McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University

Full-Time Master's Degree

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McCormick has tailored its master’s degree programs to best fit the constant changes of the work and research environments. Whether you’re a recent graduate or well into your career track, McCormick’s master’s programs will leave you poised to make a lasting impact, at work and in the broader world.

The eight departments within McCormick administer the graduate degrees below. Each department handles its own recruitment and admissions process. For specific information about master’s programs, please visit the departmental web sites listed below.

All departmental master's applicants use this electronic application. For more detailed instructions on applying for a departmental master's program, see this document.

Full-Time Master's Degree Programs at McCormick

MS in Analytics
MS in Biomedical Engineering
MS in Biotechnology
MS in Chemical and Biological Engineering
MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering
MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
MS in Engineering Design and Innovation
Master of Engineering Management
MS in Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics
MS in Information Technology
The MMM Program
MS in Materials Science and Engineering
MS in Mechanical Engineering
MS in Product Design and Development Management
MS in Project Management
MS in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

MS in Analytics

The Master of Science in Analytics is a 15-month, full-time program that combines mathematical and statistical study with instruction in advanced computational and data analysis. Students learn to identify patterns and trends; interpret and gain insight from vast quantities of structured and unstructured data; and communicate their findings in practical, useful terms.

All three areas of data analysis are studied: predictive (forecasting), descriptive (business intelligence and data mining) and prescriptive (optimization and simulation). This more comprehensive curriculum seeks to create a broader perspective, teaching the skills necessary to be highly effective in solving the business challenges of the world today.

MS in Biomedical Engineering

The department of Biomedical Engineering at McCormick is consistently ranked among the top biomedical engineering graduate programs in the country. With cutting-edge research in neural engineering, cardiopulmonary and vascular engineering, materials and tissues, and imaging and biophotonics, the department attracts top faculty and graduate students alike.

Students in the program study engineering, life sciences, and mathematics while participating in revolutionary research. Graduates proceed to positions throughout the biomedical industry and academia.

MS in Biotechnology

The Master of Science in Biotechnology Program (MBP) at Northwestern University stresses the interdisciplinary nature of the biotechnology industry by combining an integrated curriculum of modern biology and bioprocess engineering courses with in-depth, interdisciplinary biotechnology research projects directed by distinguished faculty preceptors from across Northwestern’s many departments. An industrial internship track provides the opportunity for in-depth pratical experience.

The Master of Science in Biotechnology degree program provides a distinct advantage in preparing chemists, biologists and engineers for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. MBP students and alumni pursue diverse career opportunities with the assistance of a full-time industrial liaison. Our industrial advisory board provides advice and contributes speakers for seminar on the legal, regulatory, business, and ethical aspects of biotechnology.

MS in Chemical and Biological Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is nationally recognized for its leadership in modern engineering research and education. The department’s goal is to provide students with tools, experience, and adaptability to prosper in research and development in industry or government, or as faculty members at colleges and universities.

The graduate program is one of the highest-ranked programs of its kind in the nation, and emphasizes both core chemical engineering training as well as interdisciplinary research on the cutting edge of the field. Relative to many peer institutions, Northwestern places a great deal of emphasis on interdisciplinary and cross-school research interactions. Of the department’s research-active faculty, over half have formal associations with other departments through full, joint or courtesy appointments, and half of these advise graduate students from other departments.

MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Northwestern is a premier research and academic department ranked among the top CEE departments in the nation. With approximately 30 faculty members, CEE provides graduate students with an exceptional range of opportunities to advance their knowledge and careers in a scholarly community small enough to assure individual attention and effective mentoring.

Graduate student in lab with Professor

CEE prepares students to become the next generation of leaders in research, academic, corporate, and public service settings. Students work with their advisors to construct study plans suited to their unique interests. These include extensive options for courses outside civil and environmental engineering that address a wide variety of social, economic, and physical challenges in constructing and managing the industrial and public works infrastructure. Back to Top

MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

The Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) has an internationally renowned faculty, state-of-the-art research equipment, and the considerable resources offered by a great university. Research areas span the spectrum from photonics to graphics and interactive media to signals and systems, and the department is home to several interdisciplinary centers that lie at the core of 21st century product design and knowledge discovery.

Many of the department’s award-winning faculty members have cross-disciplinary appointments in fields like music and social policy, and, as shown by both the graduate and undergraduate programs’ high rankings, faculty members have an uncommon commitment to students.

