G R A D UAT E S T UDY

NORTHWESTE RN
ENGINEERING
W E A R E W H O L E- B R A IN T H IN K E R S

S EEIN G S IMP L I C I T Y IN T HE C O MP L E X ,

T HE C O MP L E X I T Y O F T HE S IMP L E.

W E A R E W H O L E- B R A IN E N G IN E E R S ,

B I G-P I C T UR E T HINK ER S , R E A L-T IME

C O L L A B O R ATO R S , A L L- O U T INN O VATO R S .

WE ARE
TA K I N G T H E
WO R L D I N
A WHOLE NEW
DIRECTION.
Driving progress through innovation and leadership.
Turning research into patented processes and
life-changing inventions. Bringing products to market
with smart risk-taking and entrepreneurship.

FIND YOUR DIREC T ION HER E .

G R A D U AT E S T U DY
AT N O R T H W E S T E R N
ENGINEERING
WHOLE-BR AIN THINKING.
E M P O W E R I N G O U R S T U D E N T S W I T H A D V A N C E D A N A LY T I C A L
A N D P R O B L E M -S O LV I N G S K I L L S
Analysis. Logic. Synthesis. Math. All are elements of “left-brain” ranked departments and beyond. They develop leadership
thinking, all critical to engineering success. To lead today in a skills inside and outside the classroom and lab. And, they expand
world of change, engineers require more. They need “right-brain” their career opportunities through career-focused initiatives
skills. Intuition. Metaphorical thinking. Creative problem solving. and cross-school partnerships that expand their perspectives
At Northwestern Engineering, we celebrate whole-brain thinking and strengthen business management skills.
and empower our students to become whole-brain engineers. Whichever direction our graduate students take, all develop the
Master’s and PhD program students at Northwestern Engineering highly advanced analytical and problem-solving skills required
take the concept to new heights. They conduct interdisciplinary to change the world for the better in material ways and to lead
research and collaborate with peers and faculty in other highly others to do the same.
WHOLE-BR AIN ENGINEERS.
P U R S U ING A DVA N C ED DEGR EE S
ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMS
At every level in every program of study, Northwestern Engineering
P A R T-T I M E M S P R O G R A M S
students constantly advance in their development as whole-brain
engineers. Graduate students choose from an array of master’s Engineering management Executive management
and doctoral programs aligned with their career goals and personal for design and construction Information technology
passions. Master’s degree programs, full- and part-time, are Product design and development management
designed to meet ever-changing industry and research environments. Project management
Doctoral candidates work side-by-side with world-class faculty In addition to the programs listed above, part-time tracks are
across disciplines researching advanced topics in engineering. available for most full-time departmental MS programs.

F U L L-T I M E M S P R O G R A M S
PHD PROGRAMS
Analytics Artificial intelligence Biomedical engineering
Applied physics Biomedical engineering Chemical and
Biotechnology Chemical and biological engineering
biological engineering Civil and environmental engineering
Civil and environmental engineering Computer engineering
Computer engineering Computer science Computer science and
Computer science Electrical engineering
learning sciences Electrical engineering Engineering sciences
Energy and sustainability Engineering design innovation
and applied mathematics Industrial engineering and management
Engineering management Engineering sciences and applied
sciences Materials science and engineering Mechanical
mathematics Information technology MBA i
engineering Technology and social behavior Theoretical and
MMM (dual degree) Materials science and engineering
applied mechanics
Mechanical engineering Product design and development
management Project management Robotics Theoretical and
applied mechanics

W H I C H E V E R D I R E C T I O N O U R G R A D U AT E
S T U D E N T S TA K E , A L L D E V E L O P T H E H I G H LY
A D VA N C E D A N A LY T I C A L A N D P R O B L E M -
S O LV I N G S K I L L S R E Q U I R E D T O C H A N G E T H E
W O R L D F O R T H E B E T T E R I N M AT E R I A L WAY S
AND TO LEAD OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.
R E S E A R C H E R S A N D C O L L A B O R AT O R S
B R E A K I N G B A R R I E R S A N D C R E AT I N G T H E F U T U R E
Northwestern Engineering’s more than 180 faculty systematically MAJOR CENTERS INCLUDE:
confront some of the world’s most pressing and complex challenges
Northwestern-Argonne Institute for Science and Engineering
in systems, materials, health and wellness, energy, and the
environment. Our interdisciplinary collaboration is exemplified by Center for Synthetic Biology
ongoing research initiatives with more than 20 other departments in
our extended Northwestern family and dozens of other universities Institute for Sustainability and Energy
and research centers worldwide.
International Institute for Nanotechnology
While the majority of University research funding comes from
government sources, corporate-sponsored research represents Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
a growing opportunity for professors.
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems

Segal Design Institute

Northwestern University Transportation Center

CAREER-FOCUSED PROFE SSIONAL S

P R E P A R I N G F O R S U C C E S S I N B U S I N E S S , I N D U S T R Y,
AND ACADEMIA
Northwestern Engineering is committed to preparing students
for successful careers as leaders and researchers in business,
industry, and academia. The Engineering Career Development office
identifies and works with students to secure internship opportunities
and provides other career advancement services. For doctoral
students, Management for Scientists and Engineers, an eight-week
summer course drawn from the Kellogg School of Management core
MBA curriculum, equips researchers with the knowledge they
need to become better managers and leaders.

