Many dream of studying abroad but finances usually become a deterrent to achieving this dream. However, there are cheaper options for those wanting to experience academic pursuits abroad and that option is – the American Degree Program! But, what do you need to know about the American Degree Program? Here, we present some insights to answer that question.
What is American Degree Program (ADP)?
The American Degree Program, or ADP, is a study option which allows students to study in both a local private university and a foreign university. Typically, students will spend the former part of their degree in the local university and then the latter part of their degree abroad.
The ADP programme allows for students to enrol into the programme after their SPM or any equivalent examinations. In this way, students gain the edge of completing their degree at a faster pace than those who have to enrol in a pre-university programme before an undergraduate degree. Nonetheless, those who have completed STPM or UEC are also able to enrol in the ADP programme.
A big portion of the ADP programmes in Malaysia permits a credit transfer option. Though the programme is called the American Degree Program, students also have the option for credit transfers to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand.
General Structure of American Degree Program
ADP parallels the structure of a 4 year undergraduate degree, which you can directly enter after SPM. The duration for ADP programmes are usually presented as 1+3, 1.5+2.5, or 2+2 years. The first number represents years spent in a local private university and the second represents the years spent in a university abroad.
Essentially, students will go through four years of an undergraduate degree and will be classified based on the years as well as the credits they have obtained. Students would typically have to complete 110-140 credits to graduate an American Degree Program. Below is an explanation of a general structure of an American Degree Program. Ultimately, this aspect of the programme would depend on the university itself.
- Freshman (Year 1)
As a first year, students are considered a Freshman. During this year, students would most probably participate in general education courses or introductory subjects. In other words, classes aren’t specialised or focused on a major just yet, ensuring that students graduate with a well-rounded education.
- Sophomore (Year 2)
As a second year, or as someone who has completed at least a minimum of 30 credit hours, a student will be considered a sophomore. At this level, classes may gradually become more specialised and challenging. Typically, it is the year where students decide on a major.
- Junior Year (Year 3)
As a third year, or as someone who has completed a minimum of 60 credit hours, a student will be considered a junior. At this level, students may participate in classes which are major and compulsory subjects for their degree.
- Senior Year (Year 4)
In the final year, students are considered to be in their Senior year. Generally, students should already have completed a minimum of 90 credits or the entirety of the degree.
ADP vs ADTP
The main difference between an American Degree Program (ADP) and an American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) is the need for transfer into overseas universities. In the case of ADP, programmes are usually presented with a duration of 4+0, meaning students complete their studies completely in a local private university. Meanwhile, for the case of ADTP, programme durations are commonly presented as 1+3 or 1.5+2.5 or 2+2 years, meaning there is transfer into a foreign university in the latter part of the program.
If you want to find out about other options for studying abroad, you can also consider twinning and other transfer programmes. To find out more, read our article here, or simply, reach out to us!
Why Should You Take ADP/ADTP
- Permits the Opportunity to Study Abroad
Joining the American Degree Program permits the opportunity to Study Abroad, granted that students choose programmes which have transfer options to an overseas university. Also, it is comparatively cheaper than studying a whole degree abroad. This way, students can broaden their horizons without breaking the bank.
- Provides Flexibility during Studies
ADP provides students with flexibility in terms of choosing a major. Some universities allow students to switch majors within the first two years of the programme. Students will also have flexibility in terms of study pace, where students are allowed to choose on the number of subjects they take in a semester. However, the faster you complete the required credit hours, the faster you graduate!
- Exposure to Experiential & Holistic Learning
The American Degree Program is more centred on coursework and assessments which are not exam-based. Interactive learning is upheld, where students are groomed to be confident and outspoken critical thinkers alongside extracurriculars such as community service, leadership and sporting opportunities.
- Experience Broad Range of Subjects
ADP employs a broad-based education system where students might have to take subjects which aren’t directly related to their chosen major. This way, graduates of the programme are able to have received a well-rounded education, which is a vital aspect in the working world.
- Jump Straight to an Undergraduate Degree after SPM
Under ADP, students can finish their undergraduate studies evidently faster than what’s common among Malaysian students. This result is possible because ADP allows for SPM (or equivalent) leavers to enrol straight into an undergraduate degree without the need for a pre-university qualification.
