The Individual Option Program offers students the opportunity to design a degree consistent with their own educational goals using available institutional and area resources. The program's major purpose is to serve students whose needs and objectives are best met by combinations of courses or mixes of learning formats not available through established curricula.
In addition to completing the UIS application for graduate study, applicants are expected to complete the program application (available below), submit a goals essay and two reference letters. Applicants must also arrange for an interview with a faculty member.
The goals statement should be a 2-3 page typed statement of educational goals, background, and reasons for requesting admission to the Individual Option program.
Submit supplementary application materials (supplementary program application, goals essay, and two references) to:
Individual Option MA Admissions Committee - BRK 425
University of Illinois at Springfield
One University Plaza - BRK 425
Springfield, IL 62703-5407
Admission to the individual option graduate program is limited due to the individualized nature of the degree process. To be eligible for full admission to the master of arts program in individual option applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.50 on a 4.00 scale.
All students are initially admitted to the individual option program on a conditional basis pending successful completion of INO 510 Graduate Colloquium and committee approval of the degree proposal.
See the INO Program website for additional information.