E N T R E P R E N E U R S A N D I N N O VAT O R S
C H A N G I N G T H E W O R L D F O R T H E B E T T E R E V E R Y D A Y.
Northwestern Engineering students and faculty drive progress ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESOURCES:
through innovation and leadership, turning research into patented The Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides
processes and life-changing inventions, bringing products incubators, mentorships, and seminars and encourages the ongoing
to market through smart risk-taking and entrepreneurship. They development of new, interdisciplinary curricula.
typically account for a lion’s share of the University’s inventions
and faculty startups.
NU vention courses engage interdisciplinary teams from across
the University in the entire innovation and entrepreneurial life
cycle, including how to transform innovations into viable business.

The Innovation and New Ventures Office ( INVO ) advises faculty

and students on the development of research with commercial
potential and provides seminars and educational programs
on entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Garage provides an entrepreneurship space for Northwestern

students to experiment, collaborate, and get their ideas built.
A COMMUNIT Y OF LE ADERS
GAINING EXPERIENCE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
THE CL ASSROOMS AND L AB
The McCormick Graduate Leadership Council helps solidify a Chicago Graduate Student Association ( CGSA )
graduate student community among the nine departments within
Black Graduate Student Association ( BGSA )
Northwestern Engineering by organizing social, academic, and
professional activities, and facilitates communication with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association ( CSSA )
administration.
Graduate Student Association for Latino
Students can also participate in the Graduate Student and Spanish Activities (G-SALSA )
Association, department-centered student groups, and other
student associations that promote interactions among graduate Indian Graduate Student and Scholars Association (IGSSA)
students, provide academic and social programs, and serve
as student advocates, including: Queer Pride Graduate Student Association (QPGSA )

Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE)

Turkish Intercultural Club

C OL L E AGUE S, F RIENDS, A ND FA MILIE S

LIVING AND LEARNING IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S
M O S T DY N A M I C M E T R O P O L I TA N A R E A S
Stretching along the north shore of spectacular Lake Michigan, nation’s third-largest city offers. Northwestern’s location also means
Northwestern’s Evanston campus provides an environment unsurpassed access to major corporations, research centers, and
conducive to serious scholarship and rich in rewarding opportu- other organizations eager to engage Northwestern Engineering
nities for every lifestyle. Evanston boasts the amenities of a big students in experiential learning, internships, and careers.
city in a manageable suburban setting. Northwestern Engineering has prepared this guide to help you
With Northwestern’s downtown Chicago campus only 12 miles away navigate the sometimes complex application process for MS or
and easily accessible by public transportation or the intercampus PhD admission. You can also refer to each department’s website
shuttle, Northwestern students have easy access to the wealth for more information.
of professional sports, music, art, and cultural diversity that the
G R A D UAT E
A P P L I CAT I O N
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR 2021
A P P L I C AT I O N P R O C E S S P H D A P P L I C AT I O N S
AND DEADLINES Application to the PhD program of choice starts at the department’s
Application requirements and deadlines for PhD and MS degrees vary website. From there, applicants are directed into Northwestern’s
by department or program. It is best to refer to the individual depart- The Graduate School’s application system where the application is
ment or program website for exact specifications. completed and submitted.

All applications for PhD and MS degrees are made through one of two The application deadline for most PhD programs is December 15.
Northwestern University online application systems. Both online
application systems open in September each year and you may begin Departments with exceptions to this date include engineering
your application as soon as the system is open. During the process sciences and applied mathematics (December 31), and industrial
you can save your work, return frequently to update your application, engineering and management sciences (December 5). Always check
and then submit the application upon completion. the department’s website for any updates.
 R E S U M E /C V A N D S TAT E M E N T O F P U R P O S E
PhD program admission does not require an MS degree and the
majority of our new PhD students do not hold an MS degree. Should Please include your resume/CV and statement of purpose
acceptance to our highly competitive PhD programs not be granted, with the online application.
many applicants wish to be considered for an MS program. North-
western makes this request easy to make through a checkbox section TRANSCRIPTS
in the PhD application – no separate application is required for MS Applicants upload unofficial transcripts through the online
consideration. application system.

M S A P P L I C AT I O N S
Official transcripts will be required only for new students
Apply to the MS program of your choice starting at the department’s who enroll at Northwestern. Those will be collected in the summer
or program’s website. From there, and depending upon the program, months.
you will be automatically delivered into either Northwestern’s The
Graduate School’s application system, or Northwestern’s McCor- R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
mick’s application system where you will finish and submit your
All recommendations should be submitted through the
application.
online application system. Two or three recommendations are re-
Students can only submit one application to The Graduate School, quired depending on the program.
but a prospective student can apply to an unlimited number of
McCormick MS programs. Please direct your references to send their materials electronically.
Hard copies via mail will not be accepted.
MS application deadlines vary by program, and some programs even
have a rolling admissions policy. Always check the department’s or
ONCE YOU H AV E A PPLIED
program’s website for any updates on requirements and timing.
During the application process, you may work with the departmen-
tal graduate program assistant or the program’s associate director
S U P P O R T I N G M AT E R I A L S to complete your application file. You will also be able to track your
F O R A P P L I C AT I O N S status online in the application system.

