Languages - CE Intensive English Program

Our Mission

The Continuing Education Intensive English Department at Houston Community College features a staff of highly-qualified and culturally-sensitive staff and faculty ready to meet the needs of language learners by offering programs designed to improve oral and written communication skills for work, academic, and community.

Program Goals

The goals of the CE Intensive English Program are the following:

• Prepare learners for academic success in the American College settings
• Develop communication skills in the global workplace environments
• Enhance intercultural understanding. 

The CE Intensive English Program offers three of the 5 levels of the HCC Intensive English Program— Level Intro, Level 1 and Level 2.  Upon completion of the CE Intensive English level 2, students transition to ESOL Level 3 without further testing. 

CE Intensive English Full-time Program

The CE Full-time Intensive English Program is for the student who can study 18 to 20 hours per week.  Students with F1 Visas are required to enroll in the Full-time CE Intensive English if they place in the lower levels.  (Note: F1 or International students will pay out-of-state tuition fees.)

Through the Full-time or Part-time Intensive English Program, you can:

• Learn the English Language
• Improve your communication skills in the English language
• Become fluent and proficient in the English language.
• Progress to the academic ESOL courses.
• Prepare for college coursework.

CE Intensive English Part-time Program

The CE Intensive English Part-time Program is for the student who can study only 8 to 9 hours per week. We provide day, afternoon & evening classes beginning every 8 weeks. For more information, contact one of the HCC locations: Alief Bissonnet, Gulfton, Katy, and Spring Branch.

CE Intensive English Virtual Services Lobby

Zoom Lobby schedule for CE Intensive English

• Mondays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. & 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. & 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. & 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
• Thursdays 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. & 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
• Fridays 9:00 – 1:00 p.m.

International Students intending to enroll in HCC classes should contact the office of  International Student Services & Abroad (OISS & SA) at:

oiss.international@hccs.edu or call: 713-718-8521 or

visit the website at: hccs.edu/international

Daily attendance is required for successful completion. A student may be dropped for excessive absences or late arrivals to class.

Schedule – Spring (2025), Summer (2025)

Spring, 2025 - Full-time (Four Classes per semester)

• Full-time: Jan. 21 – May 15
• Full-Time Second Start: Feb. 4 – May 27 

Spring, 2025 – Part-time (Two Courses per semester)

• Part-time: January 27 – May 19 (MW); Jan. 28 – May 8 (TTh)
• Part-time Second Start: February 10 – May 12 (MW); Feb. 11 – May 08 (TTh)

Summer, 2025– Full-time (Four Classes per Semester)

• Full-time: June. 3 – Aug. 12

 Summer, 2025 – Part-time (Two Classes per Semester)

• Part-time: June. 09 - Aug. 13 (MW); June. 5 - Aug. 14 (TTh)

 NOTE: For the Part-Time CE Intensive English:

Students will take two courses per semester; it will take two semesters to complete a level (Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday).

CE Intensive English Program – Online Orientations and Placement Testing for New Students

Summer 2025 New Student Orientation & Testing