The Saint Leo University Bridge Program is an academic program designed to provide qualified students with the opportunity to adjust smoothly to the US academic environment. The Program serves the needs and the interests of international students who meet the minimum English language proficiency requirements for University admission.
Mission
Following the core values and the mission of Saint Leo University, the Bridge Program at Saint Leo strives to support international students by providing them with high-quality English for academic purposes instruction. The main goal of the program is to maximize students’ opportunities for academic success through assuring their balanced language development, personal and academic growth, and smooth transition and adaptation to their new academic culture. An integral part of the University community, the Bridge Program fosters the spirit of collaboration, respect, responsible stewardship, intercultural understanding, and academic integrity.
Why Choose the Bridge Program at Saint Leo University?
- Study with highly qualified instructors who are dedicated to your success in the new academic culture.
- Our classes are designed to support your academic development through providing opportunities to master your academic communication skills, advance your learning skills, and become familiar with the academic culture in the United States.
- Undergraduate students can earn up to 24 university-level elective academic and 6 university exploration (general education) credits while studying in the Program.
- Enjoy learning at the beautiful state-of-art campus of the oldest Catholic institution of higher education in Florida and one of the top universities in Central Florida.
- Be part of Saint Leo University, an academic community that has a century-long tradition of welcoming students of all faiths.
- Graduate students will not need to complete a second application or submit updated language scores after completing the Bridge Program. Students will continue right into their major-specific coursework.
Note, different majors require a different number of elective credits (from 0 to 39). Please refer to the Undergraduate Academic Catalog for more information.
Undergraduate Eligibility Requirements
If you are ready to start your undergraduate studies but your language proficiency test scores are just below the University general admission requirements, our Bridge Program is for you.
One semester: The students whose scores indicate intermediate to upper intermediate level of proficiency (59-70 iBT, 5.5 IELTS - band score 5.5 with one or more section scores 5.5 or lower, 45-49 PTE A, 95-100 Duolingo). Their schedule might be individually modified based on the test scores.
Students may be exempt from the Bridge program if English proficiency scores meet or exceeds one of the following:
- TOEFL 71-75 iBT
- IELTS 6.0 (Minimum writing sub-score)
- PTE A 50+
- Duolingo 105+
The university reserves the right to make adjustments to the noted admission criteria.
Bridge Program Undergradute Course Sequence
Fast Track (15 credit hours)
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ENG-112—English Language Lab (3 credit hours)
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ENG-117—College Reading (3 credit hours)
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ENG-118—ESL Composition (3 credit hours)
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HUM-105—American Culture (3 credit hours)
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ENG-119—Advanced ESL Composition (3 credit hours)
Graduate Eligibility Requirements
Students will be enrolled based on English proficiency levels.
- Graduate students must complete their assigned Bridge Program Track before they can take program
specific master level courses. - No separate application is required once a student completes the Bridge Program. They continue
right into their major-specific coursework.
One semester: The students whose scores indicate intermediate to upper intermediate level of proficiency (59-70 iBT, 5.5 IELTS - band score 5.5 with one or more section scores 5.5 or lower, 45-49 PTE A, 95-100 Duolingo). Their schedule might be individually modified based on the test scores.
Students may be exempt from the Bridge program if English proficiency scores meet or exceeds one of the following:
- TOEFL 71-75 iBT
- IELTS 6.0 (Minimum writing sub-score)
- PTE A 50+
- Duolingo 105+
The university reserves the right to make adjustments to the noted admission criteria.
Bridge Program Graduate Course Sequence
One Graduate Level English Courses
- EAP 591—English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Contact Us
For more information about the BRIDGE program, please contact:
Dr. Chantelle MacPhee
Chair of English, Music and the Arts and Professor of English
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
Saint Leo University
Phone: (352) 588-7391
Email: chantelle.macphee@saintleo.edu