You recognize the importance of a degree. We recognize that your situation may be unique. While traditional majors are the best option for most students, some students find they have explored a major or several majors and discovered those options are not a good fit for them late in their academic career.
If that sounds like your situation and you are currently a senior at Illinois State University in good academic standing, you may wish to consider applying for the University Studies major and working toward the next step...as a graduate headed toward a career.
Before you begin, please be aware that you must have a minimum of a 2.0 Illinois State University GPA to apply. Only students in academic good standing are eligible for admission to the University Studies major. The University Studies major offers three options. Please review the options on the University Studies Major section of the Undergraduate Catalog, for additional information. You may only apply for one option during each review period.
Please note: The major in Interdisciplinary Studies does not prepare a student for a specific professional career or graduate field, nor does it satisfy the requirements for Teacher Certification. Because of its general nature, this program will probably require graduates to convince prospective employers or graduate schools that the students’ degree preparation will enable them to succeed in a particular job or educational endeavor.
After you have selected the option you would like to pursue, you will need to complete the application form online. To assist you in completing the form, please:
The next page will take you to the online application. Please indicate your plan of study, then fill out the application thoughtfully and completely. You will need to include a proposed plan of study. Include all courses you plan to take for the major. Do not include non-major courses. The committee will look closely at your plan of study to see if your proposal is realistic. Please make sure your plan of study reflects the option requirements of the option which you would like to pursue.
Carefully read through your answers and the information you have provided. Does it accurately reflect your situation and your plans? Have you completed all three parts of the application? If so, submit the application.
The University Studies Major Admission Committee reviews application forms 3 times yearly. Applications received by the following deadlines will be reviewed by approximately two weeks after the deadline: March 1st, July 1st, and October 1st. The committee will review applications based on accuracy and clarity of the application, grade point average, grade trends, as well as the practicality and viability of the plan of study.
Students will be notified of decisions via e-mail. In some cases, students may be asked to modify their plans of study if they wish to be admitted. Students not admitted should contact their current academic advisor to discuss alternative plans.
