Admission
Applicants to the MS in Information Systems for SPS Graduates program must hold a bachelor's degree from SPS, with a specialization in Computer Information Systems. Applicants should have a competitive undergraduate record that indicates strong academic ability but need not have extensive experience in computer science or information technology. Three to five years of professional experience is recommended but not required. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, but strong scores bolster chances for admission.
Duration
The MS in Information Systems for SPS Graduates program is designed to be completed in two to three years of uninterrupted part-time study (one to two classes per quarter), although students are allowed five years to finish the program.
Please note that courses completed in the certificate program cannot be transferred to the corresponding graduate degree.
Application Checklist
- Meet application deadlines
- Complete the online application (contact your academic adviser for the online application link)
- Include all supplemental materials
Supplemental Materials
Supplemental materials, must be uploaded to the online application. Official transcripts may be sent to our Admissions office at spsadmissions@northwestern.edu or mailed to our Chicago office. Please be sure to include the name of your intended program when addressing transcripts. Applicants will be notified once all materials have been received and the application is complete.
- One letter of recommendation focusing on academic and/or professional achievement and ability
- Statement of purpose
- Current résumé or curriculum vitae
Transcript mailing address:
MSIS Graduate Admissions
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies
Wieboldt Hall, Sixth floor
339 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008
Statement of Purpose and Writing Sample
Applicants must submit a 300-word statement of purpose explaining how the degree program will help them meet their academic and professional goals. Applicants who did not major in computer science, engineering or a related field should explain how other academic and nonacademic experiences have equipped them to undertake graduate study in this program.
Application Tips
Your application will be evaluated by the MSIS Admissions Committee. The following considerations will guide the Committee in their review:
- The statement of purpose demonstrates if a student's academic and professional goals are appropriate for this degree. This statement also helps the committee to determine if the prospective student possesses the necessary writing skills and intellectual maturity for succeeding in the program.
- The letter of recommendation serves to underscore the applicant's commitment to graduate education and ability to succeed in graduate level work and the field after completing the degree.
- The résumé is used to provide evidence of an applicant’s continuing commitment to and/or understanding of the information systems field. While we prefer candidates to possess three to five years of work and/or research experience in a related area, recent college graduates and career changers are also encouraged to apply. These applicants must demonstrate to the committee their commitment to the MSIS program by detailing previous internships, academic or volunteer work.
System Requirements
To ensure proper access to all online course materials, students in SPS online master's degree courses should verify that their computer meets the recommended system requirements.