Northwestern University

Northwestern University General Information

Founded in 1851, the university was originally intended to educate states in the Northwest Territory, including Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio. Hosting 19 intercollegiate sports teams, Northwestern is the Big Ten conference's only private institution.

In 2008 over 25,000 students applied and just over 2,000 applicants were admitted and enrolled. Northwestern is one of the best universities in the Midwest and according to U.S. News and World Report it is ranked number 12 nationwide. Currently there are approximately 17,000 students enrolled. It is well known for the Kellogg School of Management, which ranks in the top five business schools nationwide.

Admissions and Enrollment

Prospective students will complete his or her application through the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Applicants are required to submit his or her secondary school transcripts, complete the application form, pay a fee and take the SAT or the ACT. Northwestern admits incoming freshmen as well as transfer students.

Colleges and Schools at Northwestern University

Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Undergraduates choose from a range of general education courses to select a field of study. Majors include art history, biological sciences, drama, philosophy, religion and European studies. Weinberg College is also designed to prepare students for professional careers such as business, law and healthcare.

School of Communication

The School of Communication has five programs of study that include, radio, television and film, communication sciences and disorders, communication studies, performance studies and theatre. Bachelor's, professional, doctoral and interdisciplinary degree programs are offered within the 18 programs of study. The school is home to clinics that, among other things, provide assessment and treatment for children and adults with audible deficiencies.

School of Continuing Studies

Designed for active, working adults who want to pursue further education and still maintain a committed personal life. Undergraduate and graduate students can acquire a certificate, bachelors, masters or a professional degree through the school of continuing studies. Programs include economics, creative writing, medical informatics, forensics and business administration.

School of Education and Social Policy

The school is the smallest at Northwestern University, with only 700 students and 23 faculty members. It is intended to focus on the study of learning and how to improve the education system and its approach to learning. The two doctoral degree programs, learning sciences and human development and social policy, have been in the Northwestern education system since 1981 and 1989 respectively.

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

The McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science has eight departments. Students at the undergraduate level work on real client-based projects in addition to having the opportunity to internship at an outside company through Northwestern. Graduate students are often already employed full-time and the school offers master's, specialized and doctoral degree programs designed to work around his or her schedule.

The Graduate School

This school is designed for students who want to pursue a master's and doctoral degrees in academic and general education programs. The graduate school offers Master of Arts , Master of Fine Arts, Master of Science, Master of Public Health and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs. The school also works closely with other departments and schools in order to set up an interdisciplinary graduate degree program for students.

Medill School of Journalism

The school of journalism at Northwestern has been around since 1921. Undergraduate students have opportunities to study in Washington D.C. and in Chicago where they can experience hands-on, real world experience. Prospective graduate students with a minimum of seven years of journalism experience can purse a degree through the master's degree program for experienced professionals.

School of Law

Prospective students must have earned bachelor's degrees and go through an in-person or a virtual interview process with the admissions committee. The main degree program at the School of Law is the juris doctor (JD). The facilities available to law students include, two courtrooms, hi-tech classrooms and the Pritzker Legal Research Center. The majority of students (95%), have at least one year of full-time work experience before entering the School of Law.

Kellogg School of Management

The Kellogg School of Management has been apart of Northwestern since 1908. The school has over 50,000 alumni that go on to be leaders in business, education, technology and other professions. The main degree program is the full or part time Master of Business Administration (MBA). In addition, there is an executive MBA, international executive MBA, an executive education certificate and a doctoral degree program.

Feinberg School of Medicine

Founded in 1859, the Feinberg School of Medicine was originally affiliated with Lind University and was not apart of Northwestern until 1870. The primary degree programs are Doctor of Medicine and a baccalaureate honors program in medical education. In addition, combined programs are available, such as Doctor of Medicine/Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Medicine/Master of Public Health. Graduate students can also take programs like Physical Therapy and Genetic Counseling.

Bienen School of Music

The Bienen School of Music was founded in 1895. As of 2009, there are 410 undergraduate and 210 graduate students. Degree programs include, bachelor's, master's, doctor's and PhD in music. There are many ensembles, such as chapel choir, guitar ensemble and symphonic band. Facilities at the school of music include a concert hall, printed music library and the administration building where all classes are taken.

Contact Information

Address: 633 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60208

Phone Number: (847) 491-3741