International Study Center

Transcription

1 International Study Center

2 For Global Leaders Widener University is pleased to partner with Study Group to provide university access and English learning to international students in one of America s premier metropolitan universities. Our prospectus will give you all the information you need to find the right program to suit your individual areas of interest and career plans. Widener University offers a combination of high academic quality and successful career preparation. As a premier metropolitan university with an undergraduate enrollment of 3,350 and total student population of 5,985, Widener offers the resources of a large research institution within the context of a small academic community. Our beautifully landscaped campus is located just south of Philadelphia, the fifth largest city in the United States, which boasts a dynamic atmosphere for exploration of business, technology, history, arts, and entertainment. With an ever-changing global environment, Widener is excited to work with Study Group to help prepare students for this modern world where business is no longer conducted within our community, but rather the world. This endeavor challenges both international and domestic students to seek partnerships in life and business worldwide. Because of this association, Widener students will be better prepared for the global job marketplace of the 21st century. James T. Harris III, D.Ed. President, Widener University

3 2 Why Chose Widener 4 Studying in Philadelphia 6 Life at Widener 8 Housing and Dining 10 Hands-on Experience and Alumni Connections 11 Career Success From Academic Strength 12 International Study Center International Year One 18 Pre-Master s Program 20 3-Year HEI Pre-Master s Program 22 School of Business Administration 24 School of Engineering 26 School of Hospitality Management 28 College of Arts and Sciences 30 Campus Map 32 How to Apply 1

4 Why Choose Widener? WIDEN YOUR HORIZONS WIDENER AT A GLANCE Established 1821 Located in Chester, Pennsylvania, in the Greater Philadelphia area 5,985 students 3,350 undergraduates 2,635 graduates 34 states in the U.S. and 26 foreign countries represented 8 academic schools 40+ majors, 50+ minors 10+ dual majors 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio Average class size 20 or fewer #189 National rank in the United States by U.S. News and World Report,

5 Dynamic teaching. Personal attention. Practical learning. These will be the three cornerstones of your Widener experience. Studying here is about much more than attending classes. It s about connecting with the mentors who will shape your thinking and kick-start your career. It s about the relationships you make and the lifelong network of friends you will form. But, most of all, it s about the experiences you have that will lay the foundation for success, both in your life and career. Learn it today. Use it tomorrow. At Widener University, we believe in a practical approach to education. Our faculty bring an extraordinary wealth of professional knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom. With small class sizes, our students receive individual attention and focused instruction to achieve success both during and after their studies. Our philosophy of Learn it today, use it tomorrow guides everything we do. Building professionals. Building careers. With an emphasis on applied learning, civic engagement, and hands-on training, studying at Widener will give you the tools you need to pursue a career in your chosen field. Philadelphia is on our doorstep, and New York and Washington D.C. are just a couple of hours away, so you will be ideally situated to take advantage of the countless job and career opportunities available. Your path to prosperity. Our on-campus International Study Center provides a range of dedicated services to help international students flourish while studying. Additional English language support and courses taught by our highly esteemed faculty will give you the confidence and credits needed to progress to the next stage of your academic career. WIDENER ADVANTAGE 1,000+ Widener alumni are CEOs or presidents of organizations. $78,200 Widener graduates average mid-career annual salary according to a 2013 survey conducted by PayScale. 89% of graduates from the Class of 2010 were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. 3

6 Studying in Philadelphia WIDEN YOUR WORLD Widener University is located just 20 minutes from the center of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, ranked 44th on the QS World s Best Student City list. As the birthplace of America s Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the U.S. Constitution in 1787, Philadelphia held a special position in the nation s history. Today, the greater Philadelphia area continues to thrive culturally, economically and in education. Home to approximately 90 higher education institutions and numerous leading global companies, the city is a fantastic place to study and prepare for your career. Where diversity meets distinction Philadelphia is the nation s fifth largest city, and home to world-class art, culture, sports, entertainment, and history. With accessible regional public transport, you can easily commute from our main campus in Chester to an internship or co-op in Center City, Philadelphia s thriving commercial and business district, and a great place to launch your career. Walk in the footsteps of George Washington with a visit to Independence Hall. Take a stroll around Fairmount Park, the world s largest landscaped urban park. Or pick a sport basketball or baseball, soccer or American football and settle into the electric atmosphere for a great way to spend a few hours. In Philadelphia, the possibilities are endless. 4

