Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Quick Facts about Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Founded: 1957
• Type: Public
• Students: 11,785
• Campus: Rural
• Tuition: $24,439 – $26,835/year
• Language: English
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Intakes: January, August, May

About Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Academics

SIU Carbondale offers over 200 undergraduate degrees, minors, and specializations, 79 master's degrees, and 40 doctoral degrees, alongside professional degrees in law and medicine. Notable programs include aviation, automotive engineering, and mortuary science, the latter being the only bachelor's degree of its kind in Illinois. The university is also recognized for its zoology program, being the only public university in Illinois to offer it, and one of two with programs in botany and microbiology. The teaching approach emphasizes research and creativity, with opportunities for students to engage in faculty labs as early as their freshman year.

International Students

Southern Illinois University Carbondale attracts a globally diverse student body, with international students making up 1-2% of the total enrollment. The International Student Council (ISC) is one of the largest Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus, advocating for international students' interests and organizing cultural events. While specific English-taught program details for all disciplines are not readily available, the English program itself offers MA and PhD degrees, and requires TOEFL or IELTS for international admissions. The university aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, fostering intercultural awareness and connections.

Campus & Location

Carbondale is a city of approximately 25,000 residents located near the southern tip of Illinois, close to the Mississippi River and the Shawnee National Forest. The campus spans 1,133 acres, featuring a blend of historic architecture, natural beauty like Thompson Woods and Campus Lake, and modern facilities. The Saluki Express mass transit system provides free transportation for students around campus and the Carbondale community, including stops at local apartments and shopping areas. Carbondale offers a vibrant city life with music venues, galleries, diverse restaurants, and easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring state parks.

Career Outcomes

SIU Carbondale boasts strong career outcomes, with 82% of graduates who completed internships or other learning experiences securing full-time employment. Students with internships earned an average of $4,449 more than their peers without such experience. The university's Career Development Center provides comprehensive guidance, including career counseling, resume writing workshops, interview skills training, and connections with employers through job fairs. Notable employers in the Carbondale area include Southern Illinois University itself, Southern Illinois Healthcare, and various local businesses. Alumni have gone on to successful careers in diverse fields, including entertainment, sports, and journalism.

Information for International Students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Carbondale, United States welcomes international students.

• Visa support available
• No on-campus work
• Student housing available
• Teaching languages: English

Admissions Requirements for Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Southern Illinois University Carbondale:

• IELTS minimum: 6
• TOEFL minimum: 68
• Duolingo minimum: 95
• GPA minimum: 2.75
• Application fee: $40
• Selectivity: Open (60%+)
• Application deadline: December 1 for Fall (preferred)

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Programs at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (42 programs)

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers 42 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.

Bachelor Programs (36)

