Your Future in Higher Education Starts Here.
Develop the knowledge and skills to lead and promote change in higher education administration and policy.
Apply OnlineThe MSHE admission team is here to assist you! Standing: Mark Hoffman (Associate Director for Academic Advising and Enrollment), Isabel Tamas (Graduate Assistant). Sitting: Jeanine Breen (Program Assistant), Lourdes Carteño (Graduate Assistant), Cordelia Wang (Graduate Assistant).
Our 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 (Chicago, Illinois, across the United States, or from around the world), your academic, professional, and personal background and perspective is a valuable part of what you bring to our program. For our international applicants, we provide specific details regarding English language proficiency, visas, and more within ‘Learn more about our application process’.
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 spring, summer, or fall 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 2023 |
Early Admission Deadline: January 6, 2023 (to receive best consideration for partial tuition scholarships, graduate assistantships, and paid internships) | June 20, 2023 or September 19, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | PART-TIME ONLY Matriculated: February 10, 2023 Non-matriculated/Certificate: February 24, 2023 |
March 28, 2023 |
| Summer 2023 | Matriculated: May 5, 2023 (International applicants encouraged to submit their application by April 7, 2023 for visa processing purposes.) Non-matriculated/Certificate: May 19, 2023 |
June 20, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Matriculated: August 4, 2023 (International applicants encouraged to submit their application by July 7, 2023 for visa processing purposes.) Non-matriculated/Certificate: August 11, 2023 |
September 19, 2023 |
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.
A Special Message for Our International Applicants
An Enthusiastic WELCOME from the MSHE Community!
We are passionate about educating exceptional students from every corner of the globe and are so pleased that you are considering applying to be a part of the MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) program!
If you have not had an opportunity to attend one of our interactive and helpful information sessions, we encourage you to sign up for a session here. Attending an information session will better inform you about the MSHE program and result in a stronger application.
Also, please refer to specific application information for international applicants, which is located here. If, after reading this helpful information, you have questions regarding components of the MSHE application, contact Jeanine Breen (MSHE Program Assistant). If you have questions about the MSHE program, the admission process, or higher education, contact Mark Hoffman (Associate Director). Both will be glad to assist you!