This report presents a comprehensive study of graduate education in Illinois. The report begins with an overview of current conditions examining the origins and development of advanced study in the state, Board of Higher Education policies, and salient program and student characteristics at Illinois colleges and universities. The configuration and capacity of graduate programs at public universities are examined and discussion analyzes the following emerging issues: the responsiveness and effectiveness of existing program structures, placement of students and program capacity, and graduate education financing. New models for doctoral education which address these issues are described. The report concludes with a statewide agenda for graduate education for the coming year, and suggests new policies for consideration by the Board. These recommendations are grouped to address the following areas: need, quality, objectives, research, professional education, preparation for careers, admissions, curriculum and faculty, and viability. Two appendixes present, first, a summary of existing Board of Higher Education policies on graduate education and, second, a detailed examination, by field, identifying areas where public universities should consider program eliminations or other program modifications, undergraduate expenditures at the department level, number of faculty and staff, tuition and fee waivers are included. Twenty-seven tables provide detailed data on the current status of graduate study in Illinois and trend data since 1984. (Author/JPB)