English Proficiency

Graduate Programs

If English is not your native language and you are not from an exempt country, even if you are currently a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and regardless of how long you have resided or been educated in the U.S.*, you must demonstrate English proficiency by providing evidence through one of the following methods:

• Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test, the Michigan English Test (MET) (replaces MELAB), Duolingo English Test, or Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE). Scores must be no more than two years old. The minimum acceptable scores are as follows:

• TOEFL Internet-based test: 84 (institution code 1853)
• TOEFL Essentials: overall score of 8.5
• IELTS: 6.5 (Academic Writing not General Training)
• Duolingo: 110
• Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 176 (scores should be from within the past five years)
• Pearson PTE Academic: overall score of 56
• MET: overall score of 52 (B2 level)
• ECPE: Certificate of proficiency
• Provide an official transcript showing one of the following:  a degree earned at an accredited U.S. college or university OR a degree earned at a foreign institution where the language of instruction was exclusively English** OR successful completion (‘C’ or higher) of ENG 111 or ENG 112 or its equivalent.

*If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and wish to waive this requirement, you may make your case to the director of your program of application. The director, in turn, must make the case to the Director of Graduate Programs. You must provide sufficient evidence that you have the requisite English proficiency. Please note that some programs or departments may prohibit exceptions to the requirements.

**The university reserves the right to require an applicant to provide other evidence of English proficiency if independent sources cannot verify that the language of instruction was exclusively English.

Physician Assistant (MS) applicants: see Physician Assistant (MS) Requirements for details on English Proficiency requirements.