We will prepare current and future executives to be successful leaders of organizations in the design and construction industries.We will prepare current and future executives to be successful leaders of organizations in the design and construction industries.

Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC) program. Below is information about our application and how to apply.

The EMDC application for the fall 2025 class is open. Click here to begin an application or return to one in progress. 

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Who Should Apply

EMDC is steeped in the business courses typically found in an MBA program but developed with the built environment professional in mind. We welcome applications from students with diverse backgrounds whose technical expertise and business acumen will be leveraged to direct the unique organizations and companies that drive this important economic sector.

Typically, successful applicants have eight or more years of progressive professional experience, and a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in:

  • Engineering or an engineering-related field (e.g. engineering sciences, project management, engineering management);
  • Architecture or a related art/design field (e.g. high-performance buildings, urban studies, tall buildings and vertical urbanism, interior design);
  • A social/natural science discipline with some quantitative and/or analytical background (e.g. materials science, welding, earth and planetary sciences, economics, environmental sciences, math/statistics, physics, etc.);
  • Another social/natural science discipline without a quantitative and/or analytical background with subject-area relevance (e.g. history, political science, etc.), so long as the applicant can demonstrate such skills;
  • A professional master’s degree (e.g. business administration, law, etc.).

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How To Apply

Applications to the EMDC program are reviewed holistically by a review committee. Requirements for the application are as follows:

  • Completed online application form 
  • Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV) - A copy of your current resume detailing progressive professional experience and key achievements from your career.
  • Academic Transcript(s) - At the time of application, applicants must submit an unofficial copy of academic transcripts from each college or university they have attended. If you are offered a position in the EMDC program and you decide to enroll, you will be required to submit one official copy of your transcript(s) for any degrees you have been awarded.
  • Letters of Recommendation - Two letters of recommendation that attest to your professional performance, leadership potential, and your capacity for independent academic work.
  • Personal Statements - Within the online application form, you will be prompted with essay questions for which you are asked to respond authentically and in your own voice and words.

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Application Deadlines

Our cohort is filling quickly, but our application remains open until all seats are filled.

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Questions About Admissions

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

Credit earned at another graduate school or a professional school may, with program approval, be applied toward the program's coursework requirements. Allowable course credit must be approved by the Program Director.

For further information regarding this program or the application process, please contact our Admissions Coordinator, Jamelle Apolinar (emdc@northwestern.edu).

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Technology Guidelines for Online Students

Northwestern University strives to provide access to its online degree programs to all students. While we will do our best to provide access, students must be aware that they may not be able to access course material due to technology or internet limitations. To that end, students are advised that they must meet the following technology requirements:

  • Students are required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds university requirements, with a working webcam and microphone for synchronous sessions.
  • Students are required to have access to a reliable, high-speed internet connection of at least 5 Mbps. While students can connect via Wi-Fi, we highly recommend using a wired internet connection, as faster internet connections improve the online experience.

Course materials are hosted primarily in the learning management system (Canvas), but occasionally courses may link to external content. Any costs associated with procuring access will be borne by the individual student.

In addition, it is a student’s responsibility to understand requirements related to whether an online degree will be recognized in a country other than the United States, how the collection of student data may be used in another country, and whether withholding taxes (in addition to the price of tuition) will apply. Some countries may not formally recognize foreign online degrees, which may have implications for students who later seek to enroll in other educational programs, or for those who seek employment with that country’s government or other employers requiring specific credentials. 

International students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license should first confirm with the appropriate professional licensing board in their country of residence or the country where they intend to work as to whether an online degree will be recognized when seeking licensure or certification.

Northwestern University does not make decisions related to admissions, including but not limited to financial aid and scholarships, based upon any category protected by the law. The University is committed to complying with all applicable laws. The University believes different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds are critical to building a dynamic student body, and as such encourages all qualified applicants to apply.