First-semester curriculum: Pathway students enter TCNJ in the fall on a non-matriculating basis, meaning they are not enrolled in a degree program or major. Participants take 3 course units in their first semester (3.5 for engineering students):
- A First-Year Seminar class
- Two college core or major-specific classes, as deemed appropriate.
A course unit is equivalent to 4 credit hours. Credit earned accrues toward a degree.
In the fall, students also complete a noncredit College Success course.
While participants are prevented from taking a fourth course in the fall, they may take a summer or winter course at TCNJ.
Wraparound support: Pathway students benefit from a variety of resources that help promote their overall success and wellness. Personalized advising and attention begin almost immediately following a student’s decision to enroll. Additional services include tutoring, health and wellness programming, academic coaching, and more. Students who may need accommodations should visit the Accessibility Resource Center.
Second-semester matriculation: Participants are guaranteed matriculation status for the spring semester in the major listed in their Pathway acceptance letter and contract, provided they satisfy the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher.
- Successfully pass all courses. (Withdrawals and grades of “incomplete,” “in-progress,” and “F” are disqualifying.)
- Meet regularly with a designated advisor.
Note that while students may matriculate with a 2.3 GPA, some programs (such as those that require certification) may require a higher GPA to be successful. Certain majors may have further expectations, which can be found on the Pathway Program Contract that participants must read and sign to begin their journey as Pathway students.
If matriculation requirements are not met: Pathway students who don’t meet the requirements to matriculate in their second semester may be offered an additional, non-matriculated semester at TCNJ. This will be at the discretion of the Office of Admissions in consultation with the Center for Student Success and academic advisors.
Changing majors: As noted above, Pathway students matriculate in the major indicated in their program acceptance letter. Although major changes are not guaranteed, there is an internal major change process at TCNJ, which can be explored after full matriculation and consultation with an academic advisor.