Graduate Programs Brochure 2011

NEW SKILLS. NEW IDEAS. NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

Graduate Programs

Welcome to Elmhurst College!

This great college has led the way in higher education for working adults since we offered our first evening classes back in 1949. Today, Elmhurst offers nine dynamic programs leading to the master’s degree, as well as one graduatelevel certification program. We know what adult learners want and need in a graduate education—and we deliver it.

New skills. Across the disciplines, graduate courses at Elmhurst offer both cutting-edge knowledge and abundant opportunities to practice and examine the application of knowledge in the real world. Our hands-on approach to learning provides you with the knowledge and skills you need for success in professional life.

New ideas. As a graduate student at Elmhurst, you’ll be part of a dynamic, encouraging community of learners. We keep graduate classes small, so faculty and students can get to know one another as individuals with distinct outlooks and unique gifts, and we encourage the lively exchange of insights and perspectives. You’ll graduate with new ideas and new 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 new ideas, master sophisticated technologies and create original solutions to problems new and old.

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

NEW SKILLS. NEW IDEAS. NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

About Elmhurst College

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“Elmhurst gave me confidence and helped me discover what I was capable of. I walked into every job interview thinking ‘I have something to offer.’ Even in a difficult job market, I got a job offer within two days of interviewing.”

KASSANDRA BENSON MBA

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 backgrounds for lives of meaningful work and personal fulfillment. Our curriculum, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, seamlessly combines liberal learning and professional preparation. In engaging classes, our professors and students work face to face, forming partnerships in pursuit of learning.

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

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

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

An Ideal Location At 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 population of nearly 43,000, the City of Elmhurst is a prosperous suburb with a thriving downtown and a host of cultural offerings.

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Our Graduate Programs Master of Business Administration The Elmhurst MBA goes beyond the traditional approach of imparting an analytical framework to solving problems. We know that the most innovative solution isn’t worth much if it sits on a shelf. Our program enables you to find the route to success at the intersection of theory and practice. You’ll discover and implement innovative solutions to real-world problems. You’ll gain not only cutting-edge business knowledge but also intensely practical business experience. The combination will give you an invaluable competitive edge.

The MBA Option Program Through this program, students in select graduate programs at Elmhurst College, may earn the MBA in addition to their primary 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 through the primary graduate degree. Admission requirements and prerequisites for the MBA program also apply to students seeking admission to the MBA Option Program. You may apply for admission to this program immediately following the completion of the first master’s degree at Elmhurst or you may choose to take some time off before beginning the MBA Option Program.

Master in Professional Accountancy The Master in Professional Accountancy program is designed to help students prepare for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination. It also will provide you with essential tools for success in auditing, corporate accounting, governmental accounting, taxation, consulting or management.

The program strives to broaden students’ education by integrating technical accounting knowledge with other skills such as communication, the ability to perform research, organize information and integrate knowledge. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to the one-year MBA Option Program.

Master of Arts in English Studies The English Studies program will prepare you to meet the high expectations placed on teachers by students, parents and the public. The program is designed specifically for teachers of English, though it also attracts professionals in library science, corporate communications and related fields. You’ll examine the theory of contemporary literary and composition studies, and explore the ways in which you can 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 reflect your own particular interests in and concerns about the study and teaching of English, and you’ll conduct independent scholarly research.

Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology This program prepares professionals to apply the latest in psychological theory and research to the most pressing and practical problems of organizations—and the people who work in them. By linking the science of psychology with the challenges of everyday life, the program prepares you to become an innovative and effective problem-solver in today’s workplace. You’ll analyze data and examine situations directly from the “real world”—on issues ranging from low productivity and worker conflict to employee evaluation and organizational development. You’ll gain crucial insights into how teams work—and sometimes fail to work. You’ll develop your capacity to think critically and communicate effectively. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to the one-year MBA Option Program.

Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education This innovative, interdisciplinary program is the only one in the Chicago region that blends the disciplines of early childhood education and special education. The program prepares you to work with young children with disabilities at a critical time in their lives, when effective intervention can have a substantial positive impact. The program integrates course work and field experiences. Its design is informed by the College’s commitment to provide relationship-based learning experiences to graduate students. With serious students and talented professors, you’ll become partners in pursuit of learning. You’ll also build learning partnerships with seasoned professionals in the field, with young children with special needs, and with their families. One hundred percent of the graduates of this program are working in this supremely rewarding field.

