Limited Admissions and Limited Retention

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

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.

Applied Manufacturing Technology Emphasis
(Department of Technology)

The emphasis in applied manufacturing technology in the Department of Technology is limited to transfer students with an Associate of Applied Science degree with a major in a recognized technical area. For more specific information regarding admission to this emphasis contact the Department of Technology.

Art and Design Education

(School of Art and Design)

The School of Art and Design limits the number of students admitted to the major in art and design education (B.S.Ed), educator licensure. Students must present an art education entrance portfolio consisting of studio work and appropriate art education materials to the art education faculty at the end of the semester in which they are enrolled in ARTE 200 and pass the portfolio review for admission into the licensure program. Students must receive a grade of C or better in all major course requirements. Students must have a minimum 2.75 GPA in all NIU and transfer courses to enroll in art education courses. They must have a minimum of 2.50 GPA in all NIU courses to obtain entitlement for educator licensure in the state of Illinois.

Candidates who successfully complete the program and pass the state mandated Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) will have completed all required ISBE and CAEP standards for receiving university recommendation for licensure. Successful completion of the program without receipt of a passing score on the state-mandated Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) may result in the candidate receiving a degree without university recommendation for licensure.

Athletic Training Major

(Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education)

The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education limits the number of students admitted to the B.S. in athletic training. To graduate in a timely manner, students are encouraged to apply during their freshmen year. 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 department’s main office.

Students may begin the major in athletic training only in the fall semester.

Application to the athletic training program is required and the application packet includes:

• Completed pre-admission courses below with a C or better
• Provide a transcript from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Have a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 in all NIU and transfer courses
• One or more essays
• Documentation with a certified athletic trainer’s signature of observation or experience in an athletic training setting within the last 10 months prior to application
• Two letters of recommendation, with one preferably from a certified athletic trainer, from people who are familiar with and/or have supervised the applicant’s professional work or volunteer experiences.

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 major.

NIU students should apply for admission to the athletic training major through the department’s main office. To be considered for fall admission, the completed application must be submitted by February 1 of the previous spring semester. 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. Notification of admission into the major will be made by March 15th. Late applications will be considered providing there is adequate enrollment space available in the program.

Pre-Admission Courses:
*CHEM 110 - Chemistry (3)
      OR *completion of one of the university’s quantitative foundational studies courses (MATH 201 may not be used to fulfill this requirement)
*ENGL 103 - Rhetoric and Composition I (3),
      OR *ENGL 203 - Rhetoric and Composition II, Research Writing in the Domains (3), OR *ENGL 204 - Rhetoric and Composition, Accelerated Researched Writing in the Domains (3), if placed in ENGL 204
*PSYC 102 - Introduction to Psychology (3)

Once admitted to the athletic training major, prior to the fall semester, students are required to:

• Sign the Contract of Understanding for Athletic Training (original signature)
• Obtain a physical exam including immunization records screening

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

Continued enrollment in the major in athletic training is contingent on maintenance of a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale, and completion of all required athletic training courses in the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education with a grade of C or better.

The Northern Illinois University athletic training major 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 educator licensure requirements. An adverse decision for admittance to the program may be appealed through the athletic training major.

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

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 OR *ENGL 203 - Rhetoric and Composition II, Research Writing in the Domains (3), OR *ENGL 204 - Rhetoric and Composition, Accelerated Researched Writing in the Domains (3), if placed in ENGL 204
OR pass the writing foundational studies II Examination (0)
*MATH 206, Introductory Discrete Mathematics (3), and *MATH 211, Calculus for Business and Social Science (3),
OR *MATH 206, Introductory Discrete Mathematics (3), and *MATH 229, Calculus I (4),
OR *MATH 229 and MATH 230, Calculus I and II (8)
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. Applications for admission to the department must be filed at the computer science departmental office. Unless the student meets all requirements for admission into the major at the time they submit their application, responses will be sent after the completion of the current term.

