Graduate courses

Graduate courses in the EAP program

There are two EAP courses for graduate students: 

  • ENG G513: Academic Writing for Graduate Students (3 cr)– Focusing on writing for academic purposes, assignments are given that use materials from the students’ academic disciplines. 
  • ENG G520: Communication Skills for Graduate Students and ITAs (3 cr) –While focusing on the speaking and presentation skills required of International Teaching Assistants (ITAs), this class may also include non-ITAs who need to develop their spoken language skills or wish to have ITA positions in the future. Skills include pronunciation, classroom interaction, presentations, seminar discussions, and basic teaching strategies. 

Graduate students are placed into one or both courses based on the criteria outlined below.

Students who need to take both courses will typically take one class at a time, along with their regular coursework, although some students will take both classes in one semester. 

Both G513 and G520 carry credit towards the Ph.D. minor in Communicating Science as well as the individualized minor. By applying the credit from G513 and G520 toward these minors, you can demonstrate your superior ability to communicate science in English to future employers!

Placement Criteria for ENG G513

Graduate students are placed into ENG G513: Academic Writing for Graduate Students based on the EAP Placement Test essay score.

EAP Placement Test essay score values: 

  • Essay score = 4/4→ No G513 required.
  • Essay score < 4→ Student must take G513.

Even if the overall test score is high (≥80%), weak writing can still require G513.

Students should usually take G513 in their first semester if the course is needed.

Placement Criteria for ENG G520

Graduate student placement into ENG G520: Communication Skills for Graduate Students and ITAs is determined mainly by the SPEAK Test outcomes (required for students seeking TA-ships or instructional roles).

SPEAK Test outcomes:

  • 50–60→ Pass. Student is eligible to be a TA. No G520 required.
  • 40–49→ Student may serve as a TA but must take G520 at the same time.
  • ≤39→ Student must successfully complete G520 before being allowed to TA or hold any instructional role.
  • G520 may also be assigned (though rarely) from the EAP Placement Test if listening/oral skills are weak.

More information

Questions about EAP placements and courses may be directed to the EAP program director, Estela Ene.