Master of Education in Teacher Leadership A forward-thinking alternative to a traditional master’s in curriculum and instruction, the teacher leadership program is designed to advance your knowledge, skills and thinking in ways that will enable you to serve as a leader and change agent—without leaving the classroom. You’ll study current issues and apply best practices in education; develop inno-

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

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Teacher Leadership Designed for master’s-level teachers who want to take on leadership opportunities without leaving the classroom, the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) program is a 16-semester-hour program that is customized to fit your needs. You may begin a CAGS program in the Fall, Spring or Summer Term and take one or two classes during a term.

You’ll have up to four years to complete the program, allowing you to take a semester off if you have extensive commitments during a particular term (e.g., fall coaching). All books and materials are included in the tuition fees. Note: The CAGS does not lead to the Type 75 certificate.

Master of Science in Computer Information Systems To be a leader in computer communications takes a lot more than technical know-how. It takes the ability to see the big picture—to identify and evaluate an organization’s needs, and then translate those needs into systems that work. Successful computer experts manage people and information, and communicate effectively throughout today’s complicated workplace. This 10-course, two-year program may be completed online or through a combination of online and on-campus work (the “hybrid” format). Online and hybrid courses run simultaneously, and all online students are welcome to visit campus for classes or meetings if they wish. Built on a cohort (team-focused) model, the program embraces the College’s belief that students play a significant role in supporting one another’s learning, motivation, and success. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to the one-year MBA Option Program.

Master of Science in Nursing Elmhurst’s graduate program in nursing prepares the experienced nurse to serve in a leadership role in a clinical or educational setting. You’ll attain cutting-edge knowledge and master key skills to enhance your practice with individuals and 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-edge knowledge required of today’s nursing educators.

Whichever concentration you choose, you’ll prepare to help shape the ongoing transformation of health care on behalf of patients, community and society.

Master of Science in Nursing/RN to MSN Option The RN to MSN option is designed for registered nurses (RNs) with baccalaureate degrees outside nursing. This entry option to the graduate program emphasizes achievement of baccalaureate competencies. Select courses have been identified as the bridge to demonstration of baccalaureate competencies and preparation to proceed to graduate-level education in nursing.

Master of Science in Supply Chain Management Elmhurst College offers the Chicago area’s only graduate program in supply chain management. The program builds on our extensive experience as the only Chicago-area provider of an undergraduate program in logistics and transportation management. In this innovative program, you will gain a sound technical foundation in SCM. You also will develop additional skills that are critical for today’s business professional: communication, team building, information technology, analytical thinking, negotiation, ethics, working in a diverse business environment and business decision making. All course work maintains a balance between current theory and practical business application. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to the one-year MBA Option Program.

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Support Services

“My Elmhurst degree opened doors for me. I've had several promotions since I earned my master’s, and I attribute that to the experience and knowledge I gained there.”

TIM ENGSTROM Master of Science in Supply Chain Management

Academic Advising Graduate students are advised by their program director. Program directors teach in their respective programs, so students not only meet with their advisors one on one, but they also meet in the classroom. Each of the program directors was instrumental in developing the graduate program’s curriculum.

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

Bookstore For classes that use textbooks, you may purchase your textbooks at the Book Cellar by cash, check or major credit card. Please contact the bookstore at (630) 617-3185 for information regarding bookstore hours and textbook mail order service via UPS. The bookstore is located in Goebel Hall. Many classes are now using book pacts—collections of current articles, book chapters and essays.

Information on how to access book pacts is available from individual instructors or 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 writing for graduate students who are either beginning a career or making a career change. For more information, call the Center for Professional Excellence at (630) 617-3190.

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

Housing There is no on-campus housing for graduate students. If you will be relocating from out of the area to attend graduate school, it is important to begin looking for 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 you by providing some local apartment complex contact information and answering questions you may have about living in the Chicago area.

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

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

Motor Vehicle Registration To park in a campus lot, you must register your motor vehicle and display the registration 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 issued by the staff in the A.C. Buehler Library.

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

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arning and professional preparation. In engaging classes, our professors and students w

“I chose the Teacher Leadership program at Elmhurst because I wanted to become a more effective classroom teacher—not an administrator.

I was able to bring what I learned directly into my classroom and make a positive contribution to my school.”

BAOCHAU THOMAS Master of Education in Teacher Leadership

Lifelong Learning Programs Undergraduate Study Elmhurst has what working professionals need and want in an undergraduate degree 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 the evening or on Saturday and are offered in small cohorts of students.