Transfer students must seek departmental advisement at orientation or just prior to the beginning of their first semester on campus. For all students not yet admitted into the major, the department will advise them when to declare, and they will be given access to appropriate computer science courses prior to their 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 Education Major

(Department of Special and Early Education)

The early childhood education major prepares candidates to obtain Professional Educator License with Early Childhood Education endorsement (eligible to teach children up to second grade in Illinois public schools) and preschool Special Education approval (eligible to teach children with disabilities from three through six years of age in Illinois public school systems).

Before formally applying for admission to the early childhood educaton major, a candidate must have attained an overall GPA of at least 2.50 including transfer credit, successfully completed the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or state-approved equivalent substituion, 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 203, Rhetoric and Composition II, Research Writing in the Domains (3)
FCNS 230, Child Development (3)
*HIST 260, American History to 1865 (3), OR *HIST 261, American History Since 1865 (3)
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)
*EPFE 201, Education as an Agent for Change (3)
*MATH 201, Foundations of Elementary School Mathematics (3)
*SEEC 401, Play Development of the Young Child (3)
SESE 240, Introduction to Special Education (3)
Four of the following (12):
      *COMD 220, Introduction to Communicative Disorders (3)
      *GEOG 202, World Regional Geography (3), OR *GEOG 204, Geography of Economic Activities (3)
      LTIC 301, Teaching with a Multicultural Perspective (3)
      *POLS 100, American Government and Politics (3)
      *One earth/space science course approved by adviser (3)
      *One life science course approved by adviser (3)

The Department of Special and Early Education limits the number of candidates admitted to the Early Childhood Education program. A candidate who has completed these requirements is eligible to apply to the early childhood education program, 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, successful experience working with young children, and current verification of TB test.

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

Admission to teacher education takes place upon passing the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) or state-approved equivalent substitition, having a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50, having a grade of C or better in all required courses completed after admission to the program, and successful completion of the first professional semester. Retention in teacher education is contingent on maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher and having a grade of C or better in all required courses completed in subsequent semesters.

Information regarding these pre-admission criteria, including test dates for the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), can be obtained from the Department of Special and Early Education.

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

Candidates who have met the pre-admission requirements should apply for admission to the major in early childhood education as follows. Transfer candidates who have met the pre-admission requirements for the major in early childhood education prior to applying for admission to the university should apply for admission to the major in early childhood education through the Department of Special and Early Education.

Candidates must be admitted to the early childhood education program before they can enroll in the first professional semester.

Elementary Education Major

(Department of Curriculum and Instruction)

The Department of  Curriculum and Instruction 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 Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) 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 2.75 including transfer credit (or consent of department), successfully completed the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), and completed the foundational studies 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 MUED 360, 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 110, College Algebra (3)
*MATH 201, Foundations of Elementary School Mathematics (3)
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)
SESE 240, Introduction to Special Education (3)
TLEE 282, Educational Participation in Clinical Experiences: Elementary Education (1)

Two additional social science courses from two distinct areas: Anthropology, Economics, Geography (GEOG 202, GEOG 204, or GEOG 253), Political Science, Sociology (6)

Three science courses from three distinct areas (10-12): Biology, Chemistry, Geography (excluding GEOG 202, GEOG 204, or GEOG 253), Geology, or Physics. One of the three science courses must include a laboratory.

Information regarding these pre-admission criteria, including test dates for the Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), 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 Curriculum and Instruction. 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 Curriculum and Instruction 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.

Health Sciences Degree Completion Emphasis

(School of Allied Health and Communicative Disorders)

All applicants must be practicing health or human sciences professionals who hold a current professional credential, certification, or license in a health or human sciences field and have completed an applied associate’s degree program or equivalent number of credits. The professional credential, certificate or license must be in the field in which the applicant is working or attempting to work. Contact the College of Health and Human Sciences advising office or visit niu.edu/ora for the application forms.

