FAQ

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information.

M.S. in Information Technology
Northwestern University
Technological Institute, Room L359
2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208-3118
Telephone: 847/491-5931
Fax: 847/467-3550
infotech@northwestern.edu

If you have questions about applying to the IT Program, please see the Admission FAQ page.

Classes and class days
How many students are in each class?
What is a typical class day like?
What type of math will I need to know in my classes?
Am I required to bring a laptop to class?
How much time do I need to spend outside of class?
Am I permitted to miss a class day?

Tuition and financial aid
What is your tuition?
How much do books cost?
What kind of financial aid do you offer and how do I apply?

Study groups
Do I have to be in a study group?
How big are the study groups?
How do I choose a study group?

Other
What kind of degree do I earn in the MSIT?
May I sit in on a class before I decide to apply?

Classes and Class Days
How many students are in each class?
One of the goals of the MSIT is to allow students the chance to develop meaningful relationships with other students and with our top-notch faculty. For this reason, we limit each new class to approximately 30-35 students, ensuring that you will have direct access to the resources and people you need.

What is a typical Saturday class day like?
Breakfast is available and classrooms are opened by about 8:15 each Saturday. Most of our students arrive by 9:00 a.m. to eat breakfast, mingle with other students, and prepare for class. The first class begins at 9:30 a.m. and lasts until 12:30 p.m. with a 15-minute break about halfway through the class. Students then have a break at 12:30, during which time we often have short presentations, called Tribunes, given by students or guests. We have lunch between 1:00 and 2:00, giving students plenty of time to refuel for the afternoon. The afternoon class meets from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., again with a break about halfway through.

What type of math will I need to know?
Some courses require a familiarity with high school algebra and pre-calculus. Courses do NOT use differential or integral calculus. Click here to learn more about the math used in the program.

Am I required to bring a laptop to class?
You are not required to bring a laptop to class. About half of our students bring laptops to take notes or to refer to online materials during class. Wireless service is provided should you choose to bring a laptop with you.

How much time should I expect to spend outside of class?
Outside of class, students spend 10-15 hours per week on homework and meeting with their study groups - on average. This time can vary greatly depending on the student and the quarter. Mid-quarter and end of quarter are generally some of the busiest times and may require more preparation (for exams, presentations, papers, etc.).

Am I permitted to miss a class day?
Naturally our students have lives outside of the classroom, and we understand that occasional absences from class are inevitable. However, your performance is directly impacted by your participation in class and group work. Our attendance policy holds that your grade may be affected if you miss more than 2 courses out of any 10-week quarter. If you must miss a class, you are responsible for notifying the instructor and our office as far in advance as possible and for making up any missed assignments.

Tuition and Financial Aid
What is the tuition?
See Tuition and Financial Aid.

How much do books cost?
The tuition you pay includes all of your MSIT books and instructional materials. And, our staff purchases the books on your behalf, so you won't need to make any trips to the bookstore. Full-time students are responsible for obtaining the materials required for their weekday EECS courses.

What kind of financial aid do you offer and how do I apply?
Students who need financial assistance will need to apply for student loans - either through the federal loan program or alternate lenders. We do not offer any scholarships or grants at this time. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can apply for federal student loans. Students with other residency statuses in the U.S. will likely be required to apply for loans through alternate lenders.

The majority of our students get at least some tuition reimbursement from their employers, but many supplement this reimbursement with student loans. Students may begin the application process for student loans as early as January of the year in which they will enroll in the IT Program. However, some awards (including federal loans) cannot be finalized until a student has been admitted to the program. See Tuition and Financial Aid.

Study Groups
Do I have to be in a study group?
Study groups are technically an optional part of the MSIT Program. However, they are strongly encouraged and incorporated into the administrative structure and grading scheme of most courses. There are so many benefits to being in a study group - shared learning, professional relationships, efficient learning - that we place every student in a group for the first quarter. Students will likely find that the benefits to being in a study group far outweigh the initial hesitation some students may feel about it.

How big are the study groups?
Generally, four students is considered ideal to allow for beneficial collaboration and sharing of work. There are occasions where groups of three or (rarely) five are allowed.

How do I choose a study group?
Since the study groups have become so important to the program, our staff takes some of the initial confusion out of the process by assigning each student to a study group. Assignments are made based on geographical preferences (i.e. where the student wishes to meet) and student backgrounds (aiming for a mix of technical and business backgrounds if possible). Students are not required to stay in the group to which they were assigned and may switch groups during the program.

Other
What kind of degree do I earn?
Students earn a Master of Science degree in Information Technology, conferred by Northwestern University's Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science.

May I sit in on a class before I decide to apply?
Yes! We encourage all prospective students to consider spending some time with us on a Saturday, either before you decide to apply or even after you have already applied. Sitting in on one or two of our classes is a great opportunity for you to meet our professors and students and to see the curriculum in action. Contact the Associate Director at 847-467-6557 or infotech@northwestern.edu if you would like to arrange a visit! We hold information sessions each Fall and Spring to provide such opportunities as well.