What is NYFA’s Pathway Track?
The Pathway Track is designed for international, non-native English speaking students who have applied to a NYFA degree program (Bachelor’s or Master’s) and meet all admissions requirements for the NYFA degree, but whose English proficiency is at a level that could benefit from English language classes.
The Pathway Track helps students improve English language skills through community-based learning and offers an opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and explore their artistic interests.
During the two semesters, students will:
- Improve English proficiency to continue on to their degree program
- Gain experience with and exposure to American culture and college life
- Earn academic credits towards their degree at NYFA
NYFA’s Pathway Track is a specialized curriculum within NYFA degree programs in which students study for two extra semesters in order to strengthen their English skills. The first two semesters of the degree are an in-person, highly-interactive curriculum that teaches verbal and written English language skills, including academic reading, writing, and listening within an arts-focused course of study.
The tuition for the Pathway Track will be applied to the degree; therefore, the total tuition for a NYFA Pathway Track degree will be the same as for the same degree taken with the non-Pathway curriculum.
Where is the Pathway Track offered?
The Pathway Track is currently only offered at NYFA’s campus in Los Angeles, but is designed to also serve students looking to complete their degrees at our New York and Miami campuses, by allowing Pathway coursework completed in Los Angeles to transfer into New York and Miami degree programs. For more information, please contact your admissions counselor or email our Pathway Track specialist at pathwayla@nyfa.edu.
Why should you enroll in the Pathway Track?
While the primary goal of NYFA’s Pathway Track is to improve English language skills, there are many benefits to beginning your studies here. The Pathway Track assists students with cultural adjustment and acclimating to student life at NYFA and the surrounding Los Angeles community. Students also experience a smoother transition into the college environment, gain understanding of academic expectations, and receive individualized support.
Many Pathway Track classes integrate field trips to connect content that is being learned and students are encouraged to attend NYFA events and participate in a variety of student workshops. International students who have begun their studies with the Pathway Track consistently note the confidence they have to academically and socially succeed throughout their time at NYFA.
In the words of one Pathway student:
Taishi Takekoshi BFA ScreenwritingPathway helped me tremendously to adapt to the American lifestyle where everything is different from my country. Since I was new to NYFA, I was feeling anxious about entering the film school in a different country. Professors, faculty members, and offices helped me get through challenges with respect and responsiveness. One of the many things that I enjoyed in Pathway was a field trip to the Academy Museum where I got to see actual props used in my favorite films, along with Oscar interviews and behind-the-scenes exhibits. Pathway created the opportunities to broaden my horizon through several field trips, and that expanded my views on America, which I could not have achieved on my own.
Pathway Track Requirements
All Pathway Track students must apply to one of NYFA’s degree programs. Students must meet the program-related admissions requirements:
- For Bachelor of Arts program admissions requirements, click here.
- For Bachelor of Fine Arts program admissions requirements, click here.
- For Master of Arts program admissions requirements, click here.
- For Master of Fine Arts program admissions requirements, click here.
NYFA Pathway Track Curriculum
The Pathway Track is composed of several developmental English language classes, with a complement of courses from the Liberal Arts & Sciences. Students receive degree credits upon successful completion of the LAS equivalent courses. This will allow students additional time to focus on courses from the major discipline in future semesters.
Specifically, the developmental English language classes will address:
- Academic Writing, Reading, and Vocabulary Development
- Academic Listening and Speaking
- Academic Presentations, Speeches, and Creative Pitches
- Academic Culture and Expectations
- Digital Literacy and Portfolio Design
Pathway Track students must successfully pass all courses with a grade of C or better in order to continue pursuing their degree.
The Pathway Track curriculum provides many opportunities for students to showcase their artistic skill set. Here are some of the dynamic and creative projects that Pathway students complete:
- Mini-graphic novel
- Podcast episodes
- Storyboarding
- Public Art Proposal and Pitch
- Capstone E-Portfolio
- Short Cultural Documentary
- Quality of Life Map
- Health App Design and Pitch