Explore Dropdown
English as a Second Language (ESL)
We teach English to students from many countries and who speak many different languages. Classes are small, so you can communicate with your professors and other students. There are courses for students with basic to advanced skills, and some are tuition-free, non-credit courses.
ESL Program Overview
Frequently Asked Questions
Which classes should I take?
This depends on your goals and how much time you have to study. Your class level will depend on how much experience you have reading, writing, and speaking in English. Talk to a counselor to decide which classes to take.
What is the difference between noncredit and credit classwork?
The lessons, assignments, tests, homework, and attendance requirements are the same. View Noncredit versus Credit Classes (available in English, Farsi, Chinese, Spanish and Russian translations).
Understanding the ESL Classes and Levels
View ESL Program Overview (available in English, Farsi, Chinese, Spanish and Russian translations).
Course Levels
We offer five levels of courses from novice to advanced.
The letter at the end of the course number refers to the type of skills you will be learning. For example, ESL 20C is a composition class.
C = Composition (Reading & Writing)
S = Skills for Success
O = Oral Skills (Listening & Speaking)
G = Grammar
P = Pronunciation
T = Technology
F = Film
ESL Level | Courses |
---|---|
Advanced | 20C, 24P, 25C, 25G, 25L, 30C |
Intermediate-High |
530C, 530S, 530O, 532G |
Intermediate |
520C, 520S, 520O, 522G, 522F, 522P, 522T |
Novice-High |
510C, 510S, 510O, 512G, 512P, 512T |
Novice | 800 |
Noncredit
Classes | Description |
---|---|
800, 810, 812, 820, 822, 830, 832 |
|
How to Apply
For more information or to get help, email enrollmentservices@sierracollege.edu or call (916) 660-7340.
How to complete the Sierra College online application
How to prepare for class registration
ESL Certificate Program
Students can earn ESL certificates at intermediate-high and advanced levels.
The following plans show the order of classes that lead to each certificate.
Students may not need to take all the classes. This will depend on the level at which you begin.
Please meet with a counselor to discuss your certificate options.
English as a Second Language Academic Preparedness — Skills Certificate
Term 1
Course | Units |
---|---|
ESL 25C or ESL 30C | 5 |
ESL 25L | 3 |
ESL 25G | 3 |
TOTAL | 11 |
English as a Second Language Intermediate-High Oral Skills — Noncredit Certificate
Term 1
Course | Units | Notes |
---|---|---|
ESL 800 | 0 | |
TOTAL | 0 |
Term 2
Course | Units | Notes |
---|---|---|
ESL 810O | 0 | |
ESL 810G | 0 | |
TOTAL | 0 |
Term 3
Course | Units | Notes |
---|---|---|
ESL 820O | 0 | |
ESL 822G | 0 | |
TOTAL | 0 |
Term 4
Course | Units | Notes |
---|---|---|
ESL 830O | 0 | Required |
ESL 832G | 0 | Required |
TOTAL | 0 |
English as a Second Language Intermediate-High Writing and Reading Skills — Noncredit Certificate
Term 1
Course | Units | Notes |
---|---|---|
ESL 800 | 0 | |
TOTAL | 0 |
Term 2
Course | Units | Notes |
---|---|---|
ESL 810C | 0 | |
ESL 810S | ||
TOTAL | 0 |
Term 3
Course | Units | Notes |
---|---|---|
ESL 820C | 0 | |
ESL 822S | 0 | |
TOTAL | 0 |
Term 4
Course | Units | Notes |
---|---|---|
ESL 830C | 0 | Required |
ESL 830S | 0 | Required |
TOTAL | 0 |
Resources
Find Programs A-Z
Search all academic programs at Sierra College.
- Read more
- Administration of Justice
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Allied Health
- Anthropology
- Applied Art and Design
- Art
- Art History
- Astronomy
- Automotive Technology
- Biological Sciences
- Building Industries
- Business
- Chicana and Chicano Studies
- Clinical Medical Assisting
- Chemistry
- Communication Studies and Journalism
- Computer Science
- Deaf Studies
- Drafting and Engineering Support
- Earth Science
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- English
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Ethnic Studies
- Environmental Studies and Sustainability
- Fashion
- Fire Academy
- Fire Technology
- Geography
- Health Education
- Health Sciences
- History
- Human Development and Family
- Humanities
- Information Technology (IT)
- Kinesiology
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Studies (LGBT)
- Liberal Arts
- Mathematics
- Mechatronics
- Music
- Natural Science
- Nursing
- Nutrition and Food Science
- Philosophy
- Photography
- Physics
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Recreation Management
- Sociology
- Spanish
- Theatre Arts
- Welding Technology
- Women and Gender Studies
- World Languages