Graduate Programs Brochure 2011

Graduate Programs

N E W S K I L L S . N E W I D E A S . N E W O P P O R T U N I T I E S .

This great college has led the way in higher education forworking adults since we offered our first evening classesback in 1949. Today, Elmhurst offers nine dynamic programsleading to the master’s degree, as well as one graduate-level certification program. We know what adult learnerswant and need in a graduate education—and we deliver it.

New skills. Across the disciplines, graduate courses atElmhurst offer both cutting-edge knowledge and abundantopportunities to practice and examine the application ofknowledge in the real world. Our hands-on approach tolearning provides you with the knowledge and skills youneed for success in professional life.

New ideas. As a graduate student at Elmhurst, you’ll be partof a dynamic, encouraging community of learners. We keepgraduate classes small, so faculty and students can get toknow one another as individuals with distinct outlooks andunique gifts, and we encourage the lively exchange of in-sights and perspectives. You’ll graduate with new ideas andnew ways of looking at the world.

New opportunities. When you graduate, you’ll join an expanding network of accomplished alumni with a vested interest in your success. Our graduates thrive in the most demanding careers because they’ve learned to embrace newideas, master sophisticated technologies and create originalsolutions to problems new and old.

Welcome to Elmhurst College!

CONTENTS

About Elmhurst College 2

Our Graduate Programs 4

Support Services 6

Lifelong Learning Programs 8

Visit Us 9

Academic Calendar 9

Admission & Financial Aid 10

How to Find Us 12

Founded in 1871, Elmhurst is a private, four-year college in the liberal arts tradition. Our primary mission is to prepare students of all ages and back-grounds for lives of meaningful work and personal fulfillment. Our curriculum,at both undergraduate and graduate levels, seamlessly combines liberallearning and professional preparation. In engaging classes, our professorsand students work face to face, forming partnerships in pursuit of learning.

A Complete EducationAt Elmhurst, you’ll get more than a degree: you’ll get a complete education. Ourstudents are not forced to choose between the breadth of liberal learning and the depth of professional preparation. We know that the educated professionalneeds both. Our graduate curriculum brings together these two key elements of a first-rate education. Our academic programs are characterized by their real-world connections and demonstrated responsiveness to student needs. In anyone of our graduate programs, you’ll conduct research and defend your resultsbefore students and faculty. You’ll analyze data, think critically, solve problemscollaboratively, study and write across the disciplines, and learn to formulate newideas and to convey them with maximum impact. In short, you’ll strengthen andenlarge your most fundamental intellectual and personal skills.

Small Classes at Convenient HoursElmhurst is recognized for its success in meeting the academic needs of a widerange of students—from traditional-age undergraduates to graduate studentswho are working professionals. All of our graduate programs feature smallclasses; with an average class size of 16, you’ll enjoy extraordinary access to faculty and resources. You’ll also enjoy academic schedules built around yourneeds. All graduate courses meet in the evening, and most programs can becompleted in two years of part-time study. What’s more, most graduate studentscomplete their studies in cohorts—an excellent way to gain team-building experience and build professional support networks.

A Great CampusOur campus is an ideal environment for learning. On 48 acres, the campus is a nationally recognized arboretum with more than 700 varieties of trees andshrubs. The 25 red-brick buildings include a renovated student center and anexcellent library and computer center. Old Main, built in 1878, is on the NationalRegister of Historic Places. Our facilities are open throughout the day andevening and are readily accessible to all students.

An Ideal LocationAt the geographic center of metropolitan Chicago—16 miles west of the Loop—the College is readily accessible by car or Metra commuter train. With a populationof nearly 43,000, the City of Elmhurst is a prosperous suburb with a thrivingdowntown and a host of cultural offerings.

About Elmhurst College

“Elmhurst gave me confidence andhelped me discover what I was capable of. I walked into every jobinterview thinking ‘I have somethingto offer.’ Even in a difficult job market, I got a job offer within twodays of interviewing.”