7 1.5 hours drive or train to Washington, D.C. 2 hours drive or train to New York 5 hours drive or train to Boston Travel times from Widener University to major nearby U.S. cities Boston Chicago Detroit Pennsylvania New York Washington, D.C. N Widener Campus Philadelphia New York 2hrs PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT New Jersey Miami PHILADELPHIA FACTS Founded in 1682 by William Penn; birthplace of America s Declaration of Independence (1776) and Constitution (1787) km million population 0.5 C average January temperature 25.6 C average July temperature 7th largest metropolitan economy in the U.S. To learn more about what Philadelphia has to offer, visit philly 5

8 Life at Widener WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE A dynamic university needs a dynamic student life. Widener is no exception. Our vibrant campus brings together a diverse community from across the globe for intellectual development, career preparation and, well, simply having fun. 6

9 Welcome to our PRIDE family! International students are an integral part of the Widener PRIDE family. To help you feel at home, the Office of International Students Services (ISS) and Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (MSA) organize events such as movie nights and soccer games, and welcome you to participate in the following activities: English Language Partner (ELP) American students help international students improve their English, and adjust to life at Widener. English Corner Informal weekly meetings with members of the local community, to help students improve their English. International Education Week Get involved with activities that promote awareness of cultural and religious diversity. On and Off-campus Programs Join international and American students for on-campus events and workshops and off-campus excursions. Learn more at Get Involved There are over 80 student clubs and groups on campus ready to welcome you. So whether you are interested in sports, dance, foreign languages or community service, there are always opportunities to be involved. Some of the most active student organizations on our campus: Astronomy Club Environmental Club International Club Ice Hockey Latinos Unidos Outdoor Adventure Club SOS Brigade (anime club) Student Government Association (SGA) Widener Activities Council (WAC) Widener Dance Company (WDC) Widener TV The PRIDE Athletics The Widener PRIDE athletic teams compete in 20 NCAA III varsity sports: Men s: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field Women s: Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Indoor Track & Field, Outdoor Track & Field, Volleyball Healthy Mind, Healthy Body We take a holistic approach to our students well-being by providing stateof-the-art recreational facilities and a wide range of sports clubs. Wellness Center A gym, 24-foot rock climbing wall, fitness classes, and eight-lane swimming pool. Track facilities can be found at the adjoining Schwartz Athletic Center. University Center Art gallery, bookstore, credit union bank, Office of Housing and Residence Life, MacMorland Commons Food Court, Multicultural and International Student Services, post office, Pride Café, and the Office of Student Life. Wolfgram Memorial Library Nearly a quarter of a million volumes, thousands of periodicals, microforms, 80+ online services, audiovisual, and multimedia. PMC Museum Explore Widener s history as Pennsylvania Military College through film, photographs, authentic equipment, and historical documents. Widener Observatory 12- and 16-inch computerized reflecting telescopes. ZIONESS IKE-EGBUONU, NIGERIA Before I came here, I was worried that I would be lonely, but then I was introduced to the International Club, and it really became my second family. Everyone is so friendly and willing to help, and I enjoyed every trip and event that ISS did for us! For more information about all the activities and services available on our campus, visit 7

