alt=""

Undergraduate Foundation

We designed our Undergraduate Foundation program (UF) to help international students through their first year of study at WSU. The Foundation program can be 1 to 2 semesters long and provide you with additional support to successfully complete your degree!

About the program

We combine credit-bearing English language and other coursework toward your degree in a safe, student-friendly environment. You will :

  • Receive a degree-seeking I-20 because all of your classes are credit-bearing and count toward your degree
  • Be pre-enrolled in credit-bearing classes before you even get on the plane to the U.S., decreasing your time to degree program completion
  • Get personalized support from your academic advisor
  • Receive more faculty attention in small classes with support for English and academic skills and navigating the U.S. university environment effectively
  • Be assigned a peer mentor to help you make friends, build community, and adjust to WSU

Dates

You can start the Undergraduate Foundation program and continue through fall and spring semesters. With the exception of Math 100, all courses in the program count toward your degree!

Spring 2024 | Jan. 8-May 3*

Fall 2024 | Aug. 19-Dec. 13**


*Spring break March 11-15

**Thanksgiving break Nov. 25-29

Program information

Admission requirements

Students wanting to enroll through the Undergraduate Foundation program need:

  • A completed WSU application
  • A U.S. equivalent of C+ grade or higher in secondary education
    • Minimum 2.0 grade point average on a 4.00 scale
  • Secondary/high school transcripts
  • Passport

Program placement

Whether you complete 1 or 2 semesters of the Undergraduate Foundation program depends on your English proficiency scores.

Tests: Cambridge; CSAT: College Scholastic Ability Test; Duolingo; Eiken; Gaokao; IELA: International English Language Test Assessment; IELTS: International English Language Testing System; ITEP: International Test of English Proficiency; MET: Michigan English Test; Oxford ELLT: English Language Level Test; Password; PTEA: Pearson Test of English Academic; TOEFL Essentials: Test of English as a Foreign Language; TOEFL iBT: Internet-based Test

Program:Traditional Admission1 Semester Foundation1 Year Foundation
CambridgeC1 AdvancedB2 FirstB2 First
CSATLevel 1Level 2-
Duolingo1059585
EikenLevel 1Level Pre-1Level 2
Gaokao125105-
IELA176169162
IELTS6.56.05.5
ITEP43.42.9
MET524946
Oxford ELLT765
PasswordLevel 6.5Level 6Level 5
PTEA534744
TOEFL Essentials87.54.5
TOEFL iBT757060

*1 eight-week session if going to a bridge program (Undergraduate Foundation, International Master’s) or 2 eight-week sessions if not. Longer study plans are available, email ialc@wsu.edu for details.

Please have Duolingo, TOEFL, and IELTS scores sent directly from the testing agency.

Duolingo

For Duolingo tests, you will have to select Washington State University as your school of choice. Please read the rules and follow them CAREFULLY.

  1. Log in to englishtest.duolingo.com with the email address you used to take the test.
  2. Scroll down to your certified test results and click the “SEND RESULTS” button at the top next to “print results.”
  3. Select university for what you are applying to.
  4. Start typing Washington State University and select your choices using the checkbox. Be sure to select the correct program for your level (Undergraduate or Graduate).
  5. If you have an applicant ID, do not forget to add it!
  6. Press “Send.”

How-to Video

TOEFL

Your test fee includes up to 4 free official TOEFL score reports to be sent to the institutions, agencies, or other recipients that you select before you take the test. You can add or delete recipients through your ETS account until 10 p.m. (local test center time) on the day before your test.

  1. Log in to your TOEFL iBT account
  2. On the home page, select “Order Score Reports.” (You will need to register for a test date before you can do this step.)
  3. For Product Type, click “TOEFL Services” then click “Continue.”
  4. Select the test date you want to send the scores of and click “Continue.”
  5. Search for Washington State University and select it. Use the school code 4705.

IELTS

If you took your IELTS exam in a test center, you could request to send IELTS results to up to 5 organizations. We would prefer that you send the results to us electronically. Make this request with your test center.

Online test takers can send their results to as many institutions as they need.

Here is the information you will need for the request:

Name of department: International Undergraduate Admissions

Name of Institution: Washington State University

Email: international@wsu.edu

Address:

Office of International Programs International Undergraduate
PO Box 645115
Pullman, WA 99164-5115
USA

Degree options

To earn a degree at WSU, students need to complete 120-123 credits. For the 1-semester and 2-semester Foundation tracks, you will take 4-5 courses (12 credits) that count toward your degree requirements each semester. Once you are finished with your Foundation track, you will work with an advisor to choose your courses for your major.

Here are sample study plans, majors, minors, and career options per degree:

There is, literally, a world of academic opportunities and career paths in the wide area of agricultural science. You can choose from majors in a wide variety of agriculture-related areas at WSU: agricultural business and economics; agricultural production; plant, crop, or soil science; biotechnology; organic and sustainable agriculture; and more.

