The English as a Second Language (ESL) Program at Morgan State University is committed to providing intensive language instruction and enrich local and regional cultural experiences which will empower our students that are learning English as a second language to become successful students in the mainstream classroom and productive members of our community at home and beyond. At Morgan, learning a language is much more than memorizing a set of rules - it is a dynamic, vibrant experience.
As students explore our ESL programming, they will find that we offer excursions to local museums like the Walters, to spirited athletic events such as Orioles baseball games, and to picturesque areas like Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. We also endeavor to pair our ESL students with students from our undergraduate student body for the mutual exchange of linguistic and cultural experiences. It is through these exchanges that students might make lasting connections to Morgan state University and to our community.
The ESL Program at Morgan State University consists of three interrelated components: language instruction, cultural immersion, and educational field experiences. the program’s foundational aim is to increase students’ oral and written proficiency in standard American English.
This is accomplished through classroom and laboratory-based education in spaces designated for ESL instruction. However, our programs extend beyond the conventional classroom. We immerse our students in the English language through the study of American and African-American popular culture that includes a series of lectures, workshops, and excursions. This communicative approach is proven to reinforce language instruction by emphasizing meaningful speech, vocabulary acquisition and oral communication over simple content mastery.
Our programs reach past our community’s vicinity to take full advantage of our geographic proximity to Washington, D.C, Philadelphia and New York City. This method gives international students critical context for understanding American culture and integrating into the University community. we are focused on culture and language immersion: we journey with our students as they delve into cultural events at the University, throughout the city of Baltimore and beyond.
The following courses form the basis for our ESL curriculum. Based on their TOEFL scores and/or previous learning, students may begin their ESL programming with:
- ESL Beginning Literacy (Level 1)
- ESL Beginning Low (Level 2)
- ESL Beginning High (Level 3)
- ESL Intermediate Low (Level 4)
- ESL Intermediate High (Level 5)
- ESL Advanced Low (Level 6)
- ESL Advanced High (Level 7)
Regular programming for the Baltimore community and beyond includes all seven levels of ESL listed above as well as:
- English for specific purposes (nursing, health professions, business, government, sciences, engineering, etc)
- Conversation
- Customized programs
- Online programs available 24/7
- TOEFL preparation
Additional intensive English language programming may also be available. For more information contact:
Charlene Chester, Ph.D.
Director, ESL Program
Assistant Dean for Administration and Community Engagement
College of Liberal Arts
Morgan State University
BSSC 226-I
Baltimore, MD 21251
443-885-3090 (phone)
charlene.chester@morgan.edu
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