Individualized Study Program (ISP)
Our Individualized Study Program allows motivated domestic and international students over the age of 18 to meet and study at a Top 10 public university in small classes focused on Project- and Skill- Based Learning. Students enroll in 1-3 concurrent courses over the course of 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-week sessions. Multiple program intakes and flexible schedules allow for culturally diverse classrooms while individual course prerequisites ensure an appropriate level of instruction for all students.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to attend a variety of special presentations, tours, advising sessions, and social events over the course their program, interacting with students from various programs and courses. UC Irvine dormitory housing and programming will also be available. Students will build practical skills, gain invaluable experience, and become better prepared to attend a competitive university or start a career.
Program Benefits
- Enhance your resume or university applications by taking undergraduate-level courses taught by UC Irvine faculty or field experts.
- Get involved with project-based learning in some of UC Irvine’s strongest fields of study: computer science, engineering, business, humanities, and more.
- Develop academic writing, critical thinking, presentation, and career-ready skills
- Learn about UC Irvine and how to enhance your academic and professional career
- Earn course credit that may be applied towards a professional certificate
Eligibility and Requirements
- Available to students 18 years and older
- Meet the individual course prerequisites below:
- Students must take at least one of the following courses:
- Speaking & Listening; or
- Advanced Writing Composition
- Students must take at least one of the following courses:
- F-1 visas are required for non-immigrant students who enroll in the 4-week academic session
- Note: I-20s will not be issued for any other sessions
Instructors
Read the biographies of selected instructors you will be learning from.
Partner Inquiries
Are you a partner interested in sending a group of students? Contact us about customizing the program to meet your students’ needs.
Individualized Study Program Overview
Have Questions?
Talk to an enrollment coach
Call: (949) 824-5414
Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm (Pacific)
Program Cost
Program Fees
Program fees include a non-refundable $200 application fee, a student services fee, tuition for two courses per session, and weekly guest lectures/presentations. 2-Week Language & Communication Session fees also include four hours of conversation partner hours per week.
- 2-Week Session: $1,395
- 4-Week Session: $2,590
- 6-Week Session: $3,785
- 8-Week Session: $4,680
Optional Fees
- 2-Week UC Irvine Dormitory Stay (2-Week Summer Academic Session only): $2,000*
- 4-Week UC Irvine Dormitory Stay (4-Week Summer Academic Session only): $3,700*
- UC Irvine Health Insurance: $75 per week
- Airport Pick-Up Service: $75 one way (LAX to UC Irvine)
- Weekend cultural activities: price varies
*Includes shared room, 3 meals per day at UC Irvine cafeterias, and 24/7 staff support. A non-refundable $400 housing deposit MUST be paid with application to secure housing. The deposit is applied towards the total cost of UC Irvine housing.
Program Schedule
Courses that are offered multiple times will not repeat curriculum, allowing students to continue a course, such as Speaking & Listening, for up to 8 weeks. Various site visits (e.g. campus labs, facilities, and academic departments), guest lectures, and cultural activities will be offered to all students at no additional cost.
Jul 21 - Aug 15 4-Week Academic Session* (UC Irvine Housing available)
- Advanced Writing Composition (required), plus one of the following:
- Intro to Machine Learning & AI
- International Financial Markets and Strategies
- Integrating AI into Business & Project Management
Aug 4 - Aug 15 2-Week Academic Session (UC Irvine Housing available)
- Advanced Writing Composition (required), plus one of the following:
- Cosmetic Chemistry
- JavaScript Programming
Aug 4 - Aug 15 2-Week Language & Communication Session A
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- ESL for Pharmacy & Biology
- Leadership & Project Management
Aug 18 - Aug 29 2-Week Language & Communication Session B
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- Leadership & Project Management
Sep 2 - Sep 12 2-Week Language & Communication Session C
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
*F-1 visa required for non-immigrant students.
Jan 20 - Feb 13 4-Week Academic Session*
- Advanced Writing Composition (required), plus one of the following:
- Intro to Machine Learning & AI
- Integrating AI into Business & Project Management
Feb 2 - Feb 13 2-Week Language & Communication Session A
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- Leadership & Project Management
Feb 17 - Feb 27 2-Week Language & Communication Session B
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- Leadership & Project Management
Mar 2 - Mar 13 2-Week Language & Communication Session C
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
*F-1 visa required for non-immigrant students.