TEST SCORES

Applicants can use the E TS system to send GRE and TOEFL scores (if
TOEFL is required for you) to Northwestern University.

Northwestern will accept scanned copies of score reports through

the online application system and verify those scores with E TS.

The minimum Internet-based TOEFL scores are 90 for PhD

applicants and 80 for MS applicants in most programs. Higher
TOEFL scores may be required for some MS programs. A score of 7.0
may in part also be used from the IELTS. Please see departmental or
program websites for specific information.
 ONCE YOU H AV E BEEN A DMIT TED

PhD programs: admitted PhD students have until April 15 to accept

or decline the offer of admission. Those residing in the United States
A P P L I C AT I O N
are invited to campus in late winter. Northwestern Engineering will CHECKLIST
help defray expenses for your travel to Evanston.

Please check with your desired program for specific instructions.

MS programs: admitted MS students will receive specific
acceptance deadline information from their department or program. Complete online application

I N C L U D E W I T H O N L I N E A P P L I C AT I O N
FUNDING
Recommenders’ contact information
PhD programs: Northwestern Engineering fully funds PhD
Resume/CV
students with paid tuition, paid health insurance, and a monthly
stipend. After admission, PhD applicants will receive a Statement of purpose
formal PhD funding offer letter. Unofficial transcripts

GRE scores (if required by program)

MS programs: Northwestern Engineering generally does not fund
TOEFL scores (if required; if English was the language of instruction
MS students. To help make sure that all of our master’s degree
at the institution where you received your bachelor’s or master’s
students can fund their education regardless of personal financial
degree, then the TOEFL requirement is waived.)
circumstances, Northwestern Engineering provides opportunities for
access to a variety of federal and private loan and funding options. IELTS scores (as an alternative to TOEFL scores)
(See end of the brochure for more financial aid information.) Do not send hard copies of materials that have been submitted
electronically. It slows the processing of your application.

N E E D A S S I S TA N C E ? H AV E A Q U E S T I O N?

Please feel free to contact the graduate program assistant dean

for your chosen program.

Assistant Dean Assistant Dean for Professional

for Graduate Studies Education MS Programs
Bruce A. Lindvall Ward Lavino
2145 Sheridan Road 2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208–3103 Evanston, IL 60208–3103
Phone 847–491–4547 Phone 847–467–6167
b-lindvall@northwestern.edu edward.lavino@northwestern.edu
G R A D UAT E S T UDY
NORTHWESTE RN
ENGINEERING
W E A R E W H O L E- B R A IN T H IN K E R S

S EEIN G S IMP L I C I T Y IN T HE C O MP L E X ,

T HE C O MP L E X I T Y O F T HE S IMP L E.

W E A R E W H O L E- B R A IN E N G IN E E R S ,

B I G-P I C T UR E T HINK ER S , R E A L-T IME

C O L L A B O R ATO R S , A L L- O U T INN O VATO R S .

WE ARE
TA K I N G T H E
WO R L D I N
A WHOLE NEW
DIRECTION.
Driving progress through innovation and leadership.
Turning research into patented processes and
life-changing inventions. Bringing products to market
with smart risk-taking and entrepreneurship.

FIND YOUR DIREC T ION HER E .

G R A D U AT E S T U DY
AT N O R T H W E S T E R N
ENGINEERING
WHOLE-BR AIN THINKING.
E M P O W E R I N G O U R S T U D E N T S W I T H A D V A N C E D A N A LY T I C A L
A N D P R O B L E M -S O LV I N G S K I L L S
Analysis. Logic. Synthesis. Math. All are elements of “left-brain” ranked departments and beyond. They develop leadership
thinking, all critical to engineering success. To lead today in a skills inside and outside the classroom and lab. And, they expand
world of change, engineers require more. They need “right-brain” their career opportunities through career-focused initiatives
skills. Intuition. Metaphorical thinking. Creative problem solving. and cross-school partnerships that expand their perspectives
At Northwestern Engineering, we celebrate whole-brain thinking and strengthen business management skills.
and empower our students to become whole-brain engineers. Whichever direction our graduate students take, all develop the
Master’s and PhD program students at Northwestern Engineering highly advanced analytical and problem-solving skills required
take the concept to new heights. They conduct interdisciplinary to change the world for the better in material ways and to lead
research and collaborate with peers and faculty in other highly others to do the same.
WHOLE-BR AIN ENGINEERS.
P U R S U ING A DVA N C ED DEGR EE S
ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMS
At every level in every program of study, Northwestern Engineering
P A R T-T I M E M S P R O G R A M S
students constantly advance in their development as whole-brain
engineers. Graduate students choose from an array of master’s Engineering management Executive management
and doctoral programs aligned with their career goals and personal for design and construction Information technology
passions. Master’s degree programs, full- and part-time, are Product design and development management
designed to meet ever-changing industry and research environments. Project management
Doctoral candidates work side-by-side with world-class faculty In addition to the programs listed above, part-time tracks are
across disciplines researching advanced topics in engineering. available for most full-time departmental MS programs.

