The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) provides non-native English speakers with specific language skills to prepare them for entering a U.S. university or the global marketplace. University of San Diego's English Language Academy (ELA) maintains a rigorous academic course of study, with a focus on five core skills and TOEFL preparation. Many of our successful graduates have gone on to undergraduate and graduate programs across the country.
Who Should Attend: International students who are considering entering a U.S. university or the global marketplace.
Materials and Textbooks: costs of materials and textbooks are included in the tuition.
Accommodations: Students may have an opportunity to stay in the university’s student residence halls. They are modern, clean and comfortable apartments, generally for eight students in twin-study bedrooms with two communal bathrooms and a living area. Each residence has its own reception area, round-the-clock security, vending machines and laundry facilities. Residential students have full-board which includes three meals per day. Campus housing is not available for the Short Term Intensive English Language Program.
Instructors: USD faculty and experienced practitioners provide a stimulating and participative learning environment. All instructors have earned a Master's Degree or higher.
Number of Sessions: 54
Textbooks/materials are included in the price of tuition; Application Fee ($200) is non-refundable.
This course requires an application process to be completed prior to enrollment. Note: this process requires a non-refundable $200 payment.
Number of Sessions: 29
Number of Sessions: 74
No classes during the Thanksgiving Break; November 25-27, 2026.
Number of Sessions: 39
Textbooks/materials are included in the price of tuition. Application Fee ($200) is non-refundable.
Of note: at the English Language Academy, Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are specific to each skill/level.
Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.
The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.
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Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals.
Online fixed-date courses are delivered virtually but follow a predetermined schedule, requiring students to complete assignments, participate in discussions, and take assessments by specific deadlines—much like a traditional classroom. The key difference is that while traditional courses are conducted in person at set times and locations, online fixed-date courses allow students to engage remotely, offering more flexibility in where they learn while preserving structure and accountability through fixed timelines. (Note: Any scheduled Zoom sessions will be outlined on the class schedule.) These courses have fixed start and finish dates, but as an online student you will have 24/7 online access to your classroom assignments, syllabus and course resources. Instructor feedback is shared along with the graded assignments.
How is the learning structured? Each online fixed-date course is asynchronous, meaning that you can work on your assignments anytime, although you are required to complete the assignments by specific dates. The course is designed with learning modules where all of the content is grouped into weekly assignments. Each module covers one or more topics. Within each of the learning modules, you can expect the following components:
• Module introduction that outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
• Required readings (textbook, articles, journals, etc.) and presentations (audio and/or video).
• Assignments with due dates (which may include: written assignments, journal entries, research, blogs, etc.) based on the readings and presentations.
• Discussion forum where you answer prompts from the instructor and interact with your classmates.
• Module conclusion to review the topics and what you should have learned.
Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that culminates all of the topics covered in each of the learning modules. You’ll find that the design of the learning modules has a rhythm to help you manage your time in the course.
Our individualized, skill-based placement system stimulates dynamic learning for students of varying levels of language proficiency with instruction that is tailored to their unique needs.
Our faculty and staff engage students from around the globe in an enriching, high-quality educational experience where they also build friendships that help stimulate academic success.
Our mission is to help each student thrive while developing the English language skills that position them to achieve personal, professional and academic goals.