Student Resources, Online Enterprise Leadership Degree | Northwestern University School of Professional Studies - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

The amount of time it takes to complete your bachelor’s degree at Northwestern depends on several factors, including existing credits from other institutions and the amount of time you can dedicate to coursework. Once you have started taking classes, you will have up to five years to finish the program. 

Yes; earn your bachelor’s degree online by choosing from one of three career-focused programs. Current major options include information systems, organization leadership, and strategic communications, while majors in social sciences and health sciences will be offered in the near future. Northwestern’s online bachelor’s degree programs are fully accredited to ensure that virtual students receive the same quality of education as on-campus learners. 

An online college degree program is a great option for those balancing busy personal and professional lives with the desire to complete their education. By opting for virtual classes rather than in-person ones, you’ll have greater flexibility to attend class and complete coursework at the time most convenient for you, allowing you to fulfill your other commitments. However, this flexibility also requires greater levels of self-motivation, organization, and time management. Before choosing between an in-person or online undergraduate degree, honestly assess which learning environment best suits your personal strengths and weaknesses.  

No; the diploma you receive from your online bachelor’s degree program will not specify whether you completed the coursework virtually or on campus. 

Yes; if the same course is being offered both virtually and in-person during a given quarter, students pursuing their bachelor’s degree online are welcome to enroll in the on-campus course as part of their academic plan. Likewise, on-campus students may also elect to complete required courses online.  

In order to earn an SPS Bachelor of Philosophy or a Bachelor of Science in General Studies, students must complete a total of 45 units, including a writing requirement, distribution requirements, a major, and electives. The SPS Bachelor of Philosophy additionally requires two years of language study (or a demonstration of equivalent language proficiency) as part of the 45 units. For a Bachelor of Philosophy in communication degree, conferred upon students majoring in communication studies, communication systems, or radio/television/film, SPS requires a total of 42 units, including a writing requirement, distribution requirements, two years of study in a foreign language, a major, and electives. Please visit our undergraduate degree requirements page for more details.