KASSANDRA BENSON MBA


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Master of Business AdministrationThe Elmhurst MBA goes beyond the traditional approach ofimparting an analytical framework to solving problems. Weknow that the most innovative solution isn’t worth much if itsits on a shelf. Our program enables you to find the route tosuccess at the intersection of theory and practice. You’ll discover and implement innovative solutions to real-worldproblems. You’ll gain not only cutting-edge business knowl-edge but also intensely practical business experience. Thecombination will give you an invaluable competitive edge.

The MBA Option ProgramThrough this program, students in select graduate programsat Elmhurst College, may earn the MBA in addition to theirprimary master’s degree in just one year of part-time study.The program requires the six core courses of the MBA program, with the MBA specialization completed throughthe primary graduate degree. Admission requirements andprerequisites for the MBA program also apply to studentsseeking admission to the MBA Option Program. You mayapply for admission to this program immediately followingthe completion of the first master’s degree at Elmhurst oryou may choose to take some time off before beginning theMBA Option Program.

Master in Professional AccountancyThe Master in Professional Accountancy program is designedto help students prepare for the Certified Public Accountant(CPA) examination. It also will provide you with essentialtools for success in auditing, corporate accounting, govern-mental accounting, taxation, consulting or management.The program strives to broaden students’ education by integrating technical accounting knowledge with other skillssuch as communication, the ability to perform research, organize information and integrate knowledge. Graduatesof this program are eligible to apply to the one-year MBAOption Program.

Master of Arts in English StudiesThe English Studies program will prepare you to meet thehigh expectations placed on teachers by students, parentsand the public. The program is designed specifically forteachers of English, though it also attracts professionals inlibrary science, corporate communications and relatedfields. You’ll examine the theory of contemporary literaryand composition studies, and explore the ways in which youcan apply the theory to the classroom. You’ll deepen your

knowledge of literary study, explore challenges in the practice and teaching of writing, and examine the literature of cultural diversity. You’ll select research topics that reflectyour own particular interests in and concerns about thestudy and teaching of English, and you’ll conduct independentscholarly research.

Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational PsychologyThis program prepares professionals to apply the latest inpsychological theory and research to the most pressing andpractical problems of organizations—and the people whowork in them. By linking the science of psychology with thechallenges of everyday life, the program prepares you tobecome an innovative and effective problem-solver intoday’s workplace. You’ll analyze data and examine situationsdirectly from the “real world”—on issues ranging from lowproductivity and worker conflict to employee evaluationand organizational development. You’ll gain crucial insightsinto how teams work—and sometimes fail to work. You’lldevelop your capacity to think critically and communicateeffectively. Graduates of this program are eligible to applyto the one-year MBA Option Program.

Master of Education in Early Childhood Special EducationThis innovative, interdisciplinary program is the only one in the Chicago region that blends the disciplines of earlychildhood education and special education. The programprepares you to work with young children with disabilitiesat a critical time in their lives, when effective intervention canhave a substantial positive impact. The program integratescourse work and field experiences. Its design is informed bythe College’s commitment to provide relationship-basedlearning experiences to graduate students. With seriousstudents and talented professors, you’ll become partners inpursuit of learning. You’ll also build learning partnershipswith seasoned professionals in the field, with young childrenwith special needs, and with their families. One hundredpercent of the graduates of this program are working in thissupremely rewarding field.

Master of Education in Teacher LeadershipA forward-thinking alternative to a traditional master’s incurriculum and instruction, the teacher leadership programis designed to advance your knowledge, skills and thinkingin ways that will enable you to serve as a leader and changeagent—without leaving the classroom. You’ll study currentissues and apply best practices in education; develop inno-

Our Graduate Programs


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vative projects for your classroom and school community;and gain the advanced tools you need to become a catalystfor change. You’ll also master the latest classroom technologiesand research methods, and improve your communication andteam-building skills. The program is designed for certifiedearly childhood, elementary, middle level and high schoolteachers; K-12 art, music and physical education teachers;and special education teachers who are currently teaching.

