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 related 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 Course Web site. Also, see Frequently Asked Questions about the Minor in Psychology.
Admission to the Minor in Psychology requires a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and at least 12 hours completed at Illinois State. Before applying to the Minor, students should give careful thought to their reason for wanting a Minor in Psychology and should review the requirements for their particular catalog year. The application requires a plan of courses and identifying career goals.
In order to apply to the Minor in Psychology, students should complete the application form. Click on the link to download the form to the computer's desktop. The form is an interactive Microsoft Word document that should be completed on the computer. After completing the form, it should be printed, signed, and dated. The application should be submitted to the department in DeGarmo 435. 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 Illinois State's e-mail account. If accepted in the Minor, an advisor is identified. The Registrar Office 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.
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. Advisors will not pick semester courses for students.
In order for students to receive credit toward the Minor for their four elective courses, students must contact the Psychology advisor at least during their final semester at Illinois State. Students should ask the advisor to obtain their academic record and update the information for the elective courses that should count toward the Minor.
Students are responsible for insuring that their record is appropriately credited for the elective courses. Students do not need to personally consult an advisor—students can send an e-mail or call the advisor to have the record updated. Students should get confirmation from the advisor that their academic has been updated.
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.
