Limited Admissions and Limited Retention

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The majors, emphases, and areas of study listed below, offered by the departments and schools indicated, have limited admissions. Admission into these majors, emphases, and areas of study is based on additional criteria. Students planning to pursue these courses of study must fulfill additional requirements such as GPA, specific course work, supplementary documents, and sophomore or junior standing.

In keeping with Northern Illinois University’s commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action, the restrictions on admission described below are carefully administered to ensure that students from underrepresented groups who are seeking such admission are given the opportunity to accomplish that goal. The university attempts to fulfill societal needs by admitting students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. The limited admissions criteria are applied to ensure that all of the students admitted to such a major, emphasis, or area of study will have achieved above a determined level.

Acting Emphasis

(School of Theatre and Dance)

All applicants (freshmen and transfers) must be eligible for admission to the university. In addition, applicants for the B.F.A. acting emphasis must pass an audition and interview. Contact the School of Theatre and Dance as early as possible for information.

Art Education

(School of Art)

The School of Art limits the number of students admitted to the major in art (B.S.Ed), track 1, teacher certification. Students must have a minimum 2.75 GPA in all NIU and transfer courses to enroll in art education courses and must have a minimum of 2.50 GPA in all NIU courses to obtain teacher certification.

Athletic Training Emphasis

(Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education)

The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education limits the number of students admitted to the B.S. in kinesiology emphasis in athletic training depending on the resources available. Transfer students compete with other transfer students for admission to the program, and nontransfer students compete with other nontransfer students. The admission requirements outlined below are subject to revision on an annual review. The current admission requirements and admission packet can be obtained in the office of the department adviser.

Students may begin the emphasis in athletic training only in the fall semester. Before a student can be admitted to this emphasis, she or he must have completed the following pre-admission courses with a grade of C or better and have a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.50, including transfer credit.

*CHEM 110, Chemistry (3)
OR *completion of one of the university’s mathematics core competency courses (MATH 201 may not be used to fulfill this requirement)
*ENGL 103 Rhetoric and Composition I (3),
OR *ENGL 104, Rhetoric and Composition II (3),
OR *ENGL 105, Rhetoric and Composition (3), if placed in ENGL 105
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)

Admission into the emphasis in athletic training is competitive, and all students who meet the above admission requirements will be required to submit

a completed athletic training application form including one or more essays;
documentation with a NATABOC certified athletic trainer’s signature of observation or experience in an athletic training setting;
two recommendations from people who are familiar with and/or have supervised the applicant’s professional work-related or volunteer experiences;
evidence of current first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from a nationally recognized organization (i.e., American Red Cross);
the Athletic Training Technical Standards form (included in application packet) with signature;
the Contract of Understanding for Athletic Training (included in the application packet) with signature; and
a copy of academic transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

This information will be used to determine which students are invited for an interview. The interview and above information will be used to determine which students are admitted into the athletic training emphasis.

An admissions packet containing the application form, hour documentation form, technical standards form, contract of understanding form, and recommendation forms can be obtained from the department adviser’s office.

NIU students should apply for admission to the emphasis in athletic training through the department adviser. Transfer students who have met the admission requirements for this emphasis prior to applying for admission to the university should apply for admission to the emphasis in athletic training through the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at the same time they apply for admission to the university.

In order to be eligible to apply to the athletic training emphasis, students must have completed the requirements outlined above and must apply for program entrance by January 15 to be considered for admission beginning the following fall semester. Notification of admission into the emphasis in athletic training will be made by March 15. Late applications will be considered providing there is adequate enrollment space available in the program.

The Athletic Training Admissions Committee will review all completed applications and will select students to be interviewed based on the composite of all components of the application.

Students must be admitted to the emphasis in athletic training before they can enroll in KNPE 265.

Continued enrollment in the emphasis in athletic training is contingent on selection for admission by the Athletic Training Admissions Committee, maintenance of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale, and completion of all required courses outlined above with a grade of C or better.

