Your Future in Higher Education Starts Here.
Develop the knowledge and skills to lead and promote change in the areas of higher education administration and policy.
Apply OnlineOur Application Process
To submit a strong and competitive application, attend one of our numerous in-person and virtual information sessions, which are offered at a variety of times to accommodate your schedule as much as possible. The information sessions are interactive, helpful, and informative. Full-time applicants will learn how to request an application fee waiver.
All MSHE applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an information session prior to submitting their application. The admissions committee takes information session attendance into consideration when reviewing an application.
If you are unable to attend any of the currently scheduled sessions, contact ms-highered@northwestern.edu to discuss your options.
Register for an information session.
Our students bring a variety of experiences directly from undergraduate institutions, as well as those with industry experience. Wherever you come from, your background is a valuable part of what you bring to our program. Apply for our outstanding master's program today!
Learn more about our application processApplication Deadlines
The MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy degree has rolling admissions, and students may begin taking courses in the summer, fall or winter quarter. However, full-time students who want to complete the master's degree in one year must begin in the summer or fall quarter. Full-time degree applicants who apply by the early admission deadline have the best chance of being awarded partial tuition scholarships, graduate assistantships, and paid internships.
Regular Admission Deadlines |
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| Desired Entrance Quarter | All Application Materials Due | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
| Summer or Fall 2022 |
Early Admission Deadline: January 7, 2022 (to receive best consideration for partial tuition scholarships, graduate assistantships, and paid internships) | June 20, 2022 Sept. 20, 2022 |
| Spring 2022 | Part-time only: February 18, 2022 (Matriculated & Non-matriculated) | March 29, 2022 |
| Summer 2022 | Matriculated: May 16, 2022 (International applicants encouraged to submit their application by April 11, 2022 for visa processing purposes.) Non-matriculated/Certificate: May 31, 2022 |
June 20, 2022 |
| Fall 2022 | Matriculated: August 15, 2022 (International applicants encouraged to submit their application by July 11, 2022 for visa processing purposes.) Non-matriculated/Certificate: August 29, 2022 |
Sept. 22, 2022 |
Read more about the application process for more information about applying to each of our degree programs.
*Preview Days
Preview Northwestern Days is a special event for applicants who are admitted to the program for the January early admission deadline. At this event, admitted students interview for internships and graduate assistantships, meet with an academic adviser, and get to know faculty, alumni, current students, and future classmates. Preview Days takes place annually in early March.