10 Housing and Dining WIDEN YOUR CIRCLE Living on campus is a great way to maximize your university experience. You will be in the heart of a vibrant, diverse community that offers countless opportunities to learn, engage, and grow. Residence Halls Set in the beautifully landscaped grounds, our 13 residence halls are just a short walk from the academic buildings, library, and other campus resources. Room types vary from double occupancy to apartment style suites throughout the campus. All undergraduate students are required to live on campus until they attain senior class status. Students enrolled in the International Year One program will be instructed to complete a housing application after they have confirmed their enrollment. Off-campus Housing for Graduate Students Most graduate students live off campus. You can book your off-campus housing on your own. Alternatively, the International Study Center can help you (at no charge) secure an accommodation with JCK Homes Inc., a local provider of student housing. Most JCK houses are within a few blocks from Widener s campus. More information about JCK housing can be found at: Campus Dining Our campus has a wide selection of dining options. The Pride Café serves food in an all-you-can-eat buffet style, and the MacMorland Commons Food Court has something to suit every taste, including SUBWAY and Burger Studio. We also offer flexible, cost-efficient meal plans, ranging in price from about $500 to about $3,000 per semester. Students living on campus can take advantage of the Gold Unlimited meal plan which includes unlimited meals, plus vouchers to spend at on-campus dining facilities. Students living off campus can choose from eight meal plans. For more information about our residence options and on-campus facilities, visit In Safe Hands On-campus security is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week 73 full-time and part-time safety officers and support staff Closed circuit surveillance cameras and 58 emergency call boxes across campus Shuttle buses circulate around the main campus, four times per hour Campus Safety Officers will escort students for individual protection Emergency transportation to nearby medical facilities 8

11 For safety, convenience, and an easy transition to university life, all Widener undergraduate students are required to live on campus until they attain senior class status. 9

12 Hands-on Experience and Alumni Connections WIDEN YOUR NETWORK DID YOU KNOW? Widener s undergraduate students earn an average of more than $30,000 across two co-op placements. 75% of Widener s students who participate in co-op graduate in four years; the national four-year graduation rate is 45%. support/career_services/students/ coop_program Connecting the Classroom With the Real World Widener students gain the skills that employers seek, through hands-on coursework, civic engagement and service learning. Top employers, locally and nationally, have strong internship, co-operative education, and recruiting relationships with the university. Through our vast network of industry partners, we help our students find positions to match their professional aspirations. Co-op Education Program Work in your profession while you learn your profession. A co-op is an internship with a salary. It comes with extra supervision and extra responsibility in your field of study. Practical know-how, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills are the cornerstones of Widener University s co-operative education program. Students gain the confidence, courage, competency, and connections they need for professional success. Career Services We want all of our students to enjoy successful, fulfilling careers. From career planning and writing résumés to networking and interview tips, Career Services will prepare you for the road ahead, giving you the confidence, skills, and knowledge you need to maximize your employment potential following graduation. Regardless of academic major or class year, Career Services has an advisor dedicated to help you with everything related to your future career. PrideCAREERS An online database of internships and full-time positions FOCUS 2 Assessment A planning system that helps students to select their majors and make informed career decisions Career Fairs and Networking Events Career Services organizes several job-search events to help students connect with their future employers, including the annual Hospitality career fair that attracts more than 30 employers from the Philadelphia and surrounding areas 10

13 Career Success From Academic Strength WIDEN YOUR CHANCES Academic Support Services Our Academic Support Services offer practical, impartial advice and assistance to help students achieve their educational goals. Students may benefit from one-onone or group tutoring, math tutoring, or assistance writing a paper. Tutoring Services Widener offers one-on-one and group tutoring in almost all freshmen courses throughout the academic year. Just submit a request, and you will be contacted by a tutor or staff member within 24 hours during work days. Math Center Struggling with an assignment? Want to ace that exam? Our graduate and undergraduate tutors are here at your service. Writing Center Get personalized, one-on-one help with a paper or essay from an English professor who also teaches at Widener. Counseling Center Not every college challenge is academic. Widener s Counseling Center provides access to counseling, psychotherapy, education, assessment, and psychiatric services so you can maximize your college experience. What do students get from a Widener education? Hands-on coursework Internship and / or Co-operative education programs A successful career in the future VY TO, VIETNAM, FINANCE MAJOR I was really impressed with Widener s alumni network. I found my co-op position through an alum who always comes back to campus wherever there s a position open in his company. Maybe because we are a small university, I feel everybody, professors, current students, alumni, is so close to each other. Widener really gives you a family feel. 11

