Department of Psychology at Illinois State University
Posted October 2007
In special circumstances, non-competitive credentials may be bolstered by completing graduate-level classes as a student-at-large. 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 (formerly Plan of Study). 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 (formerly Plan of Study) 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.
