PASS Program
English Prep + Academic Classes
The Preparation for Academic Student Success (PASS) Program is a bridge pathway program that allows international students who don't quite meet the English proficiency requirement to take the PASS course concurrently with their academic classes.
Students will enroll in pre-selected academic courses and take one PASS course which meets 9 hours per week for one semester. The PASS course is for academic credit and the cost is included in the affordable flat-rate tuition. That's right, there's no additional cost for the PASS Program...it's included!
The successful completion of the PASS Program is the equivalent of a 79 TOEFL score.
Application Process
Students must meet all admission requirements for the academic program. Students with a TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score that is slightly below the minimum admission requirement may be eligible for the PASS Program.
- Apply for academic admission and pay the application fee.
- Online Application (currently closed)
- Pay the $60 application fee (non-refundable)
- Online Application (currently closed)
- Submit the following official documents:
- Transcripts/Academic Records (and English Translations)
- TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Score
- Certified bank statement or financial guarantee
- Financial Statement of Support form (Fillable PDF)
- Mailing Address & Mailing Fee form (Fillable PDF)
- Copy of passport (if available)
PASS Admission Requirements
- Applicants must meet all the academic program admission requirements.
English Requirements
| English Test | Composite Scores | Band Scores |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | 5.0-5.5 | 4.0-4.5 |
| TOEFL | 60-67 | 12-14 |
| PTE | 36-46 | -- |
*Students will take a placement test upon arrival to determine proper course placement. If a student does not meet the English proficiency requirements upon assessment for the PASS Program, the student will be required to enroll in the Intensive English Program or submit a passing TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE score.
Additional Information
- For transfer students: SEVIS Transfer Form
- For those bringing a spouse and/or children: Dependent Form (Fillable PDF)
- For those from the European Union (EU): GDPR Consent Form
Pre-Arrival, Visa, and Orientation Information Page
Students in the PASS Program will take a placement test during Orientation upon arriving at PSU.
Pittsburg State University reserves the right to change standards for admission as deemed necessary. Every attempt will be made to communicate changes in policy, but the lack of knowledge of admission policy on the part of the prospective student will not be a reason for the University to waive current admission standards.
PASS Program Courses
Students in the PASS Program will be required to enroll in, and successfully complete, one of the following courses (PASS/IEP 110 or PASS/IEP 112) based on the placement test assessment. Students will also enroll in pre-selected academic degree courses equaling a full-time, full course of study.
Intakes
- Fall Semester (August-December)
- Spring Semester (January-May)
- Summer Session (June-July)
Undergraduate (Fall or Spring)
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PASS/IEP 110 or 112 | 3 |
| UGS 101 | 1 |
| Academic Courses | 8 |
| TOTAL | 12 |
Undergraduate (Summer)
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| PASS/IEP 110 or 112 | 3 |
| Academic Courses | 3 |
| TOTAL | 6 |
PASS/IEP 110: Composition and Research for International Students
Goal: Students will have the vocabulary, writing, and language skills to support their academic success in university-level courses.
Course Description: This course is required for international students who have not met PSU's English requirement. It provides instruction in a variety of writing assignments necessary for success in undergraduate studies at PSU. Assignments include e-mails, summaries, reactions, reports, and documented academic essays. Using a variety of rhetorical methods, students will write academic essays with a focus on writing skills as well as documentation. Issues of academic honesty and the definition and consequences of plagiarism will also be addressed.
Credit Hours: 3 - Class meets 9 hours per week
PASS/IEP 112: Academic and Language Development for International Students
Goal: Students will have reading, listening comprehension, note taking, test taking, vocabulary, and speaking skills to support their academic success in university-level courses.
Course Description: This course is required for international students who have not met PSU's English requirement. It provides a variety of reading materials authentic to college disciplines within the humanities, social sciences, and sciences. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills through analysis and synthesis of information, as well as academic listening, note-taking, and test-taking skills.
Credit Hours: 3 - Class meets 9 hours per week
Costs & Scholarships
There is no additional cost for the PASS Program! Students enrolled full-time in Fall or Spring in the PASS Program will pay a flat-rate tuition. This means that the PASS courses and academic courses are all included for one affordable price for the semester. For those with Summer enrollment, tuition will be assessed per credit hour
*Fall and Spring semesters are flat-rate tuition. Summer tuition is per credit hour.