Undergraduate Programs

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES (B.A.B.) – 120 Credits
The Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies program provides students with an academic and ministerial foundation focused on biblical studies and the training necessary for graduate programs, such as M.C.C. or M.Div. This program offers biblical studies courses that incorporate engagement with biblical texts, theological courses that include historical, systematic and perspective views on the Bible, such as ethics and doctrines, interdisciplinary Bible-related courses that apply the Bible‘s teaching to various practical areas of study. The course content is built on biblical and theological truths which are then applied to varying subject matters, skills, principles and practices of a professional discipline.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (B.B.A.) -120 Credits
  • WITH CONCENTRATION ON MANAGEMENT
  • WITH CONCENTRATION ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Through instruction in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and international business combined with biblical and theological disciplines to provide tools necessary for students to obtain the ability to understand business climate, start and run their own business with Christian values.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ACCOUNTING (B.S.A.) – 120 Credits
The degree of Bachelor of Science in Accounting is the principal academic program in accountancy and is the undergraduate degree recognized for subsequent practice as a professional accountant.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FAMILY STUDIES (B.S.F.) – 120 Credits
This degree is largely designed to equip students for education and counseling ministry with the knowledge and skills in multicultural settings. It also addresses critical issues within the contexts of homes, families and communities in both educational and ministerial environments.

Graduate Programs

MASTER OF DIVINITY (M.DIV.) – 75 Credits
The Master of Divinity program is for training and fostering qualified Christian ministers, pastors, missionaries, and Bible teachers to proclaim, spread, and teach biblical truth.
  • M.Div. in Pastoral Ministry
  • M.Div. in General Studies
  • M.Div. in Christian Education
MASTER OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING (M.C.C.) – 64 Credits
To prepare, train and foster competent Christian and professional counselors to provide high quality and effective counseling services necessary to diverse constituents.
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (M.B.A.) – 48 Credits
  • WITH CONCENTRATION ON INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
  • WITH CONCENTRATION ON MANAGEMENT
The degree of Master of Business Administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines, is designed for the professionals who want to further their knowledge and career potential in today’s dynamic and competitive business climate.
DOCTOR OF MINISTRY PROGRAM (D.MIN.) – 36 Credits
The Doctor of Ministry program is designed to provide the highest professional education in various areas of ministry for the students who are successfully engaged in ministry.
DOCTOR IN CLINICAL PASTORAL COUNSELING (D.C.P.C.) – 42 Credits
The DCPC Program is intended to provide counseling knowledge and skills grounded in biblical principles at its highest level to equip those who desire to reach people effectively to bring healing and restoration in God’s people. It is designed to raise leadership and scholarship among Christian counselors and prepare them to serve in churches and other faith-based organizations as well as secular places of practice to make meaningful contributions. The program provides doctoral students with advanced theories and clinical skills for counseling practice as well as knowledge required to carry out scholarly research. The program leading to the DCPC degree consists of a minimum of 42 semester credits beyond a master’s degree, 8 semester credits of an internship, a candidacy examination, and a quantitative or qualitative dissertation.

ESL

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Lingua Franca Institute is to provide a nurturing English learning experience which fosters confident interactions for everyday life.

Welcome to the Lingua Franca Institute!

