Combined Bachelor’s-MOD Degree
The MOD Program allows Northwestern undergraduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree (BSED, BS, or BA) and master’s degree (MOD) simultaneously through our combined (BX-MOD) pathway, shortening the time required to earn a master’s degree. With careful planning, students may begin working on their master’s degree before completing their bachelor’s degree. Up to three approved MOD courses taken as an undergraduate can apply toward the MOD degree.
Please consider joining an upcoming online information session where we will discuss the program and application process. Links to registration are forthcoming.
Combined BX-MOD Application Process for MOD
Who Can Apply
All Northwestern undergraduate students with a GPA over 3.0 may apply.
When to Apply
Eligible NU undergraduate students should apply the quarter they will finish with 5 or fewer units remaining towards their bachelor’s degree. To begin taking courses that can count toward their MOD degree, students must be enrolled in the BX-MOD program for at least one quarter before graduating with their bachelor’s degree. No more than three credits/units may be taken as an undergraduate student and applied to the MOD degree requirements. Therefore, eligible students must complete the application no later than two quarters before they will graduate with their bachelor’s degree.
| Completing bachelor in... |
Starting LOC courses in... |
Application due by... |
| December |
Fall quarter |
April 10 |
| March |
Winter quarter* |
October 10 |
| June |
Spring quarter* |
January 10 |
*Note: Although some students may be admitted and begin taking MOD courses in the summer, winter or spring quarters, the MOD program is designed to start with a cohort in the fall quarter. The mandatory in-person MOD orientation for incoming students is held in September each year, typically 1-2 weeks before the start of the fall quarter.
How to Apply
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Combined BX-MOD Application Requirements
Complete the MOD Application Form [APPLICATION FORM WILL OPEN IN SEPTEMBER 2025]
BX-MOD Eligibility Confirmation: You will need to complete this section of the online application form before proceeding through the full MOD application. Please work with your academic adviser to submit the following:
- Your adviser-approved petition to graduate (PDF of screen shot)
- Your academic plan form, which will include future undergraduate courses you will take to complete your bachelor’s degree and up to three desired LOC courses that you would like to count toward MOD, approved by your undergraduate adviser
- Unofficial Northwestern transcript [Note: An official transcript must be submitted upon graduation and before registering for MOD graduate courses.]
Resume
Statement of Purpose, Personal Statement, and Two Essays
Statement of purpose, personal statement, and two essays as required for general MOD admissions
2 Letters of Reccomendation
Strong letters of recommendations from at least two academic (maximum of one from a SESP faculty member) or professional reviewers who can judge your capacity for success in a challenging graduate program.
$150 Application Fee (Non-Refundable)
Important Suggestions
- Please review the list of approved LOC courses that you may take as an undergraduate.
- Work closely with your undergraduate adviser to complete the academic plan and other application requirements.
- You must submit an approved academic plan form and attach a PDF screen shot of your adviser-approved petition to graduate to confirm your BX-MOD eligibility. The plan form must list the proposed courses remaining in your bachelor’s degree.
- Your academic adviser should consult with the SESP BX-MOD program adviser to confirm course availability while creating your academic plan. Please contact mod.sao@northwesern.edu for more information.
- If you are an international student, please let your OISS advisor know you are interested in the combined degree program and discuss how eligibility to work will work in your case.
Contact BX-MOD Adviser
If you are a current Northwestern undergraduate student with questions about BX-MOD, contact us at mod.sao@northwestern.edu with any questions you may have.