Frequently Asked Questions

Please refer to the main FAQ page for additional questions related to admission. If you cannot find the answers to your questions on this web site, please contact the School of Continuing Studies' Admission Office at (312) 503-1083.

Program Information:

What are the advantages of the part-time, MALS program?
The MALS program gives adult students, most of whom are working full-time, an opportunity to learn from dedicated and talented Northwestern University faculty. Because the MALS degree is an interdisciplinary one, students have an extraordinary opportunity to learn from experts in diverse fields such as history, philosophy, religion, sociology, political science, and art history. The program courses are designed to give students a broad and stimulating intellectual experience. Students engage in a variety of serious intellectual pursuits that, prepare them for further academic or professional study, enhance their career credentials, and satisfy their desire for in-depth knowledge.

The MALit and MALS course offerings look very similar: What is the difference between these two degrees?
The two programs do allow for cross-enrollment which we feel enriches everyone’s experience, but the main focus of each one is distinct. Students in the MALS program take most of their courses from the MALS course offerings, which have a humanities and social science focus. Each student in the MALS program must take two MALS seminars (chosen from IPLS 401, 402, or 403) that serve to introduce students to graduate study and research methods. Each student also completes a thesis or capstone project under the direction of a faculty member approved by The Graduate School.

Literature, of course, belongs in any study of the humanities. In some cases, MALS students may take graduate literature courses, especially if those courses relate to their academic interests. For example, a student who plans to do a thesis on American urban history, focusing on Chicago, might take a Chicago literature course as part of his or her course of study. Or an MALS student who is studying Latin American politics may take a graduate course on Latin American literature.

Will my degree be conferred through the School of Continuing Studies? What will my diploma read?
Students in the MALS program are students of two of Northwestern University’s schools: the School of Continuing Studies and The Graduate School. SCS administers the MALS program, but The Graduate School governs the curriculum academically. Your degree will be conferred by The Graduate School and your diploma will state this fact.

Who teaches the courses?
The courses are primarily taught by full-time Northwestern University faculty. The faculty are drawn from a variety of departments such as anthropology, art history, history, philosophy, political science, religion, and sociology. All faculty are dedicated to fostering a fruitful, collaborative exploration of the humanities.

How long does it take to complete the MALS program?
The Graduate School allows students a maximum of five years to complete a program, although master's degree students generally complete degree requirements in two to three years.

Can I transfer credits from another graduate program?
No course work may be transferred from outside Northwestern University to fulfill MALS program requirements.

Are any online courses available?
Not online courses are offered at this time.

How large are classes?
Class sizes typically range from 10 to 20 students per class, which gives them considerable personal attention from the faculty.

Can I take just one course?
Yes. If you do not want to pursue the entire degree or if you would benefit professionally or academically most from a certain area, you can take courses on an individual basis as a nondegree special Student or pursue a Professional Graduate Series certificate program. If you do not need University credit, the Visiting Scholar option is the most affordable way to take MALS courses.

What could this degree do for my career?
The credential of having taken a master's degree or other graduate-level work at Northwestern University looks impressive on any résumé. In particular, the MALS program hones your critical thinking and communication skills, improves your research and writing abilities, and expands your problem-solving capabilities by exposing you to multiple ways of seeing the world. These qualities are highly -prized by employers. Alumni report that the degree made a positive difference in their career advancement and salary.

MALS students come from a variety of professional disciplines. Our students are doctors, lawyers, writers, accountants, teachers, librarians, entrepreneurs, museum professionals, and homemakers- all united by their interests in continuing the life of the mind. Some students switch careers as a result of their experience in the program. Others come here because they are interested in intellectual pursuits for their own reward. A number of MALS students over the years have gone on for further study at both the master's and PhD levels.

Admissions:

How do I apply?
You must submit the following items:

• An online graduate application
• A nonrefundable application fee of $75. This fee must be paid online using a credit card; see the online application.
• One sealed copy of official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities you have attended. This should include BOTH CREDIT AND NONCREDIT COURSE WORK. (Note: Students submitting transcripts from foreign institutions that are not in English must present a document-by-document evaluation of transcripts.)
• One copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation that- comment on your intellectual and academic abilities. Ideally, an instructor who knows you well should write such a letter. Students who have been away from school for a number of years sometimes take one or two 300-level courses at SCS with the intent of gaining a current and relevant letter of recommendation. While some applicants submit letters from supervisors or managers in their place of employment those letters are typically less informative about a student's academic abilities and—often—do not help an application. Personal references from friends or family members are not appropriate.
• One copy of a 300-word statement of intent indicating your preparedness for graduate study and academic goals.
• Four copies of a writing sample not to exceed 10 pages.

How are my applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated by the MALS admissions committee. The following considerations will guide the committee in reviewing applications:

• Letters of Recommendation help to build a case for one's academic qualifications. A strong letter that provides detailed information about the applicant's academic ability has a positive effect on the applicant's candidacy. The more specific the letter, the better. For example, a letter that describes a student's papers or research projects is more effective than a letter that simply says that you were a hard worker in class. You should brief recommenders about the program and your objectives before requesting a letter; we recommend you meet or correspond with your recommenders.
• The statement of purpose demonstrates whether or not your academic goals are appropriate to the MALS program. This statement also helps the committee determine whether you possess the necessary writing skills and intellectual maturity for succeeding in this program.
• The writing sample is used to evaluate your ability to engage in academic study. We recommend that the sample be a paper written for a previously completed course. It should have a strong thesis and make use of research or close textual study to advance that thesis. It should follow academic conventions when citing sources and needs to be clearly organized and written. If you do not have such a paper to submit, you may consider taking an advanced-level undergraduate course that requires such a paper.