Jul 20 - Aug 14 4-Week Academic Session* (UC Irvine Housing available)
- Advanced Writing Composition (required), plus one of the following:
- Intro to Machine Learning & AI
- International Financial Markets and Strategies
- Integrating AI into Business & Project Management
Aug 3 - Aug 14 2-Week Academic Session (UC Irvine Housing available)
- Advanced Writing Composition (required), plus one of the following:
- Cosmetic Chemistry
- JavaScript Programming
Aug 3 - Aug 14 2-Week Language & Communication Session A
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- ESL for Pharmacy & Biology
- Leadership & Project Management
Aug 17 - Aug 28 2-Week Language & Communication Session B
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- Leadership & Project Management
Aug 31 - Sep 11 2-Week Language & Communication Session C
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
*F-1 visa required for non-immigrant students.
| REQUIRED COURSES (International students MUST take one) | ||
| Course Title | Units/Hours | Prerequisite |
| Advanced Writing Composition | 2 units / 20 hours | iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
| Speaking & Listening (ESL) – Levels A-E | 1.5 units / 13.5 hours | none |
| OPTIONAL COURSES | ||
| Course Title | Units/Hours | Prerequisite |
| American Culture (ESL) – Levels A-E | 1.5 units / 13.5 hours | none |
| Business Communication | 1.5 units / 13.5 hours | iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
| Cosmetic Chemistry | 3.0 units / 30 hours | iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
| ESL for Pharmacy & Biology | 1.5 units / 13.5 hours | none |
| Integrating AI into Business & Project Management | 2.5 units / 24 hours | iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
| International Financial Markets and Strategies | 2 units / 20 hours | iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
| Intro to Analyzing Data | 1.5 units / 15 hours | iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
| Intro to Machine Learning & AI | 3 units / 30 hours | I&C SCI X426.59 Intermediate Python or equivalent experience; iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
| JavaScript Programming | 1.5 units / 15 hours | Basic HTML knowledge; iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
| Leadership & Project Management | 1 unit / 10 hours | iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent |
Notes on Courses
Course content and schedules are subject to change at the University’s discretion. All courses taught in English and open to international and domestic students. Courses with less than 15 students enrolled may be cancelled. Courses are graded on an A-F scale (letter grades).
Course Descriptions
International students MUST take either Speaking & Listening or Academic Writing Composition. All other courses are optional
This course is offered at varying levels of English proficiency to help students improve their speaking and listening skills while learning about American culture. Students will learn and practice language appropriate for common everyday situations. The instructional methods used in the class are interactive and communicative, and students will have many chances to speak and participate during class.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving general English language skills
Prerequisites: none
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
The goal of this course is to prepare advanced and native English speakers for academic writing at the collegiate level, particularly in relation to their chosen fields of study. Students will learn to develop and express ideas effectively for a variety of purposes (expository, analytic, and argumentative), audiences, and occasions. Students will also study and apply various rhetorical strategies used in different academic and professional disciplines. Students will be expected to identify the writing process, evaluate and use various types of evidence, identify and use effective prose, engage with others’ ideas, and properly cite sources.
Instructor: Linda Gruen, Ph.D.
Recommended for: students interested in pursuing a degree in the U.S. who do not yet meet undergraduate English proficiency requirements
Prerequisites: iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime 9am-12pm.
Total Units: 2 (20 hours) each 2-week session
This course is offered at varying levels of English proficiency to help students learn about and understand selected topics in the culture of the US and Southern California and the principles behind them. Students will create a final project, such as a poster, presentation, skit, or video, to compare an aspect of American culture, such as a custom, holiday, or tradition, with their own culture.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving general English language skills
Prerequisites: none
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
This course is designed to maximize oral participation and listening comprehension in a business context. Students will explore business topics and news while focusing on English listening comprehension and oral communication skills. Students experience authentic business language through group role-plays, discussions, and listening to current news and speeches by key business leaders.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving general business and career-related English language skills
Prerequisites: iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
This course covers fundamental principles of cosmetic chemistry, focusing on the chemistry of skin and hair, and the formulation of various cosmetic products. Emphasis is placed on laboratory techniques, safety, and regulatory considerations within the cosmetic industry. Students will gain hands-on experience in formulating and evaluating products, ensuring they understand the quality and efficacy of cosmetic formulations. In addition to technical skills, the course prepares students for careers in the cosmetic industry by providing insights into industry practices and standards. Students will learn about Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory compliance, which are crucial for ensuring product safety and quality. The course also addresses sustainability in cosmetic formulation, teaching students how to select and use ingredients that are environmentally friendly and ethically sourced.
