Applied Language Studies Certificate Program
Guideline

The Applied Language Studies Certificate Program is designed for non-English majors at National Chung Cheng University (hereafter referred to as CCU) who plan to make a commitment to improving their overall English (or other foreign languages) proficiency. Students in the program are required to complete 16 credit hours of English/Foreign language instruction. Participating students need to take at least one course per semester and will receive a certificate upon completion of the certificate program, with 16 credit hours.

Program Objectives

In order to provide students with a sustainable and systematically structured environment for English and foreign language learning, the university has established the Applied Language Studies Certificate Program. This program is designed to encourage students to undertake coursework in a progressive and well-planned manner over a span of two to three years, thereby enhancing their integrated language skills—including listening, speaking, reading, and writing—as well as their academic English proficiency and workplace communication abilities.

Through the interdisciplinary and comprehensive training offered by the program, students are expected to develop the linguistic competence and applied skills essential for English-Medium Instruction (EMI). These include lecture comprehension and note-taking, paraphrasing and summarizing techniques, academic reading and writing strategies, and effective oral presentation skills. Such training is intended to strengthen students’ overall language capacity and better equip them for participation in international exchange programs and for pursuing graduate studies both domestically and abroad.

• Enhance students’ English and foreign language proficiency to the level of academic English or workplace communication.
• Apply high-quality English and foreign language communication skills more broadly in academic settings—such as international exchange programs and English-medium instruction (EMI) courses offered domestically and internationally—and in professional contexts, including job interviews, résumé writing, and cross-cultural workplace communication.

Program Features

1. Course content aligns with the three global focuses of English learning: English for Academic Purposes (EAP), English for Specific Purposes (ESP), and English for General Purposes (EGP).
2. Open to all academic levels: Undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students are eligible to enroll.
3. Well-structured, level-based curriculum: Designed to systematically enhance learning efficiency and outcomes.
4. Progressive and structured 2–3 year learning path: Aims to strengthen various language skills and their practical applications over time.
5. Integrated training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing: Enhances both language learning effectiveness and student achievement.
6. Clear and targeted learning outcomes: Enables students to develop the unique “3I+U” language proficiency framework of CCU graduates, with flexibility to pursue English or other foreign languages based on individual career goals.

IMPACT: The power to propel career development.
INTEREST: The ability to attract attention.
IMPRESSIVENESS: The capacity to leave a lasting impression.
UNIQUENESS: Beyond professional competence—demonstrating a distinct competitive edge.

Curriculum Design Philosophy

The course progression of the Applied Language Studies Certificate Program is designed based on the language learning theory of “i+1” progression. In response to the widely observed bimodal distribution of English proficiency among university students, this program aims to provide advanced learners with further opportunities to refine their skills, while also offering foundational courses for lower-proficiency students to strengthen their abilities during this stage.

1. The program comprises a total of 16 credits, with each course carrying 2 or 3 credits. Students who enroll in two courses per semester may complete the program within approximately 1.5 to 2 years. This period of study is designed to support the progressive development of English proficiency, enabling students to reach the next level of language competence.
2. The Program is open to students across all academic levels. Students who are unable to complete the required credits during their undergraduate studies may continue to fulfill the requirements after entering a graduate program at the university. This flexibility also serves to encourage outstanding students to remain at the university for postgraduate study.