Frequently Asked Questions

1. I know I want to major in the College of Arts and Sciences but I’m not sure in which area. Can I apply to the Direct Admit Program as a College Exploratory major?
   No. The Direct Admit Program is for students who are committed to a particular major and who wish to make an early connection to the department and to faculty members. Many students decide to double major and so add a second (or in some cases, even a third) major to their program once they have a completed a few semesters at IU.
    
2. I intend to complete a major in the College of Arts and Sciences and a major in the Kelley School of Business at IU. Can I be directly admitted to both units?
   No. Although many students who are offered direct admission into one of IU’s undergraduate programs end up with degrees in more than one unit, you may only start your first year of studies as a direct admit student in one unit.
    
3. I want to major in Interior Design. Why isn’t that on your list of majors?
   The Interior Design major does not accept Direct Admit students. To be accepted as an Interior Design major, students must complete AMID-H168 with a grade of C or higher in order to continue in the Interior Design program at Indiana University Bloomington.
    
4. I plan to join the Individualized Major Program. Why isn’t that on your list of majors?
   The Individualized Major Program does not accept Direct Admit students. Students who wish to major through the Individualized Major Program must work with an IU faculty member who agrees to serve as faculty sponsor and who helps the student design a coherent program of study.
    
5. Why can I declare Studio Art as a major, but not the Bachelor of Fine Arts?
   Studio Art is available as a Bachelor of Arts degree major open to all students interested in the field. The Bachelor of Fine Arts is for truly dedicated and talented artists who plan a career in the studio arts. To be accepted into the BFA in Studio Art, a student must create a portfolio of work in IU Studio Art classes.
    
6. Why am I allowed to declare Theatre & Drama as my intended major in the Direct Admit Program? Don’t I need to audition in order to be accepted as a Theatre major?
   Theatre and Drama is a Bachelor of Arts degree major that provides students with a wide range of knowledge and experience in the field. Besides classes in acting, theatre majors are required to study in the following areas: directing, stagecraft, stage costuming, stage lighting, and the history of theatre and drama. You do not need to perform an acting audition to be accepted into the major.
    
7. What about the new Musical Theatre BFA program?
   Musical Theatre DOES require an audition. Only those incoming freshmen who pass the audition will be allowed into the BFA program; all incoming freshmen accepted into the Musical Theatre BFA will be given places in the Direct Admit Program.
    
8. If I join the Direct Admit Program, can I change my major?
   Yes! Many students find new areas of interest once they arrive at IU and start their undergraduate careers. Remember that many students add a second major (or even a third!), or enter a certificate program or add optional minors. If you wish to change your major, you must first make an appointment with the academic advisor in the department that you wish to join to get accepted into the major.
    
9. Do I get a scholarship for being in the Direct Admit Program?
   Not necessarily. The Direct Admit Program administers the Indiana Scholars Award for qualified in-state students. The Indiana Scholars Award provides recipients with $1,000 per academic year ($500 per semester, no summers) and is renewable for up to four years of support. Qualified students automatically receive these awards; there is not a separate application process. The Indiana Scholars Award can be combined with other IU awards.