English as Second Language

http://www.mtsac.edu/esl/

Classes and programs are available for English language learners at all levels of proficiency, from low literacy to advanced and ready to transition into credit or career pathways. Classes and services include:

  • Orientation and assessment for level placement (Foundations – Level 6)
  • Core level classes focusing on integrated skills (grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing)
  • Skill-focused classes (Speaking, Writing, Pronunciation, and Reading)
  • Specialized courses (TOEFL preparation, Citizenship preparation)
  • Transition to credit and/or career training program (VESL Career Paths)
  • English for Special Uses (ESU) courses (Accounting, Real Estate, and Healthcare)
  • Supplemental ESL workshops, tutoring, and conversation groups
  • Academic and career counseling, educational planning, and annual career conference
  • Workshops and classroom presentations on college and career options
  • ESL Certificates include:
    • VESL Career Paths
    • ESL - Beginning Level
    • ESL - Intermediate Level
    • ESL - Advanced Level

See the left menu for more details.

The ESL office and registration services are located in the Language Center, Building 66. For more information, please contact us at (909) 274-5235, email us at ESLreg@mtsac.edu, or visit us on our website.

VESL Career Paths 

Certificate of Competency
#35611

VESL Career Paths is a two-semester program designed to facilitate advanced level ESL students in transitioning from noncredit ESL to credit and/or vocational certificate programs. The VESL Program builds upon advanced English language proficiency, computer literacy, and education and career exploration skills. Students take the group of courses together in cohorts and must successfully complete the two-semester program in order to receive a VESL certificate.

VESL is for students who:

  • Need more language and work skills for better job opportunities
  • Want a college degree but need to improve English and study skills before transferring to credit
  • Have a college degree and work experience from native country, but need to improve their English so they can earn a vocational certificate
  • Need more English and computer skills in order to be more active in their family's life and in their community

Students who complete the VESL program:

  • Increase English proficiency
  • Gain experience using computers
  • Learn how to design and give media presentations
  • Develop job search and interviewing skills
  • Earn a Certificate of Competency for VESL
  • Earn a General Office Skills Certificate of Completion
Program Outline
Course Prefix Course Name Units
Required Courses
VESL Speaking
VESL Writing
Career and Life Planning for ESL
Office Management Skills
Microcomputer Applications
Course Prefix Course Name Units
Recommended Electives
VESL Language and Computer Skills Lab
English for Special Uses
TOEFL Preparation (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
English for Health Professionals
American English Pronunciation
Accelerated Writing for English Language Learners
Computer Keyboarding
Intermediate Computer Keyboarding
Learning Support Laboratory


VESL 1 (1st Semester)                                      

  1. Office Management Skills (VOC CS41)                      
  2. VESL Speaking (ESL VSPK)                                          
  3. VESL Writing (ESL VWRT)                                                 
  4. Career and Life Planning for ESL (BS CNSL5)

VESL 2 (2nd Semester)

  1. Microcomputer Applications (VOC CSB15)
  2. English (AMLA, credit English, or an elective)

*NOTE:  Students are required to take ALL classes in the VESL program together.

COST:  The VESL program is free, with the exception of course books and campus parking permit.

ESL - Literacy Level

Certificate of Competency
#43747

ESL students are placed within the sequence of literacy-level ESL courses according to their English abilities. Students progress through this sequence based on individual needs before transitioning into beginning-level ESL courses or employment. Supplemental courses including speaking, writing, reading, pronunciation, grammar, vocational language, and learning support courses will assist their progress through the sequence and may be taken along with ESL level courses as needed.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will effectively communicate with and respond to varied audiences in written, spoken, and artistic forms including developing and expressing ideas in writing with clarity and fluency.
  • Students will apply creative, computational, and analytical skills to identify and solve problems, analyze information, synthesize and evaluate ideas, and transform existing ideas into new forms including developing informed conclusions based upon the collection, examination, and synthesis of evidence.
  • Students will use resources and technologies to locate, evaluate, synthesize, and communicate information in various formats including locating, evaluating and choosing credible textual and other sources for information.
  • Students will demonstrate awareness and respect for personal, social, civic, and environmental responsibilities by setting, evaluating, and monitoring academic, career, financial, and personal goals through the development of educational plans.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Foundations
ESL - Pre-Level 1

