Students listening in class

International Year

What is the International Year?

The International Year at James Madison University International Study Center is your route to undergraduate study at a top U.S. university. Choose to study with us for one to four semesters, depending on your English language level, and gain the academic, language, and study skills you need to succeed on your chosen university degree.

Key facts

There are different academic and English language requirements depending on the length of program you choose to study with us. You can view them here.

Our terms start on different days depending on the length of program you want to study. You can view all our term dates here.

When studying our program, you will need to think about fees for tuition costs, insurance, accommodation, and more. Check out our fees page for more information. 

Why study the International Year?

The International Year is a great choice if you'd like to improve your English language proficiency while also benefiting from a supportive environment with a dedicated faculty. Some benefits of studying the program include: 

  • Dedicated academic support to prepare you for university – you will receive specialist support and teaching so that on completion of the International Year, you'll be ready to progress to degree study at JMU. 
  • Graduate in four years, like direct entry students. Studying on the International Year will allow you to complete your degree on time. 
  • Be a part of the university community from day one. JMU has a thriving community where students feel that they're part of a large, supportive family. 
  • Taught at the on-campus International Study Center (ISC), the dedicated ISC will provide a safe, supportive environment where you can work and socialize with other international students. 

What will you study? 

The program is split into courses across semesters. Your program duration will depend on your English language skill level on entry. 

Depending on your entry level, you will take up to nine first-year level courses and can earn up to 28 credits. These credits count towards your bachelor's degree graduation requirements. Please note that course subjects may change depending on the term (Fall, Spring, or Summer) and availability.

Students will matriculate with up to 12 credits. 

  • Research Skills 
  • American Culture 
  • Pathways to Success IV 
  • Strategic Learning Lab 
  • WRTC 100: Reading & Writing Workshop (3 credits) 
  • 1 JMU Math Course (3 Credits) 
  • SCOM 123: Fundamental Human Communication: Group Presentations (3 credits) 
  • ISAT 160: Problem Solving Applications in Science & Technology (3 credits) 

Students will matriculate with up to 21 credits. 

Semester 1 

  • Reading & Writing 3 
  • Grammar 3 
  • Strategic Learning + Lab 
  • Pathways to Success III 
  • 1 JMU Math Course (3 Credits) 
  • SCOM 123: Fundamental Human Communication: Group Presentations (3 credits) 
  • KIN 100: Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (3 credits) 

Semester 2 

  • Research Skills 
  • American Culture 
  • Pathways to Success IV 
  • WRTC 100: Reading & Writing Workshop (3 credits) 
  • ISAT 160: Problem Solving Applications in Science & Technology (3 credits) 
  • PSYCH 160: Lifespan Human Development (3 credits) 
  • ECON 200: Introduction to Macroeconomics (3 credits) 

Students will matriculate with up to 27 credits. 

Semester 1 

  • Reading 2 
  • Writing 2 
  • Listening & Speaking 2 
  • Grammar 2 
  • Pathways to Success II 
  • 1 JMU Math Course (3 Credits) 
  • KIN 100: Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (3 credits) 

Semester 2 

  • Reading & Writing 3 
  • Grammar 3 
  • Strategic Learning + Lab 
  • Pathways to Success III 
  • SCOM 123: Fundamental Human Communication: Group Presentations (3 credits) 
  • HIST 101: World History to 1500 (3 credits) 
  • ECON 200: Introduction to Macroeconomics (3 credits) 

Semester 3 

  • Research Skills 
  • American Culture 
  • Pathways to Success IV 
  • WRTC 100: Reading & Writing Workshop (3 credits) 
  • ISAT 160: Problem Solving Applications in Science & Technology (3 credits) 
  • COB 204: Computer Information Systems (3 credits) 
  • PSYCH 160: Lifespan Human Development (3 credits) 

Students will matriculate with up to 28 credits.

Semester 1 

  • Reading 1 
  • Writing 1 
  • Listening 1 
  • Speaking 1 
  • Grammar 1 
  • Language in Academic Contexts 
  • Pathways to Success I 
  • UNST 102 : Career & Academic Planning (1 Credit) 

Semester 2 

  • Reading 2 
  • Writing 2 
  • Listening & Speaking 2 
  • Grammar 2 
  • Pathways to Success II 
  • 1 JMU Math Course (3 Credits) 
  • KIN 100: Lifetime Fitness and Wellness (3 credits) 

Semester 3 

  • Reading & Writing 3 
  • Grammar 3 
  • Strategic Learning + Lab 
  • Pathways to Success III 
  • SCOM 123: Fundamental Human Communication: Group Presentations (3 credits) 
  • HIST 101: World History to 1500 (3 credits) 
  • ECON 200: Introduction to Macroeconomics (3 credits) 

Semester 4 

  • Research Skills 
  • American Culture 
  • Pathways to Success IV 
  • WRTC 100: Reading & Writing Workshop (3 credits) 
  • ISAT 160: Problem Solving Applications in Science & Technology (3 credits) 
  • COB 204: Computer Information Systems (3 credits) 
  • PSYCH 160: Lifespan Human Development (3 credits) 

Pathway-specific academic courses

(27 credits total)

  • College Algebra (3- and 4-semester program only)
  • Introductory Calculus1
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Business Statistics
  • Economics

(31 credits total)

  • College Algebra (3- and 4-semester program only)
  • Calculus 1
  • Calculus 2
  • University Physics 1
  • University Physics 2
  • Physics Lab

(27 credits total)

  • College Algebra

or

  • Introductory Calculus 1
  • Economics
  • Introduction to Global Music
  • Personal Wellness

(30 credits total)

  • College Algebra (3- and 4-semester program only)
  • Calculus 1
  • University Physics 1
  • Physics Lab
  • Organisms
  • Economics

or

  • Introduction to Global Music
James Madison University students in class

Undergraduate degrees

After you have successfully studied your pathway program and achieved the required grades, you will matriculate to the University and continue your degree studies.See what degrees are offered for International Year students.

James Madison University cheerleaders

Entry requirements

Find out what grades you need in order to join us at the International Study Center, for either our International Year or direct admission to the University. 

JMU students in a communal area

How to apply

Ready to join us? Learn more the application process in order to start your journey to study at JMU International Study Center, or to apply for Direct Entry to James Madison University.