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Teacher LeadershipDesigned for master’s-level teachers who want to take onleadership opportunities without leaving the classroom, theCertificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) program isa 16-semester-hour program that is customized to fit yourneeds. You may begin a CAGS program in the Fall, Spring orSummer Term and take one or two classes during a term.You’ll have up to four years to complete the program, allowingyou to take a semester off if you have extensive commitmentsduring a particular term (e.g., fall coaching). All books andmaterials are included in the tuition fees. Note: The CAGSdoes not lead to the Type 75 certificate.

Master of Science in Computer Information SystemsTo be a leader in computer communications takes a lotmore than technical know-how. It takes the ability to see the big picture—to identify and evaluate an organization’sneeds, and then translate those needs into systems thatwork. Successful computer experts manage people and information, and communicate effectively throughouttoday’s complicated workplace. This 10-course, two-yearprogram may be completed online or through a combinationof online and on-campus work (the “hybrid” format). Onlineand hybrid courses run simultaneously, and all online studentsare welcome to visit campus for classes or meetings if theywish. Built on a cohort (team-focused) model, the programembraces the College’s belief that students play a significantrole in supporting one another’s learning, motivation, andsuccess. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply tothe one-year MBA Option Program.

Master of Science in NursingElmhurst’s graduate program in nursing prepares the expe-rienced nurse to serve in a leadership role in a clinical or educational setting. You’ll attain cutting-edge knowledgeand master key skills to enhance your practice with individualsand populations across diverse settings. You’ll develop the

expertise to serve as a clinical nurse leader in today’s dynamic,demanding health care environment—or the cutting-edgeknowledge required of today’s nursing educators.Whichever concentration you choose, you’ll prepare to helpshape the ongoing transformation of health care on behalfof patients, community and society.

Master of Science in Nursing/RN to MSN OptionThe RN to MSN option is designed for registered nurses(RNs) with baccalaureate degrees outside nursing. Thisentry option to the graduate program emphasizes achievementof baccalaureate competencies. Select courses have beenidentified as the bridge to demonstration of baccalaureatecompetencies and preparation to proceed to graduate-leveleducation in nursing.

Master of Science in Supply Chain ManagementElmhurst College offers the Chicago area’s only graduateprogram in supply chain management. The program buildson our extensive experience as the only Chicago-areaprovider of an undergraduate program in logistics andtransportation management. In this innovative program, youwill gain a sound technical foundation in SCM. You also willdevelop additional skills that are critical for today’s businessprofessional: communication, team building, informationtechnology, analytical thinking, negotiation, ethics, workingin a diverse business environment and business decisionmaking. All course work maintains a balance between current theory and practical business application. Graduatesof this program are eligible to apply to the one-year MBAOption Program.

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Academic AdvisingGraduate students are advised by their program director. Program directorsteach in their respective programs, so students not only meet with their advisorsone on one, but they also meet in the classroom. Each of the program directorswas instrumental in developing the graduate program’s curriculum.

The Office of Adult and Graduate AdmissionThe Office of Adult and Graduate Admission coordinates program information,course registration and career exploration for adult learners, both undergraduateand graduate. Located in Cureton Hall, the office is accessible through the northentrance of the building. For more information or to make an appointment, call(630) 617-3300.

BookstoreFor classes that use textbooks, you may purchase your textbooks at the BookCellar by cash, check or major credit card. Please contact the bookstore at (630)617-3185 for information regarding bookstore hours and textbook mail orderservice via UPS. The bookstore is located in Goebel Hall. Many classes are nowusing book pacts—collections of current articles, book chapters and essays. Information on how to access book pacts is available from individual instructorsor your program director.

Career Education The Office of Career Education focuses on career development programs in consultation with each graduate program coordinator. Career development includes programs on interviewing skills, job search techniques and résumé writingfor graduate students who are either beginning a career or making a careerchange. For more information, call the Center for Professional Excellence at(630) 617-3190.

