Patterns that emerged from reviewing eight syllabi for core courses on institutional research and planning (IRP) in higher education are discussed, and a sample syllabus is presented. Course titles used in the IRP core graduate-level courses are identified, along with the course purpose and objectives, when specified. It is noted that most of the syllabi do not explicitly state the course purpose, and course objectives were listed in only three syllabi. No syllabus listed required prerequisites, but some recommended courses or subject areas. Most syllabi listed class participation and formal examinations as grade requirements for the course. Another requirement in almost all courses was a major project that composed 20% or more of the final grade. The major project is often a literature review, field project, institutional research report, planning proposal, or similar exercise. Ten required textbooks in IRP core courses are listed, along with references. Course topics are indicated for the courses with the following titles: institutional research and planning, institutional research, institutional research for strategic planning, planning in higher education, theory and practice of educational planning, and institutional assessment in higher education. A syllabus for an institutional research and planning seminar is included. A list of members of the course syllabi network is included. (SW)