Thank you for your interest in the Lingua Franca Institute (LFI), an intensive English language program at the Washington University of Virginia (WUV). Established in 1992, the Lingua Franca Institute is an SEVP-certified ESL program in Annandale, Virginia, located just outside Washington, DC. LFI provides an affordable education taught by fluent English instructors in small class sizes with a student-centered approach. We know that studying another language can be a challenging experience, especially as an adult. At LFI, we make that experience more comfortable with a relaxed, friendly, and supportive classroom atmosphere.
‘Lingua Franca’ means “a language used among people who speak various different languages” (Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s Dictionary). English is the “lingua franca” for our diverse group of students, representing approximately 20 countries. We value and respect each student’s language and culture, and promote the same for English and American culture, through sharing of ideas and experiences. Some of our instructors know other languages and WUV is primarily bilingual – English and Korean.
The majority of our students have F-1 visas; however, any eligible visa holder or resident is welcome to take classes. Our students’ goals vary from wanting to improve their communication for daily living in the U.S. to studying English to eventually transfer to degree programs. Whatever your reason, we hope LFI can meet your educational goals. Note: Completion of the advanced levels of LFI serves as your proof of English skill for WUV degree programs. See Academics for more information about WUV’s degree programs.
INTERNATIONAL F-1 STUDENTS ONLY
For F-1 students, your I-20 will be issued for approximately 24 months, depending on your start date. Taking two classes fulfills your minimum requirement of 18 hours/week to maintain your I-20. More information about applying to the college, obtaining your I-20, and registering for classes can be found in the International Student Handbook under Resources.
CONTACT US
Washington University in Virginia
Phone E-mail Address
703-333-5904 info@wuv.edu 4300 Evergreen Lane Annandale, VA 22003
Director
Name Phone E-mail
Deanna D’Arcy 571-369-0642 ddarcy@wuv.edu
PROGRAM
  • Located in Annandale (Virginia) near Washington, DC.
  • Six (6) start dates throughout the year, including mid-semester FLEX program and Summer program.
  • Four (4) levels from Low-Intermediate to Advanced.
  • Two courses available for each level to fulfill F-1 requirements.
  • Classes meet Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (18 hours per week)
  • Day Program (all levels): 9:15 am – 1:45 pm. (4 ½ hours per day)
  • Evening Program (limited levels available): 5:30pm – 10pm (4 ½ hours per day)
  • Small class-sizes: Teacher/student ratio = 1 instructor for 10 students (average)
  • Skilled and supportive faculty and staff
TUITION
  • Tuition includes: two required courses and placement testing.
  • Tuition rates vary depending on your status. (See below)
  • Other college fees for applying, registering, etc. can be found under Tuition & Fees or in the ESL Application.
International student (F1/J-1)
Semester Length Beginning Date Ending Date F-1 / J-1 Tuition
Fall 15 weeks early September mid December $ 2250
Fall FLEX 7 weeks late October mid December $ 1360
Spring 15 weeks early February mid May $ 2250
Spring FLEX 7 weeks early April mid May $ 1360
Summer 4 weeks early June late June $ 600
** For specific beginning and ending dates, see the Academic Calendar.
Resident & Non F1/J-1 Student
Semester Length Beginning Date Ending Date Resident & Non F1/J-1 Tuition
Fall 15 weeks early September mid December $ 1000
Spring 15 weeks early February mid May $ 1000
Summer 4 weeks early June late June $ 400
** For specific beginning and ending dates, see the Academic Calendar.
REFUND POLICY
Washington University of Virginia (and the Lingua Franca Institute) complies with the cancellation and refund policies of SCHEV. Please contact the Admission’s Office for more specific information.
CLASS SCHEDULE
LFI offers two courses at each level: Language Arts and Oral Communication. Both courses must be taken to meet F-1 visa requirements for full-time study. For other eligible visa holders and residents, you can take one or both courses. Each course focuses on the basic 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The Language Arts course emphasizes reading and writing skills while the Oral Communication course emphasizes listening and speaking skills.
Day Classes
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
9:15am-11:15am Language Arts Oral Communication Language Arts Oral Communication
11:15am – 11:45am BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK
11:45am – 1:45pm Language Arts Oral Communication Language Arts Oral Communication
Evening Classes
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
5:30pm-7:30pm Language Arts Oral Communication Language Arts Oral Communication
7:30pm – 8:00pm BREAK BREAK BREAK BREAK
8:00pm-10:00pm Language Arts Oral Communication Language Arts Oral Communication
