Program Overview

Educational Administration and Foundations - Higher Education Administration

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.

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

University Admission Requirements

• 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 or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 208 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL .
• If admitted, official international transcripts can be emailed directly from the international institution to or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, International Admissions, Campus Box 6180, Normal, IL .

Additional Program Admission 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.
• 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

Graduate Assistantships

• 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, and 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, and 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.