The Northern Illinois University athletic training emphasis requires students to gain athletic training clinical experience at local community high schools, under the supervision of an approved clinical instructor and Illinois licensed athletic trainer. Illinois law requires Illinois school boards to conduct a criminal background check. For specifics regarding criminal background check, see teacher certification requirements. An adverse decision may be appealed through the athletic training emphasis.

It is the responsibility of students to secure a copy of the Athletic Training Student Handbook which describes the policies of the emphasis. Students are required to adhere to all current policies and procedures.

B.G.S. in Health and Human Sciences

(College of Health and Human Sciences)

All applicants must be health or human sciences professionals who hold a professional credential, certification, or license in a health or human sciences field and have completed an associates degree program or equivalent number of credits. Other professional recognitions in health or human sciences may be considered on an individual basis. Applicants must be eligible for admission to NIU. Contact the College of Health and Human Sciences advising office for application forms.

Clinical Laboratory Sciences Major

(School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders)

The School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders limits the total number of students admitted to the clinical laboratory sciences major depending upon resources available. This limitation applies to all applicants seeking admission to the clinical laboratory sciences major. Students may enter the professional program only in the fall semester.

The admission requirements outlined below are subject to revision based on an annual review. Applications are reviewed for completion of prerequisites and all general education requirements must be satisfied prior to the beginning of the first semester of the clinical experience.

To be considered for admission to the clinical laboratory sciences major, students must be admitted to NIU and have completed or be in the process of completing a minimum of nine of the prerequisite courses listed below. Admission is competitive and will be based primarily on the GPA in the prerequisite courses and secondarily on the overall GPA. Transfer students are encouraged to contact a program adviser before enrolling to determine whether prior course work satisfies prerequisites. All admission is provisional with the expectation that students selected for admission must have completed all of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.

AHCD 318, Medical Terminology (3)
BIOS 208, Fundamentals of Biology I (3), and BIOS 210, Fundamentals of Biology I Laboratory (1)
BIOS 209, Fundamentals of Biology II (3), and BIOS 211, Fundamentals of Biology II Laboratory (1)
BIOS 213, Introductory Bacteriology (3), OR BIOS 313, Microbiology (4)
BIOS 357, Human Anatomy and Physiology (5)
*CHEM 210, General Chemistry I (3), and *CHEM 212, General Chemistry Laboratory (1)
*CHEM 211, General Chemistry II (3), and *CHEM 213, General Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
CHEM 230, Introductory Organic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 231, Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
*STAT 208, Basic Statistics (3)

All students who meet the above requirements will be required to

submit a completed clinical laboratory sciences program application;
provide a brief written statement explaining why the clinical laboratory sciences major was chosen; and
provide two letters of recommendation from science and/or clinical laboratory sciences faculty who are familiar with the applicant’s classroom and/or laboratory abilities.

Students currently enrolled at NIU and transfer students must contact the clinical laboratory sciences program office for application materials. Applicants must submit the required materials by March 1. Notification of clinical laboratory sciences program admission status will be made by April 1. Additional applications may be considered between March 2 and June 15 based upon space availability.

Communication Studies Major

(Department of Communication)

The total number of students accepted into a communication studies major is limited by the available resources and is competitive in relation to requirements for declaration. Transfer students compete with other transfer students for admission to the departmental emphases, and nontransfer students compete with other nontransfer students. All students wishing to be formally admitted into one of the communication studies emphases must have completed the following requirements prior to the department’s application deadlines.

Completion of a minimum of 15 semester credit hours
A minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale
Completion of the following courses
*ENGL 103, Rhetoric and Composition I (3), or *ENGL 105, Rhetoric and Composition (3), if placed into ENGL 105, or pass the English Core Competency II Examination (0)
For the B.A. degree, a course in a foreign language after placement or a course equivalent to the second semester at the intermediate level, or four years (8 semesters) of the same foreign language in high school with no grade lower than a C, or exemption by examination, or status as a foreign student with a native language other than English
OR
For the B.S. degree, *MATH 210, Finite Mathematics (3), or *MATH 211, Calculus for Business and Social Science (3), or *MATH 229, Calculus I (4), or MATH 230, Calculus II (4)

Students currently enrolled at NIU who have completed the above requirements are eligible to apply for admission to the major during the first through the fifth weeks of the semester. Applications for admission to the department must be filed at the communication department office. Students approved for admission to the program will be notified by the tenth week of the semester. Students may apply during the semester in which they are completing the required courses listed above.