Entry Requirements for American Degree Program (ADP/ADTP)
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
SPM/O-Levels/IGCSE | Pass with 5 Credits |
UEC | Min. 5Bs |
Foundation | CGPA 2.00 |
Matriculation | CGPA 2.00 |
STPM | CGPA 2.00 |
A-Levels | CGPA 2.00 |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 5.0 |
SPM/O-Level/IGCSE English | Credit |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Universities to Study ADP or ADTP in Malaysia
1. Sunway University
Sunway University is a preeminent private university in Malaysia located in the very connected area of Sunway City. Sunway University is a part of the Sunway Education Group, which is one of the largest education-focused social enterprises.
The American Degree Transfer Program at Sunway University has over 1000 majors that students can choose from. With excellent student support services and transfer options in countries such as the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Germany, and the UAE, Sunway is a viable option for those interested.
Programme Offered | American Degree Transfer Program |
Duration | 1-2 Years (Sunway University) 2-3 Years (Overseas University) |
Intake | January, June, August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 117,200 International Students: USD 27,200 |
Disclaimer: Indicative Fees are calculated based on 4 Years of study duration based on Sunway University’s Estimated Annual Course Fee.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. INTI International Colleges
INTI International College believes in an education that empowers their graduates, allowing them to explore their passion and realise their true potential through proper learning experiences furnished with adequate facilities and equipment. INTI offers their ADTP programme under the INTI American University Program (AUP) and three ADP programmes where students can gain a foreign certification without going abroad.
The INTI AUP programme offers credit transfer in over 300 universities in the US and Canada with exclusive scholarships for eligible students. INTI’s AUP offers a variety of majors, namely, in Actuarial Science, Business, Biosciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Health & Applied Sciences, Mass Communication, and Psychology. INTI also collaborates with Southern New Hampshire University, USA, for three ADP programmes where students will undergo an American-based degree at INTI.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Bachelor of Arts in Communication 4+0 | 4 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM 93,560 International Students: Approx. RM 93,560 |
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration 4+0 | 4 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM 93,560 International Students: RM 93,560 |
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology 4+0 | 4 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM 82,388 – RM 95,744 International Students: RM 82,388 – RM 95,744 |
American University Program (AUP) | 1+3 / 1.5+2.5 / 2+2 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM 41,858 – RM 44,380 International Student: RM 41,858 – RM 44,380 |
Disclaimer: Indicative Fees for INTI AUP are for the study period in INTI International College, which may not include the fees of the study period in the foreign university.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. Taylor’s University
Taylor’s University, established in 1969, is a prestigious private university in Malaysia. Taylor’s excellence has a proven track record recognised as a first ranked private university in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Taylor’s has sent many students to sail their academic pursuits overseas through their American Degree Transfer Program.
Taylor’s American Degree Transfer Program is an exceptional study option for a seamless transition into a university abroad. With their Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), students of Taylor’s ADTP will join a supportive community that benefits their learning experience. Students will also have access to counsellors which will help them with their placements in American, Australian, or Canadian universities.
Programme Offered | American Degree Transfer Program Major Options:
|
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | February, June, August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 57,844 – RM 66,474 International Students: USD 16,788 – USD 18,713 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. UCSI College
UCSI College, founded in 1986, is a renowned private university in Malaysia. The college is located in Cheras of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Initially a computer training institute, UCSI has since then grown into a higher education learning institute committed to excellence. UCSI has four campuses with many study programmes with comprehensive curriculums.
The American Degree Transfer Program at UCSI College enables students to enrol to UCSI’s American partner universities after one or two years study at the UCSI College. UCSI offers many majors ranging from Business, Liberal Arts, Science, Engineering, and Computing, making it a practical study option for those interested in the ADP Programme.
Programme Offered | American Degree Transfer Program |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | January, May, July, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM43,160 – RM43,760 International Students: RM52,162 – RM52,888 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Methodist College Kuala Lumpur
Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) was founded by the Methodist Council of Education in 1983. Located in the city of Kuala Lumpur, MCKL owns a track record for providing quality education along with gold standard achievements. They aim to develop a community where graduates will positively impact society through respectable moral character and academic achievements.
The American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) at MCKL provides a seamless transition to a university abroad where students will complete 24-65 credit hours in MCKL and the rest in a foreign university of either the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Netherlands, South Korea, and Lithuania. MCKL offers over 50 major options for students under the ADTP programme at a comparatively affordable price point.
Programme Offered | American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) |
Duration | 1-2 Years (MCKL) 2-3 Years (Overseas University) |
Intake | January, May, August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 33,150 International Students: RM 33,150 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.