Graduate Viewbook 1314 by University of Northwestern

CENTER FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Graduate Studies at Northwestern There is a call and purpose for every life. As you pursue your calling, graduate education at University of Northwestern will prepare you for job opportunities, advanced study and effective leadership in your career, family and community. You will be equipped and ready to make an impact. In every class you will learn essential, cuttingedge information for your ﬁeld of study. Your professors make learning practical to your situation today and to what lies ahead. Northwestern can help you move forward while you deepen your faith, learning from professors and with peers who share your beliefs and values. Is leadership important to you? Al, an alumnus of the Center for Graduate Studies, said, “Being a servant leader is something I learned while at Northwestern.” As you learn more about God’s Word and about yourself, you gain skills to help you interact more effectively as a leader wherever you are. Community life is a cornerstone of the Northwestern experience. Learning in cohort groups that stay together from class to class provides opportunities to connect as friends and colleagues. As you invest into the lives of others you will reap rewards through relationships that last far beyond your time in graduate school. Imagine the possibilities with your master’s degree from Northwestern.

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A Heritage of Faith and Excellence Building your education on solid ground

University of Northwestern – St. Paul was founded as Northwestern Bible and Missionary Training School in 1902 by William Bell Riley in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A young evangelist named Billy Graham succeeded Riley as president, serving what was then known as Northwestern Schools for four years before answering his call to a lifetime evangelistic career. In 1972, Northwestern College moved to its current location in suburban St. Paul and more than four decades have seen a steady increase in enrollment, programs and scholarship. In 2013, a name change to University of Northwestern – St. Paul signals yet another exciting era in the Northwestern story as we expand our graduate programs and reach out to an increasingly global audience. Throughout the 111-year history, Northwestern has held an unwavering commitment to provide Christ-centered, biblically based education. Our position as a university and our new name reﬂect who we are as an institution of higher learning, equipping Christ-centered learners and leaders to invest in others and impact the world.

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Preparing for Your Career and Calling Learning today, leading tomorrow

A complete education prepares you for all of life, not just a job. Graduate education at Northwestern will help you embrace the opportunities God places before you so that even before you ďŹ nish your degree you will be able to apply your knowledge and practice Christlike leadership. Read how their Northwestern education has prepared some of our graduate students and alumni at unwsp.edu/gradstories.

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Making an Impact Determined, driven and prepared for success, one student incorporates family and personal goals to add meaning to her education. Dao is a full-time working mom in the Master of Organizational Leadership program who also earned her bachelor’s degree at Northwestern as an adult student. Not long after she began her ﬁrst degree program, she found out her two-year-old son had autism. “I was ready to just quit,” Dao remembered. “It was a really hard decision and my professors even prayed for me. I decided, ‘If I don’t do this, I’m never going to do this.’” She persevered. Now her son is a driving force for her to reach for her goals. With the leadership skills she is gaining she hopes to start a support network for Hmong families who have children on the autism spectrum. “I really want to be a great example for my kids—especially my son,” Dao said. “If I learn as much as I possibly can, I can set my kids up to be successful or do even more than what I do. That’s when I will look back and say, ‘This was all worth it.’”

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Getting Real Experience is a great teacher

Through your studies you may learn as much from your peers in class as you do from your professors! Our instructors encourage students to share viewpoints from the rich diversity of their experiences. Add to that our faculty’s real-world expertise in their ﬁelds of study and you will ﬁnd yourself armed with new knowledge and perspective that will set you apart in the workplace.

Flexible Learning Formats On-site, online and blended options

Northwestern graduate programs are convenient. Depending on your program of study, you may attend class on site one night a week, take courses online or participate in a unique blended format that is a combination of these options.

Master’s Degrees Master of Arts in Education Expand your mastery as an educator related to curriculum, instruction, technology and assessment. Master of Arts in Human Services Apply your Christian faith to prepare for work in social service settings as you learn how to provide non-therapeutic assistance to people in need. Master of Arts in Theological Studies

On Site – Classes meet for four hours one night a week. You’ll experience dynamic discussions, strong peer support, face-to-face interaction with your professors and other students, collaborative projects and live presentations.

Experience advanced biblical and theological training to prepare for effective ministry in church, parachurch or academic settings.

Online – Lessons and interaction with your professors and peers take place through electronic means such as course sites and e-mail. Students ﬁnd ample opportunity to interact with one another and collaborate on projects as needed.

Master of Divinity

Blended – Courses are delivered via a combination of on-campus classroom learning once a week plus online class work. Related group and independent study time varies based on the course and the individual learner.

Finding the Time

Combine theology and Christian ministry in this comprehensive, predoctoral degree to prepare for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy or further study. Master of Organizational Leadership Integrate a Christian perspective into the context of leadership. Prepare to lead effectively in a variety of organizational settings.

Tips from students

Wondering how to blend graduate school with your busy life? Here are some tips from our students: 1.

