Apply to the School of Communication

Thank you for your interest in declaring a major or minor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University. This web page is a guide for current ISU students who wish to change or declare their major or minor. Please follow the steps below to complete the application process.

Step One - Understand the Choices

The School of Communication offers a wide variety of majors and minors that are all sub-sets of the communication discipline. There is no major called Communication or Communications. You need to choose the single program/sequence that best meets your needs and interests. You can find descriptions of our majors and minors on the Undergraduate Programs portion of our website, ISU's Find Your Major website, and in your Undergraduate Catalog.

 

Step Two - Attend a School of Communication Information Session

Meetings are held periodically to help students learn more about the School of Communication offerings and application process. Attendance at one Information Session during the application period in which you apply is required for consideration of becoming a major or minor in the School of Communication. All information sessions are held in Fell Hall, room 446.

Spring 2012 Information Session dates include:
• Wednesday, January 18, 1:00 – 1:50pm
• Monday, January 23, 3:00 - 3:50pm
• Thursday, January 26, 12:00 - 12:50pm
• Tuesday, January 31, 11:00 - 11:50am
• Thursday, February 9, 9:00 - 9:50am
• Wednesday, February 15, 10:00 - 10:50am
• Tuesday, February 21, 2:00 - 2:50pm
• Monday, February 27, 4:00 - 4:50pm

 

Step Three - Complete the Application Form

Choose your desired program/sequence and complete all sections of the online application form. Follow these steps to apply online:


1. Log into iCampus.
2. Select the "Academics" tab.
3. Find the section titled "Apply to My Program" and select the appropriate option.
4. Use your pin number to log into the Application Program.
5. Follow the directions to apply.

 

Step Four - Write Your Own Essay

Write an essay, not to exceed two pages, describing your career goals and how this program will help you achieve those goals. Check grammar, sentence structure and punctuation since the essay represents you to the Admissions Committee.

 

Step Five - Construct Your Plan of Study

You must construct a four-year Plan of Study which shows all completed and future courses for graduation. One-year plans of study will not be accepted. The Plan of Study should list all planned classes for each semester. To determine prerequisites and requirements refer to the ISU Undergraduate Catalog for the year that you were admitted. Students are strongly encouraged to use one of the SoC Plan of Study Templates for their application (see links to templates below). In addition, you can use any of the SoC Major Planning Tools to assist you in creating your Plan of Study. Communication advisors are not allowed to assist students in constructing their application Plan of Study. Advisors will meet with admitted students at a later date to assist them with long term planning.

Plan of Study Template for Native ISU Students

Plan of Study Template for Transfer Students

**Note: For assistance, sample plans of study can be found on ISU's Find Your Major website. We also encourage students to attend one of University College's Plan of Study workshops (see the dates to the right).

Step Six - Submit the Application

Applications must be submitted electronically to the School of Communication. We will no longer accept paper applications. The application deadline for spring enrollment is October 1st. The application deadline for fall enrollment is March 1st.

Step Seven - Processing

  • The School reviews all applications. Applications received by the following deadlines will be reviewed approximately two weeks after the deadline: March 1, October 1 at 4:00 p.m.
  • The Committee will review applications based on accuracy and quality of the application and essay, grade point average, grade trends, as well as the clarity and viability of the POS.
  • The Admissions Committee will meet approximately two weeks after the deadline. Students will be notified of the decision via e-mail after that meeting.
  • Admitted students should schedule an appointment with a School of Communication advisor by calling (309) 438-7080. Students not admitted should contact their previous advisor or the advisors in University College to discuss other options.

Upcoming Deadlines

March 1, 2012: Applications for fall enrollment due

 

 

Useful Resources for Application

Find Your Major (sample plans of study for each major/sequence)

SoC Major Planning Tools (major checklists, visual diagrams, and major checkpoint charts)

Communication Careers Obtained by Alumni

Plan of Study Template for Native ISU Students

Plan of Study Template for Transfer Students

 

University College Plan of Study Workshops (optional):

  • Wednesday, January 25, 3:00 - 4:00pm, Fell 116
  • Thursday, February 2, 1:00 - 2:00pm, Fell 116
  • Wednesday, February 8, 10:00 - 11:00am, Fell 176
  • Monday, February 13, 2:00 - 3:00pm, Fell 116
  • Tuesday, February 14, 10:00 - 11:00am, STV 132
  • Wednesday, February 22, 11:00am - 12:00pm, Fairchild 206
  • Thursday, February 23, 3:30 - 4:30pm, Fell 116