Computer LabsAll students are welcome to use the computer labs, which are located in DanielsHall. Graduate students in computer science have access to Rooms 204 and 212when classes are not scheduled. Students are not permitted to use a lab while aclass is in session, unless they have received permission from the instructor. Forinformation regarding tours, workshops, services and more, call (630) 617-3543or visit the lab office, Room 107, in Daniels Hall.

HousingThere is no on-campus housing for graduate students. If you will be relocatingfrom out of the area to attend graduate school, it is important to begin lookingfor housing as soon as possible. The Office of Adult and Graduate Admission at(630) 617-3300 and the Office of Residence Life at (630) 617-3150 can assist youby providing some local apartment complex contact information and answeringquestions you may have about living in the Chicago area.

Support Services

“My Elmhurst degree opened doorsfor me. I've had several promotionssince I earned my master’s, and I attribute that to the experience andknowledge I gained there.”

TIM ENGSTROMMaster of Science in Supply Chain Management


Learning CenterThe Learning Center helps students build study, writing, math and time-managementskills. It also offers a wealth of resources on learning practices. For more information,call (630) 617-3155.

LibraryThe A.C. Buehler Library houses more than 225,000 books; a permanent art collection; substantial collections of pamphlets, curriculum materials and micro-forms; and subscriptions to more than 1,000 periodicals. These collections offerinvaluable research tools for graduate students. For more information, call (630)617-3160.

Motor Vehicle RegistrationTo park in a campus lot, you must register your motor vehicle and display theregistration sticker on your car. There is a parking fee for most students. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Security in Lehmann Hall at(630) 617-3000.

Student I.D.The Jaypass, the Elmhurst College student picture I.D., is used for identification at campus events, as a meal card for students purchasing any form of meal plan,and in the library. All graduate students should have a Jaypass. They are issuedby the staff in the A.C. Buehler Library.

Wellness CenterIllinois State Law requires that all students, including graduate students, whowere born on or after January 1, 1957, and are registered for more than 1.00course credits (4 semester hours) show proof of immunization. If you need acopy of the form or have questions, please contact the Student Health Service at (630) 617-3565.

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Undergraduate StudyElmhurst has what working professionals need and want in an undergraduatedegree program. Our programs for adult learners (age 24 and up) are designed to fit your demanding schedule. Students can take courses online and receive academic credit for learning gained through life experiences. Many popular programs offer evening courses. Four fast-track majors meet once a week in theevening or on Saturday and are offered in small cohorts of students.

Non-Degree StudyTo take courses without seeking admission to an undergraduate degree program,register at the Office of Registration and Records in Goebel Hall. Graduate students may take courses as non-degree students in some graduate programs.Admission to the program as a non-degree graduate student is required and theprogram director must approve enrollment in graduate courses.

Teacher CertificationIf you’re applying to our teacher certification program and already have a bachelor’sdegree, you’ll need to submit an application for admission and official transcriptsfrom each college or university you’ve attended.

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Geographic information systems (GIS) offers a wealth of dynamic career oppor-tunities. In everything from business and policy to education and science, GIShelps professionals analyze data, answer questions and solve spatial problems.The Online GIS Certificate Program at Elmhurst College will prepare you to succeedin this exciting field. Designed for working professionals, the program is offeredentirely online. In small, cohort-based classes, you’ll work with experienced educators and professionals—and earn a certificate in less than a year. For moreinformation, call (630) 617-3300.

Academic PartnershipsIn partnership with corporations and nonprofit organizations throughout theChicago area, Elmhurst takes its superb faculty and undergraduate degree programsto classrooms set conveniently in local workplaces. Classes are taught by thesame experienced faculty who teach on the Elmhurst campus. You’ll register forcourses, attend classes and even meet with your academic advisor—all on site. Inmany cases, you can complete your entire curriculum at your place of work. Formore information, call (630) 617-3300.

