Student Experience
What’s it like to be a student in the MSC Program?
The MSC program provides a wide array of experiences inside and outside of the classroom. Our prospective students ask a lot of great questions, which help them make important decisions in choosing a Graduate Program best suited for their needs. Below we have addressed many of the common questions typically asked about the MSC Program.
If you cannot find answers to your questions below, contact Admissions at 847-467-1098 or msc@northwestern.edu.
Important Questions:
Q: Who becomes a student in the MSC Program?
A: The MSC Program draws students from within the private, for-profit, not-for-profit and government sectors. Their experience level ranges from emerging talent through senior management. They work for large Fortune 500 organizations as well as small and medium-sized organizations, which is one of the truly unique aspects of the MSC Program. The classroom experience is a big part of the overall MSC experience. The perspectives, insights, and knowledge shared in the classroom are always rated by MSC students as one of the best aspects of the program.
Q: What is the time commitment as a student in the program?
A: Classes are held one day per week on alternating Fridays and Saturdays. Students are on campus from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on class days. The out-of-class workload is approximately 6 hours per class per week (a total of 12 hours). MSC is a professional program that is cognizant of the fact that most of our students are working full-time. The entire program is designed to support our students in finding a good work/school/life balance.
Q: What is it like on campus?
A: The campus experience is always mentioned as one of the hidden values of the MSC Program. Most students do not consider the benefits of a walk along the lakefront during lunch or a trip to the Norris Student Center when making their decision to attend the program. However, once they are here the campus atmosphere is consistently mentioned as an added advantage.
Q: What is the classroom like?
A: Class sizes are small with program capacity at approximately 80 students. This provides an intimate setting and unique access to faculty that is not found in undergraduate or larger graduate school environments. This design allows our students to develop rapport and relationships with fellow students and faculty alike. It also ensures engaged classroom discussion and class projects.
Q: What kind of assignments do we get in the program? How are we graded?
A: Each class has a unique approach. The methods vary for each professor and include one or more of the following: lecture, case method, class participation, class exercises, reading, individual papers, individual projects, group projects and the occasional quiz or test. Grades are typically made up of performance on the above-mentioned assignments along with class participation.
