Undergraduate Pathways Program (UPP)

Pathways is a university-level introductory program geared for students whose English is at an Advanced or High Intermediate level.

Students in Pathways prepare for success in SHU’s challenging undergraduate programs by taking a limited number of carefully-selected academic courses along with English language courses. ESL courses are designed to enhance one’s skills for writing academic papers, listening and speaking in a classroom setting, planning and giving presentations, understanding American classroom culture and understanding expectations that may be different from one’s home culture.

Friendships are encouraged through English Language Institute local excursions and American conversation partners. Students are encouraged to participate fully in the campus life of undergraduate students, living in the residence halls, joining academic, social and special interest clubs, including Club Sports.

Who is this program for?

Pathways is for non-native English speakers who completed or are about to finish high school and have a preferred minimum of 2.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

What does Pathways offer?

• Prepares students linguistically and academically to thrive on an American campus
• Allows for immediate immersion in a degree program
• Offers multiple admission dates and three program types depending on English level

Program Details

• Become a full-time SHU student in an undergraduate degree program while being supported on the development of your academic English language skills by taking simultaneous ESL courses
• Pay a discounted tuition rate for ESL with the opportunity to graduate with your undergraduate degree within the traditional four years
• Make friends and learn American culture through Conversation Partners, cultural activities and excursions away from campus
• Live in SHU’s on-campus housing and eat meals in campus dining halls
• Benefit from SHU’s lively, high tech campus, fitness centers, student lounges, performing arts events, career center, club sports, campus lecture series and more
• According to your English skills, study 1-3 academic courses, earn credits toward your chosen degree program while taking up to ten hours per week of intensive, academic-focused English language instruction

Terms & Conditions of Your Acceptance into SHU’s Pathways ESL/UPP Program

• During your first term, you will be enrolled in four ESL sessions and two academic courses
• On-campus housing is required*
• Health insurance is required

*Pathways students who are 18-21 years old are required to reside in SHU campus housing. Pathways students over 21 will be assisted with finding off-campus apartment housing.

I-20 for your Undergraduate Studies at Sacred Heart University

Pathways is a SEVIS-approved program, for which Sacred Heart University provides an I-20. SHU’s Immigration & International Support Services requires a bank letter showing enough funds to cover a full year of study at SHU. This includes both the spring Pathways semester followed by the regular academic fall semester. Once the ESL Pathways portion of your program is completed, you will be issued a new I-20 indicating full-time undergraduate status.

International undergraduates at SHU are required to submit a bank letter showing a minimum of $72,000. This includes the flat tuition cost of 12-18 full-time undergraduate courses. As a Pathways student, you will benefit from a discounted first semester tuition, due to the lower cost of ESL courses. The total cost for spring 2024 Pathways semester is approximately $54,276. (Amounts are subject to change.)

A partial academic merit scholarship, based on your grades, will be awarded upon completion of Pathways. Merit scholarships are renewable and typically range from $6,000-$18,000 per year.