Curriculum

The curriculum of the Higher Education Administration and Policy Program is designed to expose students to the full institutional and social context of the American higher education system. This broad course of study helps students to consider all of the important factors and stakeholders that will impact their professional practice. Exposure to a wide range of careers and functions within higher education gives alumni career flexibility and helps them discover what types of positions most closely fit their interests.

Fifteen courses are required for the master's degree, including eight core courses, three electives, three courses taken for the master's research project and one course credit given for the internship (unless waived).

While elective courses in Higher Education Administration and Policy are offered each year, students may also choose to take any graduate-level course at Northwestern University as their elective, provided they can explain the relevance of the course to their studies. Many students take courses in topics such as athletics administration, organizational development, non-profit management, counseling, sociology, psychology and statistics.

Students may elect to pursue the degree on either a part-time or full-time basis.

One-Year Track

Full-time students can complete the master's degree in one calendar year. Students on the one-year track take four courses most quarters and must begin in either the summer or fall quarter.

Five-Quarter Track

Full-time students may also elect to earn the degree in about a year and a half. Students on this track take three courses each quarter and may begin in any quarter. Most students on the five-quarter track take the summer quarter off.

Two-Year Track

Part-time students can complete the degree in two years by taking two courses per quarter. Many students who are working full-time elect to complete the program on this schedule. Students may begin in any quarter.

Three-Year Track

Part-time students on the three-year track take just one course in most quarters. This is a good option for those who have demanding work schedules or family obligations. Students may begin in any quarter.