Elmhurst PartnersElmhurst Partners provides companies with targeted programs for employee development. Our services range from traditional, instructor-led classroom coursesto cutting-edge training initiatives using the most advanced technologies. We tailor our courses and training sessions to the particular needs of our clientorganizations. The College created Elmhurst Partners in 2001 as its corporatetraining arm, thus advancing its commitment to adult education and lifelonglearning. For more information, call (630) 617-3300.

Lifelong Learning Programs


arning and professional prepara-tion. In engaging classes, ourprofessors and students w

“I chose the Teacher Leadership pro-gram at Elmhurst because I wantedto become a more effective class-room teacher—not an administrator. I was able to bring what I learneddirectly into my classroom andmake a positive contribution to my school.”

BAOCHAU THOMASMaster of Education in Teacher Leadership

As you consider your options, we encourage you to visit the Elmhurst campus.You’ll learn about our admission process, tour our gorgeous campus and see foryourself what the Elmhurst Experience is all about.

Information SeminarsThese regularly scheduled events offer a great opportunity to learn about graduate programs, explore financial aid opportunities, find out about the admission process, and meet with program directors, current students and staff. For a schedule of sessions, go to www.elmhurst.edu/visit or contact us at (630) 617-3300 or [email protected].

Individual VisitsWhen you schedule your own visit, you’ll meet with a graduate enrollment counselor who will answer your questions about graduate programs at Elmhurst,the application process, financial aid and more. You can also take a tour of ourbeautiful campus.

To plan your visit, contact the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission at (630)617-3300 or [email protected]. Or sign up online at www.elmhurst.edu/visit.We look forward to seeing you!

Fall Term Classes begin the last week of August. Final exams usually begin the second week of December.

January Term The month of January is a separate term at Elmhurst College. Some graduate programs schedule courses during January Term; other programs take the month of January off.

Spring Term Classes begin the first week of February. Final exams usually begin the third week of May. Commencement is held on the Saturday before Memorial Day.

HolidaysLabor Day Columbus DayThanksgiving RecessChristmas RecessMartin Luther King Jr. DaySpring RecessEaster Recess

Visit Us

Academic Calendar

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AdmissionWe welcome applications to our graduate degree and certificate programs—and we try to make the application process as simple and friendly as possible.

To apply for admission to graduate study, you’ll need to submit:• A completed application (you may apply online at www.elmhurst.edu or request a paper application)

• Three recommendations • A 1,000-word statement of purpose• Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts • A current résumé • GRE scores (for the Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology applicants only)

Each graduate program has specific admission requirements in addition to thoselisted above; for example, some programs require an interview with the programdirector. And, if you’re applying as an international student, additional requirementsalso apply.

For application materials and complete admission information, please contact theOffice of Adult and Graduate Admission at (630) 617-3300 or [email protected].

Tuition and Payment OptionsYou may obtain current tuition rates for graduate study through the Office ofAdult and Graduate Admission. Many students pay tuition in full by the initialpayment date. You may use Discover, Visa, MasterCard or American Express topay all or part of your tuition charges.

Alternatively, the Elmhurst College Payment Plan allows you to pay tuition andfees in five monthly installments. For more information, please call the Office ofStudent Accounts at (630) 617-3014.

Tuition Reimbursement PlansSome employers reimburse employees for tuition costs after the end of the term.Provisions for these types of reimbursement plans vary from one employer toanother. Elmhurst College policy requires that students qualify for the plan ifemployer reimbursement is dependent only on grades. Students do not qualifyfor the plan when an employer requires grades and a paid receipt for the termfees. The College may waive the requirement that tuition for the current term bepaid in full before registering for students eligible for tuition reimbursementplans. However, a fee of $25 per term will be assessed at the time of registration. For more information, please call the Office of Student Accounts (630) 617-3014.

Financial Aid

Admission & Financial Aid


“When you work in the same fieldfor a long time, you get into thehabit of doing things the way you’vealways done them. Elmhurst encouraged me to examine what I do and dig deeper for the latest information.”

