English As A Second Language
Career & Academic Pathways >> Language & Communication
Contact Information
Molly May (Department Chair)
(831) 646-3008
mmay@mpc.edu

For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC ESL
• Connect with a Counselor 

Program Overview

Are you a non-native speaker of English who wants to strengthen your English skills? The English as a Second Language (ESL) program has six levels of instruction, from beginning to university-level courses. Beginning levels help you gain fluency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Upper levels include spoken and written practice while focusing on academic English to prepare you for success in university classes. Residents and international students are welcome.

Job Outlook

English is the common language of global business, so being able to communicate well in English will improve your job prospects. Mastering English can result in pay 25% to 40% higher than for those with limited English proficiency. In addition, English has a reputation for being difficult to learn, so graduates who have mastered the language have demonstrated the ability to overcome a challenge and learn a new skill.

Potential Careers

*Preschool Teachers
(may require additional training)

$25,590 - $53,720

*Medical Assistants
(may require additional training)

$26,820 - $59,130

*Dental Assistants
(may require additional training)

$28,710 - $60,820

*Food Service Managers
(may require additional training)

$33,370 - $91,940

*Registered Nurses
(may require additional training)

$71,230 - $163,830

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • English as a Second Language - High-Beginning Level Certificate of Completion (COC)
  • English as a Second Language - Intermediate Level Certificate of Completion (COC) 
  • English as a Second Language - Advanced Level Certificate of Completion (COC)

Suggested Course Sequence (COC)

Year 1

High-Beginning Level Noncredit Certificate of Completion

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
ENSL 412  0 ENSL 423 0
ENSL 413 0

ENSL 421 

 0
       
Total Fall Units
 0 Total Spring Units
 0

Year 2

Intermediate Noncredit Certificate of Completion

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
ENSL 434 0 ENSL 445 0
ENSL 431  0

ENSL 442

 0
       
Total Fall Units
 0 Total Spring Units 0

Year 3

Advanced Noncredit Certificate of Completion

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

ENSL 448 

 0 ENSL 11 5
ENSL 446 0    
       
Total Fall Units
 0
 Total Spring Units
 5

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Daniel Vazquez

This is Daniel Vazquez, a former ESL student. I cannot believe it, but it has been over a year since I graduated from MPC. I just finished my first year here at UC Berkeley's College of Engineering and this is exciting! I truly believe that this accomplishment was possible in part to the solid English education that I received from MPC. Let students know that they are capable of everything if they so decide .

Shams Shniian

My name is Shams Shniian, originally from Iraq, a native Arabic speaker. I am an MPC student since Fall 2017. As an immigrant, I had a lack in understanding the English language and the new culture; this made me go through many difficulties to understand the society that I belong to now. Communication with others was difficult for me, so I decided to continue my education by joining English classes at Monterey Peninsula College (MPC), to communicate well and find a suitable job. I firmly believe that I made full use of my prior academic and professional experiences at MPC while simultaneously gaining relevant knowledge and laying a solid foundation for becoming a future leader as well as a good engineer.