Graduate Studies

Elmhurst University offers more than 20 graduate-level degree and certificate programs in a variety of formats, including online, on campus, hybrid and EU Flex. Graduate students at Elmhurst learn the cross-disciplinary skills they need to reach the next level. In partnership with faculty who are accomplished scholars and practitioners, students develop fresh solutions to real-world challenges, practice their skills in hands-on projects, and learn to lead in a collaborative world.

Doctoral Programs

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Master’s Degree Programs

• Business Administration (MBA)

• Communication Sciences and Disorders (M.S.)

• Computer Information Technology (M.S.)

• Data Science and Analytics (M.S.)

• Distance Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MSN)

• Industrial/Organizational Psychology (M.A.)

• Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MSN)

• Nursing (MSN)

• Occupational Therapy (MOT)

• Project Management (MPM)

• Public Health (MPH)

• Special Education (M.S.Ed.)

• Supply Chain Management (M.S.)

• Teacher Leadership (M.Ed.)

Certificate Programs

• Application Development

• Data Science

• Enterprise Optimization

• Marketing and Consumer Insight

• Network Administration

• Project Management

Endorsement Programs

• ESL and Bilingual

• Special Education (LBS1)

• Teacher Leader

The Cohort Model

Some Elmhurst University graduate programs are based on the cohort, or team-focused, model, in which students go through the program together, as members of a cohort group, from the initial term of enrollment to graduation. In this model, students not only complete a master’s degree, but also develop team and leadership skills in a supportive community.

The remaining programs are offered in different formats, including on campus, online or in a flexible format. Students consult with the program director each term prior to registration for classes.

Admission to Graduate Study

Graduate programs at Elmhurst University are offered at the doctoral and master’s level. The University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Candidates for admission to the DNP program are expected to have been academically successful at the undergraduate and master’s level and are well-prepared to pursue a professional doctorate. Please see the admissions requirements for the DNP program in the program-specific section of this catalog. It is expected that candidates for admission to master’s level graduate study at the University were academically successful at the undergraduate level and are now ready to move on to a successful graduate-level experience. Applicants will be reviewed on the basis of profile material submitted. Admission to graduate study will be offered to those students whose profiles reflect the most promise for success at the graduate level and the ability to contribute to, as well as learn from, graduate study.

Graduate admission is housed in the Office of Admission, where dedicated staff serve the specific needs of prospective graduate students.

To request an application package for admission to graduate study, please contact:

Office of Admission, Elmhurst University, 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3296

(630) 617-3400, admit@elmhurst.edu

Applications may also be submitted online at elmhurst.edu/apply.

Application materials for the following programs are processed by a centralized application service and should not be submitted to the Office of Admission:

• Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

• Master of Occupational Therapy

• Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice

• Distance Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice

Review the specific program pages for information about applying to these programs.

Qualified applicants for graduate study must provide evidence of good standing at the college or university from which they earned the undergraduate degree.

To apply for graduate admission, please follow these steps:

• Complete the Application for Admission to Graduate Study.

• Submit recommendations from three references who can comment on the quality of your oral and written communication skills and your ability to be successful in graduate study.

• Submit a 1,000-word Statement of Purpose describing personal and professional goals that will be met by the completion of a graduate degree. Applicants to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program must respond to a specific question directly related to their field of study and prepare a business writing analysis in response to a specific business scenario. The questions and business scenario are presented on the MBA program sheet and the Application for Admission to Graduate Study, both of which are available from the Office of Admission.

• Submit a current résumé.

• Submit official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.

• Individual graduate programs may have additional application requirements. Refer to the specific program sheet for additional information.

• International students must submit official transcripts (in English) with an official evaluation of those transcripts by a foreign credentials evaluation agency and proof of English proficiency as evidenced by a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), 213 on the computer-based test or 79 on the Internet-based test. Students may also show English proficiency by scoring a 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a score of 22 on both the English and Reading subsections of the ACT, a score of 520 on the Evidence Based Reading and Wrting Portion of the SAT or a score of 110 on the Duolingo English Test. Evaluation agencies include:

  • Educational Perspectives (edperspective.org)

  • World Educational Services (wes.org)

  • Educational Credential Evaluators is an alternative evaluation agency (ece.org)

  • Foreign Credential Service of America

  • International Credential Evaluations (Incred)

  • International Education Research Foundation (IERF)

  • Scholaro

  • Spantran

Transfer of Graduate Credit

In some cases, previously earned graduate coursework may transfer to Elmhurst and may satisfy requirements for an Elmhurst master’s degree. A maximum of two courses or six semester hours of credit may transfer with the approval of the program director.

