Pathway Program
In the NC State Pathway Program, students take a combination of IEP courses and undergraduate credit courses at the same time allowing them to earn credits toward their graduation requirements. This program is an option for eligible conditionally admitted undergraduate students. Students must apply for the Pathway Program.
Advantages of a Pathway Program
Earn 4-7 credits while in the IEP
Gradually transition from the IEP to your undergraduate major
Small IEP Pathway classes
Receive language support for credit course(s)
Pathway Program Eligibility
Level 5 Pathway Applicants
- New Students: Must have at least a TOEFL iBT 75, an IELTS 6.0*, or a Duolingo (DET) 95
- Current IEP Students: Must have passed level 4 with 3.0 or higher in each class and receive positive teacher recommendations. Students needing to repeat Level 5 are not eligible for the Pathway program.
Level 6 Pathway Applicants
- New Students: Must have at least a TOEFL iBT 80, an IELTS 6.0*, or a Duolingo (DET) 100 and have passed the ALEKS math placement test with a 76 or higher
- Current IEP Students: In addition to a 76 or higher on the ALEKS math placement test, current students must have passed level 5 with 3.0 or higher in each class and receive positive teacher recommendations. Students repeating Level 6 are not eligible for the Pathway program.
*IELTS subscores will be taken into consideration for placement into the Level 5 or Level 6 Pathway Program for new students.
If you are interested in applying for the Fall 2023 Pathway Program,
talk to your friends and see if they want to apply also!
A minimum number of students is required. Seats are limited in the on-campus, credit classes.
Get that application in today!
Program of Study
| Course | Hours | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| IEP Core: Writing/Grammar | 8 | 0 |
| IEP Core: Integrated Skills for College Success | 4 | 0 |
| COM 110: Public Speaking | 4.5 | 3 |
| IEP Support COMM 110 | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 18.5 | 3 |
Earn up to 7 credits towards your graduation requirements!
- Take one undergraduate credit course each semester in addition to IEP courses
- Level 5 Pathway: Public Speaking (COM 110)
- Level 6 Pathway: Calculus I** (MA 141: Science and Engineering track)
Note: Students who successfully complete Level 5 Pathway will automatically move to Level 6 Pathway if they qualify for MA 141.
| Course | Hours | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| IEP Core: Writing/Grammar | 10 | 0 |
| IEP Core: Integrated Skills for College Success | 3 | 0 |
| MA 141: Calculus I (Science and Engineering Track) | 6 | 4 |
| IEP Support MA 141 | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 21 | 4 |
- Earn 4 credits towards your graduation requirements
- Take one undergraduate credit course in addition to IEP courses
- Calculus I** (MA 141: Science and Engineering track)
Note: Students who successfully complete Level 5 Pathway will automatically move to Level 6 Pathway if they qualify for MA 141.
**Calculus I
MA 141: Science and Engineering Track
- Your major may not require MA 141. However, this course will be accepted to fulfill the math requirement for most majors. Check your degree requirements to see what math courses are required for your major.
- If you took Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus AB or BC in high school, check the NC State website to see if your AP test score places you out of MA 141.
Application Process
To be considered eligible for the Pathway Program, you must be conditionally admitted to an undergraduate program of study at NC State.
- Take the NC State Math Placement Test (you will need your unity account information)
- Complete the Pathway Program application
Apply early, seats are limited. Your application is not considered complete until you have taken the Math Placement Test.
Important Notes
- Spaces in Pathway are limited. Not all students who apply will be accepted into the Pathway Program. Students will be evaluated for the Pathway Program on a variety of factors including test scores, completion of all application steps, etc.
- Students that use AP credit to place out of MA 141 are encouraged to enroll in the regular full-time IEP instead of the Pathway Program.
- If admitted, you will receive an I-20 for a Pathway Program from NC State.
- Your final grades in the COM 110: Intro to Public Speaking and MA 141-Calculus I classes will count toward your undergraduate GPA.
- New students only: All new students are required to take the online IEP placement test upon arrival to NC State. The results of the placement exam will not affect your acceptance into Level 5 or Level 6 Pathway. However, if the results of the placement test indicate that you might experience difficulties in your Pathway and credit classes, our student advisor will meet with you to explain your options.
Have Questions?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to our most common questions.