• History (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students explore past events, societies, and cultures, developing critical thinking and research skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in education, archives, museums, government, and law.
  Field: Arts & Humanities
  Career outcomes: Educator, Archivist, Museum Curator, Government Analyst, Lawyer
• Philosophy (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students engage with fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language, enhancing their analytical and logical reasoning abilities. Graduates pursue careers in law, ethics, education, and various analytical roles.
  Field: Arts & Humanities
  Career outcomes: Lawyer, Ethicist, Educator, Analyst
• Communication Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students learn theories and practices of human communication across various contexts, developing strong interpersonal, public speaking, and media literacy skills. Graduates find roles in public relations, marketing, human resources, and media.
  Field: Arts & Humanities
  Career outcomes: Public Relations Specialist, Marketing Professional, Human Resources Manager, Media Producer
• Theatre Studies (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students explore acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theatre, gaining practical experience and theoretical knowledge of dramatic arts. Graduates pursue careers in theatre, film, television, and arts administration.
  Field: Arts & Humanities
  Career outcomes: Actor, Director, Playwright, Stage Manager, Arts Administrator
• Foreign Languages (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students achieve proficiency in one or more foreign languages and gain deep understanding of associated cultures, opening doors to international careers. Graduates work in translation, interpretation, international relations, and education.
  Field: Arts & Humanities
  Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, International Relations Specialist, Language Educator
• Anthropology (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students study human societies, cultures, and their development, employing holistic and comparative approaches. Graduates find roles in research, cultural resource management, international development, and public health.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Researcher, Cultural Resource Manager, International Development Worker, Public Health Specialist
• Visual Arts (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students develop creative and technical skills in various artistic mediums, exploring art history and contemporary practices. Graduates pursue careers as artists, designers, art educators, and gallery professionals.
  Field: Arts & Humanities
  Career outcomes: Artist, Designer, Art Educator, Gallery Professional
• Computer Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students learn the theoretical foundations of information and computation, and their practical application in designing and developing software and hardware systems. Graduates are highly sought after in software development, cybersecurity, data science, and IT.
  Field: Sciences
  Career outcomes: Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Data Scientist, IT Professional
• Accounting (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students learn principles of financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting, preparing for professional certifications. Graduates pursue careers as accountants, auditors, financial analysts, and tax specialists.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Tax Specialist
• Music (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students study music theory, history, performance, and composition, developing their musical talents and understanding. Graduates work as performers, educators, composers, and music therapists.
  Field: Arts & Humanities
  Career outcomes: Musician, Music Educator, Composer, Music Therapist
• Art (BFA) — 48 months · English
  This program provides intensive studio experience and critical studies in various artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. Students develop their creative voice and technical skills.
  Field: Arts
  Career outcomes: Artist, Graphic Designer, Art Educator, Illustrator
• Criminal Justice (BS) — 48 months · English
  Students examine the causes of crime, the legal system, and correctional practices, preparing for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and legal support. Graduates work as police officers, probation officers, and legal assistants.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Legal Assistant, Corrections Officer
• Chemistry (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students investigate the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, developing strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Graduates work in pharmaceuticals, materials science, forensics, and chemical engineering.
  Field: Sciences
  Career outcomes: Chemist, Pharmacist, Materials Scientist, Forensic Scientist
• Aerospace Engineering (BEng) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems, applying principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. Graduates work in aerospace industries, defense, and research.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Aerospace Engineer, Aircraft Designer, Space Systems Engineer, Research Engineer
• Health Sciences (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students explore various aspects of health, wellness, and disease, often serving as a foundation for further professional health degrees or careers in public health and health administration. Graduates work in public health, health education, and healthcare administration.
  Field: Health Professions
  Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Health Educator, Healthcare Administrator, Medical Assistant
• Economics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students analyze how societies allocate scarce resources, studying markets, financial systems, and policy impacts. Graduates are prepared for careers in finance, government, consulting, and data analysis.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Financial Analyst, Economist, Consultant, Data Analyst
• Political Science (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students examine political systems, behaviors, and theories, developing analytical skills for understanding governance and public policy. Graduates pursue careers in government, law, journalism, and international organizations.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Government Official, Lawyer, Journalist, International Relations Specialist
• Sociology (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students analyze social structures, interactions, and institutions, developing critical perspectives on societal issues. Graduates find roles in social work, community development, policy analysis, and research.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Social Worker, Community Developer, Policy Analyst, Researcher
• Physics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students explore the fundamental laws of the universe, from subatomic particles to cosmic phenomena, developing advanced analytical and mathematical skills. Graduates pursue careers in research, engineering, data science, and education.
  Field: Sciences
  Career outcomes: Physicist, Engineer, Data Scientist, Educator
• Environmental Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students integrate knowledge from biology, chemistry, and geology to understand and address environmental issues and sustainability challenges. Graduates work in environmental consulting, conservation, policy, and research.
  Field: Sciences
  Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, Environmental Policy Analyst, Researcher
• Electrical Engineering (BEng) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and electronic devices, from power generation to telecommunications. Graduates work in power, electronics, telecommunications, and control systems.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Power Systems Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer
• Business Administration (BS) — 48 months · English
  Students gain a broad understanding of business functions, including management, marketing, finance, and operations, developing leadership and problem-solving skills. Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in corporate management, entrepreneurship, and consulting.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Business Manager, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Operations Manager
• Marketing (BS) — 48 months · English
  Students study consumer behavior, market research, branding, and digital marketing strategies to promote products and services effectively. Graduates work in marketing management, advertising, sales, and public relations.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Marketing Manager, Advertising Specialist, Sales Manager, Public Relations Specialist
• Secondary Education (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students specialize in teaching a specific subject area (e.g., Math, English, Science) to middle and high school students, learning advanced pedagogical techniques. Graduates become secondary school teachers.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: High School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, Educational Consultant
• Psychology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students study the human mind and behavior, learning research methods and theoretical frameworks. Graduates work in counseling, human resources, research, and social services, often pursuing graduate studies.
  Field: Social Sciences
  Career outcomes: Counselor, Human Resources Specialist, Researcher, Social Worker
• Biology (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students study living organisms, their structures, functions, and evolution, gaining hands-on laboratory experience. Graduates pursue careers in healthcare, research, environmental science, and biotechnology.
  Field: Sciences
  Career outcomes: Biologist, Researcher, Healthcare Professional, Environmental Scientist
• Mathematics (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students develop strong logical reasoning and problem-solving skills through the study of abstract structures, quantity, and change. Graduates work in finance, data science, actuarial science, and education.
  Field: Sciences
  Career outcomes: Mathematician, Data Scientist, Actuary, Educator
• Finance (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students learn about financial markets, investments, corporate finance, and risk management, developing analytical skills for financial decision-making. Graduates pursue careers in investment banking, financial planning, corporate finance, and portfolio management.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Investment Banker, Financial Planner, Financial Analyst, Portfolio Manager
• Computer Engineering (BEng) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students combine electrical engineering and computer science to design and develop computer hardware and software, including embedded systems and networks. Graduates work in hardware design, software development, and network engineering.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Computer Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Software Engineer, Network Engineer
• Mechanical Engineering (BEng) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students apply principles of motion, energy, and force to design and manufacture mechanical systems and devices across various industries. Graduates work in automotive, manufacturing, robotics, and energy sectors.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Mechanical Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Robotics Engineer
• Management (BS) — 48 months · English
  Students develop leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills essential for effective business operations. Graduates are prepared for management roles across various industries, human resources, and consulting.
  Field: Business
  Career outcomes: Manager, Human Resources Manager, Operations Manager, Consultant
• Civil Engineering (BEng) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, focusing on safety and sustainability. Graduates work in construction, urban planning, and public works.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Construction Manager, Urban Planner
• Elementary Education (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students gain the knowledge and skills to teach multiple subjects to children in elementary school settings, focusing on curriculum development and classroom management. Graduates become elementary school teachers.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Elementary School Teacher, Curriculum Developer
• Nursing (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students acquire comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention across diverse healthcare settings. Graduates become registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, and community health.
  Field: Health Professions
  Career outcomes: Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Public Health Nurse
• Medical Laboratory Science (BS) — 48 months · English · STEM
  Students learn to perform complex laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and other body fluids to diagnose and monitor diseases. Graduates work as medical laboratory scientists in hospitals, clinics, and research labs.
  Field: Health Professions
  Career outcomes: Medical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Research Assistant
• Early Childhood Education (BA) — 48 months · English
  Students learn about child development, educational theories, and teaching methodologies for young children, preparing them for roles in preschools and early learning centers. Graduates become early childhood educators and program coordinators.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: Early Childhood Educator, Preschool Teacher, Childcare Director