Waivers and Substitutions

The program director will determine waivers and substitutions for undergraduate prerequisite courses. Any deviation from the required course of study as described in the Elmhurst University catalog must be approved by the program director.

Waiting List Policy

Conditional admission requires an applicant to meet one or more conditions before beginning graduate study at Elmhurst University, as outlined in the admission letter. These conditions may include but are not limited to:

• An applicant is in the final year of undergraduate studies and thus cannot produce official transcripts indicating completion of baccalaureate degree.

• One or more program-specific prerequisites, including academic courses, have not been satisfied.

• Official test scores are pending.

Upon review by the appropriate program director, if the applicant successfully satisfies required conditions for admission, the applicant will be granted regular admission. If conditions have not been met, the applicant will be denied admission to graduate study but may reapply to the University at a future date.

Contract Admission to Graduate Study

An applicant granted contract admission to graduate study at Elmhurst University is allowed to begin graduate studies. However, one or more conditions must be satisfied during a specified time of attendance. These may include but are not limited to:

• Earning a specific letter grade(s) in a specific course(s)

• Achieving a specified GPA in graduate coursework

• Submitting official transcripts from an institution(s) or an official foreign credit evaluation

• Submitting official proof of English language proficiently as demonstrated through a TOEFL or IELTS examination score

• For students seeking readmission to graduate study, a specific course may be required to be retaken to earn a specific grade

The appropriate faculty program director will monitor the student’s progress toward satisfying conditions set forth in the contract admission letter for the specified timeframe. If the student has not successfully met the conditions of the admission contract, the student will be withdrawn from graduate study. Students may seek readmission to the graduate program by reapplying to the University at a future date.

Non-Degree Admission to Graduate Study

Several graduate programs offer non-degree-seeking status to students who wish to enroll in one or more graduate courses without seeking a master’s degree. To apply, submit to the Admission Office an application for admission to graduate study, a current résumé and documentation that the bachelor’s degree was earned. The program director may choose to speak with the student by phone or in person before making the admission decision.

Non-degree-seeking students will be permitted to register for graduate courses on a space-available basis. The non-degree seeking graduate student will register at the discretion and with the advice of the program director.

Non-degree-seeking students may apply for degree-seeking status at any time by completing the formal application process. Programs vary regarding the amount of non-degree credit that may be applied toward the master’s degree and the time limit to complete the master’s degree. It is the responsibility of the student to discuss these limitations with the program director and to establish an appropriate academic plan.

Tuition

Tuition for graduate study for the 2024–2025 academic year is based on the program in which the student is enrolled and the number of semester hours required for that program.

Students are required to either pay their balance in full by the initial due date for a term (the 15th of the month prior to the start of term), or enroll in one of the following payment plans:

Auto-Pay Plan Set up five automatic monthly payments from your checking or savings account. No cost to enroll and no monthly service fees.

Non-Auto Pay Plan Make five monthly payments in one of the following ways:

• By check through the mail or in person at the Office of Student Financial Services

• With an online bank transfer through TouchNet Connect

• Online with a credit card through TouchNet Connect (a user fee of 2.95% with a minimum fee of $3.00 is charged by the third-party processor on all credit card transactions)

No cost to enroll and no monthly service fees.

Payments are due on the 15th of each month. A $90 late fee is charged for payments not received on time. Accounts not enrolled on a payment plan and not paid in full will be charged a 1% service fee each month. Payments returned due to insufficient funds will be assessed a $30 NSF fee.

Outside Billing

When a student’s employer or other agency, under its tuition benefit plan, authorizes a billing and will pay the tuition directly to Elmhurst University, service charges relating to the payment will be waived or removed provided the payment is received within six weeks of the beginning of the term.