Recommended Electives

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Speaking Foundations
ESL - Writing Foundations
ESL - Speaking A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Writing A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Reading A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Pronunciation A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL Language Skills Laboratory
English for Special Uses
ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners
Learning Support Laboratory

ESL - Beginning Level

Certificate of Competency
#38082

ESL students are placed within the sequence of beginning-level ESL courses according to their English abilities. Students progress through this sequence based on individual needs before transitioning into intermediate-level ESL courses or employment. Supplemental courses including speaking, writing, reading, pronunciation, vocational language, and learning support courses will assist their progress through the sequence and may be taken along with ESL level courses as needed. 

Program Learning Outcomes

The goal of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for students with beginning-level English language proficiency is to provide students with course work and support in order to strengthen their English abilities as well as academic and career preparation. Furthermore, the program’s objective is to prepare students to transition into intermediate-level ESL courses and gain employment. In order to receive an ESL Beginning Level Certificate, students successfully complete the required Career Development and College Preparation (CDCP) courses and demonstrate their skill achievement in beginning-level English language proficiency by passing the department standardized comprehensive final examination - ESL Program Level Outcome (PLO) for Beginning Level ESL. 

  • Students will be able to demonstrate beginning-level proficiency in English comprehension.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate beginning-level proficiency in speaking and writing.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in English communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Foundations
ESL - Pre-Level 1
ESL - Level 1
ESL - Level 2

Recommended Electives

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Speaking Foundations
ESL - Writing Foundations
ESL - Speaking A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Writing A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Reading A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Pronunciation A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Speaking A
ESL - Writing A
ESL - Reading A
ESL - Pronunciation A
ESL Language Skills Laboratory
English for Special Uses
ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners
Learning Support Laboratory

ESL - Intermediate Level

Certificate of Competency
#38097

ESL students are placed within the sequence of intermediate-level ESL courses according to their English abilities. Students progress through this sequence based on individual needs before transitioning into advanced-level ESL courses or employment. Supplemental courses including speaking, writing, reading, pronunciation, vocational language, and learning support courses will assist their progress through the sequence and may be taken along with ESL level courses as needed.

Program Learning Outcomes

The goal of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for students with intermediate-level English language proficiency is to provide students with course work and support in order to strengthen their English abilities as well as academic and career preparation. Furthermore, the program’s objective is to prepare students to transition into advanced-level ESL courses and gain employment. In order to receive an ESL Intermediate Level Certificate, students successfully complete the required Career Development and College Preparation (CDCP) courses and demonstrate their skill achievement in intermediate-level English language proficiency by passing the department standardized comprehensive final examination - ESL Program Level Outcome (PLO) for Intermediate Level ESL. 

  • Students will be able to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in English comprehension.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in speaking and writing.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in English communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Level 3
ESL - Level 4

Recommended Electives 

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Speaking B
ESL - Writing B
ESL - Reading B
ESL - Pronunciation B
ESL Language Skills Laboratory
English for Special Uses
ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners
Basic to Intermediate Writing and Reading
Learning Support Laboratory

ESL - Advanced Level

Certificate of Competency
#38094

ESL students are placed within the sequence of advanced-level ESL courses according to their English abilities. Students progress through this sequence based on individual needs before transitioning into credit courses or employment. Supplemental courses including speaking, writing, reading, pronunciation, vocational language, and learning support courses will assist their progress through the sequence and may be taken along with ESL level courses as needed. 

Program Learning Outcomes

The goal of the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program for students with advanced-level English language proficiency is to provide students with course work and support in order to continue strengthening their English abilities as well as academic and career preparation. Furthermore, the program’s objective is to prepare students to advance into the VESL Career Paths program, transition from noncredit ESL to credit/vocational programs, and gain employment. In order to receive an ESL Advanced Level Certificate, students successfully complete the required Career Development and College Preparation (CDCP) courses and demonstrate their skill achievement in advanced-level English language proficiency by passing the department standardized comprehensive final examination - ESL Program Level Outcome (PLO) for Advanced Level ESL. 