Transfer students who will have completed the above requirements and have indicated on their application for admission to the university that they intend to enroll in an emphasis in communication studies need not apply separately to the department. After such students are accepted into the university, their application will be transmitted to the department for consideration. Students will be notified directly of their admission status.

Transfer students who have been admitted to the university but who have not completed the above requirements should seek departmental advisement at orientation or as soon as they arrive on campus. Such students must follow the deadlines listed above for currently enrolled students, but consideration will be given to their need for access to major courses prior to formal admission into the program.

Computer Science Major

(Department of Computer Science)

The total number of students accepted into a computer science major is limited by the available resources and is competitive in relation to requirements for declaration. Transfer students compete with other transfer students for admission to the departmental emphases, and nontransfer NIU students compete with other nontransfer NIU students.

All students wishing to be formally admitted into one of the computer science emphases must have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA on a 4.00 scale including the following courses.

*ENGL 103, Rhetoric and Composition I (3), and *ENGL 104, Rhetoric and Composition II (3),
OR *ENGL 105, Rhetoric and Composition (3), if placed into ENGL 105,
OR pass the English Core Competency II Examination (0)
*MATH 206, Introductory Discrete Mathematics (3),
OR *MATH 210, Finite Mathematics (3), and *MATH 211, Calculus for Business and Social Science (3),
OR *MATH 229 and MATH 230, Calculus I and II (8)
CSCI 230, Computer Programming in FORTRAN (4), OR CSCI 240, Computer Programming in C++ (4)

Once admitted to the major, a student must maintain at least a 2.00 GPA in computer science courses.

Students currently enrolled at NIU who have completed the above requirements are eligible to apply for admission to the major during the third through the sixth weeks of the semester (second through fourth weeks of the summer term). Applications for admission to the department must be filed at the computer science departmental office. Students approved for admission to the program will be notified by the tenth week of the semester. Students may apply during the semester in which they are completing the required courses listed above.

Transfer students who will have completed the above requirements prior to enrollment at the university, who have applied for admission to the university by the dates indicated below, and who have indicated on their application for admission to the university that they intend to enroll in an emphasis in the Department of Computer Science need not apply separately to the department. After such students are accepted into the university, their applications will be transmitted to the department for consideration. Students will be notified directly of their admission status. Accepted students must seek departmental advisement at orientation or as soon as they arrive on campus.

Transfer students who have not completed the above requirements prior to admission to the university must seek departmental advisement at orientation or as soon as they arrive on campus. Such students must follow the deadlines listed above for currently enrolled students, but consideration will be given to their need for access to major courses prior to formal admission into the program.

Design and Technology Emphasis

(School of Theatre and Dance)

All applicants (freshmen and transfers) must be eligible for admission to the university. In addition, applicants for the B.F.A. design and technology emphasis must pass a portfolio review. Contact the School of Theatre and Dance as early as possible for information.

Early Childhood Studies Interdisciplinary Major

(Department of Teaching and Learning/School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences)

The Department of Teaching and Learning and the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences limit the number of students admitted to the interdisciplinary major in early childhood studies depending on the resources available. Transfer students compete with other transfer students for admission to the program, and nontransfer students compete with nontransfer students.

The early childhood studies major allows students to choose the emphasis in 04 certification offered by the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences or the emphasis in 04 certification with preschool special education approval offered by the Department of Teaching and Learning. Students should seek advisement early in their academic career for assistance with making this choice. Requirements for each emphasis in 04 certification are found in the respective catalog sections.

Before formally applying for admission to an emphasis in the major in early childhood studies, a student must have attained an overall GPA of at least 2.75 including transfer credit, successfully completed the ICTS Basic Skills Test, provided written proof of a fingerprint-based criminal background check in compliance with NIU policy, and completed the following courses with a grade of C or better in each.

