By enrolling in any CESL classes, you will have access to feedback on all your English language questions by certified ESL professionals with master's degrees or higher in the field. Successfully completing CESL's OU Track will enable academically admissible candidates to enroll in the University of Oklahoma!
Apply now for any of our upcoming sessions. you must apply by the deadline to have enough time to obtain your F-1 visa.
Admission to the University of Oklahoma is NOT required to enroll with CESL.
For more information about applying to OU as an international student, visit the OU International Admissions website.
For more Information, contact us at 405-325-2351 or esl@ou.edu.
Core course - Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Grammar
IELTS or TOEFL iBT test preparation
Seminar courses, which include University Preparation, Everyday English and 21st Century Discussions
F-1 or J-1 visa types are eligible for our full-time Intensive English Program. Applicants must be 17 or older. Contact us at esl@ou.edu for questions about other visa types before proceeding with the application process.
Do you want to attend the top-ranked University of Oklahoma, but your TOEFL and IELTS scores are too low?
OU Track is a unique program at CESL that allows qualified students to quickly improve their language skills in order to meet the requirements to attend the University of Oklahoma. OU Track is completed in only one semester (two consecutive sessions) at CESL. Because CESL students have strong English proficiency skills, the University of Oklahoma is able to admit our students as soon as the students successfully complete the OU Track program.
To be placed in the OU Track at CESL, you must:
To complete the OU Track and gain admission to the University of Oklahoma, you must:
For questions or more information about OU Track, contact Cory Northern at bladenorthern@ou.edu.
Join our part-time general ESL course for those without a student visa!
The part-time English program is for adults (age 17 and older) who do not need a student visa -- classes are from 9 am to 12 noon, Monday -Thursday.
You will receive a participation certificate at the end of the course.
Applications cannot be processed until the $125 application fee has been paid in full.
CESL offers special programs and services to groups who have specific English instruction needs. OU Center for English as a Second Language can work with your organization to create a custom program that works for your students. Below are some programs we have conducted in the past. For more information about a custom program, please contact Mary Martin at mary.martin@ou.edu or (405) 325-2351.
OU-CESL was privileged to host students from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, every year for more than 25 years. Each February, approximately 25 students traveled from Japan to Norman to learn English and experience American family and campus life.
The Brazil Scientific Mobility Program (BSMP) offered Brazilian students the opportunity to study abroad in the United States. BSMP was part of the Brazilian government's larger initiative to grant 100,000 Brazilian university students the opportunity to study abroad at the world's best colleges and universities.
CESL is pleased to welcome Angolan students who have been awarded the prestigious Sonangol scholarship. After finishing their English studies, they will pursue majors in the energy sector.
CESL was honored to participate in the initiative between the governments of Mexico and the United States to bring 100,000 Mexican learners to study in the United States. CESL hosted several cohorts during this project’s duration.
In conjunction with the Oficina de Relaciones Interinstitucionales at Corhuila University in Colombia, CESL hosted a cohort of professors for language instruction and cultural exchange.
CESL is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as part of its Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international exchange program supported by the people of the United States and partner countries around the world. For more information, visit fulbright.state.gov.
This activity is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
CESL’s curriculum is made up of Core Courses and Seminar Courses.
Traditional, in-person classes meet 20 hours per week, between 9 to 3 p.m, Monday through Thursday. Each session is 7 weeks long in the fall and spring, and 6 weeks long in the summer.
| Semester | Session | Orientation | Session Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2024 | 1 | May 20, 2024 | May 21 to June 27, 2024 | April 10, 2024 |
| Summer 2024 | 2 | July 8, 2024 | July 9 to August 15, 2024 | May 28, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | 1 | August 26, 2024 | August 27 to October 10, 2024 | July 15, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | 2 | October 21, 2024 | October 22 to December 5, 2024 | September 9, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | 1 | January 27, 2025 | January 27 - March 13 | December 16, 2024 |
| Spring 2025 | 2 | March 24, 2025 | March 24 - May 8 | February 13, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | 1 | May 19, 2025 | May 19 - June 26 | April 9, 2025 |
| Summer 2025 | 2 | July 7, 2025 | July 7 - August 14 | May 26, 2025 |
Note: These levels are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Levels will be determined by your placement tests before classes begin
Seminar courses cover a wide range of subjects, from test preparation to conversational English. These courses meet from 1-2:50 p.m (8 hours of class per week). Seminar classes may vary each session; here are examples of the topics we offer:
The University Preparation course is only required for students who enroll in our Academic English Program – OU Track. It is offered from 1:00 to 2:50 pm and is taken in place of a seminar class in the last 2 sessions before joining the university.
