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Next start dates

We are accepting applications for May 2012, August 2012 and January 2013 entry to the Pre-Master's at James Madison University.

Summer semester 2012

Arrival - January 8
Classes start - January 9

Apply now for James Madison University in the USA

Pre-Master's program for qualified students: master's degree preparation

For international students whose undergraduate degree is equivalent to US 4-year bachelor's degree, we offer the Pre-Master's Program for qualified students. No GMAT/GRE required on application!

This Pre-Master's Program fully prepares you for graduate study in the USA. It is an academically-focused route to a wide choice of master's degrees at James Madison University. It is suitable for you if you do not meet the entry requirements of the Graduate School because:

  • your English language level equivalent is below TOEFL 570 PBT/88 iBT

and/or

  • you do not have a GMAT or GRE score (required for most programs)

Program length

The duration of the Pre-Master's program for qualified students varies between 1 semester (15 weeks) and 3 semesters (12 months) depending on your level of English at entry. This is determined by the result of your Study Group English Language test.

  • Use the study timeline to calculate how long your graduate study in the USA will take.

Curriculum

The program is a mix of English for academic purposes, academic study skills for graduate studies, and orientation into the US university system. The focus is on the particular language and study skills necessary for success in graduate and professional environments. You receive intensive instruction in speaking and presenting in professional environments, and learn through case studies.

You will also have the opportunity to study up to two university courses for academic credit at the graduate level. These will be in the field of study of your intended master's degree, and can be counted towards your degree graduation requirement.

1-semester program curriculum

  • Research Methods
  • Group Project and Presentation
  • Seminar Skills
  • Reading in Context
  • Language and Concepts for Graduate Study
  • GRE/GMAT preparation
  • Student Advising (1 hour/week)
  • Up to 2 graduate academic credit courses (maximum 6 credits)

2-semester program curriculum

Semester 1

  • Introduction to Graduate School
  • Professional Language and Concepts
  • Listening and Speaking 2
  • Reading and Vocabulary
  • Academic Writing
  • Advanced Grammar
  • GRE/GMAT preparation
  • Student Advising (1 hour/week)

Semester 2

Follows 1-semester program curriculum

3-semester program curriculum

Semester 1

English for Academic Purposes:

  • American College Life 
  • American Culture
  • Listening and Speaking 1 
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Basic Grammar
  • Student Advising (1 hour/week)

Semesters 2 and 3

Follow 2-semester program curriculum

Assessment and teaching

As the key aim of the Pre-Master's program is to deliver its teaching within a framework that resembles that of typical graduate level studies in the USA, instruction during ISC courses and measurable student work outcomes include:

  • Peer-reviewed content and readings and subsequent class discussions
  • Formal presentations
  • Research
  • Collaborative projects
  • Projects related to your chosen field of study
  • Use of technology both for teaching and to produce assignments for assessment
  • A capstone experience related to your chosen field of study.
    This is presented to and evaluated by the Center Director along with both ISC and University staff. You will undertake written work based on research, work that demonstrates understanding of academic texts, work that demonstrates the ability to speak in a variety of settings and for a range of purposes, and a formal presentation to accompany written/ recorded work

 

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