MARIE O’CONNELLMaster of Science in Nursing

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Because the cost of a great education often exceeds a student’s resources,Elmhurst assists our students through a variety of financial aid programs,primarily loans.

Graduate students may qualify for a number of specific grants and loans, including:

The Dean’s Graduate Fellowships. These merit-based awards are given to newgraduate students at the recommendation of the graduate program director.Students considered for the fellowships must be admitted to the Master of Artsin English Studies, the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, the Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education or the Master of Arts inIndustrial/Organizational Psychology. Two fellowships are available for each program. Recommendations for the fellowship are based on grade-point average(minimum 3.5 required for consideration), strong letters of recommendation, afocused Statement of Purpose, and professional strength and potential as basedon the résumé. The fellowship is valued at $2,500 a year and is renewable for thesecond year of the program, with satisfactory academic progress. To be consideredfor the fellowship, graduate students must complete the application for admissionto graduate study and be offered admission to the program by March 1 prior tofall enrollment.

The Elmhurst Graduate Award. All students offered admission to a graduateprogram at Elmhurst College are considered for this award, which is based ondemonstrated financial need. To be considered, please submit your completedapplication for admission and your FAFSA by June 1.

Federal Direct Student Loans. Federal Direct Student Loans come in two forms.Subsidized loans are based on need, and the principal and interest on the loanare deferred until you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. Unsubsidizedloans are not based on need. Almost anyone can take out an unsubsidized loan,but you must pay the interest (or let it accrue) while still enrolled. A graduatestudent’s maximum eligibility for a Direct Loan is $20,500 for an academic year,of which $8,500 may be subsidized.

To apply for financial aid, complete and file a Free Application for Federal StudentAid (FAFSA). It can be filed online (www.FAFSA.ed.gov). File it as soon as possibleafter January 1, and include the Elmhurst College code number (001676).

For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (630) 617-3075 or [email protected].

Non-Discrimination PolicyElmhurst College admits academically qualified students and does not discriminateon the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age,gender, sexual orientation or disability in its admission and financial aid policies,or in the planning and administration of its academic, athletic or other programs,services, and activities.

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From the North• Take Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) south• Exit at 1-290 West, Ill. 64-North Avenue• Exit again immediately at Ill. 64-North Avenue• Go west 1.5 miles to Maple Avenue, turn left• Follow Maple Avenue one-half mile across railroad tracks to Alexander Boulevard• Turn right at Alexander, then right into the campus parking lot

From the South• Take Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) north• Travel past the Cermak Road plaza• Exit at 1-290 West, Ill. 64-North Avenue• Go north on 1-290 to St. Charles Road• Travel west on St. Charles past York Road to Prospect• Turn right onto Prospect for two long blocks to Alexander Boulevard

• Turn left, then right, into the campus parking lot

From the East• Take Interstate 290 (Eisenhower Expressway) west• Follow signs for 1-290 West-Rockford• Exit at westbound St. Charles Road, just west of 1-294• Travel west on St. Charles past York Road to Prospect• Turn right onto Prospect for two long blocks to Alexander Boulevard

• Turn left, then right, into the campus parking lot

From the West• Take Interstate 88 (East-West Tollway) east• Travel past the Oak Brook exit to Interstate 294• Exit at York Road• Travel north on York to St. Charles Road, turn left• Travel west on St. Charles to Prospect Avenue• Turn right onto Prospect for two long blocks to Alexander Boulevard

• Turn left, then right, into the campus parking lot The Office of Adult and Graduate Admission is located in Cureton Hall. Please enter the building at the north entrance.

How to Find Us


The campus is readily accessible from any part of the Chicago area. Severalinterstate highways converge around Elmhurst. A Metra train stops two blocksfrom campus.

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Elmhurst CollegeOffice of Adult and Graduate Admission —Cureton Hall190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3296

Phone: (630) 617-3300, Fax (630) [email protected], www.elmhurst.edu/adult

Graduate Programs Brochure 2011

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Transcript of Graduate Programs Brochure 2011