Effective Fall 2025, DGS will become the Division of Exploratory Studies. Same mission; new name.

Benefits of DGS

The Division of General Studies (DGS) is the Illinois home for freshman and sophomores who wish to explore their academic options before declaring a major. Our advisors are our best resource, providing one-on-one guidance focused on each student’s interests and talents. We are familiar with the requirements of all majors across campus and are excited to help students find the right one.

 

Some of the benefits of DGS:

  • Explore multiple majors before declaring

  • Take Illinois coursework in your area of interest before committing to a major

  • Pursue a professional program, like pre-med or pre-law, while exploring majors

  • Receive award-winning academic advising

Award Winning Advisors

Our national award-winning advisors are recognized for their knowledge of academic requirements for all majors and their personal approach to advising. They have outstanding connections with departmental advisors and support resources across campus. No matter where you want to go, our advisors can help you get there.

  • Informational and recruitment meetings hosted by advisors from a variety of majors

  • On-site appointments with other campus departments

  • Academic advising and special programs in partnership with the Weston Exploration Living-Learning Community

  • Annual Majors and Minors Fair to promote the programs on campus

  • Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange information sessions

  • Meet with an Academic Mentor – The Office of Minority Student Affairs assigns Academic Mentors to select DGS students

Important Admissions Criteria

  • ACT or SAT I scores (we do not use SAT II) if provided

  • High school percentile ranking (if your school doesn’t rank, we’ll calculate an estimated rank)

  • Challenging high school curriculum (AP, honors, accelerated, etc.)

  • Grade patterns and trends across 4 years of high school

  • Co-curricular, work, and volunteer involvements

  • Application essays that help us understand how you would benefit from our explorative mission; these may include:

    • Subjects or fields that interest you

    • Academic programs you are considering

    • Career or pre-professional goals

    • Relevant experiences that have influenced your academic and career interests

Visit Campus

Visiting campus is a great way to connect with us. Find out what works best for you and your family's schedule. 

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions offers a number of other visit options for you and your family. We hope you will visit campus soon!

Daily Admitted Visits, include a presentation by Admissions, a student panel, and a student-led tour of campus. While you're on campus, make sure to sign up for a DGS visit if we're available that day! If not, we do host virtual options so you can connect with us on another day. 

Illini Days, held in February, March, and April, offer a DGS information session and a meet-and-greet with DGS administrators, advisors, and students.

DGS hosts many visit options as well, including in person and virtual group sessions and 1:1 meetings with our enrollment management team. You can sign up to visit with DGS here.

Click on the commonly asked questions below to find answers by prospective students!

Your advisor will work with you to identify your interests and abilities and the Illinois majors and minors that are well suited for them. Your advisor will also help to design class schedules that meet graduation requirements. Through personalized advising and a variety of additional resources, you will have an opportunity to more clearly pinpoint academic goals before declaring a major.

Review our exploration process for recommended resources that will help you navigate the DGS experience.

Major exploration can happen in a variety of ways. Whether through the classes you are taking, to the student groups you join, to the volunteer experiences you have, to the conversations you have with upperclass students. More information on how DGS helps students explore major options can be found on our major selection page.

DGS students enroll in the same kinds of courses as students entering Illinois with a declared major. All students at Illinois typically complete the freshman composition requirement, a few courses in a major or area of interest, and several general education courses during their first year. 

Some students join DGS with a clearer idea of the major they would like to declare. Depending on the major, admitted DGS students can declare as early as sophomore year.

Just like students in declared majors, undeclared students can and do take coursework abroad while staying on track for graduation. DGS students are encouraged to consider summer, fall, winter, and spring study abroad programs. Each semester, the Study Abroad Office hosts an informational meeting specifically for DGS students.

The majority of our students get into their desired major. However, a small portion of our students may need to select another option. Our advising process involves working with you to identify your particular strengths, interests, and career goals.

Students who apply to DGS generally identify with one or more of the following statements:

  • I have multiple interests and talents.
  • I want time to learn more about my options before declaring.
  • I have strong career interests (like health or law) but am undecided about my undergraduate major.
  • I am interested in Nursing (junior-year entry program).

First-year admission decisions are based on several factors, including high school grades, class rank, rigor of coursework, ACT or SAT scores, if provided, quality of essays, and quality of involvement and leadership experience. We like to see students who embrace the idea of exploration. Essays should clearly address a student’s reasons for choosing to be undeclared. Transfer admissions decisions are based on similar factors, but will also take into consideration your college coursework. 

DGS students are eligible for all University-wide, admission-based scholarships. We do not have College level scholarships. 

DGS students enroll in the same kinds of courses as students entering Illinois with a declared major. All students at Illinois typically complete the freshman composition requirement, a few courses in a major or area of interest, and several general education courses during their first year. We recommend that students complete 14 to 16 credit hours each semester.

You’ll work closely with your advisor to design class schedules that meet graduation requirements. Strategically selecting general education and elective courses will allow you to explore multiple areas of interest while staying on track.

DGS students complete degrees in the same amount of time as declared majors. In fact, our 4-year graduation rate is on par with the campus average.

Just like students in declared majors, undeclared students can and do take coursework abroad while staying on track for graduation. DGS students are encouraged to consider summer, fall, winter, and spring study abroad programs. Each semester, the Study Abroad Office hosts an informational meeting specifically for DGS students.

Your advisor will work with you to identify your interests and abilities and the Illinois majors and minors that are well suited for them. Through personalized advising and a variety of additional resources, you will have an opportunity to more clearly pinpoint academic goals before declaring a major.

Review our exploration process for recommended resources that will help you navigate the DGS experience.

Some students join DGS with a clearer idea of the major they would like to declare. Depending on the major, admitted DGS students can declare as early as sophomore year.

In the meantime, our advisors are knowledgeable about all of the programs on campus and will work closely with you to ensure that you are selecting courses and extracurricular opportunities to appropriately position yourself for intercollegiate transfer.

When you feel ready to declare, you may transfer to a major as early as the start of your sophomore year. You have as long as 4 semesters to remain undeclared.

The majority of our students get into their desired major. However, a small portion of our students may need to select another option. Our advising process involves working with you to identify your particular strengths, interests, and career goals. With that information in mind, our advisors can assist you with determining alternative Illinois majors that meet your needs and desires.

Major exploration can happen in a variety of ways. Whether through the classes you are taking, to the student groups you join, to the volunteer experiences you have, to the conversations you have with upperclass students. More information on how DGS helps students explore major options can be found on our major selection page.

There are several ways to connect with DGS. They include: 

Email dgsadmissions@illinois.edu or sign up for a campus visit through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. 

Our first-year admission decisions are based on a thorough review of your application package. If you would like more information about DGS, please fill out this form in addition to reading the information below. You can also email dgsadmissions@illinois.edu with questions.