PLACEMENT TESTING
When you apply to our program, you will need to be placed in the appropriate level. Transfer and Change of Status applicants should make an appointment with the Director and allow 60 minutes to complete the placement test. If you transfer from another Intensive English school, please provide a certificate(s) of completion. Overseas students must show that they have at least a low-intermediate level of English skill when they apply. Please contact the Director for more information. After arriving in the U.S., you must make an appointment and take the 60-minute placement test.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is important for learning a new language and developing relationships with teachers and classmates. Attendance is 20% of your semester grade. In addition, we enforce an Attendance Policy that you must follow to maintain your F-1 visa status. International students at LFI are required to maintain normal progress for F-1 requirements. ‘Normal progress’ means that students:
  1. study full-time (minimum of 18 hours/week), and
  2. attend at least 75% of the classes each semester, and
  3. comply with all school policies and financial obligations.
Percentage Number of Absences PER COURSE Result
100% – 80% 5 or fewer absences Good Standing
79% – 75% 6 absences Not Good Standing
Under 75% more than 6 absences I-20 Termination
This is for the entire Fall and Spring semester only. Totals are different for Flex and Summer sessions. Absences can be excused if you provide a note from a medical doctor. Excused absences are not counted in your total absences. If the college is closed due to bad weather or emergency, that day is excused. “Not Good Standing” = If your attendance percentage is between 75% – 80%, you are put on Probation at the college only. If you are on Probation for two (2) consecutive semesters, your I-20 may be terminated.
GRADES
Grades are calculated the same way for both courses.
Attendance PBR Quizzes/Homework Mid-term Exam Final Exam
20% 15% 20% 20% 25%
Grading Scale
A A- B+ B B- C+ C C- D+ D D- F
100-95 94-90 86-89 83-85 80-82 76-79 73-75 70-72 66-69 63-65 62-60 below 60
Students are expected to maintain a “C+” or better in both courses. If your grade falls below a “C+”, you will be placed on Probation at the college. After two consecutive semesters on Probation, your I-20 may be terminated.
HELPFUL LINKS
GOALS OF LFI
  • Respect the learning needs and well-being of each student
  • Build on the knowledge, skills, and experience of the students in our program
  • Prepare meaningful lessons so that students may comprehend and communicate in written and spoken English at each level
  • Create a supportive and encouraging community of learning in which each student is valued and respected
  • Create an interactive, communicative class environment to give students the opportunity to learn, think, and develop English communication skills
  • Provide students with cultural knowledge and awareness recognizing that language and culture are closely related
  • Cultivate a diverse community of students and teachers, in which members learn from experience and practice
  • Encourage students to discuss issues in English outside the classroom
  • Balance variety and routine in instructional activities to accommodate the range of multiple learning styles of the students
  • Provide an educational environment built upon the values of LFI and characterized by consistent, ethical treatment
  • Create a teaching community holding shared values with LFI and appropriate academic and experiential credentials
  • Foster a diverse community of learners who are supported, encouraged, and valued
  • Create a curriculum that utilizes the English-speaking environment as a context and motivator for improving language proficiency of non-native speakers
PHILOSOPHY OF PROGRAM
LFI’s instructional methodology is based on the communicative language teaching method. This method, supported by second language acquisition research, focuses on engaging students in a range of activities that involve meaningful, relevant communication. Simply put, it’s based on the idea that the primary goal of learning a language is to communicate. Making use of real-life, authentic situations encourage students to use and understand the English language. What changes from level to level is the growth and complexity of the communication and an increase in fluency and independence in the ability to respond in English in various settings to a wider range of speakers.
LFI’s curriculum is based on implementing these principles of learning:
  1. Students remember and understand English best through a hands-on, learning by doing approach.
  2. Activities need to be as rich, varied, and meaningful as possible.
  3. Classes are designed to promote cooperative and collaborative learning.
  4. Grammar is taught throughout the context of communicative tasks.
  5. Feedback to student’s errors should always be positive and need not be excessive.
  6. The classroom atmosphere should be relaxed, friendly, and supportive.