Academics < Bachelors Degree < FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are SPEA’s admission requirements?

SPEA has a selective admissions policy that requires students to complete a minimum of 26 credit hours and no more than 75 credit hours with a 2.30 (C+) cumulative grade point average. Students must also earn at least a 2.00 (C) in any of the following introductory courses before applying to the School: SPEA V160 (V170 from a regional campus), V162 (V264 from a regional campus), E162, or E272.

What is the SPEA application deadline?

Applications are received both during the Fall and Spring semesters. The deadlines are December 1st for Spring admissions and May 1st for Fall admissions. To apply online, please click here.

Can I speak to an Advisor if I am not an admitted SPEA student?

Students who are interested in SPEA and would like additional information are welcome to schedule an appointment with our Recruiter, Liz Peck. To schedule an appointment, please call 812-855-0635.

What degrees does SPEA award?

If you are completing a major in Public Financial Management, Management, Public and Nonprofit Management, Legal Studies, Policy Analysis, or Environmental Management, then you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (BSPA).

If you are completing a major in Health Administration, then you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH).

If you are completing a concentration in Ecosystem Science, Hydrology and Water Resources, General Environmental Science, Pollution Control, or Technology and Remediation, then you will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (BSES).

Can I be admitted to SPEA directly from high school?

Yes. First you must tell us on your application to Indiana University that you are interested in SPEA. You are also required to meet SPEA’s admission criteria: ranking in the top 15% of your class and scoring a minimum of 1250 on the SAT, or a minimum score of 28 on the ACT. For more information about our Direct Admit Program, please click here.

What is the credit hour cap for students applying to SPEA?

Students who are a part of the University Division may not have more than 75 total credit hours the semester they apply to be admitted to SPEA.

How do I schedule a visit to SPEA?

You may schedule a visit to speak with the undergraduate recruiter by clicking here. A SPEA representative will contact you and confirm your visit.

How do I request additional information about SPEA?

You may request additional information by clicking here. Additional materials will be mailed to you per your request.

Who is my Advisor and what services does he/she provide?

SPEA currently does not assign Advisors to specific students. Students are able to see either an Advisor of their choice or the first available.

What if I have a “quick question”?

It has been our experience that there is no such thing as a “quick question.” In fairness to all students, please set up an appointment or take advantage of our walk-in advising hours so that we may provide you undivided attention and resolve your issue in a timely fashion. Click here for Advising hours.

How do I schedule an Advising appointment?

Please contact the office at 855-0635 for an appointment that meets your scheduling needs. Click here for Advising hours.

Where do I locate my registration appointment time?

(1) Navigate to the OneStart page, http://onestart.iu.edu; click the log-in button. (2) Log in using your username and password. (3) Click the Self Service tab. (4) Locate the Registration Services section. (5) Click My Registration Appointment and select the upcoming term. (6) Also click on Holds on My Record in the Registration Services section. Holds must be cleared before you can register.

How can I view the schedule of classes?

Go to the following Web site: http://registrar.indiana.edu/~registra/scheofclass.shtml

How can I view my Degree Progress Report?

Log in to OneStart, click on the "Self-Service" tab, and then click on the "My Degree Progress" link under the "Academic Services" heading.

How can I get help with current student registration?

To receive help with current student registration, feel free to see an Advisor, or you may receive personal registration assistance in Franklin Hall 101, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Registration telephone assistance is available at (812) 855-8200; e-mail assistance is available at RegHelp@indiana.edu.

What is the maximum number of hours I can carry each term?

SPEA students in good academic standing may carry a maximum of 19 hours during fall and spring semesters, and a maximum of 10 hours during summer session I and 10 hours during summer session II.

What are the chances of getting into a class if I’m on the “waitlist”?

Unfortunately, there is no way to accurately predict this. The waitlist runs through the end of the first week of class. After this time, the waitlist system is inactive. Please monitor your schedule often to see if your waitlist has been satisfied. If the instructor allows you in the class after the first week, please complete a schedule adjustment form which is obtained in SPEA Records room 253.

What are the deadlines to drop and / or add a course, and how do I do that?

Students should use www.onestart.iu.edu to register and/or adjust their schedules through the first week of classes. After that time, a schedule adjustment form with the necessary signatures should be obtained through your school. Completed forms should be taken to the Registrar’s office in Franklin Hall. Please refer to the following Web site for specific deadlines each semester: http://registrar.indiana.edu/.

What are the deadlines for taking a course Pass / Fail, what is the procedure, and how do I know if I can take a course Pass / Fail?

