Admissions
Frequently Asked Questions

To learn more about the admissions process for the MSIT program please see the list of frequently asked questions below.

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General Application Questions

When are applications due?

  • The full-time Round One submission deadline is March 1.
  • The full-time Round Two submission deadline is June 15 to ensure that international applicants have sufficient time for visa processing.
  • The part-time Round One submission deadline is June 15.
  • The part-time Round Two submission deadline is August 1.
Each MSIT cohort is limited to 25-30 students and applications are accepted and reviewed until all spots are filled.

When are decisions made?

Admission decisions are made within in 8 weeks of application completion and submission.

 

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Student Backgrounds

View our typical student profile

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Test Scores

Is the GRE or GMAT required to apply to the MSIT program?

GRE and GMAT scores are not required to apply for admission to the MSIT program. Should you decide to submit a score, a minimum quantitative GRE score of 150 is required for admission consideration.

What is the ETS GRE code for MSIT?

If provided in the application, accepted students who plan to attend will be required to provide official GRE score reports. The MSIT ETS GRE code is 1606.

Are TOEFL/IELTS scores required upon applying to MSIT?

Students whose primary language of undergraduate instruction was not English are required to take the TOEFL. A minimum TOEFL score of 90/100 is required. Admitted students who plan to attend the program will be required to provide official TOEFL scores. The MSIT ETS TOEFL code is 7456. 

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Additional Application Materials

Do I need to provide an official transcript?

Applicants may provide unofficial transcripts (scanned copies are sufficient) for each university they have attended. Accepted students who plan to attend must provide official, university-sealed transcripts before arriving on campus.

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Additional Questions

Does every MSIT applicant have an admission interview?

Only applicants given final admission consideration will be contacted for an admission interview. 

Can I continue to work and take classes part time or online?

The part-time option generally finds students working full-time during the week and taking classes on Saturdays only. The full-time option does not allow for full-time work alongside studies. 

Can I apply for Spring enrollment in MSIT?

The MSIT program only offers a fall quarter intake.

Is MSIT a STEM program?

The Northwestern MSIT program qualifies as a STEM program which qualifies international students for the OPT extension. For more information on STEM OPT extensions, please visit the Office of International Student and Scholar Services website.

Can I transfer credits from another institution?

No. Credit earned at another institution will not be applied toward the program's coursework requirements.

I have more questions about MSIT or about my application. Who do I contact?

Please contact us at msit@northwestern.edu.

Student Questions

What kinds of jobs do graduates typically enter upon graduation?

MSIT graduates often graduate into mid-to-high level IT roles, such as IT Manager, Director of IT, and CIO track roles infields like cybersecurity, data science, IT consulting, and Enterprise Architecture.

What kind of support is available for internship and job searches?

As a Northwestern student, you will have access to job fairs and events through Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement. MSIT also provides opportunities for you to connect with our expansive alumni network.

How flexible is the degree?

MSIT offers study options for both part-time and full-time students. We host weekend classes, remote class options, and opportunities for full-time students to classes outside of the program's curriculum. 

What is the class schedule?

Core MSIT courses and some electives are held on Saturdays, with other elective courses offered remotely on weeknights. See our course schedule here.

Who is on the faculty?

MSIT faculty come from a wide range of backgrounds within industry and academia, and are drawn from departments and schools across Northwestern. Check out their profiles here!

What kind of financial support is available?

At this time, MSIT is unable to offer program-funded financial assistance beyond occasional grader positions and student worker positions. However, prospective students can review opportunities through Northwestern's Office of Fellowships and the School of Engineering. 

What kinds of benefits are available to Northwestern students?

Northwestern students have access to benefits through the Wildcard discount program, and receive free or reduced entry to our sports centers, performing arts events, athletic events, and more. 

Can I take classes outside of MSIT?

Yes, students may take related courses outside of the MSIT program, pending department approval. This is typically easier for full-time students due to the schedule constraints of part-time students, who are juggling weekday work responsibilities alongside their studies. 

How many units do I need to complete do graduate?

You must complete 12 units to graduate, 8 of which must be drawn from MSIT courses. View distribution requirements here. 

Is it possible to extend my length of study?

Students in extenuating circumstances may extend their study with approval from the program director.

Am I required to graduate in 3 quarters as a full-time student?

Full-time students may choose to graduate in 3 quarters (10 months) or 4 quarters (15 months).

What kind of support is available for students on visa?

All students on visa are assigned an advisor through the Office of International Student and Scholar Services to help guide them through the visa process. Additionally, Engineering Career Development offers significant programming for students on visa, focusing on interviewing techniques, navigating CPT and OPT, and more. 

Do part-time students interact with full-time students in the program?

Yes, part-time and full-time students take classes together on Saturdays.

How can I get to know students across the school of engineering and Northwestern?

There are many student groups and organizations available to graduate students through the School of Engineering and across Northwestern. Find student groups here.

Where can I find you on social media?

You can find MSIT on Instagram, BlueSky, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Where is the best place to contact you?

Email us at msit@northwestern.edu