Program Overview

Graduate Pathway in Computer Science with Non-CS Background

About the Program

The Illinois State University Graduate Pathway program in Computer Science with non-CS background will prepare you to enter your next semester of a master’s degree program at Illinois State University. Upon successful completion of the Pathway program and meeting university requirements for graduate admission, you may enter your next semester of study at Illinois State University.

Key Information

• A Pathway program provides academic, language and cultural support in order to succeed at a US university.
• Students will benefit from fully integrated classes with both domestic and other international students on campus while learning from highly trained university instructors and tutors.

Program Details

Duration

• 1 Semester
• 2 Semesters

Entry Requirements

Age Requirement

• 17

Academic Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 2.5 GPA out of 4.0.
• Background in Java required.

English Language Requirements

• TOEFL 79
• IELTS 6.5
• PTEA 53
• Duolingo 105
• TOEFL Essentials 8.5

Important Dates

2025 Fall Start (August)

• Program start date: 11 August 2025
• Program end date: 12 December 2025
  • Semester 1 fall: 11 August 2025 - 12 December 2025

2026 Spring Start (January)

• Program start date: 5 January 2026
• Program end date: 8 May 2026
  • Semester 1 spring: 5 January 2026 - 8 May 2026

Sample Classes

Semester 1

• IT 225: Computer Organization (3 Credit Units)
• IDS 401: Advanced Writing for Graduate Students (3 Credit Units)
• IT 179: Introduction to Data Structures (3 Credit Units)
• IT 180: C++ Programming (1 Credit Unit)
• IT 378: Database Processing (3 Credit Units)
• Total credit units: 13 Credit Units

• These courses are generally delivered through the INTO Center and are for Pathway students only.
• Students must maintain 2.0 GPA per semester to remain in good academic standing.