English Proficiency

If English is not your native language, or you have not had three years (full-time) of your secondary education (or higher) taught in English, you will need to provide proof of your English proficiency. Since most classes are taught in English, it is essential to demonstrate your ability to read, write, and speak English.

What is the TOEFL?

CSUDH uses the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to measure your English proficiency. The TOEFL test is given year-round at permanent testing centers around the world. There are two versions of the test: internet and computer-based.

If you need to take the TOEFL, we recommend taking the examination as soon as possible. Registration deadlines for the TOEFL are set, and it does take approximately 2 to 5 weeks to obtain your results.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an alternate test used by CSUDH to measure your English proficiency. Only the IELTS Academic Test is approved by CSUDH. You can send official IELTS results through the IELTS e-delivery service or submit a copy of your IELTS Test Report Form, including the Test Form Number.

When registering for the TOEFL or IELTS exams use the number 4098 for CSUDH.

CSUDH also accepts the Duolingo English Test (DET) to measure English proficiency. Before taking the exam, please select CSUDH in the dropdown list of institutions in order to have your results shared with us. If you've already taken the exam, request Duolingo to share your official results with CSU Dominguez Hills.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) is also accepted to prove English proficiency. Official PTE scores can be sent through your "myPTE account," or you may submit a copy of your Pearson PTE Certificate with your Score Report Code listed. 

Undergraduate Applicants

Undergraduate applicants, regardless of their citizenship, who have not attended secondary school or any higher education institution for at least three years full-time where English is the principal language of instruction must present one of the following:

1. A minimum score of 61 on the internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT)
2. A minimum score of 173 on the computer-based TOEFL exam
3. A score of 5.5 or higher on the IELTS Academic Test
4. A score of 95 or higher on the Duolingo English Test (DET)
5. A score of 44 or higher on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
6. NEW SAT: A score of 550 or higher on the Evidenced Based Reading and Writing section
7. A score of 22 or higher on the English section of the ACT
8. A score of 3 or higher on the AP English Language and Composition Examination OR the AP English Literature and Composition Examination
9. A score of 4 or higher on the IB Language A1, A2, or B (English) HL Examination, or
10. A grade of 2.0/4.0 (C) or higher in GE Area A2 (Written Communication) from a regionally accredited college or university

Undergraduate applicants who have met all admission requirements except English Proficiency may be offered conditional admission through the CSUDH American Language and Culture Program (ALCP). Upon successfully completing the ALCP, students will receive an ALCP English Proficiency Waiver, enabling them to begin their degree program in the subsequent available term.

Graduate Applicants

Graduate applicants, regardless of their citizenship, who do not hold a bachelor's degree from a institution where English is the primary language of instruction or who have not attended secondary school or higher for at least three full-time years in an environment where English is the primary language must provide one of the following:

1. A minimum score of 80 on the internet-based TOEFL exam (iBT),
2. A minimum score of 213 on the computer-based TOEFL exam
3. A score of 6.5 or higher on the IELTS Academic Test, or
4. A score of 105 or higher on the Duolingo English Test (DET) for all graduate programs, except for the MA in English: Literature, which requires a minimum score of 120
5. A score of 53 or higher on the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic

Graduate applicants who have met all admission requirements except English Proficiency may be offered conditional admission through the CSUDH American Language and Culture Program (ALCP). Upon successfully completing the ALCP, students will receive an ALCP English Proficiency Waiver, enabling them to begin their degree program in the subsequent available term.

*Some Graduate Programs may require higher scores. Please contact the Program Coordinator for additional requirements.