Undergraduate Advising
Transfer Students
Transfer students generally have less time to complete major requirements than students entering the majors as freshmen. Most have only four semesters to complete any composition I, general education courses, or language courses they may need, as well as complete all 10 or 11 major courses, the Western Cultures two-course sequence, and advanced courses beyond the majors. For a better experience in your major studies and more flexibility, potential transfer students are advised to have the following transferable course requirements met BEFORE they enter the U of I:
- Composition I
- Non-primary language
- All general education courses (except non-western or U.S. minority cultures)
- Western Cultures sequence (see curriculum list for choices)
- Introductory course and/or surveys of English literature
- Introductory creative writing courses if major is Creative Writing
Composition I
Students who completed a 3 credit hour composition course at their previous college might be entitled to take the transfer writing exam. If you are uncertain about this please contact our office for help. Passing this exam completes the 4 hour composition I requirement. Exams are given early fall and spring terms, and prior to registration. Call Lauri Harden in the Rhetoric office in 294 English building at 333-1006 for test times.
Non-primary language
Students who have not completed 4 years of one language in high school or up through the fourth level in college - or - have had through the third level in two languages need to complete the requirement. A placement exam may be necessary to find out where to begin. See the Placement website for more info: http://www.oir.uiuc.edu/dme/placement/index.htm
Course sequence for English literature for Transfer Students (11 courses)
Assuming the transfer student has no prior major courses completed
| Semester | Description | Course Number(s) | Number of Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Introductory course and survey course | Engl 200 plus 209 or 210 or 255 | 2 courses |
| 2nd semester | Two survey courses plus 200-level course | Engl 209 and/or 210 and/or 255 plus 2xx | 3 courses |
| 3rd semester | Engl 301, or 300 and Shakespeare plus 200-level lit | Engl 301 or 300 and Shakespeare plus 2xx | 3 courses |
| 4th semester | Engl 301 or 300 or Shakespeare plus two advanced lit | Engl 301 or 300 or Shakespeare plus 4xx plus 4xx | 3 courses |
Course sequence for Creative Writing Transfer Students (10 courses)
| Semester | Description | Course Number(s) | Number of Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Introductory writing course plus 200-level lit course | CW 104 or 106 plus Engl 2xx | 2 courses |
| 2nd semester | Intermediate writing course or advanced comp plus 200-level lit course plus advanced lit course | CW 204 or 302 or 406 or Rhet 243 plus Engl 2xx plus 4xx |
3 courses |
| 3rd semester | Intermediate or advanced writing course plus advanced comp course plus advanced lit course or Shakespeare | CW 404 or 406 plus Rhet 243 plus Engl 4xx | 3 courses |
| 4th semester | Fourth writing course (see list) plus advanced lit course including Shakespeare | CW 104 or 106 or list plus 4xx | 2 courses |
