The academic regulations contained within this section are applicable to undergraduate students who begin their academic programs at Elmhurst University in the 2023–2024 academic year.

Planning a Program of Study

In planning a program of study at Elmhurst University, students should note the distinctions among degrees, full-time and part-time enrollment, and degree or non-degree status. A number of regulations and a variety of procedures change according to degree, enrollment and degree status.

Degrees

Elmhurst University confers the following undergraduate degrees:

  • Bachelor of Arts

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • Bachelor of Science

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Bachelor of Music

  • Bachelor of Liberal Studies

While requirements for each degree vary, all require a minimum of 32 units of credit (128 semester hours). The academic program consists of three interrelated parts:

  • Courses that meet the Integrated Curriculum

  • Courses that fulfill requirements of the major

  • Elective courses that students select to satisfy intellectual curiosity or to enhance the breadth of their academic programs.

Programs

The undergraduate academic programs of the University are administered in two forms: traditional programs and degree completion programs for students 24 years of age or older. Students hold status as enrolled students in the University by admission into either program. Student program is determined at the time of admission according to program, academic interests and student preference.

Students are expected to become familiar with the regulations of their programs. Students who change from one program to another should first speak to an advisor in the Office of Advising.

Declaration of a Major

Students are required to select and complete the requirements for one major, an area of concentrated study. Courses taken for the major must be completed with a letter grade for courses where that grading option exists. Students may declare a maximum of three majors while pursuing a degree.

Students are encouraged to explore fully the Integrated Curriculum courses at the University but are expected to declare a major field of study prior to the completion of the sophomore year. Declarations of or changes in major are handled through the Office of Advising.

Enrollment Status

A traditional undergraduate student is considered full time when enrolled for three or more units of credit (12 semester hours or more) during Fall Term or Spring Term. A student is considered half time when enrolled in 1.50 to 2.99 credits in Fall Term or Spring Term. A student is considered less than half time when registered for less than 1.50 credits (six semester hours). A student is considered nondegree when not formally admitted to an academic program at the University. Nondegree students register after degree-seeking students.