Graduate Programs at Northwestern University

Northwestern University offers graduate programs in a variety of fields. The Graduate School offers more than 150 graduate professional programs, ranging in duration from one to five years. The School of Business Studies offers undergraduate and graduate business, communication, art, and engineering programs, typically completed in one to two years. The School of Medical Studies offers Ph.D. programs in biology and medical science, which take about five to seven years to complete. The Graduate School of Education and Social Policy offers Ph.D. programs in education and social policy, typically five to seven years in duration. 

The Graduate School of Journalism offers a one-year master’s degree program in journalism. The Kellogg School of Management offers a two-year MBA and a four- to seven-year PhD program. The McCormick School of Engineering offers one- to two-year master’s and four- to seven-year Ph.D. programs in engineering. Pritzker Law School offers a three-year JD program and three four-year LLM and JSD programs. The Feinberg School of Medicine offers a four-year MD program, a four-year, seven-year Ph.D. program, and a one- to two-year MS program. Lastly, Bienen Conservatory and Conservatory offers a two-year MM program, a four-year DMA program, and a one-year certificate program.

Tuition

Tuition details for some of the programs at Northwestern University are as follows:

1. MBA: Total cost = $231,174
2. Master’s in Global Health: Total Cost = $40,632
3. Doctorate in Speech-Language Pathology: Cost = $5,788 per unit
4. Doctorate in Audiology: Cost = $15,544/quarter
5. MA in Counseling (Online): Cost = $33,032
6. Data Science (Online): Cost = $60,300

What is the acceptance rate for Northwestern University’s master’s program?

Northwestern University's Graduate School has an acceptance rate of 29%, indicating the selectivity of the admissions process and the competitive nature of gaining admission to their graduate programs.

Statistics for the Public Health Acceptance Rate Class of 2022:

Number of applicants - 266

Admitted - 137

Matriculated - 26

Statistics for Physics Program Acceptance Rate Class of 2022:

Number of applicants - 74

Admitted - 27

Matriculated - 11

Overall Acceptance Rate Class of 2022:

Number of applicants - 7,700

Admitted - 1,678

Matriculated - 604

Does Northwestern University have any one-year master's or accelerated master’s program?

Northwestern University offers several one-year or accelerated master's programs, including the Master of Arts in Data Science, Master of Science in Information Systems, and Master of Science in Management Studies. These programs cater to students seeking a shorter duration to earn their master's degree. Typically, students are required to take a higher credit load per semester and complete coursework within a condensed timeframe. Eligibility criteria generally involve holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, and possessing a strong academic record, and may also include prerequisites such as work experience or standardized test requirements like the GRE or GMAT.

Do Northwestern University Graduate programs have early decisions or early action?

The university evaluates all applicants based on their merit, accomplishments, and eligibility for the program. Admissions decisions are affected by a variety of factors, including the competitiveness of the applicant pool, the places in the relevant programs, and the careful review of each application to ensure a fair and equitable review process. Northwestern University is committed to selecting a diverse and talented student body that demonstrates academic excellence, unique perspectives, and a strong potential for success in their chosen fields.

Does Northwestern University accept transfer credits from other graduate schools?

To apply to Northwestern University as a transfer student, you need to have enrolled in college after completing secondary school. Successful transfer applicants usually have completed at least one year of full-time college coursework (24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours). You can apply for transfer admission while completing your first year of college, as long as you will have finished the required coursework before the start of the term in which you intend to enroll.

The career of Northwestern University graduate students - Where are they employed and how much do they earn after getting a master’s degree

Northwestern University graduates have a variety of career options and are finding success in a variety of industries. The university provides graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. Some of the industries that typically employ Northwestern University graduates include marketing, technology, media and entertainment, health care, and government. Professionally, Northwestern University graduates of Fortune 500 companies, startups, and nonprofits offer their expertise in marketing, finance, consulting, and management roles. The technology industry also highly values Northwestern University graduates, with top companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft attracting their talent. These graduates excel in areas such as software engineering, data science, and product management.

Media and entertainment companies, such as The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal, and Viacom CBS, frequently employ Northwestern University graduates in roles in journalism, marketing, and production. In addition, Northwestern University alumni contribute their expertise to government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels, with expertise in policy analysis, public relations, and law. Although salaries vary depending on the specific field, Northwestern University graduates are well compensated. According to PayScale, the average salary for Northwestern University graduates is $100,000. To give a specific example, MBA graduates earn an average salary of around $120,000, engineering graduates earn around $110,000, law graduates earn $160,000, and graduates earn around $160,000. The news department earns about $60,000 per year. These salary levels are averages, and individual salaries are based on factors such as experience, skills, and job offers. However, Northwestern University graduates have a strong foundation for success in their chosen field and can expect to earn competitive salaries. The University’s commitment to a well-rounded education prepares its graduates for success in an ever-evolving workforce environment.