Academic and Grading Expectations
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As an MSHE student, you have entered a community of scholarship in which academic integrity is of the highest value. Criteria for and evaluation of performance are at the discretion of the instructor. Expectations and how they are being met will be communicated to students via the course syllabus...
Academic Policies
A range of academic policies for the MSHE program including transfer credit, FERPA and right to privacy, grade changes, taking an incomplete, grades for dropped courses, pass/no pass grades, auditing courses, academic probation and other questions.
Admitted Student Checklists
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Newly admitted students receive a 'new student checklist' along with their acceptance letter and other materials. The checklist varies slightly for students who apply for the early admission deadline and students who apply for the regular admission deadline. The checklist is updated occasionally.
Campus Resources
The Northwestern University campus has a wide range of resources available to you as a student. These include fitness and recreation resources, health and wellness resources, arts and athletic events, and dining options.
Career Coaching
The MSHE program offers students and alumni of the program both programmatic and individual support for career preparation and advancement. Students are invited to participate in workshops throughout the year that address key topics in career preparation and advancement. Additionally, a MSHE Care...
Chicago
Chicago has a number of resources for you to explore and enjoy. For example you might check out Chicago's many bike routes, got to a comedy show, or check out one of Chicago's many attractions.
Disability Accomodations
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In compliance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Northwestern University is committed to providing equal access to all programming.
Suggested Electives Outside MSHE
Many electives are offered by other programs and schools within SESP and Northwestern. This page includes a list of suggested electives by the MSHE program because of their relatedness in subject matter and preferences of our students. Many of these have been taken by MSHE students in the past an...
Evanston
Evanston has a number of good restaurants and attractions. Check out these suggestions for places to go on a budget (or to get your parents to take you not on a budget), and other useful suggestions about making the most of living in Evanston.
Graduation
This page includes all the information you will need to graduate including information about the petition to graduate survey, exit survyes, commencement and convocation ceremonies, transcript requests, and getting your diploma.
Higher Ed Careers
Higher ed careers can be varied in type, job responsibility, functional area, location, institutional type, and many other factors. The websites listed below for job searching and the salary information can help you begin to understand and navigate this complex landscape.
Higher Education Data
Data is important for many projects in the Higher Ed program including the Master's project sequence. This page has some publically available data sets that might be useful as a student in the MSHE program.
Housing Resources
Many students live on-campus or in Evanston. Some students rent apartments in Chicago and the neighboring suburbs. Since the campus is centrally located, public transportation is excellent. It is highly advisable for students who wish to rent apartments to visit the area and make living arrangeme...
Internship Experience
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There are many different routes a student can take in finding a rewarding internship. Some students start their internship immediately upon entering the program. Others prefer to take a few classes first and research areas of interest before beginning an internship. Doing multiple internships is ...
Internships
Internships support the program's vision of connecting theory to practice and support students' development as higher education professionals. Read more about waiving the internship requirement, the internship course (MSHE 485), steps to securing an internship, and internship funding.
Master's Project Sequence
The Master’s Project is an opportunity to pursue resolution of a question about which you have genuine concern. The question may grow out of an interest that you have had for some time or one that has arisen recently through course work or personal experience.
MSHE Curriculum
To earn the master's degree in Higher Education Administration and Policy students must complete 15 graduate level courses, including core courses and electives.
MSHE Glossary
Between acronyms and higher ed jargon, sometimes navigating all the terms thrown around in class and at internship sites can be hard to keep up with. Here is our cheat sheet of common terms.
Non-Matriculated Students
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Navigate what it means to be a non-matriculated student, including financial resources, applying for matriculation, petitioning to take a 5th class, and other topics.
Orientations
There are virtual orientations and on campus orientations for all new students regardless of student status. An internship orientation is also offered once a year for any students anticipating completing an internship.
Plantastic Course Planner
This website is a tool that allows you and your advisor to plan out the courses you will take to complete your degree program. Once your initial program plan has been created and approved, you will be able to refer to it later when registering for classes. Should your plans change you will be abl...
Professional Organizations
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There are a variety of higher education professional organizations with which you should familiarize yourself and in which you should consider more substantial involvement.
Register for Courses
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Use CEASAR to register for classes. Before registering for courses for the first time there are a few things to be aware of. In order to register for courses, the MSHE program must give you an 'enrollment appointment.'
Research Library Resources
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Northwestern’s extensive library system on the Evanston and Chicago campuses provides resources and support for scholars engaged in research. Northwestern’s combined library collections rank among the top 35 in the nation. The online catalog is accessible from campus computers or off campus with ...
Student Involvement
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There are a number of ways for students to get involved on campus and in the community. The following is an incomplete list of some of the opportunities through Northwestern.
Student Loans
Student loans for MS in Higher Education Administration and Policy students are administered through Student Financial Services. Students may not receive their student loan offer at the same time as their scholarship and awards offer.
Student Status
Policies related to matriculated vs non-matriculated students, full-time vs part-time students, academic progress and completion, inactive status, and withdrawing from or re-entry into the MSHE program.
Suggested Reading
This suggested reading list is intended to be a resource for the MSHE community. Whether you are a newly admitted student looking to increase your knowledge of higher education administration or a graduate of the program interested in continuing your professional development, the books and articl...
Technology Setup and Resources
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There are a number of technology tools you might use as an MSHE student. Learn how to connect to the wireless network, set up VPN, access your u.northwestern.edu email address, and troublesheet common IT issues.
Transportation
Learn how to get around campus and chicago using the Inter-campus shuttle, Northwestern campus parking, public transportation (CTA), Metra rail, and biking.
Tuition
Tuition is set each year during the summer. The Master of Science in Higher Education Administration and Policy Program does not charge any student activity or other fee beyond tuition. Tuition does not include the cost of books.
Writing/APA Resources
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In your time as a student in the MSHE program you will have several occasions to search for research articles and write papers about those articles. The most obvious example of this is the Master's Project literature review, but you'll likely use the resources outlined on this page in every cours...
Decision Making and Negotiating
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Congratulations! You have a job offer! Now what? Make sure you evaluate the offer, negotiate what you want, and close the deal.
First 90 Days
Transitions are times of vulnerability. If you establish credibility and secure early wins you will build momentum. If you stumble early on, you can get into a hole that’s hard to climb out of.
Self Assessment and Goal Setting
Reflection, self assessment, and goal setting acquaints you with your value, provides material for your resume, refines your focus, and serves as a filter for opportunities and well-intentioned advice.
Interviewing
Intentional interviewing is a dialogue. The interviewer wants to find out if you are qualified, whether you would enjoy working there, and whether they like you. You also want to know what your goals are as an interviewee and what questions you are trying to answer.
Networking and LinkedIn
Networking is the most important element of the job search process in higher education. MSHE staff and faculty, internship supervisor(s), and even your peers can help to connect you with people. MSHE has a powerful alumni network and connections with higher education professionals that can help y...
Resume and Cover Letter
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Your resume and cover letter are the marketing documents you’ll need for a successful job search. Together, they tell your professional story – the goals you want to help an employer achieve, and the skills, experience, and values you possess that will help you do so.