As of Spring 2010, the Master of Science in Information Technology was approved to offer a full-time program option.
Eligibility for Full-Time Program
Basic Requirements
- Possess a bachelor’s degree IN COMPUTER SCIENCE OR ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (or something very similar) from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or foreign institution. Because half of the courses for the full-time program will be taken through Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, candidates must possess the EECS prerequisite knowledge in programming and higher-level math.
- Be fluent in English as demonstrated via TOEFL scores (minimum on Internet-based TOEFL of 80/100). Our TOEFL institution code is 7456.
- Must earn a minimum quantitative GRE score of at least 650/800 on the old scale (151/170 on the new scale). While we will also review the verbal and analytical writing scores, we are most interested in the quantitative score. ALL international applicants MUST take the GRE. Our GRE institution code is 1606.
- All applicants are required to have at least two years of work experience in an IT-related position. Internship experience will be considered in lieu of full-time work experience for full-time applicants. Any type or level of position within a company is suitable, as long as applicants have a strong interest in better understanding the engineering principles of IT while learning how to evaluate and manage it.
Structure
Students in the full-time program will have two options:
1. Complete the MSIT in 9 months, September to June of the academic year they enroll. Four courses per quarter will be taken - 2 from EECS department course offerings (300 level or above), which are held on weekdays - and 2 from the “regular” Saturday MSIT offerings.
2. Complete the MSIT over 4 quarters (Fall, Winter, Spring, and another Fall). This allows for a summer internship.
There are two potential tracks to pursue within the full-time program: one more computer science oriented and one more electrical engineering oriented. Note: there is room for exceptions and potential independent studies based on one’s background, interests, and career goals. Admitted students will work closely with an assigned faculty advisor to set up an approved study plan.
MSIT course descriptions can be accessed here.
Here are the links to EECS course descriptions and course schedules.
Please note that the MSIT Academic Calendar with our Saturday-only class schedule is different from the EECS Academic Calendar, which follows the standard Northwestern University schedule.
Tuition & Other Costs
2012-2013 Estimated Total Cost of Attendance
for MSIT Full-Time International Students
Type of Expense |
3 Quarters |
4 Quarters (Fall 2012, Winter 2013, Spring 2013, Fall 2013) Completion June 2013 |
Tuition |
$40,836 |
$54,448 [$13,612 per quarter through Spring 2013 (for 3 courses). *Fall quarter 2013 tuition rates may change] |
Room and Board |
$15,459 |
$24,720 16 months – assuming $1,545 per month for rent and food |
NU Health Plan* |
$2,842 |
$2,842 *plus 4 months of new rate |
Books |
$600 |
$600 (assume $100 each for 6 EECS courses; MSIT books are provided) |
Transportation |
$1,530 |
$1,700 |
Personal Expenses |
$3,819 |
$6,112 16 months - $382 per month for utilities, phone, clothing, dining out, etc. |
Loan Fees (if applicable) |
$105 |
$155 |
ESTIMATED |
$65,191 |
$90,577 |
*2013-2014 tuition rates will be set around April 2013.
Living expenses vary widely depending on:
- where you live (see links to Engelhart Graduate Housing; the Graduate Housing Home page has the application; Off-Campus Housing Resources can be found here.)
- marital status
- number of children
NOTE:
University-sponsored housing for graduate students is limited, so housing costs are difficult to estimate.
The cost estimates above are based on averages, assume a minimum standard of living (including cost of living increases), and should be taken as a guide only.
All amounts are for a single student and do not include the cost of maintaining a spouse or other dependents.
* All full-time students must maintain health insurance that meets the University’s standards.
Additional information regarding payment options and coverage details can be found here.
Tuition for the 2013-2014 academic year will be established Spring 2013.
Financial Aid & Billing Information
Financial Aid
The Student Financial Services office at Northwestern University processes all graduate student financial aid awards. Students in our program typically only qualify for student loans. Grants or scholarships are not available. Students considering applying for financial aid should refer to The Graduate School’s financial aid web site for helpful information on terms, deadlines, and downloadable forms.
Financial aid will not be processed until a student has announced their intention to enroll (matriculates) in the IT program.
Alternative loans:
Alternative loans are an option for international students or other students ineligible for federal loans. Alternative, or private loans, are credit-based and could require a co-signer. Click here for more information.
To apply, students must:
- Complete the loan application corresponding to the alternative lender you’ve chosen.
- Check your “To Do” list on CAESAR for any outstanding requirements.
Billing:
Tuition bills are generated by the registration process. The exact date of billing is dependent on the date of registration. Billing notices are emailed to students via their NU email address (no postal mail). Payments are due on the first day of the next month after the bill has been received. Click here for more information on payment options.
The University generally emails students additional information about financial rules and regulations with your first bill. This provides much more detail about tuition and billing.
