What is the cost of tuition?
Tuition for the 2009-2010 academic year is $3,754 per course, $12,696 per quarter (3 or 4 course units), or $38,088 per academic year (three quarters). This does not cover the costs of books and supplies. There is an extra charge of about $2,500 for the student hospitalization plan. Tuition and fees are the same for both domestic and international students.
How much is the cost of living?
Food and living costs are close to the national average (perhaps about $1,700 per month). Annual increases in these costs have typically been about 5%.
Is financial aid available?
All participants in the MPM program are responsible for their tuition and fees in accordance with the prevailing schedules established by the University. As a professional degree program, the MPM program offers no financial aid.
Are student loans available?
Loans are available through Northwestern University for qualified U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students may also obtain a student loan if they have an American citizen as a cosigner.
Is the GRE required?
All international applicants are required to take either the GRE or GMAT. In addition, considerable attention is given to all written materials submitted by applicants. The MPM INSTITUTION CODE for GRE is 1309 (no additional Program Code is required).
What is the minimum TOEFL score required?
An absolute minimum TOEFL score of 220 CBT, 560 PBT, or 83 iBT is required for admission, but a score in excess of 233 CBT, 575 PBT, or 90 iBT is desired. The TOEFL is not required for anyone with an undergraduate degree from a U.S. institution. The MPM INSTITUTION CODE is 0331.
Does the MPM program require special English courses?
Students who are judged deficient in English proficiency (notwithstanding test scores provided) may be required to take one or two English courses in addition to their MPM course selections. Northwestern University does not offer an ESL program.
Is on-campus housing available for graduate students?
Engelhart Hall is the primary campus housing for graduate students. For information about housing in the Evanston area, click here.
Where can I obtain an academic calendar?
The academic calendar is available by clicking here.
What are the application deadlines for admission to the MPM program?
Although early applications are strongly encouraged, the application deadline for international students to be admitted for any given quarter is three months before the start of classes. This is necessary to allow sufficient time to obtain a visa. We encourage everyone to apply as soon as possible.
How long does it take to complete the MPM program?
For those starting in the Fall Quarter, it is possible to complete the program in three quarters (nine months). Each year about one-half of the entering students actually accomplish this goal.
Is it necessary to start the MPM program in the Fall Quarter?
It is preferable to start in the Fall Quarter, but each year a few students start in one of the other quarters.
Does the MPM program offer summer courses?
The MPM program offers no courses during the Summer Quarter. However, a few desirable courses offered by other departments are usually available.
What is the actual degree received by completing the MPM program?
Upon satisfying all requirements of the MPM program, a Master of Science in Project Management degree will be awarded.
What is the difference between this degree and an MBA degree?
Unlike traditional MBA programs, which aim to convey broad-based business and management concepts that are intended to be generally applicable over a wide variety of fields, the MPM program emphasizes planning and design skills that are specifically required in project-based organizations and encourages students to build on their technical backgrounds and experience.
Is there a joint MPM-MBA program?
Northwestern University does not offer a joint MPM-MBA program. We believe there will be many overlap courses if someone should satisfy the requirements of both degrees.
What is the difference between this degree and a technical MS degree?
Unlike a typical MS degree, which concentrates on enhancing one's technical knowledge in a rather specific area and is often viewed as an entry or preparatory degree for PhD research, the MPM program offers a more holistic overview of a technical area within the practical business prospective needed by project managers.
Where are the MPM courses offered?
All MPM courses are offered on the Evanston campus. We do not offer any courses on the Chicago campus or at other locations. We do not have satellite classrooms at this time.
Is the MPM program available via distance learning?
We believe interaction between instructors and students and interactive student team exercises are the preferred method of teaching. Therefore, we do not offer any computer-based or distance learning courses. However, developments in communications technology may make virtual classrooms a reality in the future.
Are there special forms for letters of recommendations?
We do not have a recommendation form. Your references should write their letters on their organization's (university, company, government) letterhead.
Is work experience required for admission to the MPM program?
The equivalent of at least one year of work experience is required for admission, but most applicants have 2 to 4 years experience.
Can an MPM degree be a preparatory degree for PhD?
The MPM degree is intended to be a professionally oriented terminal degree that is aimed toward helping an individual with a technical background and experience make the transition to a management position. While its primary objective is not a preparatory degree for a research oriented PhD program, several graduates have comfortably and successfully obtained a doctorate after completing the MPM program.
Should I have a degree in engineering for study in the MPM program?
The ideal background for entry into the MPM program is a basic degree in some field of engineering (most desirably civil, mechanical, or electrical) or architecture with a few years experience. However, the program is quite flexible and can usually accommodate individuals who do not strictly satisfy the foregoing requirements, but have a quantitatively oriented basic degree, several years of pertinent work experience, and a good idea of what they hope to obtain from the program.
