Getting Started
Applying to the Minor
Students typically apply to the minor in their sophomore year, or when they are 2 years/4 semesters from graduating.
The two application periods are
- December 1st to February 1st
- August 1st to August 31st
Sophomores should apply in the spring. The application opens December 1st and closes February 1st.
Rising Juniors should apply in the fall, when the application opens August 1st. It will close at the end of the month.
Requirements to Apply
- 2.5 cumulative, content, and UIUC GPA in the semester of application
- Content pre-requisites completed or in-progress in the semester of application
- A C- is required for all LAS content/major and minor related courses
- Composition I requirement completed
- At least 2 levels of the foreign language requirement completed
To Complete the Application
Write two well organized 2-3 page, typed essays.
- Essay #1: Why are you interested in teaching your subject to high school students?
- Essay #2: How do your experiences influence your ideas of diversity?
If you have completed a grade replacement or have a grade replacement in progress, you must scan and upload it into the Application Manager.
After Acceptance
Students admitted into the secondary education program are required to accept the offer by the date listed in the email that is sent to them.
Accepted students are required to attend several mandatory meetings in the fall regarding the program, courses, and placements.
Interested as a Sophomore or Junior?
Students who are no longer freshmen and are interested in the minor will need to communicate with the departmental advisor of the desired LAS major, as well as the secondary education advisor.
Depending on how many required courses you have completed, it can be an easy transition.
Sometimes students who decide they want to do the secondary education minor late in their academic career will be on a 5 year plan.