Pathways

The UPP curriculum is designed to provide all students with instruction in English language, study and learning skills, and computer skills. Math and science course options depend on the specific UPP pathway each student follows. The pathways are intended to prepare students for university study in engineering, medicine, and business.

The Engineering Pathway
All students in the Engineering Pathway will take calculus. They also study a full complement of sciences—biology, chemistry, and physics—each with a minimum of two lab hours per week. Three hours of academic study skills and two hours of computer skills are included in the first semester. To be accepted into the engineering pathway, students must demonstrate proficiency in a broad range of computer applications during the orientation and placement term.

The Medicine and Science Pathway
Students in the Medicine and Science Pathway take a full year of general science (chemistry and biology)— with 2 hours of lab per week—in addition to one semester of mathematics and one semester of algebra-based physics. All students in the medicine pathway take three hours per week of academic study skills and two hours per week of computer skills.

The Business Pathway
Students in the Business Pathway take a year-long math course at the appropriate level for their previous math background and mathematical knowledge. They take one semester each of general science (biology and chemistry) and conceptual physics, in addition to the study and learning skills and computer skills courses.