Program Overview
Northwestern University Academic Programs
Northwestern University offers a wide range of academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students. The university is composed of several schools and colleges, including the Judd A. and Marjorie Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, and the School of Education and Social Policy.
Undergraduate Programs
The university offers various undergraduate programs, including:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA): The BA degree is offered in a wide range of fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and mathematics.
- Bachelor of Science (BS): The BS degree is offered in fields such as engineering, computer science, and biological sciences.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): The BFA degree is offered in fields such as music, theater, and dance.
- Bachelor of Music (BMus): The BMus degree is offered in fields such as music performance, music education, and music theory.
Graduate Programs
The university offers various graduate programs, including:
- Master of Arts (MA): The MA degree is offered in a wide range of fields, including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- Master of Science (MS): The MS degree is offered in fields such as engineering, computer science, and biological sciences.
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA): The MFA degree is offered in fields such as creative writing, theater, and dance.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): The PhD degree is offered in a wide range of fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
Interdisciplinary Programs
The university offers various interdisciplinary programs, including:
- Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees: The university offers combined bachelor's and master's degree programs in fields such as engineering, computer science, and biological sciences.
- Dual Degree Programs: The university offers dual degree programs in fields such as business and engineering, and law and journalism.
- Certificate Programs: The university offers certificate programs in fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Research Areas
The university has a strong research focus, with research areas including:
- Natural Sciences: The university has research programs in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and planetary sciences.
- Social Sciences: The university has research programs in fields such as economics, political science, sociology, and psychology.
- Humanities: The university has research programs in fields such as history, philosophy, literature, and languages.
- Engineering: The university has research programs in fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
Admission Criteria
The university has a competitive admission process, with admission criteria including:
- Academic Performance: The university considers a student's academic performance, including their GPA and standardized test scores.
- Letters of Recommendation: The university requires letters of recommendation from academic or professional mentors.
- Personal Statement: The university requires a personal statement or essay from applicants.
- Standardized Test Scores: The university requires standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, for undergraduate applicants.
Tuition Fees
The university's tuition fees vary depending on the program and level of study. The university offers financial aid and scholarships to help students cover the cost of tuition.
Philosophy Major
The university offers a major in philosophy, with requirements including:
- Core Courses: Students must complete core courses in the history of philosophy, logic, and moral or political philosophy.
- Elective Courses: Students must complete elective courses in philosophy, with at least six courses at the 300 or 400 level.
- Senior Thesis: Students may pursue honors in philosophy by completing a senior thesis and participating in a senior thesis project research seminar colloquium.
Honors in Philosophy
The university offers honors in philosophy, with requirements including:
- GPA: Students must have a GPA in the major of 3.5 or higher.
- Project Proposal: Students must have a project proposal approved by a faculty supervisor and the director of undergraduate studies.
- Senior Thesis: Students must complete a senior thesis and participate in a senior thesis project research seminar colloquium.
- Evaluation: Students' papers, presentations, and grades are evaluated by the Honors Committee to determine eligibility for graduation with honors.