*COMS 100, Fundamentals of Oral Communication (3)
*ENGL 103, Rhetoric and Composition I (3)
*ENGL 104, Rhetoric and Composition II (3)
FCNS 230, Child Development (3)
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)

Two of the following (6)
*EPFE 201, Education as an Agent for Change (3)
*HIST 260, American History to 1865 (3), OR *HIST 261, American History since 1865 (3)
*MATH 201, Foundations of Elementary School Mathematics (3)
*PHIL 231, Contemporary Moral Issues (3)

A student who has completed these requirements is eligible to apply to one of the emphases in the major in early childhood studies, but satisfying these requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission is competitive based on the GPA in work taken at NIU and/or transferred from other institutions, the quality of the application essay, and successful experience working with young children. Students must provide current verification of TB test prior to the first clinical course.

Admission to the selected emphasis is contingent on completing the following prerequisites with a grade of C or better prior to entering the first professional semester.

Additional prerequisites for emphasis in 04 certification (12-16)

*BIOS 103, General Biology (3), OR *BIOS 104, General Biology (4), OR *BIOS 109, Human Biology (3)
*ETT 229, Computers in Education (3), or pass the ETRA Skills Compentency Examination (0)
FCNS 284, Introduction to Family Relationships (3)
*STAT 208, Basic Statistics (3)
TLSE 240, Introduction to Special Education (3)

Additional prerequisites for emphasis in 04 certification with preschool special education approval (19)

*ETT 229, Computers in Education (3), or pass the ETRA Skills Compentency Examination (0)
FCNS 284, Introduction to Family Relationships (3)
*SOCI 250, Contemporary Social Institutions (3), OR * SOCI 260, Introduction to Social Psychology (3), OR *SOCI 270, Social Problems (3)
TLSE 240, Introduction to Special Education (3)
One general education biology course (3-4)
One general education physical science course (3-4)
Either the biology or physical science course must include a laboratory

Applicants who have earned an A.A.T. in Early Childhood are considered to have met all prerequisites listed above for either emphasis.

Admission to teacher education takes place upon passing the ICTS Basic Skills Test, having a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75, having a grade of C or better in all required courses completed after admission to the emphasis, and successful completion of the first professional semester. Retention in teacher education is contingent on maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and having a grade of C or better in all required courses completed in subsequent semesters. Students must provide current verification of TB test prior to the first clinical course.

Information regarding these pre-admission criteria, including test dates for the ICTS Basic Skills Test, can be obtained from the Department of Teaching and Learning or from the Office of Undergraduate Advisement, School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences.

Students who have completed the pre-admission requirements may be considered for admission by meeting the following application deadline. Although students may be admitted to the university for any semester as a pre-early childhood studies major, admission directly into the major is limited to the fall semester only.

Students who have met the pre-admission requirements should apply for admission to the major in early childhood studies as follows. Those students seeking 04 certification with special education approval should apply in the Department of Teaching and Learning and students seeking 04 certification should apply to the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences. Transfer students who have met the pre-admission requirements for the major in early childhood studies prior to applying for admission to the university should apply for admission to the major in early childhood studies through the appropriate department at the same time they apply for admission to the university.

Students must be admitted to an emphasis in early childhood studies before they can enroll in the first professional semester.

Elementary Education Major

(Department of Teaching and Learning)

The Department of Teaching and Learning limits the number of students admitted to the elementary education program depending on the resources available. Transfer students compete with other transfer students for admission to the program, nontransfer students compete with other nontransfer students, and postbaccalaureate students compete with other postbaccalaureate students.

A departmental application for elementary education is required for admission to the major. Students are required to submit a copy of their results from the ICTS Basic Skills Test with the departmental application.

If the requirements below are satisfied, transfer students may apply to the program at the time of application to NIU. Students transferring with fewer than 60 semester hours will need to satisfy all of the criteria below before they may apply.