Create a homework organizer to write assignments down. Write down what you need to do throughout the week.

2. Set up days when you can come to campus early to get things done. Try to have a schedule and stick to it. 3. If coming to class on campus is challenging, online classes are a great option. 4. Be willing to give things up for the short term. One student cut back on shopping; another gave up TV to ﬁnd time to study.

Graduate Certif icates Graduate Certiﬁcate in Christian Studies Gain knowledge and practical application in core theological subjects through selected courses from the MATS program. Graduate Certiﬁcate in Leadership Develop essential leadership skills as you gain an introduction to graduatelevel education.

5. Fit the “big rocks” in ﬁrst. With thought and planning, you’ll ﬁnd there is still room for the truly important things.

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Academic Excellence Your coursework will be challenging and engaging. Our faculty includes experts who have written books, published papers or presented their work nationally or abroad— with expertise that comes from extensive study and real-world experience. The term “academic excellence” holds even deeper meaning at Northwestern because it is rooted in our desire to bring glory to God. z You will learn from professors committed to their ﬁeld of study and the application of information to relevant situations in your life and career. z You’ll gain knowledge and understanding to set you apart in your career. z Your education is practical. Students are encouraged to tailor their assignments to actual projects or problems they face. Learn more about our faculty and students’ commitment to excellence at unwsp.edu/gradstudies—click on Academic Excellence.

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Christian Community Students invest in one another as they work on projects and spend time together in class. Balancing full-time work, families and careers is something students have in common. You’ll ﬁnd support for making your education work.

z As a student you’ll have opportunities to attend plays and concerts, take in athletic events or hear guest lecturers such as Jon Acuff or Lee Strobel (pictured at left). z Students regularly express appreciation that most classes begin with a time of prayer or devotions. z You will build the foundation for a lifelong network of professional peers who share job and ministry opportunities with one another. Read how Christian community makes a difference for our students at unwsp.edu/gradstudies—click on Christian Community.

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Student Support You will find support every step of the way on the road to your master’s degree. z Student Academic Services provides assistance with academic advising, course selection, choice of degree and more. z The Disabilities Office for Support Services (DOSS) will work with students in need of additional support for classroom and program success. z The Berntsen Library staff is available for help with research and resources. z We work with military and veteran students to access all available benefits—including a 15 percent discount on tuition. Check out resources available to you at unwsp.edu/gradstudies—click on Student Support.

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Career Advancement Northwestern’s Center for Calling & Career (CCC) provides expert help to explore your calling, learn about internships, future jobs, advanced study opportunities and more. Evening hours are available by appointment. z Access assessments through the CCC to help you understand your natural gifts, abilities and aptitudes. z Connect to Northwestern networks in companies, churches, nonproﬁts and ministries around the country or around the world. z Move forward in your current job or toward a new career path with the leadership skills and knowledge you gain through your studies. Learn more at unwsp.edu/gradstudies— click on Career Advancement.

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Visit Us A visit to Northwestern will help you make a decision that’s right for you.

Make Your Move Toward Your Degree

Connect with your admission counselor, who will serve as your guide and go-to person to answer questions and coach you toward the next steps on the way to your master’s degree. Come to an Information Night and visit with faculty and students to learn about programs, ﬁnancial aid and more. Schedule a visit or connect with the counselor for your area of interest at unwsp.edu/gradstudies—click Contact Us.

Apply at unwsp.edu/gradstudies or request an application from your admission counselor at 651-631-5200.

Tuition and Financial Aid Explore available options to pay for your graduate education with the help of our financial aid team. Many employers offer tuition assistance programs for higher education expenses; check with your company’s human resources department to see if yours is one of them. Learn more online or contact Financial Aid about tuition and the financial aid process. Online unwsp.edu/gradstudies Phone 651-631-5105 | 888-362-8715 E-mail gcefinaid@unwsp.edu

Contact Us unwsp.edu/gradstudies 651-631-5200 | 888-362-8715 gceadmissions@unwsp.edu University of Northwestern – St. Paul GCE Admissions 3003 Snelling Avenue North St. Paul, MN 55113-1598

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Graduate Admission Criteria Evidence of a new birth in Jesus Christ. Willingness to abide by the conduct expectations as outlined in the “Declaration of Christian Community.” (unwsp.edu/dcc) Likelihood of academic success at Northwestern. Bachelor’s degree from a regionally, nationally, professionally, or specialized accredited institution as listed in the Higher Education Directory.

Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or provisional admittance with cumulative GPA of 2.8–2.99. Submission of application and required essay(s). Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions (undergraduate and graduate) at which the applicant previously registered, whether or not transferable credits were earned.

University of Northwestern – St. Paul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org, 312-263-0456).

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GCE ADMISSIONS 3003 SNELLING AVENUE NORTH ST. PAUL, MN 55113-1598 UNWSP.EDU/GRADSTUDIES 651-631-5200 | 888-362-8715

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