The ESL Program upholds the Vision, Mission, and Values of the University of San Francisco. Particularly important are the University's core values that include a commitment to:
- excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service
- diversity of perspectives, experiences, and traditions in a global context
- respect for promotion and the dignity of every person

Effective writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills are central to the University of San Francisco's mission and the hallmark of an educated person. Together the divisions of the Department stress all aspects of communication, literacy, and rhetoric. The divisions are (1) the Division of Communication, offering a major in Communication Studies, (2) the ESL Program, and (3) the Rhetoric and Composition Program.

There are three ESL programs:
ESL classes for matriculated international students are open only to students who are conditionally admitted to the University and need to improve their English skills. Courses are at high intermediate and advanced levels.

Intensive English classes are offered year-round and include 20-26 hours of instruction a week. Individuals are not admitted to USF degree programs. Classes are at intermediate and advanced levels.

Special programs can be designed for groups and can have a content focus, such as business English or U.S. culture.

Intro to ESL Program:
Since 1974, the University of San Francisco has offered programs in English as a Second Language (ESL) for non-native speakers of English. Individuals study to improve their language skills for academic, professional, or personal reasons. Several types of programs are offered.
The Intensive English Program: Admission to the IEP is open to individuals who are 18 years of age or older and/or have completed their secondary school education. Admission to the IEP does not mean admission to the University of San Francisco degree program.

Features of the IEP include:
Year-round program: two 15-week semesters in the fall (August to December) and spring (January to May) semesters and two six-week sessions during the summer.
Up to 26 hours of instruction per week.
Instruction at intermediate to advanced proficiency levels
Cultural component to courses
Academic preparation
Small class size (15 students on average)
Elective courses such as TOEFL preparation, English through computers, and U.S. culture though film.

ESL courses for matriculated students: Non-native speakers of English applying to USF degree programs must submit official results of either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The minimum score is TOEFL 550 on the paper and pencil test or TOEFL 213 on the computer-based test or 6.0 band score on the IELTS. Applicants who do not have a sufficient TOEFL or IELTS score may be admitted to USF degree programs on an English Conditional basis, except for the School of Nursing. To enroll in a USF degree program, a student must apply to and be accepted by the USF Office of Admission.

Special Programs: The ESL Program can design programs for special groups upon request. Special programs may be at any time during the year.