School of Education and Social Policy Northwestern University

"U.S. News and World Report" Ranks SESP at Northwestern University Seventh Nationally

Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) is a small school within Northwestern. Despite its relative size, SESP is known for its innovative programs in learning sciences, education, human development, learning and organizational change. SESP puts the focus on the training teachers as well as on the act of learning -- in every avenue of life. As a result of its focus, effort, and quality, "U.S. News & World Report" ranks Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy seventh among graduate schools of education nationwide.

Students in SESP have access to a diversity of students and faculty members, as well as interdisciplinary research terms. SESP comprises about 300 graduate students, 400 undergraduates, and 29 faculty members. The core facility of this close-knit community is Annenberg Hall, which offers classrooms, offices, meeting spaces, and advance technology.

M.S. and MSEd Degrees Are Offered by the School of Education and Social Policy

Graduate programs at Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy include a Masters of Science (M.S.) in Learning and Organizational Change; Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Elementary Teaching; MSEd in Secondary Teaching; MSEd in Advanced Teaching: Mathematics, Science, or Literacy; MSEd in Advanced Teaching: The Gifted; M.S. in Higher Education Administration and Policy; M.A. in Learning Sciences; Ph.D. in Learning Sciences; and Ph.D. in Human Development and Social Policy.

Research at SESP Is Supported by Numerous Research Centers

The research conducted by faculty members at Northwestern's SESP investigates how humans develop and learn throughout the course of their lives. Research themes have included school improvement, teacher development, technological innovations, communities and families, and individual development.

Graduate students have an extensive network of state-of-the-art research centers. The Center for Connected Learning dedicates itself to deepening students' learning through the creative use of technology. Working to develop new leaders in the field of science education, the Center for Curriculum Materials Science focuses on the design, use, and analysis of curriculum materials specifically used in science. The Center of Learning and Organizational Change focuses on strengthening the capabilities of its members through the use of advanced learning practices so as to help guide organizational change. The Center for Talent Development, an accredited research facility and learning center that supports, educates, and identifies gifted students, is a leader in the development and implementation of programs for gifted education.

Northwestern University is also home to an interdisciplinary research project called the Foley Center for the Study of Lives. This project is devoted to the study of social and psychological development in adults. Northwestern also hosts the Urban/Suburban Northwestern Consortium, whose goal is to create a cross-disciplinary community of teachers and educators who are committed to advancing cooperative educational relationships across suburban and urban boundaries.

Tuition and Financial Aid Information for SESP Students

Master's students in SESP are ineligible for research or teaching assistantships; however, three to six graduate assistant positions are available for students pursing an M.S.Ed. degree. Most financial aid for students in master's programs is found through student loans; however, there are a few merit-based tuition reduction awards available. To be considered for these awards, students must GRE General Test and Analytical Writing scores. Early application is strongly recommended. Students pursuing an M.S.Ed. have the opportunity to apply for a limited number of graduate assistant positions. Work hours total about 15 hours per week for 10 weeks. M.S.Ed. candidates also have the opportunity to apply for Fitzgerald Fellowships, which are available for elementary teaching students from Illinois. In addition, there is a five-quarter paid internship, which is supported via federal work-study funds. Interns work about 20 hours per week and are required to be registered for at least three courses during each of the quarters. Applicants should see details regarding tuition and financial aid on the on the graduate school Web page.

Northwestern University's SESP Campus is Ideally Located

SESP is part of one of the country's elite private universities so it can offer top-notch academic programs, as well as many cultural and athletic opportunities. Northwestern's campus is located in Evanston, Illinois, providing students with easy access to Chicago's sports events, clubs, restaurants, museums, theaters, and music scene.

• Program in Education
• Program in Human Development and Social Policy
• Program in Learning and Organizational Change
• Program in Learning Sciences

• Degrees Offered
• Major Degree Levels Offered
• Learning Sciences Master of Arts (MA)
  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Human Development And Social Policy Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Learning And Organizational Change Master of Science (MS)
• Education Master of Science (MS) [advanced teaching]
  Master of Science (MS) [higher education administration]
  Master of Science (MS) [secondary teaching]
  Master of Science (MS) [elementary teaching]

• Degrees Awarded
• Master's Degrees 109
• Doctoral Degrees 15
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported
• * Shows the number of degrees awarded for the last academic year that data was reported.

• Earning Your Degree
• Part-time study available? Yes
• Evening/weekend programs available? Yes
• Distance learning programs available? No
• Terminal master's degree available? Yes

• Degree Requirements
• Master's Degrees Not reported
• Doctoral Degrees Required and Required
• First Professional Degrees Not reported
• Other Advanced Degrees Not reported

• Acceptance Rate
• AppliedNot Reported
• AcceptedNot Reported
• Acceptance RateNot Reported
• EnrolledNot Reported
• Applying
• Application Fee - Domestic Not Reported
• Application Fee - International Not Reported
• Electronic applications accepted? Yes
• Applications processed on a rolling basis? Not Reported
• Application Deadlines
• Type Domestic International Priority Date
• Fall deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Winter deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Spring deadline Not Reported Not Reported Not Reported
• Entrance Requirements
• Master's DegreesGRE General Test
• Doctoral's DegreesGRE General Test
• First-Professional's DegreesNot Reported
• Other Advanced DegreesNot Reported
• International DegreesNot Reported

• Tuition & Fees
• In-state tuition *$29,940
• Out-of-state tuition *$29,940
• International student tuitionNot Reported
• * Tuition for full-time graduate student per academic year
• Fees
• Per-academic year feesNot Reported
• Per-term feesNot Reported
• One-time feeNot Reported
• * Fees for full-time graduate students
• Financial Support
• Financial award applicants must submitFAFSA
• Application deadlines for financial awardsJanuary 15
• Types of financial support availableFellowships, Research Assitantships, Teaching Assistantships, Tuition Waivers, Career or Field-Related Internships, Federal Work-Study, Institutionally-sponsored Loans, Scholarship and/or loans, Traineeships

• Gender
• Total Graduate Students308
• Female Percentage77%
• Male Percentage23%
• Participation
• Total Graduate Students308
• Part-time Percentage49%
• Full-time Percentage51%
• Ethnicity
• Hispanic / Latino3%
• Black / African American8%
• White / Caucasian64%
• American Indian / Alaskan Native1%
• Asian9%
• Native Hawaiian / Other Pacific Islander0%
• Two or more races0%
• Unknown15%

• Faculty Breakout
• Total Faculty107
• Full-time Percentage40%
• Part-time Percentage60%
• Female Percentage46%
• Male Percentage54%

• Existing Research
• Focus of faculty researchTechnology, curriculum design, welfare, education reform, learning
• Externally sponsored research expenditures last yearNot Reported