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Degree progression timeline

The duration of your academic preparation program varies depending on your academic qualifications and English level on entry: it takes 2, 3 or 4 semesters to complete the Foundation Diploma, and 1, 2, 3 or 4 semesters to complete the Pre-Master's Program. However, these timelines depend on your attainment of all the progression requirements.

Matriculation into your James Madison University degree

Progression from the Foundation Diploma and Pre-Master's programs is based on your achievement of the entry requirements for James Madison University degrees.

Upon successful completion of these academic pathway programs, you will have reached the required English level, acquired academic credits, and gained confidence and valuable study skills. You can then matriculate into the second year of an undergraduate degree, or into full-time graduate degree study at James Madison University in the USA!

Your degree choices at James Madison University:

Assured progression

By enrolling into an International Study Center (ISC) program you are secure in the knowledge that you have:

  • satisfied the academic requirements for degree admission (except for non-qualified Pre-Master's students) 
  • visa documents valid for the entire duration of your studies
  • received an offer of placement at James Madison University upon successful completion of your academic preparation program:
ISC program Leading to  Matriculation requirements
Foundation Diploma Second year entry on a bachelor's degree
  • complete at least 24 academic credits
  • achieve the equivalent of a 550 PBT/80 iBT score through the TOEFL ITP (Institutional Testing Program)
  • obtain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
  • take the Honor Code Test
  • pass the Tech Level 1 exam (word processing, graphics presentation and spreadsheet skills)
  • pass the University's Information Seeking Skills Test
  • provide your original high school transcripts
  • make a Portfolio Poster Presentation
  • have an Exit Interview
  • prepare a JMU Application 
  • receive recommendations from instructors and the Academic Committee
Pre-Master's Program for qualified students  Any master's degree program
  • completion of check points throughout the coursework
  • meet GRE/GMAT requirements of your chosen master's degree
  • achieve the equivalent of a TOEFL 570 PBT/88 iBT English Language level
Pre-Master's Program for non-qualified students Four selected master's degree
  • meet GRE and academic course pre-requisites of the master's degree
  • achieve the equivalent of a TOEFL 570 PBT/88 iBT English Language level

Steps to academic success

Many of these steps are built into your International Study Center program, providing you with optimal support for successful matriculation into your university degree program. This is demonstrated by high progression rates for international students.

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