Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is tuition for a Department of Chemistry online graduate level chemistry class?
In-state, out-of-state, it does not matter! No matter where you live, Illinois State University will charge the same tuition fees per credit hour.

2. Can I transfer Illinois State University credits to my graduate program at another institution?
It is highly likely that graduate credits earned through Illinois State University will transfer to your graduate program. Degree program requirements may vary from one institution to another. If you have any questions about whether credits will transfer please check with your program advisor before enrolling.

3. How many credits earned through Illinois State University can I transfer to my graduate program at another institution?
Every graduate program has different requirements. Please check with your program advisor about the number of credits you can transfer from Illinois State University to another institution.

4. Will I receive a letter grade for the credits?
Yes, grades in each course are based upon timely completion of each assignment associated with research articles and video episodes. Credits earned through Illinois State University are only evaluated on a letter grade basis.

5. How do I get an official transcript from Illinois State University?
To order a copy of your transcript, go to:
http://www.registrar.ilstu.edu/transcripts

6. Whom should I contact at Illinois State University if I have specific questions?
                    Sara McCubbins
                    Chemistry Teacher Education Advisor
                    Illinois State University
                    Department of Chemistry
                    Campus Box 5960
                    210 W. Mulberry St.
                    Normal, IL 61790-5960
                    309-438-4539
                    chemed@illinoisstate.edu
                    http://www.che.ilstu.edu/eLearning/

7. Teachers in our district require graduate credit for license renewal and salary advancement. How do Illinois State University courses apply?
Illinois State University is the largest producer of teachers in the United States and consistently ranks in the top 25 nationally of all chemistry programs in the number of BS graduates certified by the American Chemical Society. As with any course, you should always check with your district office and/or state department of education before enrolling.

8. How can I get supporting course information to present to my district or program for approval?
A copy of each course overview and objectives is available under each course description, If you have further questions or need additional information, contact:
                    Sara McCubbins
                    Chemistry Teacher Education Advisor
                    Illinois State University
                    Department of Chemistry
                    Campus Box 5960
                    210 W. Mulberry St.
                    Normal, IL 61790-5960
                    309-438-4539
                    chemed@illinoisstate.edu
                    http://www.che.ilstu.edu/eLearning/

9. What does my course tuition cover?
Tuition covers all aspects of course work, an internet/distance education fee and awarding of graduate credit. Additional costs are a one-time application fee to enroll in Illinois State University and the purchase of a course viewing package to view the online “Teaching Chemistry” videos.

10. How long is the course?
The fall and spring semesters are 16 weeks long. The summer semester is 8 weeks long. Note that while there is not a designated time at which you MUST be logged in to the course, you still are responsible for completing assignments by their deadlines for each semester. For further information about the course structure or future course offerings, please visit the Illinois State University course information page.

You may review the available class schedule here.

11. What are the steps I must follow to enroll in a class at Illinois State University?
If you are a first-time student enrolling at Illinois State University, here are the steps you must follow. Total admission and course registration process takes about 2-3 days to complete.

Step 1: Create a Welcome2ISU account (5 minutes).

Step 2: Complete a Graduate Application and be accepted as a student-at-large (20 minutes for the application, up to 48 hours for the approval).

Step 3: Activate University Logon ID (ULID), obtain University ID (UID) (5 minutes).

Step 4: Complete the Course Registration Form (10 minutes).

Links and instructions for how to do all of the steps mentioned above can be found at:
http://www.che.ilstu.edu/eLearning/

12. Can I take the course if I am not located in the state of Illinois?
Yes, you can! Illinois State University has students from all 50 states enrolled in our programs.

13. Can I take the course if I am not located in the United States?
Yes, you can! Illinois State University has students from over 35 foreign countries enrolled in our programs.

14. Can I also earn Professional Development/Continuing Education Credit?
In most states you may also use your completed graduate credit hours to help fulfill your continuing education requirement for certificate renewal. Please check with your state board of education to find out how many graduate credit hours are needed for certificate renewal.

Illinois State University is accredited at the graduate level by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

After successful completion of a course you may order a copy of your transcript from Illinois State University by following the link below.
http://www.registrar.ilstu.edu/transcripts

15. What is the withdrawal policy for online courses?
Illinois State University Course Withdrawal Refund Policy

Withdraw from a class before the official semester start date and receive a 100% refund.

Withdraw from a class within 10 calendar days after the official semester start date and receive a 60% refund.

Withdraw from a class within 20 calendar days after the official semester start date and receive a 30% refund.

Withdrawing from a class after 30 calendar days after the official semester start date is not entitled to a refund.

Flinn Scientific, Inc. Course Refund Policy

Any Flinn Video Course Materials package may be returned for full credit if no portion of any video has been viewed. Once any portion of a Flinn Video Course Materials package has been viewed, it cannot be returned. Partial credits are not available.