Application Requirements & Instructions

The SCS Admissions Office is here to help you through the application process. Submit your online application as early as possible so we may create your application file and help you track additional materials as they arrive. International applicants, students with foreign transcripts, and applicants moving to the Chicago area to pursue a graduate degree should strongly consider applying several quarters in advance. If you would like your application to be reviewed by the next deadline all required documents must be submitted.

How to Apply

The online application system will allow you to upload your statement of purpose and resume/curriculum vitae. The system will also allow your recommenders to submit their recommendations online. You can enter the names of the persons completing recommendations on your behalf by accessing the "Recommendations" link located on the left-hand navigation menu within the online application. If you are submitting your letters electronically, you do not need to submit hard copies as well.

Click here to apply to SCS graduate programs in:

• Master of Arts in Creative Writing
• Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
• Master of Arts in Literature
• Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration
• Master of Arts in Sports Administration
• Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
• Master of Science in Medical Informatics
• Master of Science in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Science
• Master of Science in Computer Information Systems
• Clinical Research and Regulatory Administration (Graduate Certificate)
• Emergency Management and Threat Assessment (Graduate Certificate)

Application Documents Required by All Graduate Programs
Please review specific application requirements for your graduate program. Click on the program to the left to view the program's Admission page. All programs require the online application, official transcripts from all previous colleges/universities, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation.

Official Transcripts
Submit official transcripts from ALL previous colleges and universities. Official transcripts must arrive in our office in the original sealed envelope issued by the institution. If you are currently enrolled, please submit an official transcript showing courses in-progress. Applicants with international transcripts must request an official course-by-course evaluation of transcripts from a NACES member. A course-by-course evaluation will translate courses, degrees, and grades to U.S. equivalency.

Supplemental Documents
Documents such as transcripts and writing samples (MCW, MFA-CW, MALS, MALit, MPPA, MSA) should be mailed to:

SCS Admissions
Northwestern University
Wieboldt Hall, Sixth Floor
339 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611-3008

Test Scores
The GRE or GMAT is only recommended for applicants with a gpa less then a 3.00 from the previous institution. TOEFL scores are required for foreign applicants that did not complete a degree in which the courses were taught in English (see International Student Application below). Test scores (GRE, GMAT, TOELF) should be sent directly from the testing agency to Northwestern. The institutional code for the GRE and TOEFL is 1565 and for the GMAT it is 1546.

Application Deadlines

All Graduate Programs

• Fall 2008: July 25, 2008
• Winter 2009: November 7, 2008
• Spring 2009: January 30, 2009
• Summer 2009: April 24, 2009
• Fall 2009: July 24, 2009

Graduate programs offered by Northwestern University’s School of Continuing Studies employ a rolling admission policy that allows students to begin study throughout the academic year. Students may apply to a graduate program within The School of Continuing Studies throughout the year. All application materials must be submitted by the deadline for the appropriate quarter. Only application files that are complete by the deadline will be reviewed for a decision. Prospective students have four opportunities per year to apply and may specify for which term they would like to be considered.

SCS Admissions Contact Information

Graduate Admissions
(312) 503-0875
(312) 503-4942 fax
scsgradapps@northwestern.edu

MMI Enrollment Advisor
(877) 664-3347
(321) 239-1870 fax
p.giles@medinformatics.northwestern.edu
e.depina@medinformatics.northwestern.edu

International Student Application

Applicants with international transcripts must submit an official transcript in a sealed envelope issued by the appropriate institution. Applicants with international transcripts not in English must also submit an official course-by-course evaluation from a NACES member (http://www.naces.org/members.htm). Course-by-course evaluations should be handled like official transcripts in that they must arrive in our office in a sealed envelope issued by the company that completed the evaluation. All international applicants to SCS graduate programs must submit TOEFL scores of 600 or higher on the paper-based test, 250 or higher on the computer-based test, or 100 or higher on the internet based test. The institutional code for the TOEFL is 1565. This requirement may be waived if your college level courses were taught in English. For more information on TOEFL and transcripts for international applicants, please contact the SCS Office of Graduate Studies.

International students who are accepted as Visiting Scholars or Non-Degree students may only enter the United States on a J-1 visa and must register for a minimum of three courses per quarter. In order to obtain the required visa document in the student category, you must show proof that a substantive amount of your financial support for study at Northwestern comes from an institution, organization, home government, or as part of an exchange agreement between Northwestern University and your institution. No visa documents for F-1 visas will be issued.

If you are paying the application fee by check, please make the check out to "Northwestern University" and mail it with your other application materials to the address above.