Department of Psychology at Illinois State University
An academic minor can serve two purposes: it can support a major or provide a certain level of competency in an area that interests the student. A supporting minor enhances students' range of knowledge relevant to the students' major and career goals. For example, an elementary education major might want a supportive minor in psychology that would demonstrate knowledge of academic work relate to understanding and managing children. A business major might want a supportive minor in psychology that would strengthen the student's competitive edge for a job in human resources. A student majoring in chemistry and planning a future in laboratory research, however, might want a psychology minor based on their personal interests or for self enhancement.
In anticipating a Minor in Psychology, students should read the course descriptions in their Undergraduate Catalog or on the PSY Courses Web site. Also, see Frequently Asked Questions about the Minor in Psychology.
Admission to the Minor in Psychology requires a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher and at least 12 hours completed at Illinois State. Before applying for the Minor, students should give careful thought to their reason for wanting a Minor in Psychology and should review the requirements for their particular Undergraduate Catalog year.
In order to apply to the Minor in Psychology, students should complete the University's online application process. Information about the application process is available on the Find your Major Web site. Applications are accepted and processed only during September, February, and May through July. Students completing their admission requirements for the Minor during the semester they apply can mark their applications as "hold for semester grades." These applications will be reviewed and processed after final grades are posted for the current semester.
Applicants are notified of their application status through their Illinois State's e-mail account. If accepted in the Minor, an advisor is identified. The University Registrar will keep a record of the courses students have taken toward the Minor. This record will automatically update when students have completed each of the three required courses for the Minor. However, the record will not identify the four elective courses. Contact Ms. Raz Steward by e-mailin order to have your elective courses added to your academic record.
The Department of Psychology expects students to be fully aware of the undergraduate degree requirements and of their progress toward obtaining a Minor in Psychology. Students who want to consult with an advisor about course choices, should prepare a plan of study and have specific questions about career goals. Psychology advisors will not pick semester courses for students.
Students are responsible for insuring that their academic record is appropriately credited for their elective courses for the Minor in Psychology. Students should send an e-mail or call the Psychology advisor to have their academic record updated with their elective courses credited for the Minor in Psychology.
To drop the Minor in Psychology, students should contact Ms. Raz Steward by e-mail. Students should indicate "Dropping Minor" in the subject line of the e-mail.