Academic Opportunities at Temple University: Explore Courses, Learn in Philadelphia

As an exchange or visiting student, you’ll have the chance to study at one of the most diverse public research universities in the United States. With hundreds of undergraduate and graduate courses available each semester, you can:

• Deepen your knowledge in your chosen field.
• Explore new areas of interest.
• Experience hands-on learning connected to life in Philadelphia.

What You Can Study at Temple

Temple offers courses across nearly every academic field. Whether you are studying business, engineering, the arts, or social sciences, you’ll find opportunities that fit your degree requirements and personal interests.

Strong Fields for International Students

Temple has especially strong offerings in areas that appeal to international students, including:

• Media & Communication – courses in journalism, film, and digital production.
• Political Science & Global Studies – learn about international relations and global policy issues.
• Urban Research & Social Innovation – explore how cities like Philadelphia address housing, sustainability, and community development.
• Sports, Tourism, & Hospitality – study management in a global industry with practical experiences in a sports-driven city.

English + University Studies Program

Want to improve your English while earning U.S. university credit? The English + University Studies Program lets you combine academic English courses through the Center for American Language and Culture (TCALC) with a reduced course load in your major.

Explore Courses Before You Apply

To prepare for your semester at Temple, you should review potential courses as early as possible — especially if your home university requires pre-approval for transfer credits.

Registration will take place after admissions and after attendance of an online instructional webinar.

Using Temple’s Class Search Tool

The online Class Search tool allows you to explore courses by subject, semester, day and time, and instructor. Course listings include descriptions, prerequisites, credit hours, and meeting locations. We recommend reviewing past semesters if your intended semester is not yet published.

Times: Make sure your courses don't have time conflicts with one another.

Location: You should only take classes at the Main Campus, Center City or Ambler Campus. Please keep in mind that the Ambler Campus is located 50 minutes by shuttle from the Main Campus.

Understanding Prerequisites and Credit Hours

• Most courses are worth 3–4 credits each.
• Undergraduate students must enroll in 12–18 credits per semester; 9 credits must be in-person to fulfill J-1 visa requirements
• Graduate students must enroll in at least 9 credits; 6 credits must be in-person to fulfill J-1 visa requirement
• Be sure to read prerequisites carefully and confirm with your advisor if you meet the requirements.

Course Restrictions and Limited Enrollment

Some courses instructor approval or have limited space. Graduate-level courses may also require instructor approval.

If you study one of these subjects at your home university, we recommend that you remain flexible with your courses, as we likely cannot accommodate all course requests:

• Architecture (requires portfolio review)
• Computer and Information Science
• Performing Arts (Dance, Music, Theater)
• Business (unless majoring/minoring in business at your home university)
• Education
• Professional Schools (Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Podiatry)
• Visual Arts (Film/Media Arts, Graphic Design, Fine Arts)

Tips for Planning Your Academic Experience

• Get early approval from your home university for more courses than you plan to take — this gives you flexibility if your first choices are unavailable.
• Balance your schedule with courses that challenge you academically and allow time for cultural exploration in Philadelphia.
• Meet with Temple advisors to review course eligibility and align your study plan with your academic goals.

By planning ahead and keeping an open mind, you can make the most of Temple’s academic opportunities while gaining a truly international perspective.