F U L L-T I M E M S P R O G R A M S
PHD PROGRAMS
Analytics Artificial intelligence Biomedical engineering
Applied physics Biomedical engineering Chemical and
Biotechnology Chemical and biological engineering
biological engineering Civil and environmental engineering
Civil and environmental engineering Computer engineering
Computer engineering Computer science Computer science and
Computer science Electrical engineering
learning sciences Electrical engineering Engineering sciences
Energy and sustainability Engineering design innovation
and applied mathematics Industrial engineering and management
Engineering management Engineering sciences and applied
sciences Materials science and engineering Mechanical
mathematics Information technology MBA i
engineering Technology and social behavior Theoretical and
MMM (dual degree) Materials science and engineering
applied mechanics
Mechanical engineering Product design and development
management Project management Robotics Theoretical and
applied mechanics

W H I C H E V E R D I R E C T I O N O U R G R A D U AT E
S T U D E N T S TA K E , A L L D E V E L O P T H E H I G H LY
A D VA N C E D A N A LY T I C A L A N D P R O B L E M -
S O LV I N G S K I L L S R E Q U I R E D T O C H A N G E T H E
W O R L D F O R T H E B E T T E R I N M AT E R I A L WAY S
AND TO LEAD OTHERS TO DO THE SAME.
R E S E A R C H E R S A N D C O L L A B O R AT O R S
B R E A K I N G B A R R I E R S A N D C R E AT I N G T H E F U T U R E
Northwestern Engineering’s more than 180 faculty systematically MAJOR CENTERS INCLUDE:
confront some of the world’s most pressing and complex challenges
Northwestern-Argonne Institute for Science and Engineering
in systems, materials, health and wellness, energy, and the
environment. Our interdisciplinary collaboration is exemplified by Center for Synthetic Biology
ongoing research initiatives with more than 20 other departments in
our extended Northwestern family and dozens of other universities Institute for Sustainability and Energy
and research centers worldwide.
International Institute for Nanotechnology
While the majority of University research funding comes from
government sources, corporate-sponsored research represents Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
a growing opportunity for professors.
Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems

Segal Design Institute

Northwestern University Transportation Center

CAREER-FOCUSED PROFE SSIONAL S

P R E P A R I N G F O R S U C C E S S I N B U S I N E S S , I N D U S T R Y,
AND ACADEMIA
Northwestern Engineering is committed to preparing students
for successful careers as leaders and researchers in business,
industry, and academia. The Engineering Career Development office
identifies and works with students to secure internship opportunities
and provides other career advancement services. For doctoral
students, Management for Scientists and Engineers, an eight-week
summer course drawn from the Kellogg School of Management core
MBA curriculum, equips researchers with the knowledge they
need to become better managers and leaders.

E N T R E P R E N E U R S A N D I N N O VAT O R S
C H A N G I N G T H E W O R L D F O R T H E B E T T E R E V E R Y D A Y.
Northwestern Engineering students and faculty drive progress ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESOURCES:
through innovation and leadership, turning research into patented The Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation provides
processes and life-changing inventions, bringing products incubators, mentorships, and seminars and encourages the ongoing
to market through smart risk-taking and entrepreneurship. They development of new, interdisciplinary curricula.
typically account for a lion’s share of the University’s inventions
and faculty startups.
NU vention courses engage interdisciplinary teams from across
the University in the entire innovation and entrepreneurial life
cycle, including how to transform innovations into viable business.

The Innovation and New Ventures Office ( INVO ) advises faculty

and students on the development of research with commercial
potential and provides seminars and educational programs
on entrepreneurship and innovation.

The Garage provides an entrepreneurship space for Northwestern

students to experiment, collaborate, and get their ideas built.
A COMMUNIT Y OF LE ADERS
GAINING EXPERIENCE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE
THE CL ASSROOMS AND L AB
The McCormick Graduate Leadership Council helps solidify a gradu- Chicago Graduate Student Association ( CGSA )
ate student community among the eight departments within North-
Black Graduate Student Association ( BGSA )
western Engineering by organizing social, academic, and profession-
al activities, and facilitates communication with the administration. Chinese Students and Scholars Association ( CSSA )
Students can also participate in the Graduate Student
Graduate Student Association for Latino
Association, department-centered student groups, and other and Spanish Activities (G-SALSA )
student associations that promote interactions among graduate
students, provide academic and social programs, and serve Indian Graduate Student and Scholars Association (IGSSA)
as student advocates, including:
Queer Pride Graduate Student Association (QPGSA )

Society of Women Engineers (GradSWE)

