Admissions
Carlon Zanders (MSC '11) shares how the assigned case studies and guidance of MSC faculty helped him develop a more dynamic thought process.
What we look for in a student:
The MSC Program looks for students who show a life-long interest in learning and professional development. Because the program suits a wide variety of industries and careers, MSC actively seeks students with a diversity of experience. Students must have a four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. International students must have the equivalent of a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, as determined by Educational Credential Evaluators.
Because the MSC Program is a focused, highly interactive program, MSC looks for students who will add value to the classroom through their experience, perspective, and academic excellence. Each application is viewed in context with the rest of the file, including the statement of purpose, resume, and recommendations.
Application Process
The MSC Application consists of the following items:
- Completed online application, including a statement of purpose, uploaded resume, and $50 application fee.
- Three Recommendations, each including a completed recommendation evaluation form and a typed letter of recommendation, from individuals who are familiar with your academic or professional work and can comment meaningfully on your potential as a graduate student (recommendation evaluation form available through the online application).
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
MSC must receive transcripts in envelopes sealed by the issuing colleges or universities. PDF files originating from the issuing college or university are acceptable when sent directly to the MSC Admissions Office at msc@northwestern.edu. Transcripts not received in this manner are not considered official and will not be accepted.
Mailing address:
MSC Admissions
Northwestern University
2240 Campus Drive, 2-118
Evanston, IL 60208 - Attendance to an open house (out-of-state or international applicants may schedule an informational phone call).
After application review, qualified applicants may be invited for a personal interview with the admissions office.
Applicants who earned their bachelor’s degree outside of the U.S. must submit all transcripts to Educational Credential Evaluators (www.ece.org) for a course-by-course verification instead of submitting transcripts to the MSC office.
For international applicants:
- International applicants must also provide TOEFL results with a required minimum overall score of 100 and a minimum score of 26 on the “Speaking” section. Students with TOEFL scores below these standards will not be accepted. The test must have been administered after September 1, 2010. The TOEFL code for MSC is 6162. The MSC Program does not accept the IELTS test.
- The TOEFL may be waived for applicants who earned their bachelor’s or graduate degree in the U.S.
Application Deadline
Early Decision Deadline: December 10, 2012
Priority Deadline: March 10, 2013 (International Student Deadline)
Late Admit Deadline (space permitting): June 10, 2013
Admission is competitive, and space in the MSC cohort is filled quickly by qualified applicants; applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
International students must apply by March 10, 2013 and will only be accepted for a fall quarter start. Please note that international students must also submit a TOEFL score, with a minimum required score of 26 on the "Speaking" section and a minimum overall score of 100 . The test must have been administered after September 1, 2010. The MSC Program does not accept the IELTS test.
Questions and Status Updates
Contact Admissions at 847-467-1098 or msc@northwestern.edu with questions regarding the application process or for an update on the status of your application.
Application Decisions
After the admissions committee has reviewed your completed application, you will receive a letter informing you of its decision.
Once Accepted
Please return the Admission Decision/Intent to Register form along with a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit within 45 days of dated acceptance letter. Your place in the incoming class is not secure until both items have been received; accepted students risk losing their space in the upcoming class if they do not confirm their intent to register within 45 days.
If you are unable to return your Admission Decision/Intent to Register form and deposit promptly, contact Admissions at 847-467-1098 or msc@northwestern.edu.
Once classified as an incoming student, you will receive your financial aid package award notice from the Student Financial Services Office.
Accepted Student Checklist:
- Return the Admission Decision/Intent to Register form with a non-refundable $500 tuition deposit within 45 days of dated acceptance letter.
- Activate your Northwestern email account once MSC Staff emails you the necessary account information.
- Complete the Entrance Health Requirements for Non-Healthcare students as mandated by the state of Illinois.
- If eligible and interested, apply for Federal Loans. See tuition + funding or visit Northwestern University’s Student Financial Services Office.
- If you were in the process of completing your degree when you applied to MSC, have your degree awarding institution issue an official copy of your final transcript to MSC.
- International students should begin the student visa process after submitting the Admission Decision/Intent to Register form and non-refundable tuition deposit.
MSC students are eligible to enroll in the part-time student NU/Aetna health insurance plan on a voluntary basis. To enroll, students must fill out the part-time application during the first quarter of enrollment. After completing the application, students must submit payment in full by check to the Insurance Office. Students who do not fill out the part-time application in the first quarter of enrollment will not be able to enroll in health insurance thereafter.
Note: The MSC Program reserves the right to make changes affecting the policies, fees, curricula, or any other matters referenced on this site.
