English Language Proficiency Policy
The ability to effectively communicate in English — to read, write, and speak the language fluently —is vital for Stevens’ graduate students. Depending on your native language and academic background, you may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency by submitting the results of an English language proficiency exam, such as TOEFL, IELTS, or DuoLingo.
To be considered for admission to Stevens graduate programs, students must score at least 74 on TOEFL iBT, 547 on TOEFL PBT, 6 on IELTS, or 100 on DuoLingo. Effective Fall 2024, the minimum required DuoLingo score will be 110. Please read on to determine the English language proficiency requirements that apply to you.
Requirements Based on TOEFL/IELTS/DuoLingo Scores
BAND 1 Applicants who score in the ranges below are not required to enroll in English Language Communication (ELC) courses: TOEFL iBT: 86 or higher TOEFL PBT: 567 or higher IELTS: 7 or higher DuoLingo: 110 or higher |
BAND 2 Applicants who submit scores in this range below, must either enroll in an English Language Communication (ELC) course during their first semester at Stevens OR complete and pass the Stevens English Communication Proficiency Exam (ECPE)* upon arrival to campus. To be eligible for the ECPE, you must have the following sub-scores: TOEFL: Speaking: 22, Writing 22; IELTS: Speaking: 6.5, Writing 6.5. Students in this score range who do not take and pass the ECPE will be assigned to ELC 081 or ELC 091, depending on the sub-scores from TOEFL or IELTS. Please note that attendance is mandatory for ELC courses. Students who are required to enroll in an ELC course will not be permitted to overload (enroll in more than 12 credits). TOEFL iBT: 79-85 TOEFL PBT: 550-563 IELTS: 6.5 DuoLingo: 105 (Effective Fall 2024, the minimum required DuoLingo score will be 115.) |
BAND 3 Applicants who submit scores in the range below must complete ELC 071. Some students in this score range will be assigned to ELC 081 depending on the sub-scores. Please note that attendance is mandatory for ELC courses. Students who are required to enroll in an ELC course will not be permitted to overload (enroll in more than 12 credits). TOEFL iBT: 74-78 TOEFL PBT: 547 IELTS: 6 DuoLingo: 100 (Effective Fall 2024, the minimum required DuoLingo score will be 110.) |
Note: Placement into ELC courses is dependent on the score that you provide at the time of admission, and new scores WILL NOT be accepted after admission. For detailed information regarding the ELC courses, please review the English Language Communication Courses website.
*English Communication Proficiency Exam (ECPE)
To be eligible for the ECPE, you must have the following sub-scores: TOEFL: Speaking: 22 Writing 22; IELTS: Speaking: 6.5 Writing 6.5. This exam is conducted in person and is designed to assess your ability to communicate successfully in the graduate academic community. Taking the ECPE does not guarantee a waiver from your ELC course. Only students who score a minimum of 4.5 out of 5 on both sections (Speaking and writing) will be granted waivers. There is a $50 fee for the test. You must schedule and take your exam one week before the start of the classes. To register for the ECPE, please contact Dr. Samaneh Jafari, ELC Director, at [email protected]. The ELC offices are located in the Samuel Williams Library, room 300.
Score Reporting
TOEFL/IELTS
Stevens code for TOEFL/IELTS is 2819. Stevens accepts only official TOEFL/IELTS scores submitted directly by the testing agency. No photocopies of any scores will be accepted. The TOEFL or IELTS scores must be dated within two years of the time your application is processed for review by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Applications will not be reviewed until the scores are submitted.
Duolingo
Applicants have the option to submit their certified results to Stevens through their Duolingo English Test account.
Contact Us
Dr. Samaneh Jafari Director of English Language Communication (ELC) Phone: 201.216.3595 Email: [email protected] | ELC Office location: Samuel Williams Library Room 300 |