14 International Study Center YOUR PATHWAY TO SUCCESS The Widener University International Study Center (ISC) is a dedicated facility for ambitious, career-minded international students. Here you will receive customized English language support. Academic courses, taught by Widener s distinguished faculty, give you the credits you need to advance your academic career. Programs at the International Study Center are delivered by Study Group, in partnership with Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. The Study Group ISC delivers the English for Academic Purposes courses and programs, and Widener University delivers the academic, credit-bearing courses. International Year One (IY1) International Year One provides undergraduate students with four pathways in business, engineering and sciences, hospitality, and social sciences to enter their chosen bachelor s degree programs. Pre-Master s Program (PMP) Our Pre-Master s Program offers courses in English language, GRE/GMAT preparation, and graduate research and study skills. In addition, students will be able to take two graduate courses in their field, which will save them both time and tuition toward completing their Master s degrees. Direct Entry If you meet the appropriate language and academic requirements to directly apply to any academic program at Widener University, the ISC can also help you with your application. Contact our admissions office at wideneriscadmissions@studygroup.com for details. 3-Year HEI Pre-Master s Program for Students with 3-Year Undergraduate Qualifications (3-Year HEI PMP) The 3-Year HEI Pre-Master s Program is especially designed for students who aspire to pursue a Master s degree but have only three years of higher education qualifications, including Chinese Dazhuan students, Indian Section II university/ ordinary 3-year bachelor degree holders, and 3-year associate degree holders from reputable higher education institutions in other countries. This unique Pre-Master s Program allows students to take Widener undergraduate courses so that when they complete the program, they will be fully prepared to enter a Master s program in business, engineering, or hospitality at Widener. What is an ISC Pathway Program? Do I study academic courses? Yes. You will take specialized academic courses that fully prepare you to enter your degree program. There are academic credit courses for both IY1 and PMP students. Do I get academic credits for my degree? It depends. Both IY1 students and regular PMP students take credit-bearing courses in their chosen field and gain undergraduate credits (IY1) or 6 graduate credits (PMP) toward their degree. HEI PMP students whose previous higher education include three years of study will spend their PMP semesters to take undergraduate courses, which will prepare them for graduate studies but do not offer graduate degree credits. Am I taught by university faculty? Yes. The ISC offers a blended model with classes taught by both ISC staff and university faculty. 12

15 Do I take courses with American students? It depends. In most cases, IY1, regular PMP, and 3-Year HEI PMP students will be taking cohort classes with other international students to receive close attention and academic support while enrolled at the ISC. However, depending on the student s major and English level, there is a chance that he/she will take a Widener class with American students while enrolled at the ISC. Students will take Widener courses with American students for years 2-4 of their undergraduate degree or for their Master s degree. Do I get extra academic support and learn study skills? Yes. The ISC provides additional support to help you succeed academically. Do I get extra personal help to adjust to living in America? Yes. The ISC welcomes you from the day you arrive on campus and supports you to help you adapt to being an active member of the student community and to living in America. For undergraduate studies after the ISC, do I continue into the second year of my degree program? Upon completion of the ISC, you will move into the second year of your degree program (1-semester IY1 students will enter their second semester of a degree program). As an undergraduate student, will I graduate in 4 years? Depending on your program type, you will spend 4-16 months at the ISC and then the remaining three years (3.5 years for 1-semester students) of your 4-year degree program completely integrated into your degree program. Most undergraduate students spend eight months at the ISC. DAR YA KORNIYENKO (DASHA), Ukraine I learned a lot by writing and revising assignments. For example, I learned how to write an essay, how to structure it, how to order the elements to make my point stronger. My (writing) professor supported me all the time. She said I can do it, and I did it! 13

