Study Options
  /  
Full-time Option
Admissions

MSIT considers each application holistically. Applicants are evaluated not only for academic ability but for career goals and overall “fit” for this unique professional program.

Entry is granted for fall quarter only, and applications are accepted as early as September 1 of the year prior to the desired start date. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis while space remains in the program. We strongly encourage part-time applicants to submit all materials by June 15. Applications received after this date will be considered on a space-available basis.

Application Deadline

The Round One deadline for all full-time program and/or international students is March 1. The Round Two and final deadline for all full-time program and/or international students is June 15.

Start the online application

Admissions Requirements

Educational Background

Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or electrical engineering (technical degree equivalents considered). Applicants should also have the prerequisite knowledge in programming and higher-level math needed to succeed in the Department of Electrical Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) courses and courses in other McCormick School of Engineering departments.

Test Scores

GRE or GMAT: While not required, applicants may show proof of sufficient math aptitude exhibited by official GRE or GMAT scores, in addition to academic background, and work history. The MSIT ETS GRE code is 1606. The MSIT GMAT code is 6WZ-TL-04.

TOEFL or IELTS: All international students are required to submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, however, the TOEFL/IELTS requirement can be waived if undergraduate coursework was taught in English (transcript must note that English was the primary language of instruction). The MSIT program requires international students to have a minimum TOEFL score of 90 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. The MSIT ETS TOEFL code is 7456.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of work experience in an IT-related position, in any industry, and at any level (including internship experience) is required in order to apply for the full-time MSIT program.

How to Apply

Please use the following instructions to apply for the Master of Science in Information Technology program (full-time option):

  1. Optional but suggested: Register for and attend an MSIT information session to learn more about the program and ask individual questions.
  2. Start the MSIT online application in order to be familiar with what is required before submission.
  3. Complete a personal statement of 500 words or less addressing the questions indicated, and upload this and the latest version of your resume to the online application.
  4. Request that two recommenders complete the required MSIT letter of recommendation form by entering the contact information of the recommenders in the online application. Recommenders should be individuals who can ably attest to your professional abilities (i.e. current supervisor(s), former/recent supervisors, clients or customers, team members, colleagues, etc.). An automated email/form will be sent to the recommender once this information is entered. The email will come from msit@northwestern.edu. You may wish to have each reference add this email to their contact list so that it does not get caught in a SPAM filter.
    Important: Please do not submit names and/or email addresses until you have discussed the MSIT program, the time commitment you will be making to the classes/coursework, and your candidacy with each reference.
  5. Upload a scanned official copy of your undergraduate transcript(s) to the on-line application. As noted below, an official paper transcript directly from your undergraduate university is only required upon MSIT enrollment.
  6. If you elect to upload your test scores, you may upload a scanned copy of your ETS GRE or GMAT score report to the online application.  If admitted, an official GRE or GMAT score report must be subsequently delivered directly from the testing agency during the admissions process. The MSIT ETS GRE code is 1606. The MSIT GMAT code is 6WZ-TL-04.
  7. Upload a scanned copy of your ETS TOEFL or IELTS score report to the on-line application. Note: All applicants whose undergraduate degree was taught in a language other than English are required to submit an ETS TOEFL or IELTS score report. The TOEFL or IELTS test requirement can be waived if undergraduate coursework was taught in English (transcript must note that English was the primary language of instruction). The MSIT program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 90 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. As noted below, an official TOEFL or IELTS score report directly from the testing agency is only required upon MSIT enrollment. The MSIT ETS TOEFL code is 7456.
  8. Pay $50 application fee.
  9. Complete applicant areas of the online application and then be sure to click “submit”. Note: Applications can be submitted before recommendation forms have been received.
  10. Once your application has been reviewed by the MSIT admission committee, you may receive a request for an online Skype interview. Interview invitations are only extended to those applicants being further considered for admission. Not all applicants are invited to interview.

Please note: As mentioned above, scanned official transcript copies and scanned official GRE, GMAT or TOEFL score reportswill be accepted for the initial MSIT application review. Transcripts are explicitly requested in the online application while a GRE/GMAT score is optional. Official sealed transcripts directly from undergraduate/graduate universities are required before an admitted MSIT applicant can be registered for classes at Northwestern University. Upon admission and enrollment, official undergraduate transcripts and test scores must be sent to the MSIT program address.