Admission Requirements & Timeline
In order to assure we are able to process your student visa, international applicants must apply by April 30th of the year in which they wish to enroll (i.e. if you plan to begin for Fall 2013, you must have all application materials in by April 30, 2013).
Required materials
Full-Time Applicants will complete and submit the following application components online:
- General application form (available here)
- Personal statement: each applicant is required to respond to the question outlined in the online application. There is no minimum length required, but applicants should submit a thoughtful, thorough response. Quality of writing and thought are weighed more heavily than the length of the statement. In your statement, please indicate that you are interested in the Full-Time Program! We are also interested in hearing about your potential study plan (i.e. which EECS and MSIT courses are you most interested in and why?)
- Current resume: the resume should be detailed, showing specific responsibilities and career progression
- Three recommendations: one must come from your current supervisor. We are not looking for free form letters from your recommenders. There are specific questions we are looking for responses to included on the recommendation form set up in the online system. Recommendation forms can be emailed directly to your references when you submit the application (after you add in their names and email addresses). Completed forms are then returned via email or our online application system.
The following materials will be submitted via mail to the MSIT office:
- A signed signature page (downloaded via the online application)
- A $50 (USD) non-refundable application fee (we are not able to accept credit card payments)
- Official, sealed transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. The academic records we refer to as transcripts should provide a listing, year-by-year, of all courses taken and the grade or marks received for each one. It is helpful to have the grading scale of the institution and the student’s rank in class included when such information is available. Do not submit secondary school records. Secondary school records will not be reviewed and will be discarded. To be considered, all documents not in English must be accompanied by official English translations. We accept translations from the institution issuing the transcript, your consulate, or a certified translator, preferably from the American Translators Association. You may find an ATA translator here. Plain translations, notarized translations, and translations done by someone other than a certified translator are not acceptable.
- GRE scores - Scores must be sent to code 1606. The GMAT may not be substituted for the GRE.
Application Process
Applications are only accepted for the fall term each year. We do not admit students for the winter or spring quarter. Applications for the fall term are accepted as early as September 1 of the previous year (i.e. apply September 1, 2012 for the term beginning in September 2013) and no later than April 30th of the year you wish to enroll (i.e. the application deadline for Fall 2013 is April 30, 2013) You may submit materials in any order. If we receive transcripts or other materials in advance of your completed online application, we will hold on to those materials. We recommend that you request your transcripts and arrange for your recommendations first, as those steps rely on third parties for completion. All supplemental materials should be sent to the following address:
Master of Science in Information Technology Admissions
2145 Sheridan Rd., Tech M390
Evanston, IL 60208
We process and review applications on an on-going basis. Applicants who are considered good candidates for the program will be asked to interview with us. Interviews are held with members of the program's board of directors and provide an ideal opportunity for you and the program staff to ensure that the MSIT is a good fit. If a face to face interview is not possible, phone or video skype will be arranged.
Once you have submitted all of the required materials and been interviewed, you generally will receive an admission decision within 3-4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do full-time MSIT students still participate in study groups?
Yes. Full-time students will form their own study group and/or be assigned to an existing study group based on the courses taken and where existing study groups are meeting. One might be in two different MSIT study groups depending on the MSIT courses one is registered for. In EECS courses, any groups are set up by the faculty member teaching the course or independently as instructed.
How does the visa application process work?
See general process here and these guidelines listed on the International Office website: http://www.northwestern.edu/international/student/new/index.html
Can I be employed while enrolled as a full-time MSIT student?
The course load is heavy and the full-time program is not meant to be undertaken while employed. Each visa category has very strict guidelines on employment as well. See guidelines here. ANY employment must be approved by the International Office.
Can I apply for post-completion employment authorization?
F1 and J1 students in the MSIT program may apply for post-completion employment authorization allowing them to explore practical training that is directly related to the Information Technology program.
F1 students who complete the program in the prescribed period (3 quarters) are eligible to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), and should do so 90 days prior to completion of the degree. OPT is granted for one 12-month period per academic level. Additionally, in April, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released changes to F-1 OPT rules that affect all future applicants of OPT. Students in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may be eligible to extend their OPT authorization from 12- to 29-months, based on a 17-month extension. Information Technology students are eligible for this extension.
J1 students who complete the program in the prescribed period are eligible to apply for post-completion Academic Training and must do so on or before the end-date listed on the DS-2019. Academic Training is awarded based on the amount of time the student has been in-country, in J-1 status (i.e. this 9-month program equates to 9 months of post-completion Academic Training).
Can I apply for the full-time option if I am a U.S. citizen?
Potentially. You must meet the same admission criteria in terms of undergraduate major and professional experience and be able to complete the full-time requirements. You must also not be working full-time during your enrollment. Once admitted, one CANNOT switch between part-time and full-time!
