Northern Illinois University

Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)


What is the GRE?

The Graduate Record Examinations is a test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and analytical writing skills that have been acquired through primary, secondary and tertiary education. www.gre.org.

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How does the department decide who is admitted?

The Department of Leadership, Educational Psychology and Foundations has a designated admissions committee that reviews all completed applications. The committee completes a total file of qualifications review for each applicant with respect to the following minimal requirements.

  • Previous academics
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Goals Statement to include professional progression in the field
  • GRE, GMAT or waiver
  • Teaching and Administrative experience

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Is an internship or clinical experience required and how is it completed?

An internship or clinical experience required of all Type 75 Endorsement to the Administrative Certificate. This course requires an application and the identification of projects or activities in which the student performs primary, secondary and tertiary

The duration of the clinical experience varies by endorsement but essentially operates as an independent study where the schedules their own hours dedicated to obtaining a clear understanding of the standards for administrative certification, diversity of the administrative experience and mentoring from a current practitioner while under the supervision of an NIU instructor.

Principal Endorsement requires the following:

  • Application to department
  • Four semester hours of graduate credit
  • Two semester internship during a fall and spring term
  • A minimum of 100 clinical hours per semester
  • Recording of portfolio into Livetext
  • Final portfolio review as culminating project/comprehensive exam

Chief School Business Official Endorsement requires the following:

  • Application to department
  • Six semester hours of graduate credit
  • Three consecutive semester internship: fall, spring and summer
  • A minimum of 100 clinical hours per semester
  • Recording of portfolio into Livetext
  • Final portfolio review as culminating project/comprehensive exam

Director of Special Education Endorsement requires the following:

  • Application to department
  • Five semester hours of graduate credit
  • Five consecutive one- semester hour internships
  • A minimum of 100 clinical hours
  • Final portfolio review as culminating project

Superintendent Endorsement requires the following:

  • Application to department
  • Three semester hours of graduate credit
  • One semester internship during a fall or spring term
  • A minimum of 100 clinical hours
  • Recording of portfolio into Livetext
  • Final portfolio review as culminating project

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What classes can I take as a student at large?

This answer varies by the program to which you will be applying.

The M.S. Ed. in Educational Administration allows at large students to take ETR 520, EPS 501, and one approved EPFE 500 level course. All other courses for this degree require the student to be admitted to that major.

The M.S. Ed. in School Business Management allows students to take ETR 520 and EPFE 500 as an at large. Students are however; recommend taking these courses, when they are scheduled for the cohort. Students that are eligible for a non-degree program to complete the course work for the Chief School Business Official will do as student at large through the cohort to which they are accepted.

The Ed.S. and Ed.D. degrees in Educational Administration do not permit students in an at large status to take courses, required for these degree programs. Only students admitted to the doctorate cohort are permitted to take the courses for credit.

The Director of Special Education is Certificate of Graduate Study program. As such a student must be accepted to this program taking courses with an at large status.

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What is the average completion rate for each degree (in years)?

  • MS Ed in Educational Administration= 2.5 years
  • MS Ed in School Business Management= 2 years
  • Ed.S. in Educational Administration= 2 years
  • Ed.D in Educational Administration= 6.5 years

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What are the minimum and maximum times to complete a degree?

  • MS Ed in Educational Administration= 2 years minimum, 6 years maximum
  • MS Ed in School Business Management= 2 years minimum, 6 years maximum
  • Ed.S. in Educational Administration= 2 years minimum, 6 years maximum
  • Ed.D in Educational Administration= 4 years minimum, 9 years maximum

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Where are programs offered (by degree)?

  • MS Ed in Educational Administration= DeKalb, Rockford , Naperville , Hoffman Estates NIU Campuses and an off campus site serving Lake County .
  • MS Ed in School Business Management= Hoffman Estates, Naperville , Oak Brook, and Palos Hills . This program is offered on time per year with an alternating location.
  • Ed.S. in Educational Administration= DeKalb Campus
  • Ed.D in Educational Administration= DeKalb Campus Only

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When are courses offered?

All MS degree course are offered M,T,W,TH between the hours of 6 pm and 9 pm for the fall and spring terms. Summer hours are 4 pm to 9 pm due the shortened semester.

EdS and EdD degree courses are offered between Saturdays between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.

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Now that I've completed my degree, how do I go about obtaining the certification?

  • A student must complete the required degree or non-degree program.
  • Meet all state of Illinois eligibility.
  • Pass the required exam or exams.
  • Initiate the certification process through the department and university.
  • Finish the on line process and paying the applicable fee.

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When do cohorts start and where?

MS Ed in Educational Administration- Fall term:

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