Master Programs (4)

• Electrical and Computer Engineering (MS) — 24 months · English · STEM
  This program offers advanced study in electrical engineering and computer engineering, with specializations in areas like power systems, control systems, digital signal processing, and computer architecture.
  Field: Engineering
  Career outcomes: Electrical Engineer, Computer Hardware Engineer, Research Engineer
• Public Health (MPH) — 24 months · English
  The Master of Public Health program prepares students to address complex public health challenges through epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, and health policy.
  Field: Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Public Health Specialist, Epidemiologist, Health Educator, Policy Analyst
• English (MA) — 24 months · English
  This program provides advanced study in literature, rhetoric, creative writing, and literary theory. Students develop critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: Editor, Writer, Educator, Communications Specialist
• Rehabilitation Counseling (MS) — 24 months · English
  This program prepares students to become professional rehabilitation counselors, assisting individuals with disabilities to achieve personal, social, and vocational goals. The curriculum includes counseling theories and practical experience.
  Field: Health Sciences
  Career outcomes: Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Counselor, Case Manager

PhD Programs (2)

• Curriculum and Instruction (PhD) — 48 months · English
  This doctoral program focuses on advanced research and scholarship in curriculum development, instructional design, and educational theory. Students prepare for leadership roles in education.
  Field: Education
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Curriculum Specialist, Educational Researcher, School Administrator
• Applied Linguistics (PhD) — 60 months · English
  The PhD in Applied Linguistics focuses on the study of language in real-world contexts, including language acquisition, language teaching, discourse analysis, and sociolinguistics. Students conduct original research.
  Field: Humanities
  Career outcomes: University Professor, Language Policy Analyst, ESL/EFL Specialist, Corpus Linguist

Scholarships & Tuition at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Annual tuition for international students: $24,439 – $26,835/year

✅ Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.

Rankings of Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• National Ranking: #194 in United States
• Times Higher Education (THE): #801
• Ranking tier: Research University
• Research output: Very High

Campus & Facilities at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

• Student housing available
• Sports facilities available
• Disability support available
• Campus type: Rural

Key Highlights

• R1: Very High Research Activity
• Diverse 200+ degree programs
• Unique aviation, automotive, mortuary science
• Globally diverse student body
• Welcoming, inclusive campus environment

Accreditation

• Higher Learning Commission
• AACSB International
• Council on Education for Public Health
• ABET
• Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
• Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
• American Bar Association
• American Board of Funeral Service Education
• American Chemical Society
• American Psychological Association

Notable Alumni

• Dennis Franz
• Jenny McCarthy
• Jim Belushi
• Joan Cusack
• Roland Burris

Frequently Asked Questions about Southern Illinois University Carbondale

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