16 International Year One LEADING TO 21 UNIQUE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS International Year One helps international students adapt to the ultimate American college experience offered at Widener University. The program strengthens students English language skills and provides academic credits towards an undergraduate degree. Widener University International Year One Program^ INTAKES MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS* YEAR 1 INTERNATIONAL STUDY CENTER LEADING TO YEAR 2, 3 & 4 TOEFL ibt 68, IELTS 6.0 (no minimum bands), Password Test 6.0 (knowledge) 6.0 (writing). GPA 2.75 and above 1-SEMESTER PROGRAM 4 months SPRING: JANUARY SUMMER: MAY FALL: AUGUST TOEFL ibt 60, IELTS 5.5 (no minimum bands), Password Test 5.5 (knowledge) 5.5 (writing). GPA 2.75 and above TOEFL ibt 50, IELTS 5.0 (minimum 5.0 all bands), Password Test 5.0 (knowledge) 5.0 (writing). GPA 2.75 and above 2-SEMESTER PROGRAM 8 months 3-SEMESTER PROGRAM 12 months LEADING TO YEAR 2 OF AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE Progression requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0; Minimum EAP grade of C- TOEFL ibt 45, IELTS 4.5 (minimum 4.5 all bands), Password Test 4.5 (knowledge) 4.5 (writing). GPA 2.75 and above EAP + 3-SEMESTER PROGRAM 16 months ^ A student s study plan is determined by the result of his/her arrival English placement test, and can be longer or shorter than the original study plan in the offer letter. This chart serves as a guide only. * Localized Entry Requirements are available in most countries. Contact our Student Enrollment Advisers for the specific academic requirements for your home country. Students who have completed a 12-week or longer Embassy English program and are at B2 or a higher level are also qualified for the 2-semester IY1 program. 1-semester undergraduate students move directly to the second semester of Year 1 of their degree program. English for Academic Purposes. ACADEMIC CREDITS EARNED DURING INTERNATIONAL YEAR ONE: FOR 2-, 3-, AND 4-SEMESTER PROGRAM; FOR 1-SEMESTER PROGRAM AVERAGE UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE LENGTH: FOUR YEARS / 120 CREDITS 14

17 DEGREE PROGRAM // YEARS 2, 3 AND 4 Business Accounting Business Informatics Economics Finance International Business Management Engineering and Sciences Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Biology (BA track) Chemistry Computer Information Systems Environmental Science Mathematics Physics Hospitality Management Areas of interest include: Events Management Gaming Operations Hotel and Resort Management Managed Services Private Club Management Restaurant Management Tourism and Leisure Services Social Sciences Anthropology Political Science International Relations DID YOU KNOW? Each IY1 student who maintains satisfactory status throughout the program receives a tuition grant worth over $10,

18 International Year One SAMPLE CURRICULUM AND PROGRESSION GUIDE Delivered in four pathways in business, engineering and sciences, social sciences, and hospitality, the International Year One (IY1) program at Widener University offers a blended curriculum of both English language courses and academic courses, so that the students gain valuable credits toward their Bachelor s degree while improving their English. Sample International Year One Curriculum * 1ST SEMESTER 2ND SEMESTER 3RD SEMESTER 4TH SEMESTER 1-SEMESTER PROGRAM 2-3 EAP Courses 4-5 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: Full-time degree study Full-time degree study Full-time degree study 2-SEMESTER PROGRAM 2-3 EAP Courses 3-4 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: EAP Courses 4-5 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: Full-time degree study Full-time degree study 3-SEMESTER PROGRAM 4 EAP Courses 2 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: EAP Courses 3-4 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: EAP Courses 4-5 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: Full-time degree study EAP + 3-SEMESTER PROGRAM 5 EAP Courses Academic credits earned: EAP Courses 3-4 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: EAP Courses 3-4 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: EAP Course 5 Academic Courses Academic credits earned: * Actual course schedules will be determined upon completion of the arrival English placement test and enrollment to a specific ISC program. This chart serves as a guide only. English for Academic Purposes. 16

19 Progression Guide * International Year One INTAKE STUDY PLAN MATRICULATION TO DEGREE PROGRAM SUMMER BREAKS BEFORE MATRICULATION 1-SEMESTER January 2016 No AUGUST SEMESTER August 2016 Yes, summer of SEMESTER August 2016 No 4-SEMESTER January 2017 No 1-SEMESTER August 2016 Yes, summer of 2016 JANUARY SEMESTER August 2016 No 3-SEMESTER January 2017 No 4-SEMESTER August 2017 Yes, summer of SEMESTER August 2016 No MAY SEMESTER January 2017 No 3-SEMESTER August 2017 Yes, summer of SEMESTER August 2017 No * A student s ISC study plan is determined by his/her arrival English placement test, and can be longer or shorter than his/her original study plan in the offer letter. Students are required to complete their study plan at the ISC consecutively without semester breaks. Students who have completed their ISC program are eligible to take summer break. 17

