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 review the psychology courses and carefully read course descriptions. Students should also look at course syllabi on the department's Courses Web site. Of course, there are times when students must take courses that fit a semester's schedule regardless of desire or interest in the course. A certain amount of flexibility is essential in registering for courses both in major and minor disciplines.
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. The application requires a plan of courses and identifying career goals.
Students should complete the Application for the Minor in Psychology (MS Word) (IPDF) There are two versions of the application. Click on the Microsoft Word link to download the form to the computer's desktop. Adobe® Acrobat® is needed to access PDF version. If the PDF version does not download to the computer's desktop, click on Adobe Reader to download a free copy of the software. Both versions of the application are interactive. Complete the application online before printing and signing it. The signed 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 in Psychology during the semester they apply can mark their application as "hold for semester grades." Theses applications will be reviewed and processed after final grades are posted for the current semester.
A minor applicant is notified of the application status through Illinois State's e-mail account and, 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.
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.
Students do not need to contact an advisor to plan a program of study for the Minor. However, if students would like to discuss education or career options, please contact an advisor.
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.
Requirements for 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 catalogs
Requirements for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 catalogs
Requirements for 2008-10 catalog
Frequently Asked Questions about the Minor in Psychology
Also, see General Education for additional University requirements.
Dropping the Minor in Psychology
To drop the Minor in Psychology, students should send an e-mail to
Ms. Raz Steward requesting to be dropped. This request must be sent via the
Illinois State e-mail account.
