Yes, Illinois State University requires you to submit your TOEFL scores as part of the application process. The minimum scores for admission are 79 (Internet-based testing), 213 (computer-based), or 550 (paper-based). Check out the Office of International Studies and the Office of Admissions for more information.

After I submit my application, when will I hear if I have been admitted?

After we receive all of your application materials (including transcripts, test scores if applicable, a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and a graded paper), you should receive a letter from the Office of Admissions within four to six weeks.

If I do not have a graded paper to submit as part of my application materials, what should I do?

If you have been out of school for a number of years and no longer have access to the papers you wrote as an undergraduate, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies for alternatives.

Can I apply for to the M.A. program in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures even if I only have a minor in my language?

Yes, although we generally admit students who have earned a B.A. in their target language, promising students are also admitted with the requirement that they take courses to make up the deficiency. These will typically be introductory courses in linguistics, literature surveys, or courses in culture. They are meant to ensure that the student has adequate preparation before enrolling in graduate-level seminars. These “deficiency” courses usually cannot be applied towards the M.A. degree.

What is a graduate assistantship?

A graduate assistantship in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures usually involves teaching an introductory-level language class and / or staffing the Language Laboratory (assisting students and faculty, consulting at the Grammar Help Desk, etc.). Assistantships are designed to facilitate progress towards the degree. In exchange for your work in the department, you are provided a monthly stipend and a full tuition waiver.

Do most students in the department who apply for assistantships receive them?

Yes, the majority of our students receive assistantships in the department. But the few who do not (because of late applications, for example) still have the opportunity to apply for assistantships in other departments and units on campus. In recent years, graduate students in Languages, Literatures, and Cultures have held assistantships in the Graduate School administrative offices and the School of Nursing. For more information and to apply see the job listings on the Human Resources website.

If I receive a graduate assistantship that involves classroom teaching, will I receive training and instruction?

Yes, all graduate students in the department attend an orientation and teaching workshop the week before classes begin in the fall. They are also required to take Foreign Language Teaching Methodologies at the College Level (475.11) in the fall semester, which will facilitate the transition from student to teacher. If you begin your assistantship in the spring semester without having the opportunity to enroll in 475.11, you will still receive mentoring and training. See the Graduate Assistant Handbook for further detail.

What kind of housing is available?

There is much affordable off-campus housing, both university-owned as well as independent. University-owned housing starts at about $379 a month for a one-bedroom apartment; independent rentals start at approximately $450 a month, with efficiencies or studios for even less--check the on-campus housing and off-campus housing guide for more information.. There is also some space available for graduate students in the on-campus dormitories.

What is the town of Normal like?

Normal is a thriving community with many opportunities for cultural events and recreation. The Constitution Trail, a multi-purposed paved trail, passes close to campus and is very popular with residents and students for biking, jogging, roller-blading, and walking. The cost of living is low and ISU students, staff, and faculty can ride public buses free by just showing their university I.D. At the same time, the twin cities of Bloomington-Normal have all the amenities of a big city, including fine dining, shopping, concerts, and sporting events. For more details check the following sites for the Bloomington-Normal Visitors' Bureau and the exciting new Uptown Normal project, which is busy renovating the heart of the city where Illinois State is located with new urban-style apartments, restaurants, a transportation center, and much more.