Students in good academic standing may choose to take a maximum of eight elective courses, with a limit of two per calendar year, Pass/Fail. Only elective courses can be taken Pass/Fail. Courses required for general education or SPEA’s Core and Major are not eligible for Pass/Fail. A grade of a “P” is not counted in grade point averages, but a grade of “F” is. A grade of “P” cannot subsequently be changed to a grade of A, B, C, or D.

Deadlines for taking courses Pass/Fail are published on the Registrar’s Web site under "Official Calendar": http://registrar.indiana.edu/~registra/offcalen.shtml. SPEA strictly enforces University deadlines. A Pass/Fail form may be obtained through the SPEA Undergraduate Advising Office in room 240.

Where can I view the SPEA Undergraduate Bulletin?

Go to the following Web site: http://www.indiana.edu/~bulletin/iu/spea_ug/2006-2008/index.shtml

Where can I go to obtain information about internships?

Go to the Career Services & Alumni Affairs (CaSAA) section of our website by clicking here.

How many credit hours do I need to be classified as a sophomore, junior, or senior?

Sophomore = 27 - 55 credit hours
Junior = 56 - 85 credit hours
Senior = 86+ credit hours

Does SPEA require a foreign language to fulfill a degree requirement?

SPEA does not require a foreign language for either the BSPA or BSPH degrees. For BSES students, eight hours of a foreign language is required for degree completion.

What is the difference between a “Double Major” and a “Dual Degree”?

In essence, a Double Major is when a student pursues two majors within the same school--for example, a Bachelor’s degree from SPEA with a double major in Nonprofit Management and Legal Studies. A Dual Degree is when a student is pursuing two Bachelor’s degrees from different schools within the university--for example, a degree from SPEA and a degree from Journalism. If you are planning on either of these options, see an Advisor as soon as possible.

How do I change my Major?

Please see your Advisor or SPEA Records Office room 253 to complete a Change of Major form.

I would like to pursue a SPEA minor. How do I do this?

You must complete an application with an Advisor for the minor you are pursuing. Please call 855-0635 to make an appointment. For a list of SPEA minors and their requirements, click here.

I would like to pursue a non-SPEA minor. How do I do this?

You will need to contact the school or department Advisor for the minor you are pursuing. You willl also need to complete an application, some of which are available through the departmental Web site.

How do I enroll in a correspondence course?

Independent Study courses may be taken to fulfill general education requirements or electives. SPEA allows students to take up to three independent study courses, for no more than 10 credit hours. Students must have independent study courses approved by the SPEA Undergraduate Program Director or Undergraduate Advisor. Students should access the School of Continuing Studies site for additional information: http://www.indiana.edu/~scs/.

Can I Grade-X a course?

Extended-X (Amended FX) Policy, Bloomington Faculty Council Action (May 3, 1994)

Any undergraduate student may retake a course for which he/she received a grade below an A during the first 45 hours of coursework. A student may exercise this option for no more than three courses, totaling no more than 10 credits. A student may use this option only once for a given course.

The student's transcript shall record both grades. For the course retaken, only the second grade shall be counted in the determination of the student's grade-point average (GPA). Any GPA calculated in accord with this policy shall be marked with an asterisk denoting that a lower grade has been replaced by a second grade in the course.

Note: This policy was implemented First Semester 2001-2002. Courses taken prior to that term do not apply. See the Extended-X Implementation Policies. The record notation of an "X" to the left of the course excluded from the GPA has been substituted for an asterisk denotation mentioned in the original policy. Some schools may not honor this policy for purposes such as school admission, graduation, and probation requirements, and there may be other limitations on courses eligible for the GPA exclusion; students should consult with their school or University Division advisors before exercising this option.

What is the procedure for appealing a course grade?

Students seeking a grade change should first contact the course instructor directly. If the instructor agrees that a change is appropriate, a form for this purpose is available to the instructor.

I am having trouble in one or more of my courses. What services are available to me?

Are you a regular visitor to your instructor during office hours? Have you expressed your concern about your progress? Have you spoken to your instructor about possible solutions? Are you attending every class throughout the semester? IU houses three Academic Support Centers on campus. Additional information can be found at: http://www.indiana.edu/~acadsupp/ASChome.shtml.

I'd like help with some personal issues. Is there anyone who can help?

The Student Health Center, located at 10th and Jordan, has a variety of services to meet student needs. For more information, please visit the following Web site: http://www.indiana.edu/~health/.

