How to Apply

The MTePP admissions committee reviews applications for the master's degree program. The priority application deadlines are Jan. 24, 2025 and April 1, 2025, and the final application deadline is June 10. Apply early and via priority for a faster review and better access to available scholarships.

If you're also interested in applying for a certificate, it's possible to note that on your application or add it to your program plan in the future. Here's more info about our certificates:

Application Deadlines

Entry Quarter	Priority Application Deadline 1	Priority Application Deadline 2	Final Application Deadline
Fall 2025	Jan. 24	April 1	June 10

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Application Process

Our admissions committee holistically evaluates each applicant. We consider:

Scholastic and Leadership Achievements: Your academic background and leadership roles.
Future Aspirations: Your learning goals and career objectives.
Interpersonal Skills and Professional Performance: Your ability to work with others and workplace accomplishments.

Apply Early

Key features of our application process include:

The ability to save your progress and continue later.
Comprehensive instructions for successful completion.

Application Review Process

Admissions committee members will complete their review in time for the nearest application deadline.

MTePP will notify you by email regarding our admission decision. You should receive a notification within six weeks of the stated deadline or the receipt of all application pieces.

Incomplete Applications

Online applications will be accepted on and before the stated deadline. However, note that we will accept applicants' supporting documents (transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores) up to four weeks after the application deadline. However, this may delay applicant consideration to the next review cycle.

Application Requirements

Application Timing

Applications must be submitted online by the deadline corresponding to the academic quarter you want to begin. It's possible to submit your application up to one year before your planned enrollment date. For example, you can apply to begin in the fall of the year following the Nov. 1 deadline of the current year. Apply early; MTePP has a limited number of openings for each incoming class.

Minimum GPA of 3.0

You'll need a strong academic record from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree; in the U.S., this implies at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 point scale.

Two Letters of Recommendation

Provide strong letters of recommendation from at least two academic or professional reviewers who can judge your ability to thrive in a challenging graduate program.

Statement of Purpose

You will need to write an essay describing why you want to pursue this degree and what you hope to achieve.

Personal Statement

Northwestern University values diverse backgrounds, approaches, and perspectives, recognizing them as essential for true academic excellence. As a graduate student at Northwestern, how would you contribute to an intellectual community that prioritizes equity, inclusion, belonging, and cultural humility? Your response may draw on past or present experiences from academic work, extracurricular or community activities, or daily life.

Additional Essays

We require two essays demonstrating analytical thinking writing skills.

International Students

Demonstrate English Language Proficiency with TOEFL or IELTS Test Scores

You will need to demonstrate English language proficiency. Potential paths include obtaining a degree from a university in the United States; scoring at the very minimum 85 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL test or 563 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL (though we will strongly suggest a score of 90 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL or 577 on the paper-based TOEFL); scoring a minimum of 7.0 overall on the IELTS.

For more information about the TOEFL, visit the official site. Be sure to submit scores to code D928 NWU MS in Tech People Policy (not 165 NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY).
For more information about the IELTS, visit their official website. Be sure to submit scores to Northwestern University Master of Science in Technology, People, and Policy (not Northwestern University).
Both TOEFL and IELTS will send scores electronically. Paper delivery is also acceptable. Paper materials should be sent to 618 Garrett Place, Evanston IL 60208.

Visa Status

Start date eligibility depends on your visa status. To attend under an F-1 student visa, which allows you to study in the U.S., you may start any quarter, but fall quarter is optimal. U.S. Immigration law requires that F-1 visa holders attend full-time for the first nine months of their program before taking a quarter (summer) off.

Also, our capstone course series aligns with specific quarters of the year. International students who do not begin in fall quarter will likely need extra courses to maintain full-time status so they can enroll in and complete the required capstone courses.

International students with an H-1B or another visa status that permits unrestricted work in the U.S. may start during any quarter. Our hybrid course format does fulfill the “in-person” requirement necessary for F-1 visas.

For F-1 visa holders, eligibility for paid work outside of the University starts after nine months of having been a student. Most International students choose a paid, full-time internship during their first summer. Then, after this period, F-1 visa holders are eligible to work outside of the University for 20 hours/week during the remainder of the academic year through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). We are a STEM-designated program, so you can stay in the U.S. for up to three years post-graduation to work for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Review the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States for additional information and resources.

Transcript Evaluation

If you attended academic programs outside the US, we'll need a a transcript evaluation. You must use a credential evaluation service that converts the scores and grade point average into US-based grades, and confirms the educational experience meets our requirements.

World Education Services and Education Perspectives both offer transcript credentialing services; others will be accepted as long as they are certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. Request the course-by-course or detailed report (vs. the document-by-document report). They will ask you to have your academic program(s) send them your transcripts. In turn, they will generate a report and send it directly to us.

You do not need to send us your original transcripts.

If the credential evaluation service offers secure electronic delivery, please have the evaluation sent to mtepp_assistant@northwestern.edu. Alternately, all hard-copy transcript evaluations should be sent to this address:

Master of Science in Technology, People, and Policy
Attention: Admissions
618 Garrett Place
Evanston, IL 60208