Welcome to Northern Illinois University
At Northern Illinois University, possibilities unfold and dreams take flight. In the pages that follow, explore how our dynamic programs, renowned faculty and vibrant campus make NIU the ideal destination to pursue your graduate education. Our unique blend of academic excellence, unparalleled experience and affordability sets us apart from the rest.
Unlocking Extraordinary Value
We believe that exceptional education should be accessible to all — and that’s why we’re committed to providing unparalleled value to our students.
Through our affordable tuition rates, world-class faculty and extensive resources, NIU offers you the keys to unlocking your full potential and achieving success.
Diversity in Student Population
You’re welcome here. Our students’ lived experiences enhance NIU’s learning environment with valuable perspectives on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, religion and immigration status. Huskies value the ideas and insights every person has to offer, and we discover our commonalities by embracing and discussing our differences.
Learning at NIU means contributing to a thriving and diverse community rooted in educational excellence. Of our 3,800-plus graduate students, roughly 25% make up underrepresented racial and ethnic identities; and one out of four students are of international status representing close to 75 countries.
NIU strives to prepare you for a global workforce and enrich the lives of all who live, study and work here.
Accreditation
Our university and individual programs of study rank nationally year after year.
NIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies NIU as a High Research Activity University.
Our university and its colleges have institutional membership or other affiliations in or with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, American Council on Education, Association of State Colleges and Universities, Council of Graduate Schools and Universities Research Association.
Our university is also fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education to offer teacher education programs and offers several teacher certification programs which are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
A Welcoming Community
NIU is a place where campus meets community — to learn, work, have fun and grow together. We have a strong partnership with DeKalb County aimed at fostering collaboration, innovation and community development. Together, we build bridges between academia and the local community to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all residents of DeKalb County.
Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University first opened its doors as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1899 as a teachers’ school. We have since grown into a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world. Located 60 miles west of Chicago, DeKalb County has a population of just over 100,000. It holds the cities of DeKalb, Sycamore, Sandwich and Genoa, as well as dozens of smaller towns, townships and unincorporated communities. The county seat is Sycamore and the largest city is DeKalb, with a population of just over 45,000.
• Our Partnerships: NIU’s has an abundance of diverse partnerships with the surrounding communities — and new relationships are always beginning as we find new opportunities to pursue and new challenges to address together.
• Belonging: Since June 2020, residents of the city of DeKalb, DeKalb County and NIU have come together for community discussions on race and inclusion and established a Belonging Council. Our work is supported by a Healing Illinois Grant facilitated by the city of DeKalb, Northern Illinois University, Family Service Agency, the DeKalb County Community Foundation, the Ellwood House Museum and the DeKalb County Regional History Center.
• Economic Development : NIU participates in various economic development efforts to connect to the businesses that have recently been attracted to DeKalb County, to support local and minorityowned businesses, to maximize the economic development impact of these wins and to revitalize neighborhoods around the university.
Alumni Network
NIU takes pride in a vibrant alumni community that extends far beyond graduation day. As graduates embark on diverse paths, they remain integral to our NIU family, weaving a tapestry of success, connection and enduring legacy. Our alumni hold many types of job positions in a wide variety of industries. Some of the top industries of our alumni are education, health care, information technology, finance and manufacturing.
• 165,000-plus alumni in Illinois.
• 266,000-plus alumni worldwide.
Some of the top employers of our alumni include:
• Abbott
• AbbVie
• Allstate
• Amazon
• AT&T
• Caterpillar
• Chicago Public Schools
• Discover Financial Services
• JPMorgan Chase & Company
• Northwestern Medicine
• Walgreens
Our alumni are leaders in their fields, entrepreneurs and highly skilled workers who improve our quality of life and drive the economy.
