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Doctorate

Educational Administration and Foundations - Higher Education Administration

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Overview

The Higher Education Administration concentration is available to candidates who hold a master's degree, and have experience (teaching, administrative, or staff) in a higher education college or university. 

The higher education concentration supports the development of higher education professionals so they may advance in their careers and increase their contributions to the field.

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Point of Pride

The Center for the Study of Education Policy, housed in the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations, publishes three nationally known education policy research journals: Grapevine, Planning and Changing, and the Illinois State Education Law and Policy Journal. In the last five years, the center garnered $6.3 million in externally funded grants and contracts.

Graduate Advisor

Mohamed Nur-Awaleh
(309) 438-5422
DeGarmo 331

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How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

  • Have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so by the time of program matriculation.
  • Submit unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term.
  • If admitted, official domestic transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.
  • If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to InternationalAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL 61790-6180.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Graduate School Admission Requirements.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

GPA

You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work (approximately the junior and senior years).

You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a scale in which an A is a 4.0) for all graduate-level coursework.

The Grade Point Average (GPA) of all undergraduate credentials earned in the United States that are used for graduate degree admission evaluation is calculated by the last 60 hours of undergraduate work. International credentials are evaluated by using cumulative GPA (CGPA) in lieu of the GPA from the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.

Resume

Submit an updated resume or vita.

Essay

Review the goals of the higher education program and upload an essay that addresses the following topics.

Your Qualities – What qualities do you possess and what experiences have you had that demonstrate you have the potential to become an educational leader?

Addressing Challenges - Think about a problematic situation you have faced related to one of the goals of the EAF Department. Write a brief description of the problem and then provide a possible interpretation and/or resolution of the problem from at least two different perspectives.

Goals - How do your professional and academic goals relate to the stated goals, curriculum, and focus of the Illinois State University educational administration program? Why have you selected this program?

Knowledge and Experience - In what areas above do you need more experiences or knowledge? Describe how you anticipate the Illinois State University program can help you gain the knowledge and experiences to address those needs.

Dedication to the Program - What qualities do you possess that demonstrate you have the ability, support system, and commitment to complete the rigors of doctoral study and independent research?

Writing Sample

Submit an academic/research writing sample.

Letters of Recommendation

Submit two professional letters of reference. You will also be asked to submit their contact information when applying on the on-line system.

At least one letter should come from an academic source. The second letter may come from a supervisor/administrator. Additional letters may be included.

Letters must address the following with examples or details:

  • Leadership experiences
  • Ability to make a difference as a higher education leader
  • Ability to work with colleagues and staff as a team
  • Communication skills
  • Demonstrated academic writing ability that displays analytical and critical thinking strengths
  • Potential to conduct academic research independently

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Term — April 15

Apply Now

Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

  • be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
  • be in good-standing
  • be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

  • monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
  • a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
  • a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

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Contact Information

  • Educational Administration & Foundations
  • (309) 438-5422
  • DeGarmo 331
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