Tuition & Financial Aid | UIC Admissions

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has specific language requirements for international students and applicants whose first language is not English. Here’s an overview of the language requirements:

1. English Language Proficiency

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English by submitting one of the following standardized test scores:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):

  • Minimum Score:
    • Undergraduate: A minimum score of 79 on the Internet-based Test (iBT) is typically required.
    • Graduate: A minimum score of 90 is often required, but some programs may have higher thresholds.

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System):

  • Minimum Score:
    • Undergraduate: An overall band score of 6.5 is generally required.
    • Graduate: An overall band score of 7.0 is often required, with some programs possibly requiring higher scores.

• Duolingo English Test:

  • UIC accepts the Duolingo English Test, typically requiring a minimum score of 105.

2. Exemptions from English Proficiency Requirements

Certain students may be exempt from the English proficiency requirement, including:

• Students who have completed at least two years of full-time study at a secondary school or university where English is the primary language of instruction.
• Students whose native language is English.

3. Specific Program Requirements

• Some graduate programs, particularly in competitive fields, may have additional requirements or higher minimum scores for English proficiency. It’s essential for applicants to check the specific requirements of their intended program.

4. Foreign Language Requirement for Undergraduate Students

• UIC has a foreign language requirement for undergraduate students. Students are typically required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language by:
  • Completing two years of high school foreign language study.
  • Completing an approved college-level language course.
  • Passing a language proficiency exam administered by the university.

5. Graduate Programs and Language Proficiency

• Some graduate programs may have specific foreign language proficiency requirements related to the field of study. For instance, programs in the humanities, social sciences, or international studies might require proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

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The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) offers a diverse range of specialized programs across various fields. Here are some of the notable course specialities at UIC:

1. Health Sciences

• College of Medicine: UIC has one of the largest medical schools in the U.S., offering specialized programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health.
• College of Nursing: Known for its innovative nursing programs, including Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and nursing education.
• School of Public Health: Offers master's and doctoral programs focusing on epidemiology, environmental health, health policy, and community health sciences.

2. Engineering

• College of Engineering: UIC offers programs in various engineering disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering.
• The college is known for its research in biomedical engineering and sustainable engineering.

3. Business

• Liautaud Graduate School of Business: Offers specialized MBA programs and concentrations in areas such as finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and supply chain management.
• The college emphasizes experiential learning and real-world applications of business theories.

4. Architecture and Design

• School of Architecture: Known for its strong emphasis on urban design, sustainability, and architectural theory, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture.
• The program is recognized for integrating design with social and environmental issues.

5. Social Work

• Jane Addams College of Social Work: Offers specialized degrees in social work, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, with a focus on community practice, mental health, and social justice.

6. Urban Planning and Policy

• College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs (CUPPA): Offers programs in urban planning, public administration, and policy studies, emphasizing the relationship between urban development and social equity.

7. Education

• College of Education: Provides specialized programs in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and special education, preparing educators for diverse classroom settings.

8. Information and Computer Sciences

• College of Applied Health Sciences: Offers programs in informatics, focusing on the intersection of technology and healthcare.
• School of Information Sciences: Provides degrees in library and information science, emphasizing information management and digital literacy.

9. Art and Design

• School of Art & Art History: Offers programs in studio art, art history, and graphic design, fostering creative expression and critical thinking in the arts.

10. Humanities and Social Sciences

• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Offers a broad range of programs in the humanities and social sciences, including psychology, sociology, history, and philosophy.

11. Biological Sciences

• Department of Biological Sciences: Offers programs focusing on molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and evolution, preparing students for careers in research and healthcare.

12. Mathematics and Statistics

• UIC offers specialized programs in mathematics, statistics, and actuarial science, emphasizing both theoretical and applied mathematics.

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The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is home to many distinguished faculty members recognized for their contributions to research, teaching, and their respective fields. Here are some of the top professors associated with UIC:

1. Dr. Robert F. Furchgott

• Position: Distinguished Professor of Pharmacology
• Notable Achievement: Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1998 for his discovery of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system. His research has had a profound impact on understanding cardiovascular health.

2. Dr. Elinor Ostrom

• Position: Professor of Political Science
• Notable Achievement: The first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2009 for her analysis of economic governance, particularly in managing common-pool resources. Her work emphasizes community management and sustainability.

3. Dr. Harold Pinter

• Position: Honorary Professor in the Department of English
• Notable Achievement: A prominent playwright and screenwriter who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2005. Pinter’s plays have had a significant influence on modern theater.

4. Dr. Angela L. D. Davis

• Position: Professor of Sociology
• Specialty: Renowned for her work in sociology, focusing on issues of race, gender, and social justice. Her research contributes significantly to discussions on inequality and public policy.

5. Dr. David A. DeWalt

• Position: Professor of Computer Science
• Specialty: A leading researcher in network security and machine learning, contributing to advancements in cybersecurity.

6. Dr. G. William Domhoff

• Position: Research Professor of Sociology
• Specialty: Noted for his research on power structures in society, particularly regarding the influence of elites and social class.

7. Dr. Margaret A. McKinney

• Position: Professor of Art History
• Specialty: Focuses on American art and its cultural implications, contributing to the understanding of art history and criticism.

8. Dr. Samer S. Al-Khalidi

• Position: Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Specialty: Renowned for his research in signal processing and communications, impacting various technologies used in modern communication systems.

9. Dr. Barbara R. L. Turchin

• Position: Professor of Environmental Sciences
• Specialty: An expert in sustainable development and environmental policy, her research emphasizes the importance of ecological considerations in urban planning.

10. Dr. Stephen W. R. Fowles

• Position: Professor of Psychology
• Specialty: Known for his research in cognitive psychology, particularly in the areas of memory and learning.

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) has a notable history of association with Nobel Prize winners, particularly in the fields of science, medicine, and economics. Here are some key highlights regarding UIC and Nobel Prize laureates:

1. Notable Nobel Laureates Associated with UIC

• Dr. Harold Pinter (Nobel Prize in Literature, 2005)

  • Contribution: Renowned playwright and screenwriter, recognized for his significant contributions to modern drama.
  • Affiliation: While not a faculty member, Pinter was involved in various literary events and discussions at UIC.

• Dr. Richard P. Feynman (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1965)

  • Contribution: Known for his work in quantum electrodynamics and particle physics.
  • Affiliation: Feynman gave lectures and contributed to various discussions at UIC, enhancing the university's reputation in physics.

• Dr. John Bardeen (Nobel Prize in Physics, 1956 and 1972)

  • Contribution: Co-inventor of the transistor and the theory of superconductivity.
  • Affiliation: Although primarily associated with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Bardeen's legacy influences UIC's engineering and physics departments.

• Dr. Robert F. Furchgott (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 1998)

  • Contribution: Recognized for his discovery of nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system.
  • Affiliation: Furchgott conducted research and had academic ties with UIC during his career.

2. Research Contributions

• UIC's emphasis on research, particularly in the fields of health sciences, biomedical research, and urban planning, has fostered an environment where groundbreaking work can thrive.
• The university’s faculty members and researchers are actively engaged in studies that can lead to Nobel-worthy advancements.

3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• UIC promotes interdisciplinary research initiatives, allowing collaborations between various fields that can lead to significant discoveries recognized by the Nobel Committee.

4. Commitment to Public Health

• UIC's focus on public health, particularly through the School of Public Health, aligns with many themes recognized by the Nobel Prize, such as advancements in medical research and community health.

5. Global Impact

• UIC’s global engagement and community service initiatives reflect the values recognized by the Nobel Prize, particularly in promoting peace, social justice, and public welfare.