Instructor: Melanie Nguyen, MS. Ed.
Recommended for: students interested in learning chemistry lab and cosmetic industry practices
Prerequisites: iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent
Schedule: TBD – classes will be held sometime M-F, 9am-6pm
Total Units: 3 (30 hours)
The goal of this course is to help intermediate-level students improve their ability to use English in discussing and working with several topics related to pharmacy and biology, such as medical equipment and procedures, case studies, and life science research. They will learn and use new vocabulary related to the topics covered and practice describing causes and effects involved in those topics.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving general business and career-related English language skills
Prerequisites: none
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
This course supports those seeking personal or professional development and growth in the field of AI, whether in business or Project Management. By examining the implications of artificial intelligence on Project Management practices, organizational leadership, and personal development, students will discover the intersection of leadership and learning in an increasingly AI-driven world. Students will also gain a foundational understanding of AI, equipping them with practical skills and best practices for its use and implementation.
Instructor: Hassan Kafshi, MBA
Recommended for: students interested in international business
Prerequisites: iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent
Schedule: TBD – classes will be held sometime M-F, 9am-6pm
Total Units: 2.5 (24 hours)
Examine the international markets driving the global economy. The four financial markets – stock, bond, foreign exchange, and money – used by governments and multinational companies will be explored. Study how to track the four financial markets, how and why multinational companies invest their money, and where governments and business go to raise money. Also examine investment strategies for international markets. The role of exchanges and other markets as venues for trading stocks, bonds, currencies, and derivatives will be explored, as well as a broad range of investment securities, their pricing, trading, and application, both in hedging and speculation. Study the role and strategies of using market instruments in financial management decisions.
Instructor: Jason Gurtovoy, Ph.D.
Recommended for: students interested in international business
Prerequisites: iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent
Schedule: TBD – classes will be held sometime M-F, 9am-6pm
Total Units: 2 (20 hours)
This course introduces concepts and topics essential to AI and Machine Learning. Starting with a foundational understanding of machine learning models such as predictive analytics algorithms, logistic regression, artificial neural networks, and introductory natural language processing, students will also learn major concepts on the design, architecture, and applications of networks. The course will focus on practical knowledge and skills through practice exercises and project work designed to teach students how to implement machine learning algorithms using real-world examples. It is also the first course in the Machine and Deep Learning specialized studies certificate.
Instructor: Pramod Pandya, Ph.D.
Recommended for: students who have completed coursework in Python
Prerequisites: I&C SCI X426.59 Intermediate Python or equivalent experience; iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent
Schedule: TBD – classes will be held sometime M-F, 9am-6pm
Total Units: 3 (30 hours)
Learn how to make web pages more exciting and compelling by adding interactive features that react to externally-driven events. This introductory level course covers the fundamental concepts needed to write simple scripts in JavaScript and prepares students for further study in web programming. Students will learn about event handling and how to perform in-browser manipulation of the Document Object Model (DOM).
Instructor: Christian Hur, M.S.
Recommended for: students interested in acquiring marketable JavaScript skills
Prerequisites: experience with HTML; iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent
Schedule: TBD – classes will be held sometime M-F, 9am-6pm
Total Units: 1.5 (15 hours)
Leading successful teams is a goal that every project leader can attain by understanding team dynamics, leadership styles, organizational culture, and psychological needs. This course will provide a holistic view of team-building and introduce the foundation of behaviors and skills needed to deliver efficacious happy high-performance teamwork.
Instructor: Karen Nguyen, M.S.
Recommended for: students interested in building inter-disciplinary leadership skills
Prerequisites: iBT TOEFL 60 or equivalent
Schedule: TBD – classes will be held sometime M-F, 9am-6pm
Total Units: 1 (10 hours)