The College of Professional Studies requires all speakers of English as a second language to take and pass one of several available proficiency exams.
If you are looking for English and academic preparation programs, visit our English Language Center. The English Language Center at Northeastern University offers English as a second language (ESL) and academic preparation programs for international students who intend to apply to an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a U.S.-based University.
English Language
Proficiency Test
Minimum Score Required for Admission
Test description
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Computer-based
213
This test measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings.
Paper-based
550
This test is an assessment tool composed of previously administered TOEFL paper-based test that measures individuals’ English proficiency at the intermediate-to-advanced levels.
Internet-based (IBT)
79
This test is internet based and measures four specific areas of English language skills including speaking, listening, writing and reading.
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
700
The TOEIC assessment measures the ability of non-native English speaking people to use English in everyday work activities.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
6.0
The IELTS measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills listening, reading, writing, and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
Secondary Level English Proficiency
Global: 90
Composition: 70
This test is designed to measure the English language listening and reading comprehension of students whose native language is not English.
Sending Us Your Results
You should arrange to have the testing agency send your scores directly to the College of Professional Studies :
Northeastern University College of Professional Studies International Admissions 360 Huntington Ave. 50 NI Boston, MA 02115
For TOEFL test takers, the code number for College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University is: 4999.
Conditional Acceptance
The College offers international applicants English language programs that are designed to help you improve your English language skills before you enter an American classroom. Through these programs, the College offers conditional acceptance to both an English language program and a degree program, providing you with:
Assured admission to your desired College of Professional Studies degree program once you have met English-language requirements
Certificate of Eligibility (I-20) for you to use in applying for a student visa
English Language Program Information
Global Pathways offers international students a three to nine-month program of intensive English language training and university study skills preparation
The English Language Center at the College of Professional Studies helps international students improve English language proficiency through programs that also assist students in making a smooth transition into American classrooms.
College of Professional Studies Testing Center
Through the English Language Center, the College of Professional Studies offers proficiency testing services to those located in or around the Boston area. Specifically, the College administers the Secondary Level English Proficiency exam (SLEP) which is designed to measure the English language listening and reading comprehension of non-native speakers of English. This test is offered on the following dates:
The College of Professional Studies will waive the English Language Proficiency Test requirements if you:
Are a native speaker of English
Have received a score of 450 or better on the verbal section of the GRE
Have received a score of 500 or better on the verbal section of the SAT
Earned an Associate degree from a community college within the United States within the last two years
Have completed 2 years of full-time education in English at a middle school, high school, college, or university
Have completed full-time English study within the past three years at an intensive English Language program and can produce documentation of passing scores
Have obtained the equivalent of 60 transferable semester credits within the past 3 years with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (for undergraduate applicants) or a GPA of 3.0 (for graduate applicants) from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States and where English is the primary language of instruction
Note: All of the above are subject to evaluation by the College of Professional Studies. A student’s English may be re-evaluated upon arrival and English language courses may be recommended.
