How to Apply
The Learning Sciences Master of Arts program offers rolling admissions throughout the year. For greater consideration, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications early in the admissions cycle. Applicants may begin in October of each year.
Early Decision: Students seeking an early decision should submit their applications by December 31 and notify Megan Redfearn of their early decision preference. The most competitive applicants will be notified by January 15. All other applications will be reviewed after January 15 and will receive rolling decision notification. For greatest consideration, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications before April.
Applications and test scores should be submitted directly to The Graduate School. All other materials should be submitted directly to the Learning Sciences program assistant (address below). The following application documents are required:
- Graduate School online application
- Application fee: $75 submitted online
- Official transcripts mailed to Learning Sciences Assistant
- Two letters of recommendation (may be submitted online OR by mail)
- Statement of purpose
- GRE scores (Strongly recommended. Send scores via code #1565)
- Resume and writing sample
- English proficiency scores for non-native English speakers: For the TOEFL. You must score 600 or higher on the paper-based test, 250 or higher on the computer-based test, 100 or higher on the internet based test. For the IELTS, you must receive a score of 7.0 or higher.
| Mail documents and direct application inquiries to: Pauline Shih Learning Sciences Program Assistant ls-programs@mail.sesp.northwestern.edu (t) 847/491-7494 School of Education and Social Policy Northwestern University 2120 Campus Drive Evanston, IL 60208-2610 |
Direct all other program inquiries to: Megan Redfearn LSMA Administrative Coordinator m-redfearn@northwestern.edu (t) 847/467-6519 |
Visiting Campus
All prospective students interested in the LSMA program are encouraged to attend an open house or arrange for an individual visit by contacting Megan Redfearn.
Open House: Admitted and prospective students are invited to spend the day at the School of Education and Social Policy. In addition to attending an information session, attendees will meet several of the Learning Sciences faculty and learn about their research and master's project opportunties, share lunch with alumni, attend a Learning Sciences lecture, tour the campus and spend a social evening in Evanston with current students.
Those who have been admitted to the program by April 1 will receive a $200 contribution for travel costs from outside the Chicago area. Reserve your space today by completing the online RSVP form
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition and fees details can be found on the Graduate School web page:
2007-2008: Tuition totals $38,960. Fall, winter and spring tuition total $35,064, while the final summer master's residency is $3,896.
2008-2009: Tuition totals $40,840. Fall, winter and spring tuition total $36,756, while the final summer master's residency is $4,084.
Master's students are not eligible for teaching or research assistantships, nor are the demands of the program compatible with full-time or part-time employment. The only significant source of financial aid is a student loan, although a small number of merit-based tuition reduction awards are available.
Merit Awards
Each year SESP makes a small number of merit-based awards to admitted master's students. In order to be considered for these rewards, applicants are required to submit GRE scores and Analytical Writing scores. The admissions committee determines recipients based on the strength of their application. These awards do not require a separate application.
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