Turkish Intercultural Club

C OL L E AGUE S, F RIENDS, A ND FA MILIE S

LIVING AND LEARNING IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S
M O S T DY N A M I C M E T R O P O L I TA N A R E A S
Stretching along the north shore of spectacular Lake Michigan, nation’s third-largest city offers. Northwestern’s location also means
Northwestern’s Evanston campus provides an environment unsurpassed access to major corporations, research centers, and
conducive to serious scholarship and rich in rewarding opportu- other organizations eager to engage Northwestern Engineering
nities for every lifestyle. Evanston boasts the amenities of a big students in experiential learning, internships, and careers.
city in a manageable suburban setting. Northwestern Engineering has prepared this guide to help you
With Northwestern’s downtown Chicago campus only 12 miles away navigate the sometimes complex application process for MS or
and easily accessible by public transportation or the intercampus PhD admission. You can also refer to each department’s website
shuttle, Northwestern students have easy access to the wealth for more information.
of professional sports, music, art, and cultural diversity that the
G R A D UAT E
A P P L I CAT I O N
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR 2021
A P P L I C AT I O N P R O C E S S P H D A P P L I C AT I O N S
AND DEADLINES Application to the PhD program of choice starts at the department’s
Application requirements and deadlines for PhD and MS degrees vary website. From there, applicants are directed into Northwestern’s
by department or program. It is best to refer to the individual depart- The Graduate School’s application system where the application is
ment or program website for exact specifications. completed and submitted.

All applications for PhD and MS degrees are made through one of two The application deadline for most PhD programs is December 15.
Northwestern University online application systems. Both online
application systems open in September each year and you may begin Departments with exceptions to this date include engineering
your application as soon as the system is open. During the process sciences and applied mathematics (December 31), and industrial
you can save your work, return frequently to update your application, engineering and management sciences (December 5). Always check
and then submit the application upon completion. the department’s website for any updates.
 R E S U M E /C V A N D S TAT E M E N T O F P U R P O S E
PhD program admission does not require an MS degree and the
majority of our new PhD students do not hold an MS degree. Should Please include your resume/CV and statement of purpose
acceptance to our highly competitive PhD programs not be granted, with the online application.
many applicants wish to be considered for an MS program. North-
western makes this request easy to make through a checkbox section TRANSCRIPTS
in the PhD application – no separate application is required for MS Applicants upload unofficial transcripts through the online
consideration. application system.

M S A P P L I C AT I O N S
Official transcripts will be required only for new students
Apply to the MS program of your choice starting at the department’s who enroll at Northwestern. Those will be collected in the summer
or program’s website. From there, and depending upon the program, months.
you will be automatically delivered into either Northwestern’s The
Graduate School’s application system, or Northwestern’s McCor- R E C O M M E N D AT I O N S
mick’s application system where you will finish and submit your
All recommendations should be submitted through the
application.
online application system. Two or three recommendations are re-
Students can only submit one application to The Graduate School, quired depending on the program.
but a prospective student can apply to an unlimited number of
McCormick MS programs. Please direct your references to send their materials electronically.
Hard copies via mail will not be accepted.
MS application deadlines vary by program, and some programs even
have a rolling admissions policy. Always check the department’s or
ONCE YOU H AV E A PPLIED
program’s website for any updates on requirements and timing.
During the application process, you may work with the departmen-
tal graduate program assistant or the program’s associate director
S U P P O R T I N G M AT E R I A L S to complete your application file. You will also be able to track your
F O R A P P L I C AT I O N S status online in the application system.

TEST SCORES

Applicants can use the E TS system to send GRE and TOEFL scores (if
TOEFL is required for you) to Northwestern University.

Northwestern will accept scanned copies of score reports through

the online application system and verify those scores with E TS.

The minimum Internet-based TOEFL scores are 90 for PhD

applicants and 80 for MS applicants in most programs. Higher
TOEFL scores may be required for some MS programs. A score of 7.0
may in part also be used from the IELTS. Please see departmental or
program websites for specific information.
 ONCE YOU H AV E BEEN A DMIT TED

PhD programs: admitted PhD students have until April 15 to accept

or decline the offer of admission. Those residing in the United States
A P P L I C AT I O N
are invited to campus in late winter. Northwestern Engineering will CHECKLIST
help defray expenses for your travel to Evanston.

Please check with your desired program for specific instructions.

MS programs: admitted MS students will receive specific
acceptance deadline information from their department or program. Complete online application

I N C L U D E W I T H O N L I N E A P P L I C AT I O N
FUNDING
Recommenders’ contact information
PhD programs: Northwestern Engineering fully funds PhD
Resume/CV
students with paid tuition, paid health insurance, and a monthly
stipend. After admission, PhD applicants will receive a Statement of purpose
formal PhD funding offer letter. Unofficial transcripts

GRE scores (if required by program)

MS programs: Northwestern Engineering generally does not fund
TOEFL scores (if required; if English was the language of instruction
MS students. To help make sure that all of our master’s degree
at the institution where you received your bachelor’s or master’s
students can fund their education regardless of personal financial
degree, then the TOEFL requirement is waived.)
circumstances, Northwestern Engineering provides opportunities for
access to a variety of federal and private loan and funding options. IELTS scores (as an alternative to TOEFL scores)
(See end of the brochure for more financial aid information.) Do not send hard copies of materials that have been submitted
electronically. It slows the processing of your application.

