IGSP Curriculum

IGSP: A Unique Program Based on Your Needs and Interests

As an IGSP student, you will enroll in a full-time program of study each semester of your studies. You can participate in IGSP during the Fall, Spring, and/or Summer terms. Full-time students take a minimum of four university credit courses in Fall and Spring.  Summer term full time options include taking four courses during the 12-week Summer term or two courses during each 6-week Summer term. 

There are many variables involved in determining the ideal mix of academic programming and associated tuition and fees for each individual student, so there is no "standard curriculum" or "standard cost" for studying in the IGSP Program. Students work closely with Academic Advisors each semester to design and refine programs of study, and select specific courses to meet academic goals.

Gateways to IGSP Studies

There are three "Gateway" programs for students participating in the IGSP Program. Each Gateway serves as a framework to guide students in navigating through the requirements and options for studies within the IGSP Program.

Based on your English proficiency, you may be able to enter directly into University credit bearing courses (Gateway I).  Alternatively, you may begin your program at Penn's English Language Programs (ELP), refining your academic and cross-cultural communication skills prior to beginning university credit coursework (Gateways II and III). Some students may enroll in ELP prior to entering for-credit university courses; other students may combine ELP study and university credit coursework in the same term.

To determine which Gateway program you may enter based on your English proficiency and academic needs, please visit Admissions and Eligibility.

For more information on ELP, visit Admissions and Eligibility, Curriculum, and English Language Programs.

Academic Choices: LPS vs. CAS Courses

While the College of Liberal and Professional Studies at Penn (LPS) will serve as the "home division," IGSP students also have access to a broad range of courses from the undergraduate through the introductory graduate level in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).

Between LPS and CAS, courses are offered in more than 50 academic departments and interdisciplinary programs, by 26 academic departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs in the humanities (languages, literature, history, philosophy), social sciences (political science, international relations, economics), natural sciences (biology, psychology, chemistry, physics), and mathematics. Courses are offered during the day and evening, so you can create the schedule that works best for you.

The mix of courses, and associated tuition and fee costs, varies based on the IGSP Gateway program that you enter as well as curriculum decisions that you make with your Academic Advisor.

Enrollment Scenarios and Costs

Enrollment scenarios and associated tuition and fee costs can vary substantially depending upon the mix of academic courses chosen in a given semester. Additionally, tuition and fees for Summer courses differ from those in Fall and Spring semesters.

Courses taken in the LPS division are considered "internal" and are associated with the lowest cost tuition and fees for IGSP students. Courses taken outside the LPS division are considered "external" and are associated with higher tuition and fees for IGSP students.

Students have the option to take all courses "Internal" to LPS, all courses "External" to LPS, or a combination. IGSP Academic Advisors are experts in supporting students to achieve academic goals while also providing support and guidance on tuition and fees.

Option 1: All Courses "Internal" to LPS
Some students choose to pursue their program of study with a strong focus on maintaining low tuition and fee costs, often to remain within a set family budget or funding allowance. It is certainly possible to do so and still have a wide variety of options from which to choose.

Option 2: All Courses "External" to LPS
Some students pursue their program of study with a primary focus on very specific desired courses and scheduling preferences, which results in the most customized academic package but also in higher tuition and fees.

Option 3: Blend of "Internal" and "External" Courses
Many students pursue their programs of study in a blended format, so that a balance is determined between customization and associated expenses.

The enrollment scenarios and related tuition and fee samples on the Tuition and Fees page provide typical examples of what IGSP students can expect depending on the scheduling choices they make while working with their Academic Advisors.