North Dakota State College of Science - Fargo
NDSCS Fargo College Classes Training High School Facility Rental NDSCS Home
College Classes



















What's Happening
Facebook Twitter YouTube




Fargo > College Classes > Pathway Program

Pathway program graphic

The Pathway Program is a collaborative program between North Dakota State University and North Dakota State College of Science that prepares students for the academic rigors of college-level coursework.

Students not fully admitted to NDSU may participate in the Pathway Program. This program is structured so students can enroll in academic readiness courses and a limited number of general education classes at NDSU and NDSCS-Fargo, located adjacent to the NDSU campus. Pathway students have access to all student services , can attend activities, and belong to most clubs, sororities, and fraternities at NDSU.

How to Apply
  1. Apply for admission to NDSU. The admission committee will suggest full admission to NDSU or suggest enrollment in the Pathway Program, based on your prior academic performance.
  2. If the Pathway Program is recommended, you will receive a letter notifying you along with an Intent Form. Return the Intent Form to the Pathway Coordinator.
  3. Apply for housing at NDSU.
  4. After you return the Intent Form, the Pathway Coordinator will contact you and make arrangements for your assessment.
  5. Apply for financial aid, indicating NDSCS (Code 002996) as the institution to receive your information.
Course Placement
Initial course placement is based on ACT scores in reading, English, and math. Students have the opportunity to COMPASS test to verify their placement in college readiness courses.

NDSCS academic readiness courses:
  • Critical Reading
  • College Writing
  • Composition Lab
  • Algebra Prep I
  • Algebra Prep II
  • Algebra Prep III
  • Study Skills
NDSU University 189, Skills for Academic Success, is taken during the first semester of enrollment. Each following semester, one (up to 3 credits) course must be taken at NDSU and the rest of the credits will be taken at NDSCS-Fargo.

The Pathway Coordinator and NDSU Office of Admission staff will help to identify general education courses to take in conjunction with academic readiness courses appropriate for the field of study.

Orientation and Registration Program
Students are required to attend an orientation and registration session, which includes expectations for Pathway students, advisement and registration for courses, and an introduction to NDSU residence life and student services. Students will be invited to participate in Orientation sessions in June, July, or August.

Pathway students, are able to access services on either campus including libraries, the NDSU Wallman Wellness Center, the NDSCS Blikre Activities Center and tutoring services. Pathway students can participate in student organizations and attend campus events such as athletic events, fine arts events and MU Live.

Transition to NDSU
Upon successful completion of the Pathway Program requirements, student will transition to NDSU.

Transition requirements are:
  • successfully completing academic readiness courses
  • completing 24 transferrable college credits
  • achieving a 2.0 or above GPA
  • paying all outstanding bills related to college attendance
General education courses taken through NDSU and NDSCS will apply to NDSU degree requirements. NDSCS academic readiness classes will not apply to NDSU curriculum.

Pathway Housing
All first year students are required to live on the NDSU campus. The link to Residence Life at NDSU is http://www.ndsu.edu/reslife/

For the 2012-2013 academic year, a first year student is defined as an individual who receives a high school diploma in January 2012 or later. PSEO or Advanced Placement credits are not considered when determining first year status.

You may qualify for an exemption to this policy if you:
  • are living with a parent or guardian at their primary residence within a 35 mile radius of campus.
  • are enrolled in 9 or fewer credit hours during both the fall and spring semesters.
  • have custody of a child.
  • are married.
  • have extenuating circumstances such as a severe medical condition, financial hardship for which there is no other solution, or family consideration.
You should not make alternate living arrangements prior to submitting a request and receiving approval.

Pathway Tuition and Fees
NDSCS combines tuition and fees from both NDSU and NDSCS into one bill, which is paid to NDSCS. For NDSCS classes, students are charged NDSCS per credit tuition/one flat rate per credit hour, whether you are in-state or out-of-state. For NDSU classes, students are charged tuition and fees based on their state of residence. Room and meal plans are based on NDSU rates. Tuition and fees are due in early September for fall semester and early January for spring semester. Additional information about tuition and fees, as well as billing, is covered during an orientation and registration session. Your billing information will be sent to your campus email account, and also through the U. S. Postal Service.

Financial Aid
All financial aid is administered through NDSCS. Complete these steps for financial aid:
  1. Complete your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.
  2. Submit the FAFSA electronically by March 15. It will take one week to process an electronic application. Completing your FAFSA on time will ensure that your application is processed prior to the March 15 priority deadline date for certain types of financial aid.
  3. Choose the NDSCS Institution Code 002996.
  4. Limited work study is available to Pathway students. Other part-time jobs can be found through the NDSU Career Center Website. Go to www.ndsu.edu/career


Students with Disabilities
Students with a documented physical, psychological, sensory or learning disability may be eligible for various accommodations. To receive an accommodation, students need to open a file with the NDSCS Accessibility Services Office. The Student Accessibility Coordinator will work with the student and others in the campus community to optimize student access to educational experiences and campus facilities.

For information or to open a file, please contact NDSCS Accessibility Services, 800 North 6th Street, Wahpeton, ND 58076, or contact Mindi Bessler at 701-671-2623 or mindi.bessler@ndscs.edu. An early contact with Accessibility Services will provide information on your eligibility and accommodations before classes begin.

NDSU Office of Admission, Ceres Hall 114
PO Box 5454
Fargo, ND 58105-5454
701-231-8800 or 800-488-NDSU

Pathway Program Coordinator, NDSCS-Fargo
1305 19th Ave N
Fargo, ND 58102
701-231-6925

NDSCS Academic Services Center, Mildred Johnson Library 224
701-671-2616 or 800-342-4325 ext. 2616

NDSU Department of Residence Life, West Bison Court
NDSU Dept. #5310
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
701-231-7557 or 800-572-8840

NDSCS Financial Aid, Haverty Hall 115
701-671-2207 or 800-342-4325 ext. 2207

1-800-342-4325    Contact Us  |  NDSCS Catalog  |  Partnerships  |  Disclaimer  |  Site Map  |  Human Resources  |  Faculty / Staff  |  AQIP / Accreditation