Pursue the Full-Time or Part-Time Program

In the full-time, accelerated Public Policy and Administration program, students come to the Northwestern Chicago campus to complete the program in one year. We also offer a part-time, nonresidential option for students needing more flexibility. Each program offers the deep and broad learning experience of the Public Policy and Administration core curriculum. Whatever option you choose, you will learn from experienced, engaged faculty who are thought leaders in their fields and you will earn a master's degree from Northwestern University, ranked in the top ten U.S. universities.

Please note: the part-time program cannot satisfy any visa eligibility requirements; only students in the full-time, accelerated option may use the program for visa eligibility.

Use the information below to decide which option suits your needs.

STUDY FULL-TIME

Immerse yourself in a full-time and intensive curriculum

Earn your masters in one year on a set curriculum of mostly on-campus courses. Move through the program within a cohort of full-time students and enjoy guaranteed access to networking events and services for the full-time option.

Choose from three specializations: Public Policy, Public Administration, or Global Policy.

  • Finish the master's degree program in one year on the cohort model
  • Follow a set schedule and prescribed curriculum with set specialization courses
  • Pay a set amount for tuition and fees per quarter
  • Start the program in the fall quarter and finish on a full-time schedule in the summer quarter of the same year
  • Take three to four courses per term (two on-campus and one to two online) within your cohort at specific times and locations each quarter
EXPLORE THE FULL-TIME OPTION

STUDY AT YOUR OWN PACE

Leverage the flexibility of a customizable degree

Earn your masters at a pace that works with your life and professional schedule. Pursue any combination of online or on-campus courses and move through the program with both full-time and part-time students at varying points in their careers.

Choose from five specializations: Public Policy, Public Administration, Global Policy, Global Health, or Data Analytics.

  • Finish the master's degree program within five years at your own pace
  • Follow a flexible schedule and curriculum with customizable specialization courses
  • Pay tuition and applicable fees per course
  • Start and finish the program in any quarter on a part-time schedule with the flexibility to take quarters off
  • Take one or two courses per term (online or on-campus) with diverse students at varying points in the program as your schedule allows
EXPLORE THE PART-TIME OPTION
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