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Next start dates

We are accepting applications for May 2012, August 2012 and January 2013 entry to the Foundation Diploma at James Madison University.

Summer semester 2012

Arrival - May 6
Classes start - May 7

Apply now for James Madison University in the USA

Foundation Diploma: fast-track to second year undergraduate entry

For international students who meet the academic entry requirements of a JMU bachelor's degree, but whose English language needs improving, we offer the Foundation Diploma. No TOEFL/IELTS score required!

The Foundation Diploma is a fast-track pathway to second year (sophomore) placement into a James Madison University bachelor's degree. It combines English for Academic purposes with the equivalent of the first (freshman) year of university coursework and academic credit.

International students on JMU's campus

Academic pathways

You can choose one of two pathways within the Foundation Diploma:

  • General Studies and Business pathway
    A liberal arts curriculum that will give you the foundation necessary to advance to degrees in business, communications studies, education, health and human services, humanities and social sciences as well as visual and performing arts.
  • Engineering and Science pathway
    Concentrates on Math and Science courses as well as courses from the liberal arts curriculum. The pathway is designed to provide the necessary foundation to advance to degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Read course descriptions for each Foundation Diploma pathway.

Study duration

The duration of the Foundation Diploma is determined by the result of your Study Group English Language test, before the program. It will take you between 2 semesters (9 months) and 4 semesters (16 months) to complete the Foundation Diploma, depending on your level of English.

The Foundation Diploma improves your English while you earn all your first year bachelor's degree credits, so you can fast-track your progress towards graduation, saving time and money:

  • See the study timeline to calculate how long your US degree will take

Program curriculum

On the Foundation Diploma program, you have the opportunity to study up to 9 undergraduate courses – each bearing 3-4 academic credits. These courses are taught to Foundation Diploma students by university faculty. The academic curriculum is combined with English language training and study skills, structured as follows:

2-semester program curriculum

Semester 1

Semester 2

3-semester program curriculum

Semester 1

  • Grammar 2 (5 hours/week)
  • Reading and Writing 2 (5 hours/week)
  • Listening and Speaking 2 (5 hours/ week)
  • 2 Academic credit courses (see academic curriculum)
  • Student Advising (1 hour/week)

Semester 2

Semester 3

4-semester program curriculum

Semester 1

English for Academic Purposes (20 hours/ week):

  • Grammar 1
  • Reading and Writing 1
  • Listening and Speaking 1
  • Thematic Dialogs
  • American Culture 1
  • Student Advising (1 hour/week)

Semesters 2, 3 and 4

  • follow the 3-semester Foundation Diploma curriculum

Progression to your degree

To progress to the second (sophomore) year of a James Madison University bachelor's degree you will be required to complete at least 24 university credits. Additionally, your language level must be equal to TOEFL 550 PBT/80 iBT and you will have to obtain a satisfactory average GPA according to the requirements of the degree you would like to study (varies between a B- and B+ grade).

During your time in the ISC you will also need to meet the Information Literacy Requirement of the University. This involves taking tests in Technology Competency and Information Seeking Skills during your program. Shortly after your arrival you will be asked to demonstrate your level of IT skill and given the support necessary to enable you to meet the standards required by these tests.

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