Human Development and Family Sciences Major

(School of Family and Consumer Sciences)

The School of Family and Consumer Sciences limits the total number of students admitted to the human development and family sciences 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 and Consumer 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 human development and family sciences 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 203 - Rhetoric and Composition II, Research Writing in the Domains (3), OR *ENGL 204 - Rhetoric and Composition, Accelerated Researched Writing in the Domains (3), if placed in ENGL 204, OR pass the Writing Foundational Studies II Examiniation
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)
*STAT 208, Basic Statistics (3), OR MATH 110, College Algebra (3), OR having met the quantitative foundational studies requirement (3-4)

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

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

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

To be considered for admission into the human development and family sciences major, students must have been accepted to NIU and have confirmed their intent to enroll at NIU. Students must also apply separately to the human development and family sciences major. Students may choose a first and second choice from the following emphases: Emphasis 1: Family and Individual Development, Emphasis 2: Family Social Services, or Emphasis 3: Child Development. Depending on the semester the student chooses to apply, an application must be turned in by the following deadlines:

Admission to each emphasis in human development and family sciences 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 and Consumer Sciences. They will be considered for acceptance into departmental emphases according to the procedures set forth below, depending on their status as current, transfer, or reentering students. Current NIU students should apply directly to the School for admission into a human development and family sciences emphasis.

Transfer and reentering students’ cumulative GPA from all schools attended will be calculated from those classes that will count toward the baccalaureate degree. For students who have earned at least 15 credits at NIU that apply to either their major, minor, or general education requirements, the NIU GPA will be reviewed.

Students indicating an interest in the human development and family sciences program on the application for admission to the university will be admitted as pre-FACS majors. For admission to the School as a major, students may download from the FACS website an application to their chosen emphasis approximately one month prior to each deadline. Transferring or reentering students should seek advisement through the College of Health & Human Sciences office.

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

Medical Laboratory Sciences Major

(School of Health Studies)

The School of Health Studies limits the total number of students admitted to the medical laboratory sciences major depending upon resources available. This limitation applies to all applicants seeking admission to the medical 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 medical laboratory sciences major, students must be admitted to NIU and have completed or be in the process of completing a minimum of 11 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, letters of recommendation, and personal goal statement. Transfer students are encouraged to contact a program adviser before enrolling to determine whether prior course work satisfies prerequisites. For applicants with prerequisite courses in progress, 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.

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 medical laboratory sciences program application;
provide a brief written goal statement and explanation of why the medical laboratory sciences major was chosen; and
provide two letters of recommendation from science instructors or healthcare supervisors who are familiar with the applicant’s classroom and/or laboratory abilities.

Students interested in the MLS major may access application materials on the website; http://www.chhs.niu.edu/mls. Applicants must submit the required materials by February 1. Notification of medical laboratory sciences program admission status will be made by March 1. Additional applications may be considered before May 1 based upon space availability with notification made by June 1. Students who are admitted to the MLS program and choose to attend NIU are required to have a Hepatitis B titer by blood test prior to beginning the program.

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.

Nursing Major

(School of Nursing)

The School of Nursing 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 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. Freshmen, current NIU, 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 end of the spring semester. Admitted students are required to obtain school advisement at orientation.

All applicants must successfully achieve a reading comprehension score in compliance with the nursing program standards: an ACT reading score of 24 or higher, an SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing score of 570 or higher, or a passing score on the Accuplacer Exam. Arrangements for taking the Accuplacer Reading Examination may be made through the NIU Office of Testing Services. Applicants with a baccalaureate or higher degree and registered nurse applicants are exempt from the reading score requirement.

Applicants new to the university must have submitted all application materials to the Office of Admissions by January 15. Current NIU students should submit all application materials to the nursing program by January 15.

Any applicant who has had an extended absence from postsecondary course work or who is attempting a second baccalaureate degree may petition the nursing program 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 section of this catalog.

All students who are admitted to the nursing program are admitted provisionally until they have provided proof of meeting the clinical requirements outlined in the Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook. Full admission to the nursing program is required to enroll in nursing courses. All nursing majors are required to submit proof of having met clinical requirements when requested and must maintain clinical requirements for continued enrollment in the nursing major. The Undergraduate Nursing Student Handbook contains additional policies related to admission and progression through the nursing program.