In order to participate in this program, the student must submit an official letter of authorization or tuition voucher to the Office of Student Financial Services prior to or with registration. The Office of Student Financial Services bills the employer or other funding agency directly.

Elmhurst University reserves the right to qualify the plan or reject applications that lack the appropriate authorization. Information regarding this payment alternative can be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Services.

Tuition Reimbursement Plan

Some employers offer direct reimbursement of tuition to their employees upon the successful completion of the term. Students eligible for tuition reimbursement from their employer may elect to participate in our Tuition Reimbursement Plan. Under this plan, payment of tuition covered by an employer will be deferred until six weeks after the end of the term. Students will be required to enroll in this program on a per-term basis.

To enroll, students will be required to pay a $25.00 fee per term upon request for enrollment in the program, as well as provide a letter from their employer indicating that they are eligible for this benefit. The letter must be received by the Office of Student Financial Services prior to the start of each term, outline the amount of reimbursement the student is eligible for in that specific term, and be on the employer’s letterhead.

Financial Aid

Graduate students may be considered for a merit-based graduate fellowship or scholarship after being admitted into a graduate program.

Additional financial assistance may be available to students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov (school code 001676). Submitted FAFSA applications will be considered for the need-based Elmhurst Graduate Award and federal student loans. A graduate student enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester is eligible to receive up to $20,500 in federal unsubsidized student loans.

Students enrolled in any of the four full-time comprehensive programs (Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Master of Occupational Therapy and Master of Science in Nursing: Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice, Distance Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice) are also eligible to apply for Graduate Plus Loans that will allow students to borrow an amount above and beyond the $20,500 available to students in the part-time graduate programs.

Graduate Study Policy Statements

Academic Good Standing

The University designates graduate students in good standing if they make satisfactory progress toward the completion of program requirements. To be in good standing, graduate students must:

• Complete all courses with a grade of C or better

• Earn no more than one C or C+ grade

• Complete additional requirements as outlined by the specific program

A second C or C+ grade, a C- grade, a D grade or an F grade will result in dismissal from the graduate program and the University. The program director will notify the student, in writing, of the dismissal decision.

The academic good standing policy for the Computer Information Technology program is significantly different. Students in this program should refer to the specific program sections of this catalog.

Note: each student must maintain academic good standing in their respective program as defined by the graduate program. In all cases, individual program policies concerning academic good standing take precedence. It is the student’s responsibility to know the policies of their program.

Reinstatement

Students who have been dismissed and wish to be considered for readmission to graduate study at Elmhurst University must apply for readmission to the University and the graduate program. Readmission consideration will be at the discretion of the program director and the director.

Disputed Final Course Grades

The normal presumption in the administration of grades at Elmhurst University is that the instructor alone is qualified to evaluate the academic work of students in their courses and to assign grades to that work. For this reason, questions regarding an instructor’s assessment of the quality of academic work are not normally subject to review. However, when a student believes that a grade was assigned in a manner that was arbitrary or inappropriate in the Elmhurst University academic setting, or that crucial evidence was not considered, the student shall follow the procedures outlined below.

A grade dispute must be brought in writing to the instructor, by the end of the fifth week following the term in which the disputed grade was given. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate the process even if this must be done initially in writing rather than in person.

Establishing a Claim for a Disputed Grade Grievance and Organization of the Hearing Board:

• When a final course grade is disputed, the student and the instructor should meet to discuss the matter and seek an appropriate resolution. If the disputed grade is not resolved, the student may forward the matter to the chair of the department of the instructor and/or the program director. If the attempt to settle the issue fails at this level, it moves to the Office of Academic Affairs.

• The student should submit a document indicating the student’s position and the rationale for the claim. The student must also provide whatever documentation is needed to support the claim. The instructor may do the same. The Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) or their delegate meets with both the instructor and the student and confers with the chair of the department or the program director. If after this investigation and review the VPAA or their delegate finds merit in the appeal, they may initiate next level of action on the dispute, otherwise they will inform the student that the disputed grade will remain as reported.

• *The next level of action is the convening of a Hearing Board, which will consist of the Vice President for Academic Affairs or their delegate, who shall chair the board; the Vice President for Student Affairs or their delegate; two faculty members; and two students selected in consultation with the chair of the Academic Standings Committee. The parties directly involved may have one silent advisor present. The Chair shall designate a secretary or invite an administrative assistant who is responsible for recording the salient issues and the actions of the Hearing Board.

