If you plan to seek a master’s degree in Computer Science please review the eligibility requirements on the CS website.

If you plan to seek a master’s degree in another department, please review the list of recommended undergraduate courses that you should take as an undergraduate.

Counting Undergraduate Work Toward an MS

You may not use the same courses to fulfill requirements for both your BS/BA and MS. In other words, a course can only fulfill requirements for one degree (the BS/BA or the MS) not both.

When you are eligible to apply for the Combined Bachelor's/Master's Program, please email mccormick-gradprograms@northwestern.edu for your application fee waiver code.

To apply, access the upcoming quarter's application via the online portal.

Application Requirements

• Academic statement
• Unofficial Northwestern transcript
• Resume
• Two recommendations
• Program plan grid with future undergraduate courses you will take to complete your BS or BA degree with your undergraduate adviser’s signature

The MS program offers several paths to completing the degree, and your long‑term goals and academic interests should guide the option you choose. Most MS programs include both course‑based and thesis options. The course‑based option allows you to focus on advanced coursework and is well suited for students who do not plan to pursue a PhD or research‑focused roles after the master’s degree. The thesis option is ideal if you are considering a PhD in the future or are interested in research‑oriented positions in industry or academia.

Some MS programs also offer a project option, which emphasizes applied, team‑ or industry‑focused work and provides an opportunity to develop project management and professional skills.

Note: The EDI MS program differs from the others in that it includes a required thesis component.

Completing the Program

The time it will take you to complete the program is dependent upon how well you have managed your undergraduate degree and careful planning in structuring your master's plan. Students who enter the University with several AP credits can, with planning, complete the degree in four years. Students who switched majors and had little or no AP credit will probably take five years.

Deferred Completion

The Graduate School allows you five years from your admission quarter to apply for readmission. This means you can continue your studies immediately or take time off first, and notify the department and Graduate School when you ready to return. If you want to take time off, you should discuss your options with your graduate adviser and file the appropriate paperwork so that you will be able to complete the program at a later point in time.

The quarterly tuition for the BS/MS or BA/MS is the same as the tuition for a BS or BA. The bottom line is that if you plan well and complete both degrees in five years you will pay for an extra year of college, but you will have two degrees (two diplomas). If you entered Northwestern with AP credit it is possible to complete both programs in four years, but you should talk to your graduate adviser to make sure you have a plan that completes all of the requirements for both degrees.

We encourage all applicants to connect with our Financial Aid Office early in the application process to understand how undergraduate financial aid or graduate financial aid may apply to your individual situation.

If you are interested in the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Program, work closely with your undergraduate adviser and the MS Director of the relevant department.

Your Undergraduate adviser must sign a document to be uploaded with your application outlining the number of courses remaining in your BS or BA degree.

The MS Director may assist with creating a potential MS plan of study. Please bring your four-year undergraduate plan to advising appointments with the MS Director.