Undergraduate pathway programs offer students the opportunity to work on their second-language speaking and writing skills while completing classes that apply to a university degree in their main fields of study. Many universities require minimum test scores to verify language proficiency prior to acceptance into an advanced education program. Depending on the university, some credits may be applicable to other degree programs.

What is an undergraduate pathway program? Often considered to be one of the most flexible programs, this is an educational track that allows students to improve their language skills while creating their own paths of study that incorporate two or more academic, artistic or scientific disciplines. Course combination examples include technical writing and environmental studies, social justice and communication, economics and sustainability, political science and business, graphic design and computer science, or global health and engineering management.

Pathway program graduates can use advanced language skills to succeed in any type of career or to qualify for attendance in advanced university degree programs. Students also typically graduate with improved critical-reasoning skills and a greater ability to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively.

Tuition and fees for online pathway programs are typically different than for those programs that require in-person attendance for some or all of the classwork or lab sessions. Other factors that can impact program costs include the location of the university, experiential trips and the length of the program.

The types of jobs available to an undergraduate pathway program participants with a concentration in interdisciplinary studies vary depending on the fields chosen. Career paths can include interpreter, corporate trainer, sales manager, social services director, marketing manager or compliance specialist. Other possibilities are journalist, freelance writer, data scientist, quality consultant, academic advisor, publications officer, project manager, teacher, interdisciplinary scientist or researcher. Graduates also frequently choose academic careers as adjunct professors, lecturers or teachers.

Pathway programs may have online and classroom content depending on the university, and some require travel. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.