English as a Second Language (Non-Credit Program)

GRADUATION IS MAY 10, 2024 AT 7:00PM

Summer classes begin May 21, 2024 and Fall begin on September 3, 2024

Beginner Students:

• Students must be 18 years old
• Students must show photo identification

Not a Beginner Student?

Students who are NOT beginners, but want to improve their listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar can make an appointment for a placement test.

ESL Contact Information

Students who need assistance online or who are interested in non-credit ESL classes can call:

• (631) 451-4859 — Selden (Ammerman Campus)
• (631) 548-2645 — Riverhead (Eastern Campus)
• (631) 851-6519 — Brentwood Michael J Grant Campus)

Benefits of the ESL Program:

• Communicate more effectively
• Earn higher wages
• Be considered for a promotion
• Continue your education towards a degree

What do I need to do to take a placement test to take ESL classes? 

• Call us and speak to someone in the ESL office who will determine if a placement test is appropriate based on the student’s language proficiency.  
• Fill out demographic info and get assigned a student ID#. You will need the student ID# to access the test. 
• Make an appointment to take the four-part placement test.
• Once all four sections of the test are taken, students will be contacted with their placement.

About the ESL Program

The ESL non-credit English Program and Intensive English Program at Suffolk County Community College provide high- quality English as a Second Language instruction to equip second-language learners with the linguistic ability necessary to thrive academically, professionally and socially. Our programs foster strong English language acquisition through creative, yet structured, instruction in a positive and welcoming learning environment.

Our program has helped many people to develop their English-language skills, so why not give it a try?

Students are placed in classes that are tailored to their English ability, and each semester they advance through the levels and modules to prepare them to continue their education at Suffolk County Community College or at another college or university.

Part-Time and Full-Time Programs

The part-time non-credit ESL program consists of four levels and the full-time Intensive English Program (IEP) consists of three levels. In both programs, each level is a prerequisite for the next. The only requirements to enter either program are that students be at least 18 years of age and take a placement test in order to determine their level of proficiency and appropriate placement in a level.

The part-time non-credit ESL program is for those students who:

• have not enrolled at the College in a degree program
• are seeking a less expensive option
• are able to devote only a limited number of hours per week to study
• have language skills at the most basic level
• are seeking to improve language skills for vocational or social reasons
• are unsure of future academic goals

The full-time non-credit Intensive English Program is for those students who:

• want or need to dedicate a significant number of hours per week toward language acquisition
• are preparing for college or university study
• wish to increase their career options

ESL Program Semester (non-credit):

The semester lasts 12 weeks for both programs. Each week, students in the part-time program must attend class for 6 hours and also complete one hour of language lab for a total of 7 hours per week. Depending of the campus, classes are offered during the day, in the evening and on the weekend. Students in the full-time Intensive English Program must attend class for 18 hours per week and complete two hours of language lab for a total of 20 hours a week.

Part-Time ESL Program

Full-Time Intensive English Program (IEP)

Upon successful completion of either Level 4 or the Advanced IEP of the non-credit program, an exit test is given and students are encouraged to pursue college-level work. Students who successfully complete the program also participate in the ESL graduation ceremony. At that time they receive a Certificate of Program Completion which recognizes their achievement.

*Students should be aware that all ESL courses, credit or non-credit, are considered developmental and therefore do not fulfill any degree or certificate requirements.