ALCI/COPACE Integrated Degree Program
The ALCI/COPACE Integrated Degree Program addresses the needs of adult residents of the greater Worcester area who have limited proficiency in the English language. It is designed to help them adapt to and succeed at their new lives in the United States by providing them with the opportunity to improve their English language skills and to acquire an undergraduate degree through the Clark University's College of Professional and Continuing Education (COPACE).
Integrated Degree Program students begin their studies in the American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) where a variety of courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) English for Academic Purposes, and American Studies focus both on communication skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and on academic preparation. Each ESL course, successfully completed, is worth 2 units of credit. Upon evaluation by COPACE, some units earned in the ESL program may be applied toward COPACE undergraduate degree requirements.
Upon successful completion of ALCI's most advanced level courses or the attainment of a minimum TOEFL score (520 paper, 190 computer-based, 70 iBT), Integrated Degree Program students supplement their ALCI courses with undergraduate courses in COPACE without further application. Student may pursue full study in the COPACE undergraduate program when they have attained the minimum TOEFL score required (550 paper, 213 computer-based, 80 iBT) or have strong recommendations from their ALCI and COPACE instructors.
ESL courses in the Integrated Degree Program are offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings. COPACE undergraduate courses are offered only during the evenings.
For more information: Call ALCI at 508-793-7794 or visit
ALCI at Clark University
950 Main Street
Jonas Clark Call, Room 116
Worcester, MA 01610
Joining the Integrated Degree Program
- Students must complete an ALCI Integrated Application Form (PDF)
- Students must submit proof of high school completion or its equivalent (GED)
- Student must not have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from another institution, either in the United States or abroad.
- All new students must take a placement test and attend an orientation/registration session on the dates scheduled.
- Students admitted into the integrated Degree Program are considered matriculated COPACE undergraduate students. There is no need for further application.
- New students may register in only one ALCI ESL course during their first semester as Integrated Degree Program students. Students may register in more than one course during the following semesters.
Financial Assistance: Pell Grants and/or Mass Grants
Financial assistance may be available for qualified students in the Integrated Degree Program. New students who need financial assistance (in the form of a Pell Grant from the federal government or MassGrant from the state) should contact EDCENTRAL, located in Worcester at 484 Main Street, Suite 500, in the Denholm Building, at least six weeks before registration in ALCI. Call 508-754-6829 to make an appointment for help with the financial assistance process.
Pell Grants and MassGrants are not available for students who already have an undergraduate degree.
Students who register for classes before their financial assistance has been approved are required to pay for their classes at the time of registration.
Tuition and Fees
Integrated Degree Tuition: $950 per 2-unit course
Materials Fee: $10 per course
Tuition and fees are payable at registration. ALCI accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Payment plans are available for students enrolling in programs lasting 12 weeks or longer. The first payment is due at registration.
The materials fee does not cover the cost of textbooks. Textbooks can be purchased at Barnes and Noble Bookstore (The Clark University bookstore) located at 918 Main St. Worcester, MA.