  • Students will be able to demonstrate advanced-level proficiency in English comprehension.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate advanced-level proficiency in speaking and writing.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in English communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Level 5
ESL - Level 6

Recommended Electives

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Speaking C
ESL - Writing C
ESL - Reading C
ESL - Pronunciation C
ESL Language Skills Laboratory
English for Special Uses
ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners
TOEFL Preparation (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
English for Health Professionals
American English Pronunciation
Intermediate to Advanced Writing and Reading
Learning Support Laboratory

ESL Oral Communication - Literacy Level

Certificate of Competency
#42753

The ESL Oral Communication Program for students with literacy-level English language proficiency provides course work and support to develop foundational listening and speaking skills as well as pronunciation in American English in order to communicate in familiar situations they encounter at school, work, and in the community. The program includes targeted instruction and practice in listening comprehension, pronunciation, and conversation strategies within the context of literacy-level vocabulary and grammar structures.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate literacy-level proficiency in speaking skills.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate literacy-level proficiency in pronunciation skills.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in oral communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Speaking A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Pronunciation A for Beginners (Pre-1)

ESL Oral Communication - Beginning Level

Certificate of Competency
#42756

The ESL Oral Communication Program for students with beginning-level English language proficiency provides course work and support to develop basic pronunciation, listening, and speaking skills in American English in order to effectively communicate in familiar situations they encounter at school, work, and in the community. The program includes targeted instruction and practice in listening comprehension, pronunciation, and conversation strategies within the context of beginning-level vocabulary and grammar structures.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate beginning-level proficiency in speaking skills.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate beginning-level proficiency in pronunciation skills.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in oral communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Speaking A
ESL - Pronunciation A

ESL Oral Communication - Intermediate Level

Certificate of Competency
#42757

The ESL Oral Communication Program for students with intermediate-level English language proficiency provides course work and support to improve their pronunciation, listening, and speaking skills in American English in order to achieve effective communication at college, work, and in the community. The program includes targeted instruction and practice in listening comprehension, pronunciation, conversation strategies, and oral presentations within the context of intermediate-level vocabulary and grammar structures.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in speaking skills.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in pronunciation skills.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in oral communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Speaking B
ESL - Pronunciation B

ESL Oral Communication - Advanced Level

Certificate of Competency
#42754

The ESL Oral Communication Program for students with advanced-level English language proficiency provides course work and support to strengthen their pronunciation, listening, and speaking skills in American English in order to achieve more effective communication at college, work, and in the community. The program includes targeted instruction and practice in advanced skills in listening comprehension, pronunciation, conversation strategies, and oral presentations within the context of advanced vocabulary and grammar structures.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate advanced-level proficiency in speaking skills.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate advanced-level proficiency in pronunciation skills.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in oral communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Speaking C
ESL - Pronunciation C

ESL Written Communication - Literacy Level

Certificate of Competency
#42758

The ESL Written Communication Program for students with literacy-level English language proficiency provides course work and support to develop foundational reading and writing skills in order to communicate in familiar situations they encounter at school, work, and in the community. The program includes targeted instruction and practice in reading and writing skills within the context of literacy-level vocabulary and grammar structures.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate literacy-level proficiency in writing skills.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate literacy-level proficiency in reading skills.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in written communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Writing A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Reading A for Beginners (Pre-1)

ESL Written Communication - Beginning Level

Certificate of Competency
#42755

The ESL Written Communication Program for students with beginning-level English language proficiency provides course work and support to develop basic reading and writing skills in order to effectively communicate in familiar situations they encounter at school, work, and in the community. The program includes targeted instruction and practice in reading and writing skills within the context of beginning-level vocabulary and grammar structures.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate beginning-level proficiency in writing skills.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate beginning-level proficiency in reading skills.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in written communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Writing A
ESL - Reading A