Learn more: go.niu.edu/gradalumni
Graduate Programs
NIU offers a dynamic and enriching academic experience through our distinguished colleges, each dedicated to fostering excellence in specific fields of study. Explore the unparalleled opportunities awaiting you across our diverse colleges:
• College of Business
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Engineering Technology
• College of Health and Human Sciences
• College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• College of Visual and Performing Arts
Dive into a world of possibilities that graduate study at NIU can offer, where our colleges are dedicated to fostering innovation, critical thinking and leadership. Whether you aspire to advance your career, contribute to research or make a difference in your community, our colleges provide the foundation for your success.
NIU also has a College of Law. For information on Juris Doctor (J.D.) programs, please visit go.niu.edu/collegeoflaw
Our comprehensive range of graduate programs empowers you to pursue your passion, develop specialized skills and make a significant impact in your chosen field.
• Over 80 degree offerings within a wide variety of disciplines.
• Over 75 master’s degrees with opportunities for specialization.
• More than 60 certificates of graduate study.
• Over 25 doctoral degree options.
We believe in fostering a vibrant and inclusive academic community. Our degrees span a wide range of disciplines, including business, education, arts, sciences, health and more. Immerse yourself in a learning environment that values innovation, collaboration and excellence.
Advanced Degrees and Certificates Explore
Start here: go.niu.edu/graduateprograms.
Master’s Degrees
Embark on your transformative academic journey by exploring our master’s degree programs — where innovation, expertise and a commitment to excellence converge. Explore a diverse array of graduate opportunities designed to propel your career to new heights. With your master’s degree, you’ll have the knowledge needed to open new opportunities for yourself.
Benefits of earning your master’s degree include:
• Increased earning potential.
• Specialized expertise.
• Advancement opportunities.
• Networking opportunities.
• Improved personal development.
• Adaptability in job market.
Doctoral Degree Programs
NIU offers a variety of doctoral programs that provide you expert-level knowledge in your chosen field. Earning a doctoral degree is the highest peak in academic achievement, and few students choose to take their education to this terminal level.
Our doctoral programs cultivate a culture of academic excellence and research, empowering aspiring scholars like you to make significant contributions to your field.
Pursuing a doctoral degree is not just an academic pursuit, it is an investment in becoming a trailblazer, a thought leader and a lifelong learner. It’s a transformative journey that propels you to the forefront of your field.
Benefits include:
• Highest level of expertise.
• Professional credibility.
• Expanded career opportunities.
• Maximize earning potential.
• Leadership development.
“Conducting research has strengthened my work ethic and taught me valuable lessons such as how to construct a survey, how to distribute a survey safely and how to structure a professional timeline. My research here at NIU has connected me to other faculty and students, which has allowed me to build and strengthen professional relationships here at NIU.”
Melanie Regan Elk Grove Village, Illinois Nutrition and Diatetics Graduate Student
Choose NIU: go.niu.edu/gradstudentregan
Certificates of Graduate Study
NIU offers graduate certificates to enhance your career or your advanced degree. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your professional skills, pivot in your career or delve into a specialized field, our graduate certificates provide a focused and accelerated pathway to success. A graduate certificate is a strategic investment in your professional growth and expertise. Graduate certificates are 12 to 18 credit hours of coursework in a specific area of study and can be used toward your graduate degree at NIU.
Benefits include:
• Specialized skill enhancement.
• Accelerated learning.
• Career advancement.
• Flexibility and convenience.
• Industry relevance.
Specialist Degree Programs
Northern Illinois University offers two specialist degrees: educational administration and school psychology. Long recognized for excellence, our specialist degree in educational administration was the first to meet new standards set by the Illinois General Assembly. Our graduates are visionary leaders in education, applying researchinformed knowledge and skills to foster continuous improvement in the academic environments they manage. Our specialist degrees in school psychology integrate basic and applied aspects of psychology. You’ll understand the theoretical content of your area and the research skills needed to become a competent and creative investigator.
