English for Academic Purposes (EAP)
A Graduate Pathway Program
Marymount’s Graduate Pathway is a 1-semester program providing additional language, academic and cultural support that will lead you to the next semester of your graduate studies. You will earn credits toward your Marymount graduate degree while strengthening your academic English, sharpening your professional skills, and exploring U.S. culture, ultimately improving the skills you need to complete your graduate degree. Each graduate pathway is tailored to your degree, allowing you to complete academic coursework while preparing to progress to your degree.
This is an excellent opportunity for international students who may need additional preparation for advanced graduate studies. As a pathway student, you are permitted to attend Marymount even though you may have yet to meet the English language proficiency requirements for direct admission. You are fully admitted to your graduate program upon successful completion of the Pathway Program requirements and fulfillment of all progression requirements without having to re-apply. Best of all, you will earn 3 credits toward your degree.
The following graduate programs offer pathway options:
- Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Cybersecurity (M.S.)
- Emerging Technology (M.S.)
- Information Technology (M.S.)
- Interior Design (M.A.)
- Public Health Education and Promotion (M.S.)
Admission Requirements
To apply for the Graduate Pathway program:
- Complete a Marymount University graduate application
- Meet the academic admission requirements in your chosen graduate program
- Submit official documentation from one of the English proficiency examinations
To meet the English Language Proficiency requirement, you must submit one of the following test scores listed below and meet the minimum indicated score requirement. Official test score reports must be submitted directly from the test center to be acceptable. Submitted scores must not be more than two years old.
| Test | Minimum Score |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 |
| Pearson Test for English (PTE) | 53 |
| Duolingo | 95-104 |
Progression from Pathway to Graduate Degree Program
In the Graduate Pathway, you will be eligible to progress to your graduate degree program after one successful semester of coursework and upon achieving:
- Minimum grade requirement for the graduate content course (as stated in catalog)
- B or better in the EAP 500: English for Academic Purposes: Writing, Research and Presentation (6 credits)
- C or better in the exit comprehensive examination (taken only if B or above is earned in EAP 500 course)
If you are unable to successfully complete the pathway requirements in one semester, you may be eligible for a one-time one-semester extension of the pathway program.
Graduate Pathway Course Requirements
In the Graduate Pathway, you are required to take EAP 500 and one graduate-level course during your first semester at Marymount. The EAP 500 and the graduate course must each be taken as a 15-week course. Courses will be offered in Ballston and on Main Campus.
EAP 500 English for Academic Purposes: Writing, Research, and Presentation*:
- is a 6-credit course
- designed to include skill-building in communication, as well as social, cultural, and intercultural skills
- does not count toward a graduate degree or a certificate program
*Students are permitted to repeat EAP 500 one time only. If after repeating EAP 500 and a grade of B or above is not earned, the student will be dismissed from both the Pathway and the graduate degree program.
Sample of Graduate Courses to be taken along with EAP 500
- Management Foundations (MBA 511)
- Foundations of Health Education and Health Promotion (HPR 501)
- Introduction to Public Health and Preventive Medicine (HPR 502)
- Graduate Practice Studio II (ID 606)
- Graduate Practice Studio III (ID 607)
- Freehand Drafting (ID 121)
- Textiles and Finish Materials (ID 231)
- Requirements Analysis and Management (IT 510)
- Enterprise Infrastructure and Networks (IT 520)
- Computer Security (IT 530)
Immigration Requirements
International students on or obtaining an F-1 student visa are eligible to apply to Marymount University’s Graduate Pathway Program.
Upon admission and receipt of required documents, prospective pathway students will receive a Language Training Form I-20 used to apply for the F-1 visa. Once students have successfully progressed from pathway to degree, students will work with International Student & Scholar Services to obtain the degree Form I-20.
While enrolled in the pathway program, no online or distance education classes may count toward the student’s full course of study. Pathway students are not eligible for practical training authorization. Time spent enrolled in the pathway program does not count toward the required enrollment time for practical training authorization.