1-semester UF track: sample study plan (12 credits)

CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2

2-semester UF track: sample study plan (25 credits)

Semester 1
CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2
Semester 2
CourseCredits
UNIV 110Developing Academic Strategies for Reading & Writing (English)4
HISTORY 105The Roots of Contemporary Issues3
MATH
___
Selected Math courses3
COM
102
Public Speaking in the Digital Age3

Make your imagination manifest. Whether you are an aspiring architect, fashion designer, landscape architect, interior designer, or artist, at Washington State University you will gain the technical skills, the experience, and the courage to make your personal vision come to life.

1-semester UF track: sample study plan (12 credits)

CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
SDC ___Selected Design & Construction courses3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2

2-semester UF track: sample study plan (25 credits)

Semester 1
CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
SDC
___
Selected Design & Construction courses3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2
Semester 2
CourseCredits
UNIV 110Developing Academic Strategies for Reading & Writing (English)4
HISTORY
105
The Roots of Contemporary Issues3
SDC
___
Selected Design & Construction courses3
FINE_ART 101Introduction to Art3

The Washington State University Carson College of Business offers programs that are accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), which is the premier accrediting organization for business schools worldwide. AACSB-accredited programs meet the highest standards in business education.

1-semester UF track: sample study plan (12 credits)

CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH 201Mathematics for Business & Economics3
COM 102Public Speaking in the Digital Age3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2

2-semester UF track: sample study plan (25 credits)

Semester 1
CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH 201Mathematics for Business & Economics3
COM 102Public Speaking in the Digital Age3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2
Semester 2
CourseCredits
UNIV 110Developing Academic Strategies for Reading & Writing (English)4
HISTORY 105The Roots of Contemporary Issues3
MATH
___
Selected Math courses3
B_A
100
Introduction to Business3

In this age of complex, global communication, people who can present ideas and information accurately, dynamically, and persuasively are transforming the world. WSU is a leader in communication education, offering several fields of study designed to help you succeed in the ever-expanding world of communication.

1-semester UF track: sample study plan (12 credits)

CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2

2-semester UF track: sample study plan (25 credits)

Semester 1
CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2
Semester 2
CourseCredits
UNIV 110Developing Academic Strategies for Reading & Writing (English)4
HISTORY 105The Roots of Contemporary Issues3
MATH
___
Selected Math courses3
COM
102
Public Speaking in the Digital Age3

The engineering and computer science programs at WSU balance classroom learning with real-world practice. You’ll study scientific and mathematical principles, and then creatively apply them in finding solutions to society’s needs in energy, transportation, the environment, and health. Students work in teams to gain hands-on understanding of essential concepts with the mentorship of world-class faculty.

1-semester UF track: sample study plan (12 credits)

CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2

2-semester UF track: sample study plan (25 credits)

Semester 1
CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2
Semester 2
CourseCredits
UNIV 110Developing Academic Strategies for Reading & Writing (English)4
HISTORY 105The Roots of Contemporary Issues3
MATH
___
Selected Math courses3
COM
102
Public Speaking in the Digital Age3

The university’s academic programs in the physical sciences give you excellent student-to-teacher ratios and options for research experience with guidance from internationally respected scholars. The university’s programs in mathematics not only give you a solid foundation in the study of logical structures, they help you apply your knowledge to research that addresses real-world problems.

These programs build a strong foundation for career success in industry, consulting, and high-demand areas of high school teaching, as well as for later achievement in graduate and professional schools.

1-semester UF track: sample study plan (12 credits)

CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2

2-semester UF track: sample study plan (25 credits)

Semester 1
CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2
Semester 2
CourseCredits
UNIV 110Developing Academic Strategies for Reading & Writing (English)4
HISTORY 105The Roots of Contemporary Issues3
MATH
___
Selected Math courses3
COM
102
Public Speaking in the Digital Age3

The social sciences apply scientific principles to the exploration of human history and society. At WSU, the study of social sciences emphasizes integrated thinking and learning, encouraging students to investigate ideas beyond traditional approaches to social issues. You can join interdisciplinary programs or create your own interdisciplinary approach by combining majors and minors in areas that interest you.

1-semester UF track: sample study plan (12 credits)

CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2

2-semester UF track: sample study plan (25 credits)

Semester 1
CourseCredits
UNIV 111Developing Academic Strategies for Listening & Discussion (English)4
MATH ___Selected Math courses3
MUSIC 103World Music3
UNIV 104First-Year Success Seminar2
Semester 2
CourseCredits
UNIV 110Developing Academic Strategies for Reading & Writing (English)4
HISTORY 105The Roots of Contemporary Issues3
MATH
___
Selected Math courses3
COM
102
Public Speaking in the Digital Age3

Follow WSU International Admissions!