If a previously admitted NIU nursing student is readmitted to the nursing program, any NIU nursing courses completed five years prior to readmission must be repeated. Nursing courses completed more than five years prior to admission will need to be retaken to meet the major requirements.

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. An established GPA at NIU may be a factor considered in admission decisions. 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 January 15. Applicants currently enrolled at NIU, but who have fewer than 24 semester hours, must have all application documents submitted by January 15 to the nursing program. Highly qualified freshmen applicants who complete the admission processes may be  considered for early admission to the nursing program.

Current NIU Students

Applicants with fewer than 24 post-secondary semester hours completed by the application deadline will be considered as freshmen (see previous section). Current NIU student applicants are defined as those who have earned 24 or more post secondary semester hours and and must have an established NIU GPA with a minimum of 12 hours that apply to the student’s major, minor, or general education requirements.  Current NIU students will be reviewed as a separate applicant pool.

By the January 15 application deadline, current NIU students must submit an on-campus application. The applicant must satisfy the reading comprehension requirement and complete a minimum of five (or preferably more) 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 and the number of prerequisites completed.

Additional current NIU student applications may be considered based on space availability for fall and spring semesters.

Transfer Students

Applicants with fewer than 24 post-secondary semester hours completed by the application deadline will be considered as freshmen (see previous section). Transfer and re-entering applicants to the university with 24 or more post-secondary semester hours, who are not registered nurses, will be considered transfer applicants. Transfer applicants are reviewed as a separate applicant pool.

By the January 15 application deadline, transfer applicants must have submitted all application materials to NIU. Transfer applicants must have all current transcripts at NIU, satisfy the reading comprehension requirement, and complete a minimum of five (or preferably more) 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 and the number of prerequisites completed. Additional transfer applications may be considered based on space availability for fall and spring semesters.

Prerequisite courses used in evaluating applicants
*BIOS 103, General Biology (3) and *BIOS 105, General Biology Laboratory (1)
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 203 - Rhetoric and Composition II, Research Writing in the Domains (3), OR *ENGL 204 - Rhetoric and Composition, Accelerated Researched Writing in the Domains (3)
*HDFS 280, Human Development, the Family, and Society (3), OR *PSYC 225, Lifespan Development: Childhood through Adulthood (3)
*NUTR 201, Human Nutrition (3)
*PSYC 102, Introduction to Psychology (3)
*STAT 208, Basic Statistics (3), OR STAT 301, Elementary Statistics (4)

The following prerequisite courses must be completed within seven years of admission to the nursing program: BIOS 213 or BIOS 313; and BIOS 357.

Transfer Students from Other Nursing Programs

A student transferring from another nursing program to NIU’s baccalaureate nursing program is required to request an official transcript from the program as well as 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. The student must also request a letter of reference from a faculty member teaching in the student’s most recently completed semester. An admissions decision will be based on review of these documents. These materials are to be mailed directly to the nursing program 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

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 nursing program.

Registered nurses are restricted to completion of no more than 6 semester hours of NIU nursing courses prior to admission to the nursing program. Applicants new to the university should submit an application through the Office of Admissions and continuing NIU students should submit an application to the nursing program.

Studio Art Major (B.F.A.)

(School of Art and Design)

A portfolio review is required for admission into the major in studio art (B.F.A.) after completion of designated courses in the chosen field of study. Check departmental information for any additional requirements.

Visual Communication Area of Study

(School of Art and Design)

Admission to the Visual Communication program is limited. The total number of students accepted will be determined by available resources on a year by year basis. Successful candidates must meet the following conditions: i) be admitted to the university, ii) have a minimum overall GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale for all courses including transfer courses, iii) interview with the Visual Communication faculty selection committee, iv) submit a portfolio of work that meets the admission criteria for the program. The interview and portfolio will be used to determine which students are admitted. Visual Communication applicants should check the School of Art and Design website or contact the School of Art and Design Main Office, Art Building 216 for detailed information.

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.