Illinois State University

Illinois State University Admissions and School Information

Students at Illinois State University, which is located in Normal, IL, can earn a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree through one of the institution's six colleges. This university offers programs in areas such as biological science, education, school psychology, nursing and history education.

General Information about Illinois State University

Illinois State University enrolls nearly than 21,000 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs, with more than half of its undergraduate students originating from the Chicago area. This school is home to Watterson Towers, which is one of the tallest residential buildings in the nation at almost 300 feet; it houses more than 2,200 students.

Founded in 1857, Illinois State University is known as a teacher's college and, according to the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education, is one of the ten largest producers of teachers in the country. In addition to other areas of study, Illinois State University freshman can opt to partake in First Year Learning in Communities, a program to help new students identify majors and potential careers.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

Potential Illinois State University students, including first-time college students and transfer students, must submit an application to be considered for enrollment. Additionally, beginning freshmen must include an application fee, high school transcript, 500-word academic personal statement, ACT or SAT scores, as well as GED scores if the applicant is not a high school graduate.

Colleges of Illinois State University

College of Applied Science and Technology

Undergraduate students in Illinois State University's College of Applied Science and Technology can choose from 27 majors, including athletic training, horticulture, graphic communications and telecommunications management. Graduate students can select among sports management, exercise physiology and biomechanics programs.

College of Arts and Sciences

Students can choose among 24 majors and 12 secondary education programs offered through the College of Arts and Sciences. Of all Illinois State University's six colleges, it has the highest enrollment, with more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. This college encourages students to learn outside the building; for example, those studying medicine take part in the school's Physician Mentorship Program and social science students can join an archaeological dig overseas.

College of Business

Illinois State University's College of Business averages around 3,000 undergraduate and 200 graduate students annually, making it the second most populous college at the school behind the College of Arts and Sciences. The college is one of 171 schools within the United States that is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Ten undergraduate majors and three master's programs are available, but one-quarter of the College of Business's students major in business administration.

College of Education

Almost one in every eight public school teachers in the state of Illinois graduate from Illinois State's education program. With more than 3,000 students enrolled in the college, students can choose among an array of undergraduate and graduate degrees, such as elementary education, reading, special education and early childhood education. Additionally, the College of Education is one of only 85 schools nationally with laboratory schools, which consist of one elementary and one high school. Illinois State students enrolled in education courses can observe and complete student teaching requirements in these two laboratory schools.

College of Fine Arts

Illinois State University's College of Fine Arts enrolls 1,000 students in its four departments, including theatre, arts technology, art and music. Outside the classroom, students showcase their skills or exhibits through events held on the campus grounds during the school year.

Mennonite School of Nursing

The Mennonite School of Nursing was founded in 1919 and joined Illinois State University in 1999, becoming the university's sixth college. The college offers certificates and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with accelerated, traditional or online options. For graduate students, there are several Master of Nursing options, including family nurse practitioner and nursing systems administrator tracks. The school also offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing.

Contact Information

  • Address: North and School Streets, Normal, IL 61790
  • Phone Number: (800) 366-2478