Applicants whose native language is not English must submit official, acceptable scores for either the TOEFL, the academic module of the IELTS examination, the Duolingo English Test, or the PTE Academic. To be acceptable, the score must be sent to Wichita State directly from the testing agency and must be less than two years old. There are no countries in Africa, South America, and Asia that are excluded from this requirement.
Minimum Scores
- TOEFL (iBT) – 79
- TOEFL (PBT) - 550
- IELTS – 6.5 overall band score
- PTE Academic - 58
- Duolingo English Test - 115
Note: The new TOEFL Essentials test is not currently being accepted by the Graduate School for verifying English proficiency.
See the table below for programs that have a higher score requirement. Programs with higher requirements may still require students to achieve these scores even if they complete the IELC coursework as described above.
| Program | TOEFL (iBT) | TOEFL (PBT) | IELTS | DuoLingo |
PTE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audiology* | 100 | 600 | 7.5 | 140 | 73 |
| Biological Sciences** | 88 | 570 | 7.0 | 125 | 64 |
| Business Administration (MBA & EMBA) | 88 | 570 | 7.0 | 125 | 65 |
| Communication | 100 | 600 | 7.5 | 140 | 73 |
| Communication Sciences & Disorders (MA)* | 100 | 600 | 7.5 | 140 | 73 |
| Creative Writing | 100 | 600 | 7.5 | 140 | 73 |
| English | 100 | 600 | 7.5 | 140 | 73 |
| Health Administration | 88 | 570 | 7.0 | 125 | 65 |
| History | 100 | 600 | 7.5 | 140 | 73 |
| Physical Therapy | 100 | 600 | 7.5 | 140 | 73 |
| Public Administration | 88 | 575 | 7.0 | 125 | 65 |
*Also requires a minimum 23 on speaking portion of the iBT. **Also requires a minimum of 20 on speaking portion of the TOEFL iBT or 6.5 on the speaking portion of the IELTS.
Intensive English Language Program
Alternately, students can apply to be admitted to our Intensive English Language program for assistance in achieving the necessary level of English proficiency. Students completing the Intensive English program at Wichita State may establish English proficiency by achieving a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in levels 1 through 6, and a grade of B-plus or higher in level 7. Some programs have higher requirements for English proficiency.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Please note that if you wish to be considered for a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) position, you must meet one of the spoken English proficiency requirements for those hired for GTA positions:
- achieve a score of 22 or higher on the speaking portion of the internet-based TOEFL
OR - achieve a score of 7.0 or higher on the speaking portion of the IELTS exam,
Scores must be less than two years old. Currently, completion of Intensive English levels cannot be used to demonstrate the spoken English proficiency required to hold a GTA position.
Duolingo English Test
The minimum score required for the Duolingo English Test was increased to 115 on September
2, 2021.
The Duolingo English Test is a modern language proficiency tool that is convenient and affordable; and it can be taken online, on-demand, anywhere in the world. The test requires an internet connection and a computer with a front-facing camera and microphone. The registration fee is $49, and those interested in this test can get started by visiting the Duolingo website. The results, including video interview and writing sample, are available within 48 hours of the test session. Scores are reported out of 160 in five-point increments. Certified results can be shared instantly with Wichita State at no additional cost.
Duolingo Test and Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Graduate teaching assistants may not use the Duolingo English Test to meet proficiency requirement for teaching duties. The general score required for entry is a 115, the MBA program requires a 125, and additional programs (as noted in the table above) may require higher scores. Please email the Graduate School at wsugradschool@wichita.edu for information on score minimums.