N E E D A S S I S TA N C E ? H AV E A Q U E S T I O N?

Please feel free to contact the graduate program assistant dean

for your chosen program.

Assistant Dean Assistant Dean for Professional

for Graduate Studies Educational MS Programs
Bruce A. Lindvall Ward Lavino
2145 Sheridan Road 2145 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60208–3103 Evanston, IL 60208–3103
Phone 847–491–4547 Phone 847–467–6167
b-lindvall@northwestern.edu edward.lavino@northwestern.edu
M AST E R O F
SCIENCE IN
B I OT EC H N O LO GY
T H E M A S T E R O F B I O T E C H N O L O G Y P R O G R A M ( MBP ), administered by the
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, prepares scientists and engineers for
fulfilling and dynamic careers in biotechnology. Students develop the learning and innovation
skills demanded by industry through education, extensive laboratory research, practical
experience, professional connections, an alumni network, and community outreach.
 REQUIRED COURSES
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
One unit of introductory engineering (for non-engineers): Introduction
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS to Principles of Chemical Engineering (MBiotech 3030)
M aster of Science in Biotechnology Program (MBP) accepts scien-
tists and engineers who have taken at least one course in each of the Two units of bioprocess engineering: Kinetics, Energetics and
following areas: organic chemistry or biochemistry, general or phys- Bioreactor Design (MBiotech 476-1), and Properties and Separation of
ical chemistry, biology (such as cellular or molecular), and calculus. Biologically Produced Molecules (MBiotech 476-2)
The admissions committee reviews each application holistically, and
considers GPA , TOEFL scores (if applicable), letters of recommen- One unit of laboratories: Bioprocess Engineering
dation, and performance during an interview (in person, phone, or Laboratory (MBiotech 402)
through a video conferencing platform).
Three units of non-technical courses: Technology Commercialization
Fundamentals (MBiotech 410), Critical Thinking and Communication
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS (MBiotech 420), and Regulatory Sciences in Biotechnology (MBiotech
MBP is a full-time, 15-month (five quarters) program with 482)
an optional internship that extends the program duration to
21 months (seven quarters). Students must:

Complete 21 units

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better

Participate in professional development activities

Submit quarterly written research reports in lieu of a thesis

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

The MBP curriculum consists of seven units of required courses and

six units of elective courses. Additionally, eight units of research
can be completed in either Northwestern laboratories or at local
companies.

RESEARCH

MBP offers 1,000 hours of research; an additional 1,000 hours of

research is available through an optional academic internship. The
research is conducted over two contiguous quarters and directed
by more than 80 Northwestern faculty members from Northwestern
Engineering, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, and Feinberg
School of Medicine. Many faculty members of the Robert H. Lurie
Comprehensive Cancer Center serve as MBP research preceptors
through a special affiliation.
ELECTIVE COURSES

Students complete six electives (on average) selected from a list of

70 courses in the fields of biological sciences, biomedical
engineering, chemical and biological engineering, environmental
engineering, genetics, genomics, materials science, regulatory
science, and statistics. Students also have access to a number of
electives offered by the Kellogg School of Management. Additional
electives may be available as overloads.

INTERNSHIP

An optional paid internship provides students with the opportunity

to work in industry for one to two quarters after completing at
least the first three quarters of the MBP curriculum. Registration
in a non-credit course during the internship allows participants
to maintain student standing for insurance, student loan, and
visa purposes.

C E R T I F I C AT E S

MBP offers two certificate options at no additional charge:

a Nanobiotechnology Certificate and a Sustainability and Global
Health Biotechnologies Certificate. Students may also enroll in a
Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation graduate minor,
or in a Master of Engineering Management graduate minor.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM
I N F O R M AT I O N
MBP STUDENTS

The majority of MBP students have recently completed their

undergraduate studies and are seeking careers in biotechnology, the
pharmaceutical industry, or consulting. Typically, at least half are
biology majors; the rest are engineers, biotechnologists, and other
science majors. The expected MBP class size is 30–40 students per
year.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MBP alumni, advisory board members, and industrial partners form

a diverse international body of professionals, and hold
biotechnology positions in government, the pharmaceutical and
biotechnology industry, consulting, and academia. Since 2005, more
than 200 MBP graduates have found employment with leadingcom-
panies such as Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Amgen, Baxter, Deloitte,
DuPont, General Electric, Genentech, Genzyme, GlaxoSmithKline,
Hospira, MedImmune, Merck, Novartis, and Pfizer.

More information about professional development can be found at

mccormick.northwestern.edu/biotechnology/career-opportunities/.
LEADERSHIP

MBP is led by program director Danielle Tullman-Ercek. An industrial

advisory board comprising biotechnology industry professionals
advises on academic and professional components of the program.

