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Illinois State University
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Illinois State University - Academics - Academics - College ProwlerCollege Prowler3.08

Academics

B-
Where does this grade come from?View all Academics rankingsReview this school to add your opinion

Comparable Schools' Academics Grades:

Quick Stats

Student-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Full-Time Student Population 18,494
Part-Time Student Population 2,690
Full-Time Instructional Faculty 876
Part-Time Instructional Faculty 304
Total FT Faculty 876
Faculty with Terminal Degree 84%
Average Faculty Salary $69,413
Full-Time Retention Rate 85%
Part-Time Retention Rate 33%
Transfer-Out Rate 26%
Graduation Rate 71%
Programs/Majors Offered 85
Average Course Load 15 credits
Academic/Career Counseling? Yes
Remedial Services? Yes
Class Sizes
  • Fewer than 20 students: 31%
  • 20 to 49 students: 57%
  • 50 or more students: 12%

Student Author OverviewWhat's This?

Even though ISU has a reputation of being a large party school, a lot of students are concerned with their academics, as well. There are six major colleges at ISU: the Mennonite College of Nursing, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Applied Science and Technology, College of Business, and the College of Fine Arts. Originally, ISU was strictly an education-based college, where students went to get their teaching degrees. Since it was founded in 1857, ISU has grown to offer more opportunities to students with other interests. There is a list of general education classes that each student must complete before graduating, but students get their choice of courses that interest them within each level, of which there are three: inner core, middle core, and outer core. These classes are in addition to students' major and minor courses. Students are able to pick classes per level when they register for each semester, or they can keep track of them on the iCampus portal Web site.

Recently, ISU has become one of the most popular colleges in Illinois and has joined the ranks of such competitive schools as the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. One of the main reasons this has happened is because of the relationship between the professors and students. Many of the professors are highly recognized for their craft and are willing to help students whenever possible. For example, most professors in the English department are skillful, published writers who can offer some advice. This connection between advocacy and friendship helps take ISU to the next level.

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Illinois State Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Academics at Illinois State University

bmbesse

History '13

5.0
A+

Well-Rounded Course Load

I am currently within the arts and sciences program here at Illinois State, and I'm very satisfied with the education I have received. Being a History major, all of the professors that I have had are nothing short of being extremely knowledgeable and adept in the various topics and fields that they teach. Many within the same department that teach the same general education course even base their class around different materials, which makes for a variety of different perspectives you can learn while supposedly taking a general education course. As one moves up in the levels of different classes that are available, there are so many to choose from, ranging from classes on Western and Eastern civilizations, to even classes on the history of the CIA, all with great professors. Adding to that, every professor is willing to work with any student should they request help, and are always looking to discuss the material with students whenever the student should want, fostering not only a greater depth of knowledge about the subjects, but also getting to know each student on a personal level as well.

Mar 22, 2012

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Academics at Illinois State University

hmweil

Kinesiology and Exercise Science '15

4.6
A

Professors That Care

Illinois State University offers a wide range of academics and a beautiful campus that influenced my decision to attend. The professors I have had have always been really helpful, encouraging class participation, clearly explaining material, and staying after class and meeting with students if they need extra help.

Mar 05, 2012

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Academics at Illinois State University

bogart623

Art Studies '13

4.6
A

Art Studies

I love art. Painting is my favorite then drawing then ceramics.I like all my teachers. I am a junior.

Feb 22, 2012

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Page 1 of 18
User rating for Illinois State University - Academics is 4.6 out of 5 based on 54 user reviews.

Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

Rate your school’s professors on the following topics

Rate your school’s academic environment on the following topics

Facts

Instructional Programs Occupational: No
Academic: Yes
Continuing Professional: Yes
Recreational/Avocational: No
Adult Basic Remedial: No
Secondary (High School): No
Special Credit Opportunities Advanced Placement (AP) Credits: Yes
Dual Credit: Yes
Life Experience Credits: No
AP Test Score Requirements Possible credit or exemption for scores of 3, 4, or 5 at the college’s discretion
IB Test Score Requirements N/A
Undergraduate Schools/Divisions
  • College of Applied Science and Technology
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • College of Business
  • College of Education
  • College of Fine Arts
  • Mennonite College of Nursing
Degrees Awarded
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Doctorate - Professional practice
  • Doctorate - Research/scholarship
  • Master's degree
  • Post-bachelor's certificate
  • Post-master's certificate
Most Popular Majors
  • Accounting: 2%
  • Elementary Education: 3%
  • Finance, General: 2%
  • Marketing/Marketing Management, General: 2%
Graduation Requirements
  • Arts/fine arts
  • Computer literacy
  • English (including composition)
  • History
  • Humanities
  • Mathematics
  • Philosophy
  • Sciences (biological or physical)
  • Social science
Special Study Options
  • Distance learning opportunities
  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification (below the postsecondary level)
Other Academic Offerings
  • Accelerated program
  • Cooperative education program
  • Double major
  • Dual enrollment
  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Exchange student program (domestic)
  • Honors program
  • Independent study
  • Internships
  • Student-designed major
Best Places to Study
  • Bone Student Center
  • ISU quad
  • Milner Library

Online Courses

Online courses vary by subject at Illinois State University. Numerous general education classes can be taken online. But just because a class is online does not necessarily mean that it's easier. Some professors provide video lectures while others ask students to read books. Papers and timed tests can be submitted online with ease. The only problem may be forming a relationship with your instructor; this can be difficult when it comes to needing help with the subject matter.

Did You Know?
  • ISU is the second-largest degree producer of teacher education candidates in the nation.
  • Students who are tired of walking to class now have the option of taking certain classes online.
  • One of the ways students can practice their farming skills is with ISU's 360-acre farm in nearby Lexington.
  • ISU was originally named Illinois State Normal University and was for teachers only.
  • The Department of Communication has recently been named the School of Communication.
  • Student organization TV-10 is constantly in the running for a variety of broadcasting awards.
  • ISU's forensics (speech and debate) team has won the national championship two times in the last five years.
  • "The Innocence Project," created by ISU, is a documentary about people sitting on death row who have been wrongly accused of crimes. The project was created after ISU assistant professor of communication John McHale produced a documentary that helped release Joe Amrine, a convicted murderer from death row.
  • Illinois State placed 79th in the 2008 BusinessWeek magazine rankings of the best undergraduate business schools in the nation.

Become a Contributing Author Learn more »

Most Recent Student Author View all

Name
Elizabeth Nelligan
Hometown
Lake Zurich, IL
Major
Journalism

College Prowler is seeking talented student authors to assist with writing and updating the College Prowler guides to their schools. This is a great opportunity for a student to gain experience and tremendous exposure, utilize new media techniques, and share advice with high school students about what life is really like at your college.

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How do we get our information? Find out here or report an error here. The statistics on our site are from the National Center for Education Statistics IPEDS database.
We update this information twice annually, most recently in May 2012, but it may not be the most recent information available for a particular school.
For additional information we encourage you to visit school websites or contact the schools directly.