Advance your career at Northwestern
At Northwestern University School of Professional Studies (SPS), we believe education is more than just a credential — it's a pathway to achieving your professional goals and making a lasting impact. SPS offers a variety of flexible, part-time programs, including master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and certificates, all designed to help professionals enhance their skills, explore new fields, or advance in their current careers. With classes available online and on-campus in the evenings, our programs provide exceptional educational opportunities that fit into your busy schedule. Led by distinguished Northwestern faculty and featuring small class sizes that foster personal interaction, our learning environment ensures you'll receive world-class instruction while building meaningful connections with faculty and classmates.
Benefit from Northwestern University’s rigorous academics, delivered in a format designed for working professionals. Learn from full-time Northwestern faculty members and industry leaders and experts who bring real-world experience to the classroom.
Whether you prefer in-person, online, or hybrid learning, SPS provides the flexibility to balance your studies with your career and personal commitments. Our wide range of programs fits your schedule without compromising on quality.
From data science and business leadership to creative writing and global health, our programs span a wide variety of industries and fields. No matter your professional goals, SPS has a program to match your aspirations.
SPS offers innovative, flexible master's degree programs designed for motivated professionals. With a commitment to academic excellence, SPS combines a world-class faculty with practical, career-focused curriculum. Whether you're advancing in your field or pursuing a new career path, our programs provide the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in a dynamic, ever-evolving global landscape.
Programs are offered entirely online unless noted otherwise.
SPS offers flexible, part-time bachelor's degree programs designed for working adults. With evening and online courses, SPS provides a top-tier Northwestern education that fits your schedule. Whether you're advancing your career or completing your degree, our programs combine academic excellence with practical skills to help you reach your goals. Many students transfer existing credit to create a shorter path to degree completion.
ONLINE MAJORS:
ON-CAMPUS MAJORS:
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies offers a range of credit and noncredit certificate programs designed to enhance your skills and advance your career. With flexible online and on-campus options, these programs provide focused, practical education in areas like business, technology, and healthcare. Taught by industry experts, our certificates help you gain the credentials needed to stay competitive and achieve your professional goals.
Innovative stackable certificates offer you opportunities to build essential skills and earn a targeted credential from Northwestern. After earning your four-course certificate you may choose to continue your studies and apply credit to a related Northwestern University School of Professional Studies master’s or bachelor’s degree program.
A fast path to advanced skills and credentials
One entry point for SPS students is the four-course "stackable" certificate. This flexible option — offered on the graduate and undergraduate levels — enables students to develop targeted skills that align with their career goals while earning a recognized credential from Northwestern. In addition, the credits earned can be applied toward a related SPS master’s or bachelor's degree program, allowing for a seamless transition to further study. With a stackable certificate, you can enhance your expertise, boost your resume, and explore whether a full degree program — one you’ll be well on your way to completing — is the right path for you!
Complete a master's degree in just one year!
Complete your master's degree in just one year through one of our accelerated programs in Chicago. Students begin in the fall and complete a combination of on-campus and online courses through four quarters finishing at the end of the summer term.
Study alongside accomplished professionals from diverse backgrounds, building lasting relationships within your cohort. Accelerated programs welcome both domestic and international students, with student visa support available for international admits. Apply by December 1 and start in the next fall quarter.
Accelerated master's degrees are currently offered in:
As a Northwestern University School of Professional Studies student, you join a vibrant community of learners and professionals from around the world. Our alumni network is vast, and the connections you make here will support you long after you’ve completed your program. With Northwestern on your resume, you stand out to employers as a leader in your field.
It was incredibly important for me to maintain my professional experience while I went to school. Northwestern gave me the most flexibility and the best-rounded coursework, so I knew I’d be able to learn what I wanted to on a timeline that accommodated my busy schedule.”
Stephanie Kang, MS in Global Health
I'm so glad I'm at Northwestern. I truly love the culture at SPS. I think they do an exceptional job, especially the professors, to make us feel like we’re valued members of the Northwestern community.”
Jasmine Qureshi, Humanities major
Northwestern stuck out because it blends informatics and data science. I knew that I would come out of the program with skills that I probably wouldn’t be able to acquire any other way.”
Timothy Owolabi, MD, MS in Health Analytics
I'd always wanted to get a master's degree. I realized I just needed to take the plunge and find a program that offered what I wanted to learn. I did my due diligence and looked for other similar programs, but never found anything comparable to Northwestern’s program.”
