Study Options
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Full-time Option
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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?

MSIT has a rolling admission policy with an application submission date as early as September 1 of the year prior to the desired start date. The final submission date for the full-time MSIT program is June 15 (to ensure that international applicants have sufficient time for visa processing). Each MSIT cohort is limited to 25-30 students and MSIT 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. All final applicants will be invited to interview. Applications may be submitted as early as September 1 of the year prior to the desired start date for early review and possible early admission.

Is admission to the Master of Science in Information Technology Program rolling?

Yes, admission to MSIT is rolling and each new cohort of admitted students begins in the Fall quarter.

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Student Backgrounds

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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 full-time MSIT program.

What is the ETS GRE code for MSIT?

Admitted students who plan to matriculate will be required to provide official GRE scores. The MSIT ETS GRE code is 1606. A minimum quantitative GRE score of 150 is required.

Are TOEFL/IELTS scores required upon applying to MSIT?

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

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Additional Application Materials

Do I need to provide an official transcript?

MSIT applicants are allowed to upload transcripts (scanned copies will be sufficient) for each university they have attended. Admitted students who plan to matriculate will be asked to provide official, university-sealed transcripts.

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Additional Questions

Does every MSIT applicant have an admission interview?

Not all MSIT applicants will be invited to interview. Only those being given final admission consideration will be contacted for an admission interview. International applicants are interviewed via Skype.

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

The MSIT program is full-time for 10 or 12 months (3 or 4 quarters). There are no online courses or part-time options available for this particular intensive, full-time program. Full-time international students must take 3-4 courses per quarter to maintain their student visa status at Northwestern. Alternatively, MSIT offers a part-time option which can be earned in two years (June-September each year) but all part-time students work full-time during the week.

Can I apply for Spring enrollment in MSIT?

The MSIT program is a cohort model program and all students begin only in the fall quarter.

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.

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

For any additional questions you have as a prospective student, please feel free to contact MSIT staff via email at msit@northwestern.edu. You may also call us during our office hours (Mon - Fri, 9:00am - 5:00pm) at 847-491-5931.