the university, in their careers, or in specialized language programs. The ELI is housed together with the Center for Global Education in Elliott Student Union 302. We are a unit of the School of English and Philosophy.
In an effort to safeguard the health and well-being of students and employees, our office staff has limited office hours combined with hours working from home. Please email the person(s) identified below, or call this number 660-543-8131 for assistance.
Valerie Heming, Director (vheming@ucmo.edu)
Jill Thomas, Program Coordinator (jdthomas@ucmo.edu)
Miryan Andaku, Instructor (andaku@ucmo.edu)
Amber Scroggs, Instructor (scroggs@ucmo.edu)
UCM's English Language Institute (ELI), with its CEA-accredited Intensive English Program, teaches a broad range of language skills to successfully prepare students to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at US institutions of higher education. The ELI also creates diverse, dynamic short-term language and culture programs and provides English language training for a variety of professional fields.
Intensive English Program
Online English Programs
Face-to-Face English Programs
The University of Central Missouri English Language Institute Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission of English Language Program Accreditation for the period December 2015 through December 2025 and agrees to uphold CEA standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 North Fairfax St, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.
Would you like to participate in the CPP?
This is a great way to make new friends from the US. For more information about the
program and
how to apply, email the Conversation Partner Program Team at iep@ucmo.edu. Come join
the fun!
All current students must meet with the ELI Director, Ms. Valerie Heming, to discuss their transition plan from IEP to an academic program. Please email her for an advising appointment. You can reach her at vheming@ucmo.edu.
There are nine levels in the IEP. One level is typically completed in one eight-week session. All students who enter the U.S. with an I-20 or a DS-2019 issued by UCM must be enrolled as full-time students in the IEP until successfully completing the program.
Full-time enrollment in the IEP is 12 credit hours. Students should report the the English Language Institute upon arrival and complete New International Student Orientation.
The IEP offers a TOEFL Waiver Program. Students at the advanced level who have successfully completed the final level of the IEP are eligible to move directly into their academic program without taking the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic test to demonstrate proficiency.
*Please Note: Admission into the Intensive English Program as an IEP-Only student does not guarantee admission into an academic program at UCM.
If you wish to attend UCM’s IEP to improve your English skills, please follow this application process.
Apply here for one of the following:
Intensive English Program Only
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, and a declaration
of financial support (please link to declaration document). You may also email the director with these documents attached.
IEP to Bachelor’s Degree (Conditional Admission to Undergraduate School)
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, and a declaration
of financial support (please link to declaration document), and your high school transcripts.
IEP to Master’s Degree (Conditional Admission to Graduate School)
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, and a declaration
of financial support (please link to declaration document), and your college transcripts.
If you are interested in applying for a short-term program, special training, workshops, and/or an online course, please contact the ELI Director, Ms. Valerie Heming at iep@ucmo.edu.
Questions? Contact Us.
UCM′s English Proficiency Test assesses Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking skills, with a focus on Vocabulary and Grammar subskills. A student who has applied to UCM may choose to take this test in lieu of TOEFL or IELTS.
Important Information: This test may be taken only one time by students prior to their arrival at UCM. UCM reserves the right to retest a student upon arrival if there is a suspicious difference in the level of English as compared to the UCM English Proficiency Test results. The scores for this test may only be used for Admission to the University of Central Missouri.
Visit the UCM Extended Studies Course Catalog to register, or e-mail iep@ucmo.edu for more information.
Scoring total: 120 points
Undergraduate | Graduate | |
Conditional | 52 points and below | 60 points and below |
ELIPS | 53-60 points | 61-78 points |
Full Academic | 61 points | 79 points |
This is a 90-minute examination and students may not leave the session. To schedule a date and time for your test, you must email Valerie Heming, Director of the English Language Institute: vheming@ucmo.edu. Tests will be viewed, proctored and recorded. Students must show a valid passport in order to take the test. Test results will typically be sent to students within 48 hours after the test. In case of technical difficulties, the Test Administrator will contact you with details and reschedule the test.
Fee: $151.00
Valerie Heming
Director, English Language Institute
Elliott Student Union 302
Tel: (660) 543-8131