“What’s
pleasantly surprising is the warmth of the NIU community. Prior to moving to the U.S., I honestly had many doubts if I would be able to thrive in a foreign land like America. However, this thought went out of the window when I started living in DeKalb surrounded by the good-hearted and inspiring members of the NIU community — students, faculty, other staff, etc. Due to their kindness, concern and their sheer Huskie spirit, I have concluded that studying at NIU is both a thriving and an amazing experience.”
John Paul Dela Rosa Phillipines English Doctoral Student
Choose NIU: go.niu.edu/gradstudentdelarosa
Student-at-Large Opportunities
Students-at-large take classes for their own edification. They are public school teachers who complete graduate-level courses to maintain their state teaching license; they are teachers and other school professionals pursuing an advanced endorsement that does not require a master’s degree; they seek an initial educator licensure; or they may be waiting to hear whether they have been admitted to a graduate program.
Online Graduate Programs
Our online graduate degrees allow you to further your education and understanding of your field while being flexible enough to balance your personal obligations too. Designed to empower working professionals, career changers and lifelong learners alike, our online programs offer a wealth of benefits that make advancing your education accessible, convenient and rewarding.
Benefits include:
• Flexibility to fit your schedule.
• Accessible anytime, anywhere.
• Diverse range of programs.
• Expert faculty and resources.
• Engaging, interactive learning experiences.
Explore your options: go.niu.edu/onlinegraduateprograms
“If you commit to an online program, make sure to fully utilize the resources available. The exceptional staff at NIU are there to help you learn, so take the time to thoroughly understand and engage with the material presented.”
Nick Kane Lake Carroll, Illinois Online Master of Public
Health Student
Choose NIU: go.niu.edu/gradstudentkane
Access to Opportunities
At Northern Illinois University, we understand the unique challenges and demands facing working professionals like you. That’s why we’ve tailored our programs to fit seamlessly into your busy life, offering a range of flexible options designed to accommodate your needs.
• Full-time, Part-time and Online Options for Flexibility: NIU offers a wide range of online programs, allowing you to pursue your education from anywhere, at any time. We offer both full-time and part-time study options to accommodate your schedule and pace.
• Convenient Location and Access to Highways: Located in DeKalb, Illinois, NIU offers easy access to major highways, making it convenient for you to commute to campus. Whether you’re coming from the Chicago metro area or surrounding suburbs, NIU’s central location ensures a hassle-free commute.
• Proximity to the Chicago Metro Area: With our proximity to the Chicago metro area, NIU provides you with access to a vibrant and diverse job market, networking opportunities and cultural amenities.
Scholarship and Research
• Faculty Expertise: Collaborate with renowned faculty members who are at the forefront of research in areas such as the sciences and humanities, providing mentorship and guidance.
• Research Facilities: Access cutting-edge laboratories, libraries and research centers equipped with the latest technology to enhance your research experience. Some examples of these facilities are our Institute for the Environment, Sustainability and Energy; the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability; and our Center for Research Computing and Data.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: NIU encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing you to explore diverse perspectives and contribute to projects that have real-world impact.
• Financial Support : Our commitment to
Costs/Funding
At NIU, we believe that financial barriers should never stand in the way of achieving your educational dreams. That’s why we’re proud to offer a wide range of funding opportunities to help you unlock your potential, pursue your passions and invest in your future. Through scholarships, grants, fellowships and work-study programs, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey toward success.
• Federal Financial Assistance: studentaid.gov. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form the U.S. Department of Education requires to determine your financial aid eligibility. You may also eligible for loans or work-study funding.
• Graduate Assistantships: go.niu.edu/graduateassistantships
Graduate assistants are an integral part of our intellectual community at Northern Illinois University. The purpose of graduate education is to develop scholars and professionals equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their chosen fields. By working under the supervision of faculty mentors or administrative professionals,
your success includes providing financial support through scholarships, fellowships and grants to help you focus on your academic and research pursuits.
