International Year

Who is the International Year for?

If you meet the academic entry requirements of a James Madison University bachelor's degree and need to improve your English language IELTS score, we offer the International Year program.

Entry points

2-, 3-, & 4-semester International Year programs:
Every January, May, and August

1-semester International Year program:
January and August

Direct admission:
January and August

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 dedicated faculty.

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, similar to 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.

1-semester program	Students will matriculate with up to 12 credits
Semester 1	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)

2-semester program	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)

3-semester program	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)

4-semester program	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

Business

(27 credits total)

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

Engineering

(31 credits total)

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

General studies

(27 credits total)

College Algebra

Introductory Calculus 1
Economics
Introduction to Global Music
Personal Wellness

Science, Technology and Mathematics

(30 credits total)

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

Introduction to Global Music

When will you progress to continue your degree program?

Intake	Study plan	Progression to degree program*
Spring 2022	1-semester	August 2022
	2-semester	August 2022
	3-semester	January 2023
	4-semester	August 2023
Fall 2022	1-semester	January 2023
	2-semester	August 2023
	3-semester	August 2023
	4-semester	January 2024

*A student's ISC study plan is determined by their arrival English placement test and can be longer or shorter than their original study plan in the offer letter. Student are required to complete their study plans at the ISC consecutively without skipping a semester. Students who have completed their ISC programs are eligible to take summer break.

Academic credit

You will take 9 first-year-level courses - and have the opportunity to earn up to 28 credits. These credits count towards your bachelor's degree graduation requirements.

English language score

An official TOEFL or IELTS score is not required for admission to the International Year. You can instead complete the Versant English language test to determine their language level. This free test must be taken at Study Group International Study Center or representatives' offices worldwide.