English Language Requirements

International students are required to demonstrate a level of competence in English sufficient to meet both the admission requirements and the demands of the Daniels College of Business graduate programs. To demonstrate this level of competence and to move forward in the admission review process, a number of predictive indicators will be assessed. These indicators include:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS);
• GMAT – specifically the verbal section and Analytical Writing Assessment;
• Listening comprehension and articulation of English during an admission interview
• Previous English course work

Applicants with a bachelors or previous masters degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution and/or whose native language is English are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS

All Daniels students are expected to read, write and speak English fluently. International students must demonstrate a proficiency in the English language by taking the TOEFL or the IELTS. Applicants with a regionally accredited bachelors degree from a U.S. institution or other institution in which the medium of instruction is English and/or whose native language is English are exempt from the TOEFL/IELTS requirement.

Minimum Requirement (Revised August 1, 2007)

Beginning with the Spring 2008 entry term, a minimum score of 230 computer-based (cbt), 570 paper-based (pbt) or 88 Internet-based (ibt) is required to be considered for admission. An IELTS score of 6.5 or higher is required to be considered for admission. During the International Student Pre-Orientation Conference, an assessment will be made of all admitted students whose native language is not English to determine if additional English language preparation is required. This may necessitate an additional 1-2 quarters of English language course work and a reduced course load at the Daniels College of Business during that time.

Note: The Admissions Committee at the Daniels College of Business reserves the right to require additional English language preparation of any international student as a condition of acceptance.

Conditional Acceptance

Applicants with a TOEFL or IELTS score below the minimum requirements may be considered for conditional admission if the applicant is otherwise academically admissible. To ensure that international students will be well prepared for study at the Daniels College of Business, conditionally admitted students will be evaluated by the English Language Center (ELC) at theUniversity of Denver. Based on recommendations made after this evaluation, the student will then be required to enroll in full-time intensive language courses at the ELC. This will require a commitment of 10 weeks to 18 months, depending on placement test results and individual student progress. Successful completion of the prescribed English language course(s) is required prior to enrollment in any courses at the Daniels College of Business.

Preparation and Registration

Applicants can get the details about preparing and registering for the TOEFL from ETS, which administers the TOEFL. Below are links to the TOELF bulletins:

Internet-based TOEFL testing

Paper-based and computer-based TOEFL testing

People’s Republic of China

If you are testing in the People’s Republic of China, contact NEEA for a special edition of the TOEFL Bulletin.

NEEA

English Language Center/Graduate Preparation Program            

The University of Denver’s English Language Center prepares international students with the language skills and cultural adjustments needed to succeed in university programs. A variety of English language programs are available, and are led by our highly qualified, dedicated English instructors. The program most relevant for incoming graduate students is the Graduate Preparation Program (GPP). Additionally, English language programs are available for spouses of international students.

All international students whose native language is not English are encouraged to enroll in the GPP, one quarter prior to the start of graduate study. The GPP program is not required, but is strongly recommended since the program excels at preparing students for success in any graduate business program.

A re-evaluation of English language skills will be conducted at International Student Orientation, two weeks prior to the start of graduate course work. Required evaluations include written and spoken English exams. Tutoring or additional language labs may be required based on the results of the English evaluation, which may delay the first quarter of study in the graduate program. For this reason, we strongly encourage applicants to enroll in the GPP program one quarter prior to beginning graduate studies.