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Accelerated MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE) for Northwestern Undergraduates

Has your time at Northwestern ignited your passion to:

  • Support students in higher education at a college or university?
  • Work on matters in consulting, governmental entities, or a non-profit related to higher education?
  • Pursue a challenging – yet rewarding – career of service, intellect, and passion?
  • Build an array of skills and knowledge that will take you beyond higher education?

If you answer “yes” to one or more of these questions, Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) has an opportunity for you!

Fast-track your graduate education and save money through our Accelerated (4+1) Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy (MSHE). By taking up to three (3) courses – typically in your senior year – you can reduce the number of terms to complete your master’s degree from four (4) to three (3) terms. Additional “4+1” benefits include:

  • Waiving the application fee
  • Applying earlier for the MSHE degree
  • Receiving an admissions decision as early as December of your junior year
  • Testing out graduate-level coursework to determine if MSHE is right for you

Our program is right for you if:

  • You have a minimum 3.3 cumulative grade point average.
  • You are a curious, motivated, involved student (whether you are in student organizations, athletics, academic programs, admissions, residential life, civic engagement, Greek life, campus employment, religious and spiritual life, or something else)
  • You want graduate education that blends theory and practice
  • You enjoy collaborative education and writing
  • You seek to develop your research knowledge and skills
  • You seek to maximize the value of your Northwestern education and advance quickly into graduate-level roles.

Curriculum

As a Northwestern undergraduate, you may take – with program approval or acceptance to the degree program – the following three (3) courses:

Proseminar in Higher Education (offered each fall term)

This introductory course focuses on current and ongoing issues in the American higher education system. Students are introduced to a variety of areas of professional endeavor, such as enrollment management, student affairs, athletics administration and others. They explore major issues and policies, including affirmative action, college access, and governance and mission of different institutional types. They also have the opportunity to meet senior-level professionals in a variety of higher education positions.

Budgeting and Finance in Higher Education (offered each winter term)

The budget process in colleges and universities is addressed comprehensively, along with the impact of budget activities on all areas of institutional planning and operations. Students enhance their ability to write and speak effectively regarding issues related to budget and finance.

Structure, Governance and Leadership in Higher Education (offered each spring term)

This course provides students an opportunity to understand the structure and governance of colleges and universities and the characteristics of leadership in these institutions. Students explore the potential and limits of presidential leadership as well as competing and complementary forces, both internal and external.

Recommended Time Frame

For all questions related to the “4+1” timeframe, please contact Mark Hoffman, our associate director for academic advising and enrollment.

  • First- and second-year students

    •  Email Mark to introduce yourself. He will then add your name to an “interested students” list.

  • Juniors
    • If you plan to finish your undergraduate degree early, contact Mark as soon as possible to map out a plan unique to you and submit your application as early as December 1.
    • If you plan to stay enrolled throughout your entire senior year, contact Mark no later than July after your junior year about taking courses in your senior year. Submit your program application by December 1.
  • Seniors
    • Contact Mark as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Next Steps

Contact Mark Hoffman, our associate director for academic advising and enrollment, for an in-person or Zoom-based personal advising session.