Do I have to obtain a grade of C or better in a SPEA class for it to count toward my degree?

Not necessarily. To remain in Good Academic Standing, SPEA requires that students maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00, a SPEA GPA of 2.30, and a Semester GPA of 2.00.

What if my GPA drops below the minimum requirements?

If your cumulative GPA and/or your SPEA GPA and/or your Semester GPA fall below minimum standards, you are no longer considered in Good Academic Standing. Consequences can range from being placed on Academic Probation, an inability to engage in the required internship until Good Standing is restored, Critical Probation, or Dismissal. These academic actions are considered twice a year for each of our students. Other than Dismissal, students have one semester to return to Good Academic Standing. If they do not, they will be dismissed from SPEA. If the cumulative GPA drops below a 2.00, the student may be dismissed from Indiana University.

How do I take a course at another IU campus and have those credits transfer to Bloomington?

Select the IU campus that you plan to attend. Make sure the courses you plan to take are being offered. Complete an intercampus transfer form with the IU campus you plan to attend. Once you have registered and completed your courses they should appear on your IU Degree Progress Report. If you are unsure how a course will transfer to Bloomington, contact IUB Admissions: http://www.indiana.edu/~iuadmit/.

How do I know if a course from another academic institution will transfer to Indiana University?

Indiana University has a wonderful Web site to address these issues: http://cts.admissions.indiana.edu/index.cfm.

Could you tell me more about SPEA professional student organizations?

Please click here for information about SPEA's student organizations.

How do I find out about SPEA’s Overseas Study opportunities?

As soon as you think it is a possibility that you might have the opportunity for overseas study, make an appointment with a SPEA Advisor. It is critical that your overseas campus registration has maximum benefit toward completion of your degree requirements and courses, and that credit hours from your study abroad experience are applicable to your degree requirements. It is possible to study abroad without delaying your graduation. Please visit the Office of Overseas Study Web site for detailed information regarding the opportunities available to you: http://www.indiana.edu/~overseas/.

What is the Washington Leadership Program (WLP)?

SPEA offers the WLP each fall and spring semester in Washington, DC. Junior and senior undergraduate students from all majors at all campuses are eligible to apply. This program consists of two senior-level seminars (each worth 3 credit hours) and an internship (worth 5-6 credit hours). Students complete internships by working four days per week at an assigned congressional/ Senate office, trade association, or federal agency, or at a health, environmental, or nonprofit organization. To learn more, please click here.

How do I find out about SPEA scholarships?

SPEA students can review a listing of general scholarships by visiting the Undergraduate Program office in SPEA room 240 or by clicking here.

Do I have to take my last 30 hours on the IU Bloomington campus?

No. There is a plurality rule that states you must complete over 50% of your coursework here on the Bloomington campus.

What happens if I can’t get a course I need for graduation?

If you believe this to be the case, make an appointment to meet with an Advisor immediately. Please click here for Advising hours. It is imperative that you register on the date and time assigned to you, and that you check your Degree Progress Report for course planning purposes prior to each semester registration.

How do I get a copy of my transcript?

Transcript request are made through the IU Registrar Office, Franklin Hall 100: registrar@indiana.edu.

When and how do I apply for graduation?

Students should apply for graduation the semester before they plan to graduate. Students graduating in May, June, or August, should apply by the preceding December 1, and students graduating in December should apply by the preceding May 1.

Can I participate in May graduation if I am an official June or August graduate?

Yes. This can be discussed with your Advisor when you complete the Application for Graduation.

When will I receive my diploma?

Your diploma will be mailed to your permanent address approximately 12 weeks after your official graduation date as determined by the Registrar.

What are the criteria for the Deans List and graduating with honors?

The Deans List is calculated every semester (fall and spring), and a student must complete 12 GPA credit hours at at least 3.50.

There are three levels of graduating with Honors, and all levels are based on cumulative GPA.
Graduating with Distinction = 3.50 – 3.69 GPA
Graduating with High Distinction = 3.70 – 3.89 GPA
Graduating with Highest Distinction = 3.90 and above

Students do not have to apply for these honors; they are administratively calculated, and each student is individually notified.

How do I contact a SPEA Peer Ambassador?

Contact us by e-mail or phone: (812) 855-0635. To learn more about SPEA Peer Ambassadors, click here.

What types of careers are available for SPEA majors?

Click here to look at current job and internship openings.
Click here to see data regarding SPEA graduates' employment, by job sector and by region.

Further questions?

Click here to contact us. Please include your University ID number and phone number in your e-mail.