Northwestern MSLOC Announces New One-Year Degree Path
Flexibility has always been a hallmark of the Northwestern MS in Learning and Organizational Change program, where students can pursue a graduate degree and/or certificate full-time or part-time and study from the Chicago area or wherever they live. Starting in September 2024, Northwestern MSLOC will offer admitted students another option: to earn the degree within 12 months. This path is designed to meet the learning and professional needs of students seeking an immersive, accelerated graduate experience with all the lifelong benefits of joining MSLOC’s learning community.
Students on an accelerated path will start in fall quarter of each academic year and take a full load of coursework (3.5 – 4 courses) in each of the four quarters. Accelerated path students will be in courses with other MSLOC students on full-time (1.5 – 2 years) and part-time paths (2.5 – 5 years), allowing them the benefits of both a close cohort and full community engagement.
“We are thrilled to offer another way for individuals to engage with our MSLOC community,” says Dr. Kimberly Scott, Executive Director for the Master’s and Executive programs in Learning and Organizational Change. “Our faculty and staff continuously seek ways to innovate and evolve our curriculum. This additional path along with the courses we are creating to support it reflect our commitment to meet our students’ needs.”
“Students looking to relocate and spend a year in the Chicago area while earning a degree? We can’t wait to welcome you to Evanston. Professionals taking a learning sabbatical? We’d love to help with your educational goals. Career pivoters, parents and others looking for an intensive academic bridge to their next work journey, we are here to support you and your career development,” shared Diane Knoepke, Director of Program Engagement and Outreach for Northwestern MSLOC.
All of MSLOC’s degree program options require the same number of course credits (15). Coursework includes core courses, elective courses, a Capstone evidence-based change project, and the option to simultaneously complete a certificate in Designing for Organizational Effectiveness alongside the MS degree. In addition to academic coursework, students will engage in career-related co-curricular activities for career development and to foster cohort connections.
Prospective international students considering Northwestern for graduate work will find that the MSLOC degree coursework meets visa requirements for in-person learning, and the program is STEM-designated in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. This allows international students to remain in the US for two additional years after graduation to continue their professional development.
To learn more about MSLOC’s curriculum and logistics, program design, community, career services, admissions requirements, and financing, join us for an upcoming virtual information session by registering here: https://www.sesp.northwestern.edu/masters-learning-and-organizational-change/register-for-information-session.html.
Frequently Asked Questions: MSLOC Accelerated Path
How long will it take to complete the degree on the accelerated path?It will take approximately one year. You will start courses in late September and finish the following August.
Would I need to live near campus to complete the accelerated MSLOC degree?
It is strongly recommended to live in the Evanston or Chicago area while pursuing an MSLOC degree on the accelerated path. You will need to be on campus regularly for course intensives, and you will have access to additional in-person co-curricular and community programming, both through MSLOC and Northwestern as a whole.
Can I work full-time while pursuing the one-year MSLOC degree?
No. While it varies by student, we expect your coursework will take an average of 35-45 hours per week. You may pursue part-time or contract work, graduate assistantships, or teaching assistantships to supplement your experience in the program.
Is there still an opportunity to adjust my plan, or am I locked into the accelerated path?
MSLOC degree paths are flexible – if you would like to decelerate or add a certificate, you can choose to augment your program plan and timing to fit your goals.
What is the profile of the MSLOC student population?
The current MSLOC student population includes four generations of students, all of whom are working to equip themselves and their colleagues to successfully lead people, facilitate learning, and drive change.
How are MSLOC’s courses delivered? What formats are offered?
MSLOC’s celebrated hybrid course format combines live interactive virtual sessions, in-person intensive seminars, and technology-enabled collaboration. For over a decade, this hybrid format has mirrored the multimodal ways professionals work and learn now, in addition to preparing global leaders to drive improvements in hybrid collaboration. What’s special about MSLOC’s hybrid approach is that it combines the best of all worlds – it provides great flexibility without sacrificing personal connection.
Will there be any new course offerings with the accelerated path?
Yes. We will be launching two new half-credit courses during the 2024-2025 academic year. One will be focused on career development, and the other will be on driving sustainability in organizations.
Northwestern University's Master of Science in Learning and Organizational Change (MSLOC) equips leaders with the vision, knowledge, and skills to facilitate sustainable, positive organizational transformation. MSLOC is part of Northwestern's School of Education and Social Policy which is a catalyst for positive change. As established leaders in educational design, learning at all ages, and social policy, we produce pathbreaking research, offer exceptional educational opportunities, and serve our local and global communities through mutually beneficial collaborations and partnerships. To learn more about the school’s programs, visit sesp.northwestern.edu/programs.