Non-Degree Study To 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 the program director must approve enrollment in graduate courses.

Teacher Certification If you’re applying to our teacher certification program and already have a bachelor’s degree, you’ll need to submit an application for admission and official transcripts from each college or university you’ve attended.

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Geographic information systems (GIS) offers a wealth of dynamic career opportunities. In everything from business and policy to education and science, GIS helps professionals analyze data, answer questions and solve spatial problems.

The Online GIS Certificate Program at Elmhurst College will prepare you to succeed in this exciting field. Designed for working professionals, the program is offered entirely online. In small, cohort-based classes, you’ll work with experienced educators and professionals—and earn a certificate in less than a year. For more information, call (630) 617-3300.

Academic Partnerships In partnership with corporations and nonprofit organizations throughout the Chicago area, Elmhurst takes its superb faculty and undergraduate degree programs to classrooms set conveniently in local workplaces. Classes are taught by the same experienced faculty who teach on the Elmhurst campus. You’ll register for courses, attend classes and even meet with your academic advisor—all on site. In many cases, you can complete your entire curriculum at your place of work. For more information, call (630) 617-3300.

Elmhurst Partners Elmhurst Partners provides companies with targeted programs for employee development. Our services range from traditional, instructor-led classroom courses to cutting-edge training initiatives using the most advanced technologies.

We tailor our courses and training sessions to the particular needs of our client organizations. The College created Elmhurst Partners in 2001 as its corporate training arm, thus advancing its commitment to adult education and lifelong learning. For more information, call (630) 617-3300.

Visit Us 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 for yourself what the Elmhurst Experience is all about.

Information Seminars These 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 oaga@elmhurst.edu.

Individual Visits When 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 our beautiful campus.

To plan your visit, contact the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission at (630) 617-3300 or oaga@elmhurst.edu. Or sign up online at www.elmhurst.edu/visit.

We look forward to seeing you!

Academic Calendar 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. Holidays Labor Day Columbus Day Thanksgiving Recess Christmas Recess Martin Luther King Jr. Day Spring Recess Easter Recess

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Admission & Financial Aid

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

MARIE O’CONNELL Master of Science in Nursing

Admission We 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 those listed above; for example, some programs require an interview with the program director. And, if you’re applying as an international student, additional requirements also apply.

For application materials and complete admission information, please contact the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission at (630) 617-3300 or oaga@elmhurst.edu.

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

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

Tuition Reimbursement Plans Some employers reimburse employees for tuition costs after the end of the term.

Provisions for these types of reimbursement plans vary from one employer to another. Elmhurst College policy requires that students qualify for the plan if employer reimbursement is dependent only on grades. Students do not qualify for the plan when an employer requires grades and a paid receipt for the term fees. The College may waive the requirement that tuition for the current term be paid in full before registering for students eligible for tuition reimbursement plans. 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

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 new graduate students at the recommendation of the graduate program director.

Students considered for the fellowships must be admitted to the Master of Arts in English Studies, the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, the Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education or the Master of Arts in Industrial/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, a focused Statement of Purpose, and professional strength and potential as based on the résumé. The fellowship is valued at $2,500 a year and is renewable for the second year of the program, with satisfactory academic progress. To be considered for the fellowship, graduate students must complete the application for admission to graduate study and be offered admission to the program by March 1 prior to fall enrollment.

The Elmhurst Graduate Award. All students offered admission to a graduate program at Elmhurst College are considered for this award, which is based on demonstrated financial need. To be considered, please submit your completed application 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 loan are deferred until you leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. Unsubsidized loans 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 graduate student’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 Student Aid (FAFSA). It can be filed online (www.FAFSA.ed.gov). File it as soon as possible after January 1, and include the Elmhurst College code number (001676).

For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at (630) 617-3075 or finaid@elmhurst.edu.

Non-Discrimination Policy Elmhurst College admits academically qualified students and does not discriminate on 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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The campus is readily accessible from any part of the Chicago area. Several interstate highways converge around Elmhurst. A Metra train stops two blocks from campus.

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 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 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

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

The Office of Adult and Graduate Admission is located in Cureton Hall. Please enter the building at the north entrance.

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Elmhurst College Office of Adult and Graduate Admission—Cureton Hall 190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3296 Phone: (630) 617-3300, Fax (630) 617-6471 oaga@elmhurst.edu, www.elmhurst.edu/adult