The Pathways program at Rider University is a three tier program designed to prepare international students with the English language skills to succeed both academically and practically in university and professional endeavors.

The first tier – The Rider English Language Institute focuses on fluency and accuracy to allow improvement of English and a practical understanding of the language targeting speaking, pronunciation, listening, reading and writing skills. The program includes 18 hours per week of intensive Academic English. Students must be high school graduates and have achieved a minimum TOEFL score of 60 iBT/500 PBT; or IELTS -5.0. The program is semester-based and runs in fall, spring and summer sessions.

The second tier – Pathways to your Future is the first step towards a bachelor’s degree and designed for high school graduates who still need to improve their English level for university enrollment, who wish to participate in a real American campus lifestyle and gain a university diploma and credits towards a future degree. There is the additional bonus of experiencing American Culture Weekends which include hotel transfers and a meal plan to travel with new friends to the iconic cities of Boston and Washington, D.C. The program includes 15 hours per week of Academic ESL plus the opportunity to take six credits per semester. Entrance requirements include a minimum TOEFL score of 60 iBT/500 PBT; or IELTS -5.0. The program is semester-based (2 semesters) and runs in fall and spring sessions.

The third tier – The Certificate in Business & Management opens the door to earning a university diploma and internship opportunity. By participating in the internship program, participants will have the chance to work in an international environment, learn about American culture, acquire expertise and improve their level of Business English. This program also features the American Culture Weekends, and participants receive 18 hours per semester of Academic English and the opportunity to earn six college credits toward a degree. Semesters run from September to January and January to June.