Frequently Asked Questions
General Program Questions
1. How long is the MSC Program?
2. When can I begin the Program?The MSC Program is a ten-month, four-quarter program. Students begin the program in September, at the start of fall quarter, and finish the program in July, at the end of summer quarter.
Students generally begin the program during the fall quarter. Space permitting, students may petition for a winter quarter start date.
3. On which Northwestern campus are MSC classes held?
MSC classes are held only on Northwestern’s Evanston Campus.
4. Can I take courses outside of the MSC curriculum?
No, MSC students are not authorized to take courses outside of the MSC curriculum, nor are other graduate students admitted into MSC courses. The MSC curriculum has been specially designed to expose students to content essential for developing skill sets in leadership and managerial communication. MSC students may customize their coursework through selection of MSC Elective Courses (see curriculum).
5. Is MSC considered a part-time or full-time program?
Domestic students are recognized as part-time (half-time) students by the university because they take fewer than 3 courses per quarter. However, part-time (half-time) students are eligible for the same financial aid abilities as full-time students (i.e. the same federal student loans and the ability to defer payment on prior federal loans while attending school). See funding and tuition.
International students enroll in an additional course each quarter (with exception to the last) to maintain full-time student status. For this reason, international students may only begin the MSC Program in the fall quarter.
The MSC Program is a terminal Master's program for professionals looking to advance and broaden their professional career. See programs of study for PhD programs offered by the School of Communication.
Admissions and Application Process
7. When is the application deadline?
December 10, 2011 is the early decision application deadline; March 10, 2012 is the priority application deadline; June 10, 2012 is the late admit application deadline (space permitting). International applicants must apply by March 10, 2012.
To apply, submit a completed application online, including a statement of purpose, uploaded resume, three letters of recommendation, and $50 application fee. Have transcripts sent to MSC Admissions from all colleges and universities attended. For more information, see admissions.
9. Do I have to submit all of my application materials at the same time?
Materials may arrive separately; however, your application will not be reviewed until the entire application is complete. Qualified applicants may be invited for a personal interview with the admissions office.
10. Are GRE or GMAT scores required as part of the application process?
Standardized test scores are not required for consideration to the MSC program, with the exception of a TOEFL score which is required for international students seeking admission.
11. What defines an international student?
Someone who is not a U.S. citizen is recognized as an international student. Students who will require immigration sponsorship from the university will be required to maintain full-time student status. For the MSC Program, this means taking an additional class during each quarter of study with exception to the last. These students will be billed at the international student rate. Students who do not require immigration sponsorship from the university (i.e. students whose immigration status is sponsored by their employer or spouse) are personally responsible for knowing the requirements of their visa. In the case that a student’s visa allows for part-time study, this student may be recognized by the university as an international student but be billed at the part-time/domestic rate for the MSC Program. These students should share this information with the MSC Program prior to enrollment.
12. Is a minimum undergraduate GPA required for admissions consideration?
GPA’s are evaluated as part of the larger admissions file, thus MSC does not institute a minimum GPA for admissions consideration. Each application is viewed in context with the rest of the file, including the statement of purpose, resume and letters of recommendation.
13. Are there any undergraduate prerequisites for the program?
The MSC Program requires a four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent credentials for international students, see ECE verification service on apply for admission page). There are no specific class prerequisites required for the program.
14. Does the Admission Committee favor certain undergraduate majors?
MSC seeks to admit students from a variety of majors.
15. Do you require previous professional work experience?
The MSC Program is designed for a wide range of experience levels from emerging talent through senior management. Because we encourage a range of experiences and backgrounds in the classroom we do not have any requirements for full-time professional work experience; however, significant experience to draw upon and contribute to the classroom is beneficial. The MSC Program is designed for a wide range of experience levels from emerging talent through senior management.
The Open House is an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about the MSC Program curriculum, faculty, student experience, and admissions requirements. Each Open House will consist of an overview of the program, a Q & A session, the opportunity to attend a current class, and the option to attend lunch with current students. Attendance to an Open House is required as part of the application process (out-of-state and international applicants may schedule a phone call with an alumni ambassador in lieu of attending an Open House). For more information or to register, see Open House.
17. What should I expect if invited to interview?
You will be asked about your career goals, your interest in the MSC Program, your previous professional experience and undergraduate or other academic work.
18. Are there any special requirements for international students?
Yes, please see the International Student FAQ for details.
16. How will I know the status of my application?
After the admissions committee has reviewed your completed application, you will receive a letter informing you of its decision. Please contact the Admissions Office at 847-467-1098 or msc@northwestern.edu for interim updates.
20. What if I would like to withdraw my application?
Please contact Admissions at 847-467-1098 or msc@northwestern.edu to withdraw your application.
Acceptance
21. If I’m accepted, what is the next step?
Please sign and return the Intent to Register Form (IRF) along with a $500 tuition deposit within 45 days of your 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 before the next application deadline. See the accepted students checklist in the admissions section for further instructions.
22. What if I’m accepted but I’m not sure if I will attend?
You must return the IRF and $500 tuition deposit in order to secure your place in the incoming class. If you are unsure about attending, please contact Admissions at 847-467-1098 or msc@northwestern.edu to be advised of your options. Space is limited and spots are secured as IRF’s and deposits are received from accepted applicants.
23. I’ve sent in my Intent to Register Form and deposit, now what?
You are now considered part of MSC and will be invited to attend MSC events to network with current students, alumni and other incoming students. Be sure to check with Admissions at 847-467-1098 or msc@northwestern.edu for a listing of upcoming events.
24. What happens at orientation?
Orientation is a daylong event scheduled approximately one week before the beginning of fall quarter. This day provides you with a chance to meet your classmates, obtain your NU student ID, tour the campus and review school and program policies.
25. What if something changes and I can no longer attend?
Contact Admissions at 847-467-1098 or msc@northwestern.edu for information about a possible deferment. You may, with the permission of the director, defer admission for up to one year from the quarter stipulated in your admission letter. Please keep in mind that the MSC Program only accepts students for the fall and winter quarters (international students may only begin the program in the winter quarter). Should you choose to defer your enrollment, you must submit a letter including the reason for your deferral request, as well as the quarter and year in which you plan to enroll. Submission of the non-refundable tuition deposit is required for any request of deferral.
Tuition, Fees, & Funding Options
Tuition for the 2012-2013 school year is $45,549 for domestic students and $60,732 for international students.
27. How do I pay for the program?
Applicants are responsible for managing their own financial aid process; the MSC Program does not facilitate funding. Although MSC is a part-time (half-time) program, students have full-time financial aid abilities. MSC Students have several options for funding, including: self-funding, federal loans, employer funding, military programs, scholarship awards and fellowship awards. See funding and tuition for more information.
28. How do I apply for a federal loan?
In order to begin the federal loan process, you must complete a FAFSA
form online. See the tuition and funding page for more information.
29. How do I check the status of my federal loan application?
If you have completed and submitted your FAFSA form, check with the Student Financial Services Office
30. What if my employer will pay for my MSC degree?
Employer sponsored students must submit a letter on organization letterhead stating that Northwestern University should bill the company directly each term for Master of Science in Communication Program tuition fees. The letter must clearly state that the employer agrees to pay tuition regardless of the courses taken or the grades received. Please also specify the appropriate contact person’s name and telephone number, the address to which invoices should be sent, the period covered by the authorization, and the charges to which it applies (tuition, fees, books, parking, etc.). Send the letter to Northwestern University, Office of Student Accounts, 555 Clark St., Evanston, IL 60208.
