How long will it take to complete my master's degree or certificate?The Master of Arts in Education (MAED), Master of Arts in Human Services (MAHS), Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL), and Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) take approximately 18 to 22 months to complete. The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) can be completed in approximately 44 to 48 months. Graduate certificate programs takes about eight months to complete. -back to top- Are Northwestern graduate programs full-time or part-time?Northwestern graduate programs are offered in a concentrated format, either on site (where you come to campus) or online (where coursework is completed via online course sites). Academically, you are considered a full-time student, but most graduate students maintain part- or full-time work schedules outside of their studies. -back to top- How much time should I expect to spend studying outside of class?Study time varies from class to class and student to student. Normally you can expect to spend approximately 16 to 20 hours a week (sometimes more, sometimes less) outside of class reading, working on class projects or writing papers, in addition to the three to four hours of weekly class time. -back to top- How much does the program cost?2012–13 tuition is $465 per credit. You need 36 credits to graduate if you are pursuing the MAED, MAHS, MOL or MATS; 76 credits to graduate if you are pusuing the M.Div. -back to top- Is financial aid available?A Center for Graduate Studies financial aid counselor can help you determine what financial aid may be available for you. Learn more through the Financial Aid section of our website. -back to top- I work full time and have family commitments. Will I have time to complete my master's degree?Most Northwestern graduate students have family commitments and are employed full time. To successfully complete your program you may need to identify nonessential activities and temporarily modify your schedule, but Northwestern's graduate programs offer flexible learning formats, compatible with other responsibilities at home, work, church, etc. -back to top- Will my graduate degree be accepted by other colleges and universities?Your master's degree through Northwestern College is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (312-263-0456, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), so the credits earned at Northwestern are recognized by other colleges and universities. Prerequisites for graduate programs vary. We recommend you contact the graduate program's admissions office to determine entrance requirements for programs you wish to pursue. -back to top- Where is Northwestern College?Northwestern College is located in Roseville, Minnesota, just a few minutes from both downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis. Some classes are offered at other Twin Cities locations. -back to top- What are admission requirements for graduate degrees?See Graduate Admission Criteria for general admission requirements. We know there are sometimes exceptional circumstances to consider; please discuss your individual situation with your admission counselor. -back to top- When do programs begin?The Center for Graduate Studies programs begin three times a year: fall semester, spring semester and summer semester. -back to top- Is there a guaranteed start date?Beginning a new cohort is contingent on adequate enrollment. Check with your admission counselor to learn when your cohort will begin. -back to top- When should I apply?We encourage you to apply at least two months prior to your desired start date. -back to top- If I take the program online, will that be noted on my transcript?Since the curriculum for on site and online programs is the same, we do not distinguish the program delivery method on your academic record. -back to top- What’s the difference between on-site, online or blended learning formats?On-siteIf you live in or near the Twin Cities and enjoy dynamic discussion, strong peer support and stretching your thinking by interacting with others, the one-night-a-week, on-site courses may work best for you: - Attend class on campus one night a week
- Courses are taught “live” by your instructor
- Interact with your cohort learning group in class and sometimes outside of class to work on projects.
OnlineOnline courses may be taken from anywhere in the world. Our online programs provide the opportunity to take courses without disrupting your career or other scheduled activities.Time management an organizational skills you use in your everyday life will contribute to your success in this program. Online program features: - Access course lectures and information via the course site online, on a schedule convenient to you
- Interact with your professor through the course site or e-mail
- Interact with your cohort through course site “chat” format or e-mail
Blended learningThe blended learning format offers a powerful combination of face-to-face and online learning. With this format, you will: - Meet on campus for class for 2 1/2 hours
- Spend approximately 1 1/2 hours engaged in online coursework
- Complete related group projects and independent study at your own pace—time spent will vary based on the course and individual
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