Seattle Central International Education Programs - Frequently Asked Questions: Programs

Frequently Asked Questions:
Programs

This section includes quick answers to some of the most commonly encountered questions about the programs at Seattle Central.

To find answers to other frequently asked questions, choose another category:
Programs // Admission // Finances // Advising // Immigration // Student Life

Answers (General)

1. What programs are available at Seattle Central?

Seattle Central has programs to meet interests for many different applicants:

The Intensive English Program, through the Seattle Central Institute of English, offers 6 levels of intensive English as a Second Language. Lower levels of study include general Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. Upper levels include the Advanced English Program.

College Bridge is a part-time ESL, part-time college program that allows students to earn college credit while improving their skills in English Reading and Writing. Students who finish the program may enroll for ENG 101 and full-time college courses.

College Transfer is a two year program designed for students who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in the United States. Student complete either an AA or an AS degree in two years and then transfer to a 4-year college or university and complete the bachelor's degree in approximately 2 years.

High School Completion is a college-level program that allows students who have not completed secondary school to earn a Washington State High School Diploma

Workforce Education Programs provide technical education and training in over 30 different fields. Most programs are 2 years in length and lead to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, although some offer certificate programs.

The Short-term Certificate Program allows students to take classes in a specific field of study and earn a certificate in 3, 6 or 9 months. A 510 TOEFL is required.

The International Internship Program allows students to study for 9 months in a specific field of study, then take a 3 month internship where they can apply their experiences.
A 470 TOEFL score is required.

2. Can I complete a 4-year degree at Seattle Central Community College?

As a rule, community colleges do not offer 4-year degrees. Applicants who would like to complete a 4-year degree can begin their studies at Seattle Central in an Associate transfer program and transfer to a 4-year college or university after completing their 2-year degree. (see information on college transfer ).

3. What can I major in at Seattle Central Community College?

Technically, students enrolled in transfer degrees at community colleges do not have a major yet. The first two years of any bachelor's degree in the United States is spent completing general education and pre-major courses (i.e., courses that prepare students to enter their major course of study). Students are generally "pre-majors" in a particular area. Fortunately, Seattle Central Community College offers a wide range of courses that allow transfer students to major in almost any subject offered through universities in the United States (please note: it is important for students to check the specific requirements of the university or college where they will transfer).

Applicants interested in workforce education programs can choose from over 30 different fields of study (Workforce Education Programs)

4. What is the average class size in the Institute of English and the college program?

The average size of a class in the Institute of English is 15. College classes vary from 25 to 35, depending on the type of class it is.

Answers (Institute of English)

1. What ESL programs are available at Seattle Central Community College?

The Institute of English offers a wide range of classes to meet the needs of international students who would like to improve their language skills.

The Intensive English Program offers full-time ESL preparation at the basic and intermediate levels. At the advanced level, students can choose from reading and writing in the College Bridge program and a variety of elective courses.

The College Bridge Program offers academic reading and writing classes, and prepares students for full-time study in college degree programs.

2. How many levels are there?

SCIE has 6 levels. Levels 1, 2 and 3 are Beginning, Intermediate and High-Intermediate. After completing the High-Intermediate level (3), students may choose to continue advanced elective studies or join the College Bridge program. Advanced students may study reading and writing as part of the College Bridge program in addition to advanced electives. There are 3 levels in College Bridge - Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced. Students who complete the advanced level of College Bridge may enter Seattle Central directly. See The Institute of English and College Bridge for more information about the classes and programs.

3. How long does it take to complete a level?

Each level takes one quarter to complete.

4. How will you choose my level?

You will take a placement test on the first day of orientation (the week before SCIE classes start). This test has reading, listening and writing sections. On the second day of orientation, you will have a short interview and a chance to speak individually with a teacher. You will be placed in the appropriate level according to the results of this test. TOEFL scores are used for admission only, NOT for placement. The exception is students with iBT scores of 68 or above WITH a 18 or above on the essay. Please see English Proficiency for more information.

5. How long will I have to study English?

There is no simple answer to this question. A motivated student could begin in level 1 and be ready for College Bridge in 9 months or 3 quarters, but some students may require more or less time. Similarly, a student entering the College Bridge program at the lowest level could be ready for full-time credit classes in 9 months, give or take a quarter. As mentioned above, you will be placed in a level based on your test results. The higher the level you start, the sooner you will finish.

6. How can I finish the English program more quickly?

Students who use English in AND out of class may be able to move up more quickly. Students may be recommended to "skip" a level during the first week of the quarter or at the end of the quarter. To do this, students must demonstrate to their teachers that their English ability is higher than the next level's requirements. It happens often - hard work can get results!

7. Can I take college courses while I'm studying English?

Yes! Students in College Bridge generally take one college class each quarter. See College Bridge for more information about these courses.

8. Will I be automatically admitted to Seattle Central when I finish the English program?

Yes! Students who complete the Advanced level of College Bridge begin full time college studies without further testing or applications.

9. How many students are in each class?

Class size varies but the average class size is 15.

10. Can I get a job while I'm studying at SCIE?

You are only allowed to work on campus. Students may work up to 20 hours per week during the quarter and may work as many as 40 hours a week during vacation. Many international students find work on campus. Most jobs require at least high-intermediate language skills. See Job Referral for more information.

Answers (Workforce Education Programs)

1. How do I apply for a workforce education program?

Applicants who are interested in workforce education programs should start by applying for admission to the college. Applicants should then either attend an information session for the program they are interested in, or contact the program division for more detailed information (see information on Workforce Education Programs).

2. What are the special requirements for a workforce education program?

Many of the workforce education programs at Seattle Central have special entry requirements and restricted entry dates. It is highly recommended that interested applicants contact the division at the college offering these programs to find out when new students are accepted and ask about any additional entry requirements. Divisional information is available on the Seattle Central Community College web site. (See information on Workforce Education Programs).

Answers (Short-Term Certificate Programs)

1. What kind of Short-term programs are available?

Seattle Central offers several 3, 6 or 9 month Short-Term Certificate Programs in the following areas:

Business Administration, Business Information Systems, Computer Studies, Fine Arts (Music, Art), Modern Communication, Global Studies and American Studies. (see information on Short-Term Certificate Program)

Several of the workforce education programs also offer certificate options, some of which can be earned in 9 months (see information on workforce education programs).