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English Language Institute
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 located in the Center for Global Education in Elliott Student Union 302.
ELI Mission Statement
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.
Admission Process
ELI Students (short-term program, non credit, online, newcomer, and JSAF) can complete the application below. Contact Valerie Heming, ELI Director, at vheming@ucmo.edu with application questions.
ELI Admission Application
English Language Programs
Intensive English Program
- Reading, writing, grammar, communication skills, American culture, and test-taking skills courses
- Offered in 8-week sessions
- Concurrent IEP and academic enrollment
Online English Programs
- Online English Program
- Online Aviation English Certificate Program
- Online Business English Programs
- Online Individual / Group Tutoring
Face-to-Face English Programs
- Aviation English Certificate Program
- Business English Programs
- ESL Practicum Experience
- Short-term language and cultural programs
Intensive English Program (IEP)
The University of Central Missouri English Language Institute Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period December 2025 through December 2035 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary 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 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 6653400, www.cea-accredit.org.
Information for Current Students
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.
Information for Future Students
There are nine levels in the IEP, and classes are face to face. 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 English Language Institute upon arrival and complete New International Student Orientation.
Contact the Coordinator for Exchange & Sponsored programs at cge@ucmo.edu with any questions.
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 for one of the following IEP options:
Intensive English Program Only
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, and a declaration of financial support. You may also email the director at iep@ucmo.edu 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, a declaration of financial support, and your high school transcripts.
ELIPS (English Language Institute Pathway for Success (Concurrent enrollment in IEP
and academic courses for Undergraduate and Graduate students)
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, a declaration of financial support, and your transcripts as well as any additional departmental requirements.
IEP to Master’s Degree (Admission to Graduate School upon completion of the IEP)
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, a declaration of financial support, and your college transcripts as well as any additional departmental requirements.
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 English Proficiency Test
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: UCM reserves the right to retest a student upon arrival if there is a significant 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.
E-mail iep@ucmo.edu for more information or to register.
Scoring total: 120 points
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
| Conditional | 52 points and below | 60 points and below |
| ELIPS | 53 | 61 |
| 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
UCM policy required students to submit outside English proficiency scores no later than 1 full week before the start of classes for the semester. Updated proficiency scores submitted after the deadline are only effective after the current semester is complete. This means students are expected to attend 2nd session IEP classes to maintain valid full-time enrollment status.
The IEP director will notify you of any changes to your academic status. Decisions related to your academic status will also be communicated to the ISS Admissions team by the IEP Director. Please contact Valerie Heming (vheming@ucmo.edu), the IEP director, with any questions.
UCM Companion Proficiency Test
UCM's Companion Proficiency Test assesses Writing, Listening and Speaking skills. Eligible students have submitted verified Duolingo score reports that do not quite meet the UCM requirements for English Proficiency. The Companion Test score is used to determine admission status for these students.
Important information: UCM reserves the right to retest a student upon arrival if there is a significant difference in the level of English as compared to the UCM Companion Proficiency Test results. The scores for this test may only be used for Admission to the University of Central Missouri.
E-mail iep@ucmo.edu for more information or to register.
Scoring total: 41 points
| Undergraduate | Graduate | |
| Conditional | 31 points and below | 36 points and below |
| ELIPS | N/A | N/A |
| Full Academic | 32 points | 37 points |
This is approximately a 45-minute examination and students may not leave the session. To schedule a date and time for your test, you must email the Test Scheduling Team at iep@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 and reschedule the test.
Fee: $65.00
Contact
Valerie Heming
Director, English Language Institute
Elliott Student Union 302
Tel: (660) 543-8131
