Proficiency in English as a Second Language, Specialized Diploma
The ESL Specialized Diploma is intended to provide students, who speak a native language other than English, with the necessary language competency to succeed in typical college and career settings. It enhances students’ employability and bolsters their career opportunities by providing students the requisite English skills to succeed in an increasingly English-dominant world. The required classes for the specialized diploma program are the terminal courses for each skill area.
Specialized Diploma Learn More
Why Choose NCC’s English Learning Program?
Develop your English skills in small classes of 10–15 students that give you time and space to form connections with your classmates and instructors. You’ll also have access to one-on-one tutoring and other resources that support your learning outside the classroom.
Our lively campus events offer fun, engaging opportunities to integrate on campus and into American culture at large—a goal you’ll find throughout your ESL journey at NCC.
With a solid foundation in academic English, you’ll be well prepared to pursue a degree at NCC or to transfer to a four-year university without TOEFL or IELTS scores. Many ESL program graduates go on to study at local institutions in Pennsylvania like Cedar Crest College, Kutztown University and East Stroudsburg University.
What our Students Think
"The ESL program at NCC was a great experience! . . . I came only knowing a little bit of English, but after taking ESL courses and being helped by ESL teachers, I was able to successfully start pursuing my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse."
- Natcha Rojrattana, Thailand
"My experience with ESL at NCC was the first and most important piece of my US education. . . . I would definitely recommend NCC and its highly efficient ESL program."
- Manuel De Sousa, France
"My experience with ESL at Northampton Community College was phenomenal. I had amazing professors and classmates from whom I learnt a lot. . . . Those classes facilitated my transition into my major courses. . . . I was ready for the challenges that were brought to me."
- Nadjarathou Raicha Kamara, Ivory Coast
"All the teachers I had made me look forward to coming to class and improved my English language skills, which inspired me to keep going with my education at NCC. I graduated from NCC in May 2017, with honors, earning a degree in Computer Science."
- Mina Mouine, Morocco
Read more about our ESL student stories.
Improve Your English Skills through NCC’s ESL Program
At NCC, the ESL program for international students and non-English native speakers prepares you to thrive in college courses and in your career. The small, focused class sizes allow you to learn in collaboration with others and in one-on-one conversations, and you’ll get to explore American culture through fun events on- and off-campus.
