Program of Studies
Academic Tracks
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Track
It is a track for those who are interested in science and technology-related university majors suck as, Medical Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Information Systems, Computer Sciences, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Chemistry, Biological Studies, Biochemistry, Environmental chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, Nursing, Pharmacy, Mathematics, and Statistics.
Social Sciences Track
It is a track for those who are interested in social sciences-related university majors such as, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Analytics and Technologies, Global Economics, Operations Management, Product Management, Strategic Planning, Supply Chains, International affairs.
Humanities & Visual Arts Track
It is a track for those who are interested in Humanities or Visual Arts-related university majors such as, Fine Arts, Journalism and Strategic Communications, Media (Media Design and Production, Film Design, Media and Politics, Media History and Esthetics), Art History, Studio, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers, English Language and Linguistics, Law.
English
Foundation English Program
Students enrolled in the Foundations program benefit from twelve hours of rigorous English instruction weekly. The courses span from levels 4 to 6, encompassing Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking, with an embedded IELTS component. Beyond enhancing their English proficiency, these Foundation English courses equip students to manage various assignments effectively and cultivate essential time management and study skills. The primary objective of the program is to enhance students’ English language competence to a level where they can autonomously navigate a university environment.
Academic English Program
Students who place at the top level of the Academic Bridge Program’s placement tests enroll in Three Academic English classes in Spring Semester (Academic Literature, Writing Composition, Academic Communications). The main objective of these classes is to prepare students for success at university. Emphasis is placed on writing and reading assignments that are challenging and incorporate critical thinking skills. The textbooks adopted for these classes are used in regular university settings and are not EFL texts. The instructors of the Academic English classes understand the needs of EFL students as well as the requirements placed on students in higher education settings. Instruction is presented in a step-by-step fashion that allows students to bridge the gap between high school and college.
Mathematics
The math courses offered at ABP help students to expand their understanding of the field beyond the entry-level requirements for college through relevant mathematical modeling with applications, problem solving, critical thinking skills, and the use of appropriate technologies.
The Academic Bridge Program offers two different levels for each mathematics course—College Algebra, Precalculus, and Calculus—to cater to varying student needs and proficiency. Placement into these courses is determined based on the results of a Math Placement Test, a diagnostic test administered during the first week of classes, as well as students’ intended university majors.
Science
The ABP offers science courses at Foundation and Academic levels which are integrated classroom and laboratory courses. The goals of the courses include the development of science vocabulary, of reading skills, of critical thinking skills, the application of knowledge, and experimental design.
Science courses improve language proficiency and nurture the skills, attitudes, and behavior needed for academic success. Courses offered include, Introduction to Biology, Introduction to Chemistry, Introduction to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Students are placed in these courses according to their English level and their intended choice of major.
Computer Skills
Each computer course meets for 9 hours per week. Computer courses are offered at three levels: Essential, Intermediate, and Advanced. Students are placed in computer courses based on their prior computer knowledge. In all three levels, students learn key skills across the range of Microsoft Office software, which enables them to successfully use the software in their studies, both at the ABP and later at university.
Computer courses at ABP prepare students with essential academic research techniques and referencing protocols. These courses play a key role in university preparation by guiding students to create CVs, research universities, and explore different majors. Additionally, computer skills courses enhance students’ reading and comprehension skills.
In the fall semester, students can take a general Computer Skills course, which introduces them to Google Apps and MS Word. In the spring semester, students’ courses are tailored to their interests and academic tracks.
Students pursuing majors in Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and similar fields enroll in the Programming with Python course.
Students in the Humanities and Visual Arts tracks take the Storytelling with Digital Media course.
All other students are placed in Computer Skills II, focusing on advanced proficiency in MS Excel and MS PowerPoint.
This structured approach ensures that students develop the skills most relevant to their academic and career aspirations.