Students who have completed these requirements are eligible to apply to the elementary education program, but satisfying these requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Before formally applying for admission to the elementary education program, a student must have attained an overall GPA of at least 3.00 including transfer credit, successfully completed the ICTS Basic Skills Test, and completed the core competency requirements in communication studies and English with no grade lower than C. Applicants must have a grade of C or better (including NIU and transfer grades) in all of the following required courses by the end of the semester in which they apply.

ARTE 383, Teaching Art in Elementary Schools (3), OR MUSC 373, Fundamentals, Principles, and Practices in Elementary Music (3)
*EPFE 201, Education as an Agent for Change (3)
EPS 300, Educational Psychology (3)
EPS 304, Development of the Elementary School Child (3)
ETT 229, Computers in Education (3)
*HIST 260, American History to 1865 (3)
*HIST 261, American History since 1865 (3)
KNPE 245, Physical Education for Children (3)
*MATH 201, Foundations of Elementary School Mathematics (3)
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)
TLEE 282, Educational Participation in Clinical Experiences: Elementary Education (1)
TLSE 240, Introduction to Special Education (3)
One laboratory science course (4)

Information regarding these pre-admission criteria, including test dates for the ICTS Basic Skills Test, can be obtained from the department and will be discussed in orientation and advisement meetings.

Students who have completed the pre-admission requirements may be considered for admission in a specific semester by meeting the following application deadlines.

NIU students who have met the pre-admission requirements should apply for admission to the elementary education program through the Department of Teaching and Learning. Transfer students who have met the pre-admission requirements for the elementary education program prior to applying for admission to the university should apply for admission to the elementary education program through the Department of Teaching and Learning at the same time they apply for admission to the university.

Students must be admitted to the elementary education program before they can enroll in the first professional semester. Once students are admitted to the program, they ordinarily continue to enroll in the professional semesters as a cohort through the semester of student teaching.

Family and Child Studies Major

(School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences)

The School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences limits the total number of students admitted to the family and child studies major depending on resources available. Students admitted to the university as freshmen or transfers wishing to major in family and child studies will be classified as pre-majors in the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences until they meet the requirements below and are admitted to the program.

Students may make formal application for consideration for admission to the major in family and child studies after they have satisfied the following requirements. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.20 or higher on a 4.00 scale.

All applicants to the major must submit a transcript showing a grade of C or better in the following prerequisite courses for their intended emphasis.

For all emphases (9-10)
*ENGL 104, Rhetoric and Composition II (3), OR *ENGL 105, Rhetoric and Composition (3), if placed into ENGL 105, OR pass the English Core Competency II Examination
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)
*STAT 208, Basic Statistics (3), OR MATH 110, College Algebra (3), OR having met the mathematics core competency requirement (3-4)

Additional prerequisite for emphasis 1, family and individual development (3)
*SOCI 170, Introduction to Sociology (3), OR FCNS 230, Child Development (3), OR FCNS 280, Human Development, the Family, and Society (3)

Additional prerequisite for emphasis 2, family social services (3)
*SOCI 170, Introduction to Sociology (3), OR FCNS 280, Human Development, the Family, and Society (3)

Additional prerequisite for emphasis 3, child development (3)
FCNS 230, Child Development (3), OR FCNS 280, Human Development, the Family, and Society (3)

To be considered for admission, students must have their applications to the university and to the school complete by the following deadlines.

Admission to each emphasis in family and child studies is competitive and will be based primarily on the completion of the prerequisite courses and on the student’s overall GPA in course work taken at NIU and/or transferred from other institutions.

All students who have indicated an interest in the programs offered by the school, but have not met all admission criteria, will be classified as pre-majors in the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences. They will be considered for acceptance into departmental emphases according to the procedures set forth below, depending on their status as transfer or continuing students.

Transfer and reentering students’ cumulative GPA from all schools attended as calculated by the Office of Registration and Records is used as printed on the students’ evaluation of credit. The school will use the GPA from the most recent evaluation of credit on file until 15 semester hours are earned at NIU, with at least 12 of those hours being credit that applies to either their major, minor, or general education requirements.

