Frequently Asked Questions

We find that questions fall within five general categories.

• Applying to SESP undergraduate programs
• Transferring to SESP from another Northwestern School
• Degree/program offerings and requirements
• General academic opportunities
• Life after graduation

• I want to apply to SESP. Should I set up an interview with someone in the school?
  A member of the SESP Student Affairs team is always glad to meet with prospective students and their families. We have information sessions every day (Monday through Friday) at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Affairs Office on the first floor of Annenberg Hall. The SESP Student Affairs staff does not have any input on the admissions process. All admissions decisions are made by the Northwestern Undergraduate Office of Admission.

• Is there an ideal school at Northwestern that I should apply to, in order to increase my chances of acceptance?
  No, our best advice is to apply to the school with the academic program that most excites you!

Transferring to SESP from another Northwestern School

• How do I transfer to SESP?
  All Northwestern students considering SESP should begin by attending one of our information sessions held in the SESP Student Affairs Office (first floor of Annenberg). Sessions are offered Monday through Friday at 3:30 p.m. and last about one hour. Attending a session will educate a student about SESP, our programs, degree requirements and the interschool transfer process.

• Do I have to declare a concentration when I enter SESP?
  Yes, this is done primarily to connect students with an advisor. Students may swtich between concentrations with ease by speaking with their advisor and the assistant dean.

• How long do my answers to the interschool transfer essay questions need to be?
  Most students are able to adequately answer the questions in two pages total for all the questions.

Degree/program offerings and requirements

• Is an 'undergraduate concentration' the same thing as a 'major'?
  Yes

• Is SESP only for people who want to teach?
  While we have an excellent secondary teacher preparation program, our students may also focus on Human Development and Psychological Services, Learning and Organizational Change and Social Policy.

• May I stay in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences (WCAS) and still be certified to teach?
  Yes. Contact Meg Kreuser, the secondary teaching adviser for more information.

• Are SESP rules about distribution requirements and Advanced Placement credit the same as WCAS?
  While there are similarities, there are several key differences. Students should not assume that they can follow WCAS rules and apply them to SESP requirements. Contact an advisor for specific questions.

• As an undergraduate, can I earn an elementary teaching certification?
  No. However, we do have an outstanding Master's of Science in Education Program, from which you may be certified to teach elementary school.

• Can I earn a second major or minor if I am in SESP?
  Yes, but there are exceptions. Generally, SESP students can earn a second major or minor in one of the WCAS programs of study. Second majors or minors are not available within SESP or in other Northwestern schools such as Communication. Talk with an advisor for more information.

• Is there a language requirement in SESP?
  While we do not have a language requirement, we encourage all students to develop or strengthen their fluency in another language. One year of language is required for students studying abroad (if the language spoken in the country visited is taught at Northwestern).

• Will I take a freshman seminar as a SESP student?
  No. These seminars are designed for WCAS students to provide them with a more personal connection with the school. Because SESP is so small, our first-year students feel connected to the school, their peers, the advisors and faculty.

General academic opportunities

• What is the practicum?
  All SESP students are required to complete one or more practicum experiences, all of which are designed to provide students with a real-world experience that is related to their academic field. The practicum usually occurs during the junior year and is one of the most popular features of an SESP degree!

• Since the practicum is done in the junior year, can I still study abroad?
  Yes, most definitely! We encourage students to work closely with their advisors to build a study abroad program into their academic plans. Students may study abroad for a quarter, semester or full year.

• Do I have to be a SESP student to participate in the Washington, D.C., Chicago or San Francisco summer field studies program?
  No. In fact we encourage all Northwestern students to consider either vibrant program. For more information, visit the practicum/field studies portion of our web site.

Life after graduation

• Will SESP prepare me for graduate school?
  Most definitely! Our interdisciplinary focus, exposure to research opportunities, focus on classroom projects and real-world experience gained through our practicums prepare students for graduate study in law, medicine, public health, education, psychology, social work and business.

• What types of careers do SESP graduates pursue?
  The range of career opportunities is quite broad. Our students become therapists, consultants, entrepreneurs, policy advocates, nonprofit directors, researchers, human resource professionals, teachers and much more!