20 Pre-Master s Program LEADING TO 6 UNIQUE GRADUATE PROGRAMS The International Study Center additionally offers a preparation program for graduate studies at Widener University. This Pre-Master s Program (PMP) is designed for international students who have finished a four-year undergraduate degree and met the academic entry requirements for the university s graduate programs, but need additional development of English language, study skills and/or academic background. Widener University Pre-Master s Program INTAKES MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS PMP INTERNATIONAL STUDY CENTER LEADING TO GRADUATE YEAR 1 FALL: AUGUST SPRING: JANUARY SUMMER: FALL TOEFL ibt 70, IELTS 6.0 (no minimum bands), or Password Test 6.0 (knowledge), 5.5 (writing). GPA 2.7 (business, hospitality), 2.8 (engineering). TOEFL ibt 60, IELTS 5.5 (all bands), or Password Test 5.5 (knowledge), 5.5 (writing). GPA 2.7 (business, hospitality), 2.8 (engineering). 1-SEMESTER PMP 4 months 2-SEMESTER PMP 8 months Choose from 6 graduate programs Progression requirements: cumulative GPA=3.0 or above with no credit-bearing courses lower than B- This diagram serves as a guide only. 6 CREDITS TOWARD MASTER S DEGREE The PMP provides a 1-2 semester transitional curriculum of intensive English for academic purposes and training for GMAT/GRE test (business and engineering students only). In addition, students will take two Master-level courses and earn up to 6 credits toward their degree. Sample Pre-Master s Program Curriculum 1-SEMESTER PROGRAM 1ST SEMESTER 3 EAP Courses 1 GRE/GMAT Tutoring class 2 Academic Courses^ Academic credits earned: 6 credits 2ND SEMESTER Full-time degree study Widener graduate-level courses are scheduled in the evening to accommodate the schedule of professionally employed students and allow full-time students to study along with their more experienced classmates. English for Academic Purposes. ^ Depending on the student s academic background, he/she may need to take some foundation courses before taking for-credit courses. The chart serves as a guide only. 2-SEMESTER PROGRAM EAP courses 3 EAP Courses 1 GRE/GMAT Tutoring class 2 Academic Courses^ Academic credits earned: 6 credits 18

21 For further details on our Pre-Master s Program, visit JI ZHOU, China, matriculated to Master of Engineering program in Spring 2014 I chose to study at Widener because it has a good biomedical engineering program. Philadelphia is also one of my favorite cities. I enjoyed studying at the International Study Center because I was not only improving my English skills, but also learning critical thinking and American culture. MASTER S DEGREE PROGRAM Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Science, Business Process Innovation (MSBPI) Master of Science, Forensic Accounting and Analysis (MSFAA) Master of Science, Taxation and Financial Planning (MSTFP) Engineering Master of Engineering with concentrations in: Biochemical Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Engineering Management Hospitality Master of Science, Hospitality and Tourism REMAINDER OF ACADEMIC CREDITS FOR A CHOSEN MASTER S PROGRAM: Progression Guide * Pre-Master s Program INTAKE STUDY PLAN MATRICULATION TO DEGREE PROGRAM SUMMER BREAKS BEFORE MATRICULATION AUGUST 2015 JANUARY 2016 MAY SEMESTER January 2016 No 2-SEMESTER August 2016 Yes, summer of SEMESTER August 2016 Yes, summer of SEMESTER August 2016 No 1-SEMESTER August 2016 No 2-SEMESTER January 2017 No * A student s ISC study plan is determined by his/her arrival English placement test, which may be longer or shorter than his/her original study plan in the offer letter. Students are required to complete their study plan at the ISC consecutively without semester breaks. Students who have completed their ISC program are eligible to take summer break. 19