Students may indicate an interest in the family and child studies program on the application for admission to the university. They must also apply directly to the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences for admission into a specific emphasis after they have met the admission requirements for that emphasis. Students should seek departmental advisement at orientation or as soon as they arrive on campus.

Transfer students who indicate on the application for admission to the university that they intend to enroll in the major in family and child studies should immediately request an application for the School of Family, Consumer, and Nutrition Sciences. After such students are accepted into the university, their applications will be transmitted to the school for consideration for admission. Students should seek departmental advisement at orientation or as soon as they arrive on campus.

Continuing NIU students apply directly to the school for admission into a family and child studies emphasis.

To change from one emphasis to another, the student must apply to the school for admission into the new emphasis.

Health Sciences/Physical Therapy Major

(School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders )

The School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders limits the total number of students admitted to the professional physical therapy curriculum depending on resources available. The professional curriculum has two components, an undergraduate course of study leading to a baccalaureate degree in health sciences, and a graduate component leading to a Master of Physical Therapy degree. Students can enter the professional curriculum only through the undergraduate health sciences major. This limitation applies to all applicants seeking admission to the professional physical therapy program, whether enrolled at NIU at the time of application or transferring from another institution. The admission requirements outlined below are subject to revision based on an annual review. Priority will be given to students who have completed NIU’s pre-physical therapy program and to Illinois residents. Admission to the professional program is very competitive.

Students may enter the professional program only in the fall semester.

To be considered for admission to the professional health sciences/physical therapy major, students must be admitted to NIU, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, including all transfer courses, and have completed by the time of application a minimum of eight of the following prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale. All attempts of any repeated course will be used in the calculation of the required pre-physical therapy GPA.

One year of general biology for science majors with laboratory (8)
BIOS 357, Human Anatomy and Physiology (5)
*CHEM 210, General Chemistry I (3), and *CHEM 212, General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
*CHEM 211, General Chemistry II (3), and *CHEM 213, General Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
*MATH 155,¹ Trigonometry and Elementary Functions (3), OR *MATH 229,¹ Calculus I (4)
*PHYS 210, General Physics I (4)
*PHYS 211, General Physics II (4)
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)
A lifespan development course (3)
An abnormal psychology course (3)
An introductory statistics course (3)
Course work in an adviser-approved focus area excluding required prerequisites and general education courses (12)

In addition, the student must have no more than seven general education and pre-physical therapy required courses remaining to be completed at the time of application.

All students who meet the above requirements will be required to

provide two recommendations from people who are familiar, preferably in a supervisory capacity, with the applicant’s professional or work-related experiences. At least one of these recommendations must come from a physical therapist. (Recommendation forms to be used are available from the physical therapy program’s office.);
provide documentation of a minimum of 50 hours of experience, either paid or volunteer, in physical therapy setting(s). (Documentation forms to be used are available from the physical therapy program’s office.); and
write an essay on a topic to be determined by the program faculty.

The Admissions Committee reserves the right to require an interview.

Since most students will not have completed all course requirements at the time of application, enrollment in the professional program will be contingent on the following.

Selection by the Physical Therapy Admissions Committee for admission to the professional program.
Successful completion of all prerequisite courses prior to the appropriate fall enrollment date.
Completion of all university and general education requirements prior to the appropriate fall enrollment date.
Maintenance of a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, as well as a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all of the prerequisite courses.

Applicants must submit the following materials by February 15 to be considered for admission.

A completed physical therapy program application, including references and experience forms. Applications are available between September 1 and January 31 of each year.
For students new to NIU, a completed university application for undergraduate admission, including high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. (See transfer student admission requirements.)
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Students currently enrolled at NIU must apply directly to the physical therapy program office.

Notification of physical therapy admission status will be made by April 15.

Music Majors

(School of Music)

Applicants must pass an audition and may be required to complete a music theory and aural skills diagnostic test for admission to the School of Music. Music applicants should submit application materials to the Office of Admissions and contact the School of Music, Music Building 140, as early as possible for audition and testing information.

