Intensive English Program (IEP)

The Office of General Education of Southern Methodist University offers a year-long Intensive English Program (IEP). The overall goal of the course of study is to prepare students for academic success at the university level. Enrollment in the program is open to students and professionals outside of the University community preparing for future studies in higher education in the U.S.

Applicants accepted into the program are given an English language proficiency test during the first week of each term and are placed into one of the following levels: upper beginning/lower intermediate, intermediate, upper-intermediate, advanced, and upper advanced. Please note that we do not normally accept students younger than 18 years of age. Each level can be completed during a twelve-week term of study (total 240 classroom hours), and students may join the program at the beginning of any one of the four available terms. Application for any number of terms is welcome; however, joint Spring-Summer Term enrollment is recommended.

The curriculum is divided into two main components: Academic Skills (2-1/2 hours per day) and Communication Skills (1-1/2 hours per day), making a total of 4 class hours per day; class hours are slightly longer in the spring and summer terms.