Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the main FAQ page for additional questions related to admission. If you cannot find the answers to your questions on this web site, please contact the School of Continuing Studies’ Graduate Admission Office at (312) 503-1083.

How will the MSA program help me build a career in sports?
The MSA curriculum focuses on fundamental business and leadership skills as they apply to the sports industry. You will learn how to be valuable to almost any kind of organization within this vast field. Additionally, program faculty and guest speakers are a tremendous resource to give you a deeper understanding of what distinguishes a top-shelf job candidate from the rest. Northwestern’s reputation and your hard work will make your degree a highly regarded credential.

It’s always been my dream to work for my favorite team. Am I likely to get that job?
The industry is more than professional team sports—the hardest branch in which to enter. If you think broadly about where and how you want to make a career, you’ll enhance your options. A more realistic starting point is with one of the many businesses that support professional franchises with their marketing, facilities, communications, etc. It’s most valuable to find a place to learn and grow as a professional.

What do you want to learn about me in my statement of purpose?
Pretty much anything other than “I love sports.” A passion for a game is not a qualification to go to graduate school. Instead, tell us who you are, what your goals are, and how the MSA program will bridge the two. The admissions committee is looking for an academic and professional fit with the program. Your statement should be your best argument why you and the program are a good fit.

When and where do classes meet?
Classes are held on SCS’s Chicago Lakefront, Chicago Loop, and Evanston campuses. Each class meets once a week for 10 weeks, usually on a weeknight (Monday–Thursday). Saturday day classes are offered occasionally. Parking is available, and all locations are easily accessible by public transportation.

Is work experience required for admission?
It is not required, but it is highly desirable. The MSA is a professional degree program that capitalizes on students’ real-life experiences and challenges. Even if you are completely new to the sports industry, some post college work experience is to your advantage in this program.

How can I fit an internship or practicum into my full-time work schedule?
Internships are neither required nor guaranteed. We see internships as an exciting enhancement to your classroom experience and especially helpful when conducting the capstone project. Northwestern’s athletics department and other possible sites for internships understand our students’ tight schedule and work as much as possible to create a meaningful practicum within those constraints. In some cases, that means working beyond the boundaries of the 10-week quarter.

Is this a full-time or part-time program?
The MSA is designed to be completed on a part-time basis in order to accommodate the lives of busy professionals. Most students take one to two courses per quarter. Occasionally, your schedule and the program schedule might allow for full-time enrollment (three-four classes), but this is not guaranteed. International students are usually required to be full-time students and this might not be possible in every term.

How many classes can I take per quarter?
You can take up to four units of credit per quarter. Usually, one unit is equivalent to one class. Keep in mind that any financial aid you are receiving might depend on your enrollment status; check with the Chicago Financial Aid Office at (312) 503-8722 before registering. You may take a quarter off if you desire, but let us know beforehand.

How many credits are required to complete the program? Is a thesis required?
The program requires successful completion of an 11-unit curriculum. A "unit" is usually equivalent to one course and translates to 3 semester credit hours. A thesis is required and counts as the student's final course ("capstone project").

Does the School of Continuing Studies offer career placement assistance for graduates?
All graduate students are encouraged to take advantage of Northwestern University’s Career Placement Office and its services. Additionally, the School of Continuing Studies provides its own career events for SCS students throughout the year. These programs offer students practical information and advice regarding their future career intentions.

Admissions:

How do I apply?
You must submit the following items:

• An online application
• A nonrefundable application fee; see the online application for cost and instructions for payment
• One sealed copy of official transcripts from all previous colleges you have attended. THIS SHOULD INCLUDE BOTH CREDIT AND NONCREDIT COURSE WORK. Note: Students submitting transcripts from foreign institutions that are not in English must also present a course-by-course evaluation of their previous academic work.
• One copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation focusing on your academic and/or professional achievement and ability
• One copy of a 300-word statement of purpose indicating your preparedness for graduate study and future career interests
• Four copies of a writing sample (optional for fall 2007 applicants, mandatory for winter 2008 and after)