Nuclear Engineering Technology Emphasis

(Department of Technology)

The emphasis in nuclear engineering technology in the Department of Technology is available only to employees of electric power companies who have or are completing the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Reactor Operator Licensure training. For more specific information regarding admission to this emphasis, contact the Department of Technology.

Nursing Major

(School of Nursing and Health Studies)

The School of Nursing and Health Studies limits the total number of students admitted to the program depending on the resources available. This limitation applies to all applicants seeking admission to the nursing major. Nursing applicants who are not R.N.s must successfully achieve a reading comprehension score in compliance with the School of Nursing and Health Studies standards. (Students with an ACT reading test score of 24 or higher and postbaccalaureates who hold baccalaureate or graduate degrees from an accredited U.S. college or university are exempt from this requirement.) Applicants should contact the NIU Office of Testing Services for information about taking the standardized reading test used by the School of Nursing, which may be taken a maximum of two times.

Nursing applicants must achieve a grade of C or better in all nursing prerequisite courses. Admission is competitive and is based on a comprehensive admission profile including such factors as previous academic performance. Students will be competitively considered for admission by each category listed below. Freshmen and transfer applicants will be reviewed once a year for fall admission. Registered nurse students may enter the program in either the fall semester or the spring semester. Students approved for admission to the major will be notified by the tenth week of the semester. Admitted students are required to obtain school advisement at orientation.

Any applicant who has had an extended absence from postsecondary course work or who is attempting a second baccalaureate degree may petition the School of Nursing and Health Studies for special consideration in the admission review process.

To be admitted to and remain in the nursing program, students must meet academic requirements and possess the skills listed as “Essential Performance Components” in the School of Nursing and Health Studies section of this catalog.

Freshmen

Applicants with fewer than 24 post-secondary semester hours completed by the application deadline will be considered as freshmen. Admission is competitive and will be based on such factors as previous academic performance, ACT/SAT score, and high school rank. Applicants new to the university must indicate interest in the nursing program on the application for admission to the university. Applications for admission must be filed at the Office of Admissions. To be considered for admission to the nursing major, freshman applicants must have submitted all application materials to NIU by February 15. Applicants currently enrolled at NIU, but who have fewer than 24 semester hours, must have all application documents submitted by February 15 to the College of Health and Human Sciences. Highly qualified freshman applicants who complete the admission processes during fall semester may be offered early admission to the School of Nursing and Health Studies.

Transfer Students

All applicants (whether continuing NIU students or new applicants to the university) with 24 or more post-secondary semester hours, who are not registered nurses, will be considered transfer students into the School of Nursing and Health Studies. Admission is competitive and will be based on the GPA in the prerequisite courses and on the overall GPA. On-campus and off-campus transfer applicants are reviewed as separate applicant pools. Transfer students must have submitted all application materials to NIU by February 15 and complete a minimum of five of the following prerequisite courses by the time of application.² Additional on-campus and off-campus transfer applications may be considered between March 2 and October 13, based on space availability for fall and spring semesters.

*BIOS 104, General Biology (4)
BIOS 213, Introduction to Bacteriology (3), OR BIOS 313, Microbiology (4)
BIOS 357, Human Anatomy and Physiology (5)
*CHEM 110, Chemistry (3), and CHEM 111, Chemistry Laboratory (1),
OR *CHEM 210, General Chemistry I (3), and *CHEM 212, General Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
*ENGL 104, Rhetoric and Composition II (3), OR *ENGL 105, Rhetoric and Composition (3)
*FCNS 201, Human Nutrition (3)
*FCNS 280, Human Development, the Family, and Society (3), OR *PSYC 225, Lifespan Development: Childhood through Adulthood (3)
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)
*STAT 208, Basic Statistics (3), OR STAT 301, Elementary Statistics (4)

All applicants must submit an official copy of ACT Test Scores or take the Accuplacer Reading Examination. Arrangements for taking the Accuplacer Reading Examination may be made through the NIU Office of Testing Services. Applicants with a baccalaureate or higher degree are exempt from the reading score requirement.

Applicants new to the university must have submitted all application materials to the Office of Admissions by February 15. Continuing NIU students should submit all application materials to the College of Health and Human Sciences by February 15.