ESL Written Communication - Intermediate Level

Certificate of Competency
#42727

The ESL Written Communication Program for students with intermediate-level English language proficiency provides course work and support to improve their reading and writing skills in order to develop effective written communication skills for academic, employment, and personal purposes. The program includes targeted instruction and practice in reading and writing skills within the context of intermediate-level vocabulary and grammar structures.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in writing skills.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate intermediate-level proficiency in reading skills.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in written communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Writing B
ESL - Reading B

ESL Written Communication - Advanced Level

Certificate of Competency
#42726

The ESL Written Communication Program for students with advanced-level English language proficiency provides course work and support to strengthen their reading and writing skills in order to achieve effective formal and informal written communication skills for academic, employment, and personal purposes. The program includes targeted instruction and practice in advanced skills in reading and writing within the context of advanced vocabulary and grammar structures.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate advanced-level proficiency in writing skills.
  • Students will be able to demonstrate advanced-level proficiency in reading skills.
  • Student will indicate increased confidence in written communication skills.

Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.

Required Courses

Course Prefix Course Name Units
ESL - Writing C
ESL - Reading C

Counseling Services:

The ESL Counseling Team offers academic, career, and personal/educational counseling to assist current and prospective students in developing their educational plans, coordinating their career goals, and navigating the American educational system. Students are encouraged to visit or call the office for appointments; walk-in appointments are also available. Some services include:

  • Providing orientation and educational planning to noncredit students
  • Defining values, skills, aptitudes, and abilities for the right career choice
  • Exploring careers of interest and pathways leading to them
  • Providing workshops to help transition into credit classes
  • Researching license, degree, and transfer of units/credit
  • Finding referrals to campus and community resources
  • Access to computers and printers in the Career Guidance Center

For more information, call (909) 274-5715 or email at ESLCounseling@mtsac.edu.

Learning Resources:

The ESL Department offers a variety of learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom in order to help support students with development of effective English communication and lifelong habits of learning. Some of these services include:

  • ESL Library reading and writing material for all levels and available for check out
  • Workshops on special topics such as learning styles and vocabulary development
  • Language Learning Center open lab for independent practice
  • Tutoring services in grammar and writing
Course Prefix Course Name Units
Basic to Intermediate Writing and Reading
American English Pronunciation
Intermediate to Advanced Writing and Reading
Accelerated Writing for English Language Learners
ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners
ESL - Foundations
ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review A
ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review B
ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review C
ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Pre-Level 1
ESL Language Skills Laboratory
VESL Language and Computer Skills Lab
English for Special Uses
ESL - Level 1
ESL - Level 2
ESL - Level 3
ESL - Level 4
ESL - Level 5
ESL - Level 6
ESL - Pronunciation A
ESL - Pronunciation B
ESL - Pronunciation C
ESL - Pronunciation A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Reading A
ESL - Reading B
ESL - Reading C
ESL - Reading A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Speaking Foundations
ESL - Speaking A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Speaking A
ESL - Speaking B
ESL - Speaking C
English for Health Professionals
VESL Speaking
VESL Writing
ESL - Writing Foundations
ESL - Writing A for Beginners (Pre-1)
ESL - Writing A
ESL - Writing B
ESL - Writing C
Citizenship for Naturalization
TOEFL Preparation (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Career and Life Planning for ESL
Learning Support Laboratory
Computer Keyboarding
Intermediate Computer Keyboarding
Microcomputer Applications
Office Management Skills

Language Learning Center

Mt. San Antonio College’s Language Learning Center (LLC) provides faculty guided, as well as independent, learning opportunities for ESL, AMLA, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, and Sign Language. Located in the Learning Technology Center, Building 77, room 1005, the LLC serves both credit and noncredit students learning a language. Users of the LLC may register year-round. Offerings include:

  • Interactive language software in all supported languages
  • DVD’s, videos, audio recordings
  • Pronunciation software

For more information on the LLC, contact (909) 274-4580.

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