Admission Requirements

At Elmhurst University, we try to make the graduate application process as simple—and friendly—as possible.

Each graduate program has specific requirements that must be completed prior to admission. Refer to the program’s webpage for specific admission requirements.

If you have any questions along the way, contact the Office of Admission.

Applying for Graduate Programs

Please submit the following to apply for graduate programs.

A completed application. Apply online.
A current résumé documenting your work history, with enough details to document levels of responsibility, areas of professional growth, and prior professional training experiences
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. Request that your official undergraduate (and graduate) transcripts be sent to Elmhurst University ([email protected]).
- Note: If you are applying to the Distance Accelerated BSN or the Distance Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice online programs, please send official electronic transcripts to [email protected]. Please confirm the receiving address when ordering, as many sending institutions have default email addresses in their systems. If sent to any other Elmhurst University email address, there may be a delay in processing the documents.
Recommendations are required from three people who can comment on the quality of your communication skills and on your ability to successfully complete graduate study. You will submit the names and email addresses of these individuals as part of your online application.
A 1,000-word statement of purpose, describing the personal and professional goals that you intend to meet by completing a graduate program (see the MBA website for unique requirements)
- MBA and MBA Option students must respond differently as instructed on the application and described on the MBA and MBA Option program sheets

Program-Specific Applications

Additional Requirements for International Applicants

Please visit our Graduate International Admission Requirements page for more information.

Applying as a Non-Degree Graduate Student or for a Graduate Certificate Program or the LBS1 or ESL/Bilingual Endorsement

Please submit the following:

A completed application.
A current résumé documenting your work history. Provide enough detail to document levels of responsibility, areas of professional growth, and prior professional training experiences.
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended. Request that your official undergraduate (and graduate) transcripts be sent to Elmhurst University.
A copy of your Illinois professional educator license (only required for students seeking to earn an IL educator endorsement or approval).

Permission to take courses as a non-degree graduate student must be granted by the program director.

Applying for the Teacher Leader Endorsement

Please submit the following:

A completed application—apply online.
Three letters of recommendation from educators/administrators who can attest to your leadership qualities, communication skills, personal motivation, and capacity to succeed in graduate study. These should be submitted as part of your online application.
A 1,000-word statement of purpose describing your personal and professional goals and how graduate study at Elmhurst University will help you achieve those goals.
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions you have attended (Elmhurst University alumni do not need to request a copy of their Elmhurst transcripts).
A copy of your Illinois professional educator license.
A current résumé, including:
- Teaching certification and endorsements with expiration and renewal dates.
- Your undergraduate degree and graduate courses you’ve completed.
- A record of your teaching experience with years of teaching clearly indicated.
- Your professional development activities.
- Information on leadership roles you’ve held in your school or community.

Where to Submit Documents

While most of the application process is online, you also need to send certain documents by mail or email.

Office of Admission
Elmhurst University
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Email: [email protected]

Letters of Recommendation are accepted by email ([email protected]).
Official college and university transcripts must be sent directly by the registrar’s office by mail or email ([email protected]).

Note: If you are applying to the Distance Accelerated BSN or the Distance Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice online programs, please send official electronic transcripts to [email protected]. Please confirm the receiving address when ordering, as many sending institutions have default email addresses in their systems. If sent to any other Elmhurst University email address, there may be a delay in processing the documents.

Elmhurst University, in accordance with our core values, identity, and affiliation with the United Church of Christ, respects the rights of students to peacefully protest. Participation in such activities will not have a negative impact on admission and/or enrollment.