skip the i-GuideIllinois State UniversityAdmissions at ISUAcademics at ISUEvents at ISUMap of ISUISU A to Z ListingISU AccessibilityISU 150th Anniversary

Department of Psychology at Illinois State University

Cumulative Planning Guide

The Cumulative Planning Guide offers suggestions for a successful academic career. Students should also review Requirements for the Major in Psychology, Program Changes, and Standards for Progress in the Major when planning their semester schedules in order to satisfy department and graduation requirements.

Freshman Year

  • READ the Undergraduate Catalog. The general information is helpful, and the specific information about graduation requirements.
  • DECIDE, tentatively, on a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree and plan academic schedules accordingly.
  • READ the course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog for various departments and schools. Enroll in a broad range of courses.
  • FOLLOW the syllabus for each course and study for exams. A low grade point average (GPA) may be difficult to raise in later semesters.
  • SEE an advisor at least once each semester to discuss academic concerns and future plans.

Sophomore Year

  • ENROLL in courses to assess potential major and minor areas of interest.
  • VISIT the Career Center to learn about occupations and consider enrolling in IDS 106 Career Choice, if relevant.
  • SPEAK with professors and advisors about careers and future plans.
  • ATTEND Psi Chi and Student Psychology Association (SPA) meetings for general information about the Major in Psychology and possible careers.
  • CONSULT with a Psychology advisor.
  • APPLY to the Department for the Major in Psychology.
  • INQUIRE about Career Competency Combinations offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Junior Year

  • DECIDE, tentatively, about graduate school or employment after graduation.
  • TALK with your Psychology advisor about internships, out-of-class experiences, and research opportunities.
  • JOIN the Student Psychology Association or Psi Chi, if you are eligible. Consider joining the American Psychological Association (APA) as a student member.
  • DECIDE on a minor and/or a Career Competency Combination, if relevant.
  • CONSIDER registering for research. Honors Program students should register for research no later than the fall semester of their senior year.

Summer Between Junior and Senior Years

Senior Year

Fall semester for students applying to graduate school

  • REGISTER for the GRE.
  • TAKE the GRE prep course that is offered by Psi Chi.
    COMPLETE required 300-level elective courses for the Major.
  • REQUEST letters of recommendations from faculty, supervisors, and employers.
  • APPLY for graduation after completing final registration. Check the Academic Progress Summary. See your Psychology advisor for any discrepancies in the Summary.
  • ORDER official transcripts from Illinois State.

Fall semester for students seeking employment after graduation

  • ENROLL in BTE 300 Career Placement Decisions or PSY 392 Senior Seminar for information about future employment.
  • VISIT the Career Center for information about employment.
  • ATTEND career fairs, on and off campus, early in the fall semester.
  • REQUEST letters of recommendation from professors and employers for job applications.
  • APPLY for graduation after completing final registration. Check the Academic Progress Summary. See your Psychology advisor for any discrepancies in the Summary.

Spring semester

  • COMPLETE all academic requirements.
  • TAKE it easy as much as possible.
  • ENJOY graduation and everything that has been accomplished.