English as Second Language
Program Adult and Continuing Education Programs Overview · Mt. San Antonio College · 2026-2027 Catalog
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 - Literacy Level
- ESL - Beginning Level
- ESL - Intermediate Level
- ESL - Advanced Level
- ESL Oral Communication - Literacy Level
- ESL Oral Communication - Beginning Level
- ESL Oral Communication - Intermediate Level
- ESL Oral Communication - Advanced Level
- ESL Written Communication - Literacy Level
- ESL Written Communication - Beginning Level
- ESL Written Communication - Intermediate Level
- ESL Written Communication - 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
VESL Career Paths
Certificate of Competency #35611
VESL Career Paths is a 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 program in order to receive a VESL certificate.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will adapt language choice and style according to purpose, task, and audience appropriately in various academic and workplace contexts.
- Students will write a multi-paragraph composition using various rhetorical modes, such as explanatory, comparison-contrast, problem-solution, and persuasive.
- Students will demonstrate comprehensive skills in advanced English language proficiency, computer literacy, and education and career exploration.
Review Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for this program.
Program Outline
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| ESL VSPK | VESL Speaking | |
| ESL VWRT | VESL Writing | |
| BS CNSL5 | Career and Life Planning for ESL | |
| VOC CS41 | Office Management Skills | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended Electives | ||
| ESL LANG2 | VESL Language and Computer Skills Lab | |
| ESL LANG3 | English for Special Uses | |
| ESL TOEFL | TOEFL Preparation (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | |
| ESL VHLTH | English for Health Professionals | |
| ESL 72 | American English Pronunciation | |
| ESL 90 | College Preparation Writing for English Language Learners | |
| VOC CS11 | Computer Keyboarding | |
| VOC CS12 | Intermediate Computer Keyboarding | |
| BS LRN50 | Learning Support Laboratory | |
*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
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 be able to demonstrate literacy-level proficiency in English comprehension.
- Students will be able to demonstrate literacy-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
Recommended Electives
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESL SPKFD | ESL - Speaking Foundations | |
| ESL WRTFD | ESL - Writing Foundations | |
| ESL SPKP1 | ESL - Speaking A for Beginners (Pre-1) | |
| ESL WRTP1 | ESL - Writing A for Beginners (Pre-1) | |
| ESL READP | ESL - Reading A for Beginners (Pre-1) | |
| ESL PRONP | ESL - Pronunciation A for Beginners (Pre-1) | |
| ESL GVRP1 | ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review A for Beginners (Pre-1) | |
| ESL LANG1 | ESL Language Skills Laboratory | |
| ESL LANG3 | English for Special Uses | |
| ESL CULTR | ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners | |
| BS LRN50 | Learning Support Laboratory |
ESL - Beginning Level
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, 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 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
Recommended Electives
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESL SPKA | ESL - Speaking A | |
| ESL WRTA | ESL - Writing A | |
| ESL READA | ESL - Reading A | |
| ESL PRONA | ESL - Pronunciation A | |
| ESL GVRA | ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review A | |
| ESL LANG1 | ESL Language Skills Laboratory | |
| ESL LANG3 | English for Special Uses | |
| ESL CULTR | ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners | |
| BS LRN50 | Learning Support Laboratory |
ESL - Intermediate Level
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, 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 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
Recommended Electives
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESL SPKB | ESL - Speaking B | |
| ESL WRTB | ESL - Writing B | |
| ESL READB | ESL - Reading B | |
| ESL PRONB | ESL - Pronunciation B | |
| ESL GVRB | ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review B | |
| ESL LANG1 | ESL Language Skills Laboratory | |
| ESL LANG3 | English for Special Uses | |
| ESL CULTR | ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners | |
| BS LRN50 | Learning Support Laboratory |
ESL - Advanced Level
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, 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 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
Recommended Electives
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESL SPKC | ESL - Speaking C | |
| ESL WRTC | ESL - Writing C | |
| ESL READC | ESL - Reading C | |
| ESL PRONC | ESL - Pronunciation C | |
| ESL GVRC | ESL - Grammar and Vocabulary Review C | |
| ESL LANG1 | ESL Language Skills Laboratory | |
| ESL LANG3 | English for Special Uses | |
| ESL CULTR | ESL - American Culture Through Media for English Language Learners | |
| ESL TOEFL | TOEFL Preparation (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | |
| ESL VHLTH | English for Health Professionals | |
| ESL 72 | American English Pronunciation | |
| ESL 80 | Intermediate to Advanced Writing and Reading | |
| ESL 81 | American Language Intermediate Reading | |
| BS LRN50 | Learning Support Laboratory |
ESL Oral Communication - Literacy Level
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 | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESL SPKP1 | ESL - Speaking A for Beginners (Pre-1) | |
| ESL PRONP | ESL - Pronunciation A for Beginners (Pre-1) |
ESL Oral Communication - Beginning Level
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
ESL Oral Communication - Intermediate Level
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
ESL Oral Communication - Advanced Level
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
ESL Written Communication - Literacy Level
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 | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ESL WRTP1 | ESL - Writing A for Beginners (Pre-1) | |
| ESL READP | ESL - Reading A for Beginners (Pre-1) |
ESL Written Communication - Beginning Level
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
ESL Written Communication - Intermediate Level
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
ESL Written Communication - Advanced Level
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
Student Support
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
Language Learning Center
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.