C O N TA C T

For more information, call 847–491–7399, or email

mbp@northwestern.edu with specific questions.

MBP ALUMNI HOLD BIOTECHNOLOGY

P O S I T I O N S I N G O V E R N M E N T, T H E
P H A R M A C E U T I C A L I N D U S T R Y,
I N D U S T R I A L A N D A G R I C U LT U R A L
SECTORS, AND ACADEMIA.
FINANCIAL AID
FO R MASTE R’S
DEG RE E PROG R AM
STUDENTS
Faculty and staff of the McCormick School of Engineering and Also, note that if your ultimate goal is to pursue a PhD, you may
Applied Science understand that financing a master’s degree enter PhD programs without having completed an MS degree.
can play an important role in deciding which school you will attend.
To help make sure that all of our master’s degree students can LOANS
fund their educations regardless of personal financial
Northwestern loan procedures, deadlines, and downloadable
circumstances, Northwestern Engineering provides opportunities for
forms are available at:
access to a variety of federal and private loan and funding options.
northwestern.edu/evanston-graduate-financial-aid/
The Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid assists current and
incoming students with these funding processes and also Private student loan comparison for students not eligible
provides sound debt management services. You may contact for federal loans is available at:
the office by phone at 847–491–8950 or by email at northwestern.edu/evanston-graduate-financial-aid/private-stu-
gradfinaid@northwestern.edu. dent-loans/index.html
Financial literacy, federal loan programs, loan forgiveness
provisions, and repayment calculators are available at:

northwestern.edu/financial-wellness/

TUITION

Tuition, fees, billing, and payment information is available at:

northwestern.edu/sfs/

SCHOLARSHIPS

Information about private outside scholarship assistance

may be found at:

petersons.com

Please contact the Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid or

Bruce A. Lindvall, assistant dean for graduate studies at McCormick,
at b-lindvall@northwestern.edu or at 847-491–4547, if you have
questions about financing your MS degree.
M AST E R O F P RO D U CT
D ES I G N & D E V E LO P M E N T
M A N AG E M E N T
T H E M A S T E R O F P R O D U C T D E S I G N A N D D E V E L O P M E N T M A N A G E M E N T (MPD 2 ) is a degree
program for professionals who are passionate about mastering the business of product design and development.
Students learn to use creativity, innovation, lean design, design strategy, product innovation, end-user research,
marketing, and project and product management, as well as business and financial issues, to solve problems in the
face of ambiguity. The MPD² program includes the same basic core as MBAs from the perspective of the business
side of product design and development. The highly focused curriculum, taught by senior faculty from academia
and business, is designed to assure graduates a pathway to senior management, making this one of the top
programs in the world as endorsed by Business Week.
 Courses are open only to MPD² students, who all take the same
MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM classes in sequence.

F O R M AT All courses are delivered within the context of product design

and development and are closely managed to optimize the quality
MPD² uses a cohort model, with students starting in the fall quarter
of material delivered. The program, whether full- or part-time,
of each year. Cohorts offer the ongoing fellowship of other students
is a rigorous academic master’s degree program with assignments,
with similar professional experiences. Teams are assigned and
exams, homework, student presentations, extended projects, and
balanced based on background and experience to mirror real-life
required reading. Students are required to complete both team
product development teams.
and individual assignments.
Students can complete the MPD 2 program in nine months on
a full-time basis or in two years on a part-time basis:
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Part-time Option The part-time program is ideal for students who
wish to earn a degree while continuing their current employment. The ideal MPD² student demonstrates outstanding initiative and
Classes are held on alternating Fridays and Saturdays in the fall, drive, a passion for design and development, and potential for
winter, and spring quarters for two years. leadership and management growth.

Full-time Option Students who wish to accelerate their studies

and are willing to leave their workplace in order to quickly move on to
their next professional step will prefer the full-time program. Classes
are held on both Fridays and Saturdays in the fall, winter, and spring
quarter for nine months.

Over the duration of their respective programs, both groups have

the same course curriculum.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Classes meet on Northwestern’s Evanston campus on Fridays

and Saturdays. Friday classes begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude
at 3:30 p.m. Saturday classes begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude at
4:00 p.m. Each day consists of two classes, one in the morning
and one in the afternoon.

CURRICULUM

The curriculum consists of 24 required courses; 12 business and

management classes and 12 design classes, offering a well-rounded
education. Each course is five weeks long. The courses range from
those typical of a professional design and development curriculum,
including material selection, understanding through design,
obtaining meaning from data, protecting intellectual property,
creativity and innovation, human factors, lean design, and project
management, as well as those typical of a business curriculum, such
as marketing, finance, accounting, organizational behavior,
leadership, negotiation, and decision making.
Students often have an undergraduate degree in engineering, design,
or business. Individuals with other degrees and sufficient work
experience should also apply. Admission is competitive and is based
on an aggregate review of transcripts, work accomplishments, and
an interview with the program director that includes the submission
of a portfolio representing the applicant’s professional experience.

