A service-learning immersion course involves students becoming fully immersed in a service experience for a period of time. In the past, UIS students enrolled in the immersion course and earned credit for the alternative spring break service trip.

Service-Learning courses can be registered for at the same time that you register for your other classes. However, if you plan on completing your service hours where you would be working directly with children or vulnerable populations, you need to start a month or more in advance; it takes a few weeks for background checks to be processed.

No. The purpose of Service-Learning courses is to provide needed service to the community, and if you are already working and getting paid at an agency, that need is already filled. You might be able to complete an Internship (for ECCE Engagement/Elective credit) where you currently work.  Contact the IPL office for more information.

IPL/service-learning instructors may have suggestions for service-learning sites, and you can also find service opportunities through the Volunteer & Civic Engagement Center. If you wish to complete service hours at another site, you will need to have your site approved by your instructor. A determining factor in site approval is the ability of the agency to provide feedback to you (the student) and to the professor at various times during the semester.

Service-Learning courses are not specifically required; however, Service-Learning courses can potentially fulfill either an ECCE Engagement or ECCE Elective requirement, depending on your major.

Instructor approval is not required for most Service-Learning courses.

No. Some Service-Learning courses are more general and focus on a broad view of service and leadership; the sites to choose from vary by subject area.  Other Service-Learning courses are issue-based, which means that the course focuses on one specific issue, and the service sites are related to that issue.  Other Service-Learning courses are project-based, which means that the service is not necessarily contained to one site, but may span across sites in order to complete a specific project.

Service-Learning is a teaching and learning method in which students provide meaningful service in the community to help them better understand what they are learning in their courses. Service-Learning focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, personal development, and community responsibility.  Service-Learning courses typically require 40 hours of direct service to complement the coursework throughout the semester.

You can submit a Change of Curriculum Form using Student Self-Service. Please see the Change of Curriculum Form Instructions (pdf) if you have any questions regarding the completion of the form.

You will need to sustain a 2.0 GPA in order to be eligible for Direct Admissions.

UIS offers an Online Learning Readiness Survey to help you assess your preparedness and identify areas where you may want to build skills. The survey is a helpful tool for understanding what to expect and how to set yourself up for success.

Online learning offers flexibility but also requires strong personal responsibility. Students who succeed typically:

• Stay organized and track deadlines
• Log in to Canvas regularly
• Communicate proactively with instructors
• Establish a weekly study routine

UIS provides support through instructors, tutoring, library services, and technical assistance. Learn more about resources for you.

Students need reliable internet access and a computer or mobile device capable of running Canvas. Many course materials, including videos and readings, are mobile friendly for added convenience.

The online format is built for flexibility. Students can engage with course materials at the times that work best for them—early morning, late evening or between work and family commitments. Aside from assignment due dates, your schedule is entirely your own.

Courses are delivered through Canvas, the university’s learning management system. Students can access Canvas through any web browser or the UIS mobile app, making it easy to stay connected from anywhere.

Most UIS online courses are asynchronous. This means you do not need to log in at a specific time to attend class. Instead, you complete lectures, assignments, discussions and activities on your own schedule within weekly deadlines. Some programs offer optional real‑time sessions through Zoom for students who want additional interaction.

All online courses are led by UIS faculty—experts in their fields who design and deliver both on‑campus and online instruction. Students can expect clear expectations, timely communication and a supportive learning environment.

UIS online courses are designed to be engaging, interactive and academically rigorous. Faculty to get to know their students and provide personalized feedback. Online courses are taught by the same experienced instructors who teach on campus, ensuring a consistent, high‑quality learning experience.

Yes, many students work part-time during the academic year. When considering outside employment, it is important to also consider the high academic load (8-12 credits per semester) as well as the unique scheduling of the clinical education experiences. The MATR program is a full-time professional program that requires attendance in all classes and at all clinical education experiences which makes outside employment very difficult. It is not advisable to have a full-time job while completing the program. Please refer to the MATR Student Handbook for more information on outside employment.

An explanation of the programmatic fees and associated cost, as well, links to further information regarding graduate tuition, fees, and assessments can be found on the Program Expenses page.

Potentially, depending on the sport. Time demands for the MATR are extensive and often interfere with intercollegiate participation. However, there are a small number of sports that may allow for the flexibility to adjust around the demands of the MATR. Consideration of these requests will be conducted on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out the MATR Director for further information regarding intercollegiate participation.

Yes, a car is recommended. Some clinical sites may be accessible via public transportation but many are not. Assignment to a clinical education site will not be based on the student’s access to a car.

No. All course work, with the exception of prearranged clinical education experiences, is offered on campus.

Primarily, your preceptors will be athletic trainers employed at a variety of settings. During your clinical education we expect you to be exposed to, and work with, numerous health care professionals such as, physical therapists, physicians, physician assistants, nurses, registered dieticians, psychologists and strength and conditioning specialists.

The MATR faculty have decades of educational and clinical experience they bring into your courses. This allows the faculty to help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world practice.