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Admissions

Join the next generation of design innovation leaders.

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Quick Facts

Degree earned: Master of Science in Engineering Design Innovation

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Timing

  • Five quarters of study, or 18 months (including optional - but recommended - summer quarter internship)
  • Full-time, hands-on, cohort-model program
  • Classes begin in September (fall quarter)
  • Students graduate after the second winter quarter
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Location

  • Northwestern University's Evanston campus
  • Easy access to Chicago-area design firms
  • Optional internships typically located in the greater Chicagoland area
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Admissions

  • Application opens September 1 of the year preceding the start of class
  • Recommended application deadline: January 15
    • Applications submitted after this date will be considered on a rolling basis
  • Receive admit decision: mid-March

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What makes EDI different?

Watch our admissions video to find out.

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Getting Started

Application Requirements

EDI students are chosen based on their backgrounds, ability to learn, and their contributions to the overall program experience. Learn more about what goes into your application to the EDI program.

View a list of application requirements

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Applying to Multiple Programs

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Tuition & Financial Aid

Please refer to The Graduate School website for detailed information about the cost of tuition. In 2023-2024, the EDI program will require four full-time quarters (fall, winter, spring, and fall), one part-time quarter (winter of the second year), and participation in the pre-term summer session Camp EDI ($1450) for incoming students. 

Many master’s students find funding through a variety of loan options or through other scholarship and resource opportunities, some of which are listed on McCormick’s website. Additionally, students are encouraged to visit the Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid for information on a variety of federal and private loan and funding options.

Students using financial aid to fund their graduate degree must comply with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy to maintain eligibility.

 

Funding Opportunities

Awards   Partial tuition awards are offered to exceptional applicants each year.  Recipients of these awards are selected based on the merit of their program applications.  No additional steps are necessary in order to apply for a tuition award. 

Design Coaching   Students interested in supporting undergraduate coursework in design and innovation are encouraged to apply for Design Coach positions within the Segal Design Institute.  These positions pay hourly and applications are open prior to the start of each quarter.

GEM Fellowship   GEM is a consortium of 120+ universities and 73 companies and national labs who have the same commitment—placing more underrepresented minority students into STEM Graduate programs. 

If you are selected as a GEM Fellow to attend Northwestern University your benefits will be:

  • - For two years, Northwestern University pays your tuition in full.
  • - The GEM employer member provides two paid summer internships.
  • - GEM provides you with $8000 per year that you can use toward your room and board.
The GEM application website opens in July 2023, and the deadline for submitting a completed application is November 15, 2023.  You can get more information on the GEM website.
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FAQs

Still have questions?

Explore our FAQs about the admissions process, the program, and more.

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