Proficiency in English is required due to the fast-paced curriculum,

extensive teamwork, and frequent presentations. International
applicants must include their TOEFL scores.

Since part-time students must be in class every other Friday, a letter

indicating the current employer’s understanding of this schedule
must be submitted when accepting an offer of admission.

STUDENTS

The MPD² program has a unique and diverse student body. Students
typically enter the program with three to 30 years of experience in
positions that range from engineer to designer to manager to CEO,
in industries from food to medical devices to military equipment
to consulting. They have come from companies including Abbott
Laboratories, Baxter International, Caterpillar, General Electric,
Harley-Davidson, Illinois Tool Works, Johnson Controls, Kohler, Kraft
Foods, Motorola Mobility, Northrop Grumman, Procter & Gamble,
S.C. Johnson, USG, Whirlpool, Wrigley, and Zebra Technologies, as
well as a variety of smaller and/or private companies.

The average age of MPD² students is 35. While most enter the
program with a bachelor’s degree, some students also have
master’s and doctorate degrees. Students frequently enroll from
Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ohio, and some from
California, Florida, and Texas attend the part-time program.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The MPD² goal is to make the logistics of the program as seamless as

possible. The program staff helps students focus on their course-
work by providing a number of services, including the purchase of
books, classroom materials, and parking permits; class registration;
meals and refreshments on class days; assistance with class-day
needs, and more. The staff also acts as a liaison with other University
offices, including financial aid, student accounts, and the
International Office.

FA C U LT Y

MPD² faculty members are leading experts in the field and are
carefully selected from across Northwestern University (McCormick
School of Engineering, Kellogg School of Management, School of
Law, School of Professional Studies, Weinberg College of Arts and
Sciences, and Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated
Marketing Communications), as well as leadership in private industry.
Our renowned faculty are known for their experience and research
in product design and development management and often serve as
consultants to industry and government. Their familiarity with
current trends enables them to instruct MPD² students about
cutting-edge methods to address the challenges of the discipline.
GOVERNANCE

The MPD² program is directed by Walter B. Herbst, PhD, FNAI,

distinguished clinical professor in the McCormick School of
Engineering and the Kellogg School of Management, founder of
Herbst LaZar Bell, and co-founder of Herbst Produkt. Stephen Carr,
PhD, professor of materials science and engineering, co-directs the
program. A corporate advisory board comprising leaders from a
broad array of industries meets biannually. The program is affiliated
with the Segal Design Institute at Northwestern.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Learning for MPD 2 alumni does not end with graduation. MPD 2
graduates are welcome to return at any time to audit our courses,
such as when a subject might have new relevance due to career
progression, when a new course is offered, or when they simply
wish to reinforce their knowledge.

The MPD 2 alumni group actively plans events, networks, and assists
the program in marketing efforts.

The MPD² program also offers Managing Product Design and

Development, a three-day executive education certificate program
in the spring and fall of each year. It is taught by the same excellent
faculty who teach in the master’s program.

C O N TA C T

Learn more about MPD² by attending an Open House or Information

Session. Visit mpd.northwestern.edu for more information,
or contact our student coordinator, Diona Geci, at
diona@northwestern.edu or 847–467–3372.

THE IDEAL MPD² STUDENT

D E M O N S T R AT E S A PA S S I O N F O R
D E S I G N A N D D E V E L O P M E N T,
O U T S TA N D I N G I N I T I AT I V E A N D
DRIVE, AND BASIC LEADERSHIP
SKILLS FOR MANAGEMENT GROWTH.
FINANCIAL AID
FO R MASTE R’S
DEG RE E PROG R AM
STUDENTS
Faculty and staff of the McCormick School of Engineering and Also, note that if your ultimate goal is to pursue a PhD, you may
Applied Science understand that financing a master’s degree enter PhD programs without having completed an MS degree.
can play an important role in deciding which school you will attend.
To help make sure that all of our master’s degree students can LOANS
fund their educations regardless of personal financial
Northwestern loan procedures, deadlines, and downloadable
circumstances, Northwestern Engineering provides opportunities for
forms are available at:
access to a variety of federal and private loan and funding options.
northwestern.edu/evanston-graduate-financial-aid/
The Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid assists current and
incoming students with these funding processes and also Private student loan comparison for students not eligible
provides sound debt management services. You may contact for federal loans is available at:
the office by phone at 847–491–8950 or by email at northwestern.edu/evanston-graduate-financial-aid/private-stu-
gradfinaid@northwestern.edu. dent-loans/index.html
Financial literacy, federal loan programs, loan forgiveness
provisions, and repayment calculators are available at:

northwestern.edu/financial-wellness/

TUITION

Tuition, fees, billing, and payment information is available at:

northwestern.edu/sfs/

SCHOLARSHIPS

Information about private outside scholarship assistance

may be found at:

petersons.com

Please contact the Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid or

Bruce A. Lindvall, assistant dean for graduate studies at McCormick,
at b-lindvall@northwestern.edu or at 847-491–4547, if you have
questions about financing your MS degree.