Admission

Students enrolled in the advanced studies in psychology program come from a wide range of backgrounds. This certificate program is designed for students who wish to extend their study of psychology as a means of furthering their preparation for graduate school.

This certificate is not intended as an academic record-enhancement program. We recommend applicants have at least a B-average in previous psychology coursework, and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. 

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Application Checklist

The following materials are required to apply:

  • A completed online application
  • Official transcript showing a bachelor's degree conferred from a regionally accredited institution or its foreign equivalent
  • Statement of purpose
  • Current resume or CV
  • Optional, but highly recommended: one letter of recommendation

Supplemental materials, with the exception of transcripts, must be uploaded to the online application. Official transcripts may be sent to our Admissions office at spsadmissions@northwestern.edu or mailed to our Chicago office. Please be sure to include the name of your intended program when addressing transcripts.

Post-baccalaureate Certificate Admissions
Northwestern University School of Professional Studies
Wieboldt Hall, 6th floor
339 E. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008
Phone: 312-503-2579
Email: spspostbacc@northwestern.edu

Application Deadlines

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Fall Quarter: August 1
 Winter Quarter: November 1
 Spring Quarter: February 1
 Summer Quarter: May 1
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Preparatory Coursework

While there are no mandatory prerequisites for the advanced studies in psychology program, students should have completed some introductory psychology courses, as these are often prerequisites for upper-level courses in the certificate. Students who have not previously taken introductory psychology courses should apply to the preclinical psychology certificate program.

International Applicants

SPS welcomes international students to apply to our post-baccalaureate programs. SPS does not process I-20 or DS-2019 forms for full-time student or exchange visas. Our programs are designed as part-time programs for working professionals and cannot be used to maintain legal status in the United States. Please contact the International Office with any questions.

International Transcripts

Applicants with international transcripts must request an official course-by-course evaluation by a NACES member. The equivalency of a U.S. Bachelor Degree is required. The evaluation must be prepared for Northwestern University School of Professional Studies and must arrive in our office in a sealed envelope issued by the evaluator.

English Proficiency

All applicants to SPS programs whose first language is not English must demonstrate language proficiency in one of the following three ways:

  • Provide official scores for either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. The test must be taken no more than two years before the intended quarter of entry. For the TOEFL, applicants must score 600 or higher on the paper-based test, 250 or higher on the computer-based test, or 100 or higher on the internet based test. SPS's institutional code for the TOEFL is 9019. For the IELTS exam, applicants must receive a score of 7.0 or higher.
  • Provide official transcripts verifying an undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year institution or equivalent, where the language of instruction is English.
  • Provide official transcripts verifying a graduate degree from an accredited institution where the language of instruction is English.

Please contact the admissions office for more information on TOEFL, IELTS, and transcripts for international applicants.

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