MS in Engineering Design and Innovation

The Master of Science in Engineering Design and Innovation (EDI) is a 15-month program intended for recent engineering graduates seeking to lead the design of future innovative products, services, and technologies. EDI introduces engineers to design thinking, a process of user observation, visualization, rapid prototyping, and iteration.

EDI graduates will be prepared to collaborate on, and lead, cross-functional development teams to create innovative and effective products and services.

Master of Engineering Management

The Master of Engineering Management Program (MEM) is designed for engineering and science professionals who want to develop core management and leadership skills while keeping on the cutting edge of technology. The curriculum enables engineers to communicate more effectively and to move from thinking tactically to thinking strategically. The program is dedicated to the belief that if you want a great technical manager, you should start with a great engineer.

MS in Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics

The Engineering Science and Applied Mathematics department takes science and engineering problems and solves them using mathematical models. When confronted with an engineering or scientific problem, applied mathematicians either formulate a mathematical model of that problem or determine how to modify a suitable existing model. They then solve the equations of the model and analyze the solution to compare with experimental or observational data.

The MS program is designed for students who want a background in basic applied math skills but who are not necessarily interested in pursuing PhD studies. The MS program can be completed in 3 quarters of study and is suitable for students who intend to work in, for example, industrial environments where specialized PhD training is not required.

MS in Information Technology

The MS in Information Technology gives IT professionals a cross-functional perspective of information technology and its place in business operations. By learning the engineering principles behind information technology and the business context in which IT decisions are made, our graduates are prepared to implement better IT solutions that reflect the demands of today's evolving marketplace.

The MMM Program

The MMM Program is a joint-degree program offered by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. Fulfilling one set of curricular requirements, MMM candidates earn two degrees in two years: a Kellogg Master of Business Administration and a McCormick Master of Engineering Management. MMM integrates design and operations, from concept to execution, from the management perspective.

MS in Materials Science and Engineering

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is recognized through the materials community for its educational and research accomplishments. Since it was established as the first materials science academic department in the world more than 50 years ago, the department has continued to lead the field and be ranked among the top programs in the country. Prof. Faber and student in lab

The master's program in materials science and engineering is designed to integrate courses that apply across the field, as well as specialty courses selected with the adviser. Of particular note is our certificate program in Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), which is specifically designed to prepare students for career opportunities in industry related to the Materials Genome Initiative. In addition, business-oriented students can earn a minor in Engineering Management.

MS in Mechanical Engineering

Graduate work in mechanical engineering at Northwestern provides students with an exciting array of coursework and research, blending fundamental background with cutting-edge science and technology. Northwestern’s tradition of interdisciplinary research offers exciting opportunities in novel research projects to provide the best education for a future career.

The MS program in Mechanical Engineering is designed to provide the student with advanced technical knowledge beyond what is offered in a Bachelor’s program, and offers some exposure to research at the cutting edge of today’s technology. The MS program has two options: the thesis option and the non-thesis option for terminal MS degree.

Master of Product Design and Development Management

The Master of Product Design and Development Management program is designed for professionals who are eager to excel in the field of product design and development. Students learn every aspect of the design and development process, including creativity and design, form and function, project management, customer-focused innovation, marketing and marketing research, and financial issues, all in a highly-focused curriculum. The program is uniquely structured to address both business and design concepts, with half its coursework devoted to basic business management issues affecting professionals in product design and development, and the other half devoted to advanced managerial concepts.

The nine-month, full-time graduate program takes place on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus two days per week, Fridays and Saturdays. The program is a must for mid-to-senior level design and development professionals who are currently involved or will be involved in the management of design and development of new products.

Master of Science in Project Management

The Master of Science in Project Management Program (MPM) is designed to prepare technically qualified individuals for responsible management roles in the design, construction, operation, and management of major civil and environmental engineering projects. The 12-course program consists of a nucleus of managerial courses complemented by a choice of specialization courses. The program is flexible enough to accommodate both full-time and part-time students.

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (TAM) at Northwestern University is an interdisciplinary, interdepartmental degree-granting graduate program. It involves faculty from various departments, including Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Applied Mathematics, and Biomedical Engineering.

The TAM graduate program is flexible and adaptable to the specific needs and abilities of the students, who take a balanced set of courses offered by the participating departments.