• University Libraries: Our libraries enrich our university community by offering dynamic spaces, innovative services, curated collections and cutting-edge technologies, all aimed at fostering scholarly, artistic and career success. Choose NIU: go.niu.edu/scholarshipsandresearch
you’ll gain valuable experience relevant to your profession. Students who hold assistantships experience educational and professional benefits. The responsibilities and benefits of assistantships vary, but in general, you’ll gain further instruction in techniques in your fields; hone your research skills; acquire pedagogical experience necessary for an academic career; develop professional skills, including leadership, interpersonal effectiveness and performance evaluation; and have collegial collaboration with advisors that result in joint publications.
• Student Employment : go.niu.edu/graduatestudentemployment . At NIU, we believe in empowering you to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. One of the best ways we support your success is through our robust student employment program. Whether you’re looking to gain valuable work experience, earn extra income or develop essential skills for your future career, NIU offers a variety of student employment opportunities tailored to your interests and career goals.
Student Resources
From your first day to graduation day, what you put into your education is what you’ll get out of it. We offer many resources to help you along your path as a graduate student. The following is a list of student support and success services NIU offers its students:
• Campus Computer Labs
• Disability Resource Center
Campus Visit Options
Whether you’re a prospective student or a current applicant, our campus visit options offer a unique opportunity to explore our vibrant community, connect with faculty and staff, and discover all that NIU Graduate School has to offer.
Get an up-close look at our state-of-theart facilities, cutting-edge research labs and dynamic learning spaces. Connect with faculty members, program directors and admissions advisors to learn more
Admissions Process
Embarking on your graduate education journey is an exciting milestone, and at NIU Graduate School, we’re committed to making your admissions process as smooth and transparent as possible. You can easily access the online application at go.niu.edu/onlineapplication .
• Explore Programs: Browse our diverse range of graduate programs to find the one that aligns with your career goals and interests.
• Review Admission Requirements:
• Learning Center
• Military and Veteran Services
• Office of Academic Student Success
• Office of the Ombudsperson
• Tutoring (ACCESS)
• University Honors Program
• University Writing Center
Learn more: go.niu.edu/studentresources
about our graduate programs, research opportunities and academic support services, and get personalized guidance on your application process and academic goals.
Can’t make it to campus in person? Explore our virtual campus visit option, designed to provide you with the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your graduate education from the comfort of your own home.
Choose NIU: go.niu.edu/gradcampustour.
Familiarize yourself with the specific admission requirements for your chosen program. This may include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and standardized test scores.
• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through our user-friendly online portal. Be sure to adhere to the application deadlines for the term you wish to enroll.
Meeting Workforce Needs
Discover the most sought-after graduate programs in the country that are shaping the future of various industries and unlocking countless opportunities for success. Some of the most popular and in demand graduate programs include:
• Business Administration (MBA): With a focus on leadership, strategy and management, MBA programs are in high demand among aspiring business professionals looking to advance their careers and gain a competitive edge in the corporate world.
• Computer Science and Information Technology: As technology continues to drive innovation across all sectors, graduate programs in computer science and IT are in high demand. Through topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science and software engineering, these programs prepare you for exciting careers in the tech industry.
• Health Professions: With an increasing demand for health care professionals, graduate programs in nursing, public health, pharmacy and other health-related fields are incredibly popular. These programs equip
you with the knowledge and skills needed to address complex health care challenges and make a positive impact on patient care.
• Engineering: Our graduate programs in engineering offer endless opportunities for innovation and problem-solving in civil, mechanical, electrical and biomedical engineering. These programs attract students with a passion for designing and creating solutions to complex engineering challenges.
• Public Administration and Policy: Graduate programs in public administration and policy prepare you for careers in government, nonprofit organizations and the public sector. These programs focus on areas such as policy analysis, public management and social justice, attracting students with a desire to affect positive change in society.
Ready to connect with NIU and unlock your potential? We can’t wait to welcome you to our community and support you on your journey to success. Reach out to us today, and let’s begin this exciting adventure together!