Since most transfer students may not have completed all prerequisite course requirements at the time of application, enrollment in nursing courses will be contingent upon the successful completion of all prerequisites. One exception may be granted; if necessary, students may schedule concurrent enrollment of either the nutrition course or the statistics course with their first semester nursing courses.

Transfer Students from Nursing Programs

A student transferring from a nursing program to the School of Nursing and Health Studies baccalaureate nursing program is required to request a letter of reference and a statement from the head of the nursing program stating that the student is in good standing within the nursing program, and request a letter of reference from a faculty member teaching in the student’s most recently completed semester. These materials are to be mailed directly to the School of Nursing and Health Studies from the originating institution.

Registered Nurses

R.N. students will be considered for admission as soon as the NIU application process is complete.

Admission requirements are

graduation from an accredited school of nursing;
admission to NIU as a regular degree-seeking student;
licensure to practice nursing in the state of Illinois;
employment in nursing within the past five years or provide evidence of a refresher course;
GPA from a college or university consistent with the standards required by the NIU School of Nursing;
completion of a goal and expectancy statement; ³ and
two letters of recommendation, one from a previous faculty member and one from a nursing supervisor. ³

Registered nurses are restricted to completion of no more than 6 semester hours of NIU nursing courses prior to admission to the School of Nursing and Health Studies. Applicants new to the university should submit an application through the Office of Admissions and continuing NIU students should submit an application to the School of Nursing and Health Studies at the office of the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Sociology Major

(Department of Sociology)

Before formally applying for admission to the major or minor program in the Department of Sociology, a student must have an overall GPA of at least 2.00 and have completed the following courses, with a grade of C or better in each.

*ENGL 104, Rhetoric and Composition II (3),
OR *ENGL 105, Rhetoric and Composition (3), if placed into ENGL 105,
OR pass the English Core Competency II Examination
*SOCI 170, Introduction to Sociology (3)
SOCI 280, Foundations of Sociology (3)

For B.A. students
*STAT 208, Basic Statistics (3), OR STAT 301, Elementary Statistics (4)

For B.S. students
*MATH 206, Introductory Discrete Mathematics (3), OR *MATH 210, Finite Mathematics (3), OR *MATH 229, Calculus I (4), OR STAT 301, Elementary Statistics (4)

Theatre Studies Major (B.A.)

(School of Theatre and Dance)

All applicants (freshmen and transfers) must be eligible for admission to the university. In addition, applicants to the B.A. program in theatre studies must successfully pass an interview and submit three letters of recommendation preferably from theatre professionals (directors and/or teachers) stating the applicant’s potential and competency in the field of theatre. Contact the School of Theatre and Dance as early as possible for information.

Visual Communication Area of Study

(School of Art)

All applicants must be admitted to the university and have a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale, including transfer courses. In addition, prior to taking ARTD 201, students must have completed the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.50.

ART 100, Drawing Foundation I (3)
ART 102, 2-D Foundation (3)

To assure students’ continuing competence, some majors, emphases, and areas of study have limited retention policies, and students who want to continue their enrollment in them must fulfill certain criteria. These include, but are not limited to, maintaining a designated cumulative and/or major GPA, earning a certain grade in certain courses, successful performance on a standardized performance measure, a portfolio review of a student’s past performance, and successful completion of clinical requirements. Students interested in these majors, emphases, or areas of study and those already admitted to them should consult department and college program requirements listed in the individual college and department sections of this catalog. Students are also strongly encouraged to consult with an adviser to assure they continue to qualify for retention in their chosen major, emphasis, or area of study. See individual colleges and departments for specific requirements.

*Available for general education credit.
¹Students who have fulfilled the general education mathematics requirement and who have passed either a trigonometry or calculus course at a college other than NIU will not be required to take MATH 155 or MATH 229.
²Transfer students are encouraged to contact a program adviser before enrolling to determine whether prior course work satisfies prerequisites.
³Forms for goal and expectancy statements and letters of recommendation are obtained from the School of Nursing and Health Studies.