Admissions Details

Admissions decisions are based on a holistic evaluation of an applicant's academic and leadership achievements, motivation, professional performance, and potential as an educator.

Elementary and Secondary Teaching candidates complete the program over two years, while Educational Studies and Learning Sciences candidates can complete the program in a single year. Most candidates will begin the program in Fall quarter. In some cases, an advisor might recommend starting the program in Summer instead.

Applicants who apply by the early admission deadline have the best chance of being awarded scholarships and graduate assistant positions.

Admissions Criteria

We review applications holistically. When reviewing an application, we are looking for candidates who can make a strong case why they want to pursue their chosen concentration (Elementary/Secondary Teaching, Educational Studies, Learning Sciences, or Teacher Leadership) at Northwestern. Relevant experience is helpful, but not necessary. Career changers are welcome. If you are a career changer, we would like to understand what brought about that change.

Typically, we like to see candidates who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better (on a 4-point scale). If you are pursuing your initial teaching license, we also would like to see a 3.0 or higher GPA in your chosen content area. Those pursuing an initial teaching license in Spanish must submit an OPI with a score of Advanced Low or better. The TOEFL or IELTS is required for international applicants. Competitive scores are 100 or higher on the TOEFL (on a 120-point scale) or 7.5 or higher on the IELTS (on a 9-point scale). TOEFL/IELTS waivers can be requested for those whose native language is English, have earned a four-year degree from a college or university in an English-speaking country, or who have lived in an English-speaking country for a significant amount of time and speak English on a daily basis. The GRE is optional. Competitive scores are in the mid-150s on the Verbal and Quantitative sections (on a 170-point scale), and 4.0 or better on the Analytical Writing section (on a 6-point scale). If you choose not to submit GRE scores, your application will not be penalized in any way.

Application Deadlines 

*If desired, students may start in the 2024 summer quarter pending guidance from their advisor (summer classes begin June 17, 2024).

Application Instructions

Apply for outstanding master's degree programs in Elementary Teaching, Secondary Teaching, Educational Studies, or Learning Sciences.