• The parties involved will be asked to submit written arguments to be circulated among members of the Hearing Board. It is expected that the parties in disagreement appear before the Board, but the hearing will proceed despite a failure to appear. When all presentations are complete, the Board, in executive session, shall reach a resolution of the problem.

• If the Hearing Board finds that a grade has been assigned in a manner that was inconsistent with policies stated in the syllabus, or inappropriate in the Elmhurst University academic setting, or that critical evidence was disregarded, the Hearing Board may direct the Registrar to change the grade to one the Board deems appropriate as dictated by the documented and objective evidence provided. The decision shall be represented in writing to the involved parties and others who need to know the results of the hearing. The chair shall maintain a file of relevant material for a period of at least two years.

• The decisions of the Hearing Board shall be final.

Incomplete Grades

An Incomplete (I) may be given to a student who demonstrates to the course instructor that extraordinary circumstances exist that prevent the completion of the course within the regular term. Students who wish to receive an Incomplete must obtain the consent of the instructor before the date on which final grades are to be submitted. This approval must be submitted to the Office of Registration and Records by the instructor on a Request for Incomplete Grade form, signed by both the student and the instructor. Appropriate forms are available through the Office of Registration and Records.

An Incomplete granted for any term becomes a failing grade (F ) or a No Pass grade (NP) if the work is not completed within three weeks after the end of the term. Requests for an extension of time to resolve an Incomplete will be approved only when the instructor is satisfied that circumstances prompting the request justify waiving this three-week policy. Incomplete grades can be held for a maximum of one year only under unusual circumstances. lncompletes must be resolved prior to graduation.

Once an incomplete grade is requested, an “I” will remain on the student’s transcript to indicate record of the incomplete grade. When a final grade is submitted it will read on the student’s transcript as “I/grade received.” While an “I/grade received” will not affect the configuration of a student’s GPA, it will remain permanently on their transcript to indicate additional time given to complete the class.

Repetition of Courses

In non-cohort programs, students must receive permission from the program director to repeat a course. Students may repeat a course no more than one time and may repeat a maximum of two courses only. In cohort programs, a student who wishes to repeat a course out of sequence or delay enrollment to repeat a course in sequence with a new cohort group must discuss this with the program director. In all cases involving the repetition of courses, individual program policies take precedence. It is the student’s responsibility to know the policies of their program.

Withdrawal from Courses

In general, students who withdraw from a cohort-model graduate course must also withdraw from the graduate program and the University. A graduate student who withdraws from a course without requesting a Leave of Absence will be required to reapply for admission to the University through the Office of Admission with approval from the appropriate program director.

Students must consult with the program director and follow appropriate withdrawal or Leave of Absence procedures. The Office of Registration and Records establishes the effective date of the withdrawal for graduate students. Withdrawal charges will be computed according to the length of the course and the number of calendar days into the term. For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence may be granted to a student in good academic standing who can demonstrate to the program director that extraordinary circumstances prevent continued enrollment and full participation in the academic program. A student may request a Leave of Absence by completing an application for a Leave of Absence.

If a Leave of Absence is approved by the associate dean, program-specific re-entry requirements established in consultation with the program director must be satisfied.

Students are limited to one leave, not to exceed 180 days, within a 12-month period. Students who are enrolled in a graduate program that uses a cohort model may not be able to resume the program after six months. In this and other situations requiring a longer interruption of studies, it may be necessary for the student to withdraw from the university and be readmitted at a time when they can resume their studies. Policies on readmission vary by program.

Application for readmission to the program of study is not required for a student returning after a Leave of Absence, although the student must meet with the program director to determine the appropriate time to register for classes. A student on a Leave of Absence may follow early registration procedures.

Degree Completion Deadline

Graduate students must complete all requirements for the awarding of the degree within five years of initial enrollment in their course of study. Failure to complete all requirements within the five-year period requires an application for readmission to the program. All requirements for the degree that are in place at the time of readmission to the program must be completed for the awarding of the degree. The program director will determine course equivalency of all graduate work completed prior to readmission to the program.