In special circumstances, non-competitive credentials may be bolstered by completing graduate-level classes as a student-at-large. The classification of graduate student-at-large offers students an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to perform at the graduate level and allows for familiarity with the psychology faculty. Taking classes as a graduate student-at-large also may provide needed experiences by assisting psychology faculty with research. However, there is no guarantee of admission to the graduate programs in Psychology. Admission requires students to complete the competitive department and University application processes.

Courses taken as a graduate student-at-large at Illinois State may be included in the Degree Audit. However, it should be understood that, in accordance with Graduate School policy, the Department of Psychology is under no obligation to accept as part of a Degree Audit any courses taken before students are formally admitted to any of the graduate programs in Psychology. Classes taken as a graduate student-at-large will count toward a degree program only if recommended by the coordinator of a graduate program and approved by the Graduate School. The length of the program is not reduced by courses taken before admission to any of the graduate programs in Psychology.

Graduate students-at-large should read this policy carefully and talk over the pros and cons with the coordinator of the specific graduate program to which students plan to apply. Be aware that not all psychology courses are open to graduate students-at-large. Nearly all of our graduate courses require graduate standing in Psychology or departmental approval. Enrollment in undergraduate psychology courses gives priority to students currently enrolled in graduate degree programs at Illinois State.

Graduate students-at-large are not degree students and are ineligible for most forms of financial aid.

Policy approved October 2007

Why are you taking psychology course(s)?

I need the courses for professional development or certification.
Not all psychology courses are open to graduate students-at-large. Most of our graduate courses require graduate standing in psychology or departmental approval. To enroll in these courses graduate students-at-large should complete the Psychology Override Request. Access the PSY Course Override website for the override request form.

Enrollment in undergraduate psychology courses gives priority to students currently enrolled in degree programs at Illinois State. Students-at-large may need to provide documentation (e.g., official transcript, course syllabus) demonstrating that the appropriate prerequisite course has been completed.

I hope to apply to a graduate program in Psychology in the future.
In special circumstances, non-competitive credentials may be bolstered by completing graduate-level classes as a student-at-large. Graduate student-at-large offers an opportunity to demonstrate the ability to perform at the graduate level and allows for familiarity with department faculty. Taking classes as a graduate student-at-large may provide needed research experiences. However, there is no guarantee of admission to any of the graduate programs in Psychology.

Classes taken as a graduate student-at-large will count toward a graduate degree program only if recommended by the coordinator of the specific graduate program and approved by the Graduate School. The length of the graduate program is not reduced by courses taken before admission to any of the graduate programs in Psychology.

What course(s) do you wish to take?

100-, 200-, or 300-level PSY courses
Enrollment in our undergraduate psychology courses gives priority to students currently enrolled in degree programs at Illinois State. In order to enroll in these courses, graduate students-at-large may need to provide documentation (e.g., official transcript, course syllabus) demonstrating that the appropriate prerequisite course has been completed. If the prerequisite course was completed at another institution, or if the course is closed, then graduate students-at-large should complete the Psychology Override Request. Access the PSY Course Override website for the override request form.

400- or 500-level PSY courses
Not all psychology courses are open to graduate students-at-large. Most of our graduate courses require graduate standing in psychology or departmental approval. In order to enroll in these courses, graduate students-at-large may need to provide documentation (e.g., official transcripts) demonstrating that the appropriate prerequisite course work has been completed. If the prerequisite course work was taken somewhere other than at Illinois State, or if the course is closed, then graduate students-at-large should complete the Psychology Override Request. Access the PSY Course Override website for the override request form.