Professional English Communication Skills, Microcredential

Saint Louis University's Professional English Communication Skills microcredential is an 8-week learning experience for first-semester multi-lingual international graduate students. It is designed to help students improve their English and intercultural communication skills for academic and professional settings in the U.S. By completing this microcredential, students will gain confidence and fluency in understanding U.S. academic expectations, communication styles, and relationship-building norms. This strong foundation will support their success in graduate school and future careers.

Admission Requirements

For current, active Saint Louis University students wishing to declare this microcredential, complete the online registration form located here: PECS Registration Form.

On completion of this microcredential, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the important culturally rooted conventions and expectations around interpersonal communication in an American academic and professional context.
  2. Apply academic writing conventions such as summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing and field-specific writing conventions such as voice, technical vocabulary, and document formatting.
  3. Demonstrate active listening skills and habits necessary for success in American academic and professional contexts.
  4. Design and deliver impactful professional presentations.

  • Students must be international admitted degree-seeking graduate students. 

  • Students must attend 7 in-person workshops delivered by the ELC :

1: Adjusting to Graduate Education in the United States 

2: Navigating Professional Relationships 

3: Academic Integrity & Introduction to Academic Writing Formats 

4: Paraphrasing, Summarizing, & Synthesizing 

5: Field-specific Technical Writing Skills 

6: Active Listening 

7: Giving Impactful Presentations 

  • Students must submit assessments to demonstrate learning after workshop completion:   

1: Self-assessment & goal setting  

2: Mock professional email 

3: Academic integrity quiz & Academic writing format quiz (APA, AMA, etc.) 

4: Paraphrasing, summarizing, & synthesizing quiz + competency sample writing 

5: Course/Major-specific writing sample 

6: Active listening skill competency quiz 

7: Oral presentation recording 

For more information about the microcredential and other academic support resources for SLU’s international students, email elc@slu.edu.