This data may not be reflective of the current, published version of the Catalog. To access the most recent version of the Catalog, please visit http://catalog.jwu.edu

English Language Proficiency

As of June 23, 2020, programs in this catalog will no longer be offered to new students at the Denver and North Miami campuses.  At the close of the 2020-2021 academic year (subject to possible courses through the summer of 2021), no programs in this catalog will be offered to any students at the Denver and North Miami campuses, as those campuses will be closing after the end of the 2020-2021 academic year (subject to possible courses through the summer of 2021).

Applicants whose primary language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency. English language proficiency is required for admission to all programs of study at Johnson & Wales University, regardless of country of citizenship or residency. Students who do not provide proof of English proficiency will be enrolled in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program and registered for ESL classes prior to beginning regular degree studies.

Johnson & Wales University’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program allows students to focus on the areas where they need the most improvement. 

English as a Second Language (ESL) Program admission requirements are as follows:

  • Transcript, diploma, certificate or examination results from last program completed or attended. If the student plans to continue matriculating via an academic pathway after ESL, the student must complete the undergraduate or graduate application/enrollment process.

Types of ESL programs:

  • ESL only (with no degree intention) — There is no GPA requirement for this program.
  • ESL (with undergraduate degree intention) — The GPA requirement is the same as the intended undergraduate major.
  • ESL (with graduate degree intention) — The GPA requirement is the same as the intended graduate major.

English Language Placement testing for new ESL students will be given before the beginning of each semester. JWU uses the students’ scores from this testing to place students into the appropriate level of ESL.