Northwestern University has a dozen different schools. Nine provide students with undergraduate programs, and 10 offer graduate and professional degrees. With their wide range of academic choices, over 500 student organizations, and 19 intercollegiate athletic teams, students can learn and research in a free environment. Northwestern University provides excellent teaching, ground-breaking research, and a diverse learning environment that fosters the personal and intellectual growth of its students.

Located outside of Chicago on the shore of Lake Michigan, Northwestern University has a dozen colleges across three campuses including a 25-acre campus located in Chicago, a 240-acre campus located in Evanston, and a third campus located in Doha, Qatar. Within those campuses, students can attend 12 different program specific colleges. These award-winning schools include The Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Communication, the School of Education and Social Policy, and much more.

The University began on May 31, 1850 with nine men who dreamed of designing a college that would serve the Northwestern territory. With no money, land, or educational experience, their ambitious vision became a reality in 1853 with the purchase of a 379-acre plot of land, 12 miles north of Chicago, on the shore of Lake Michigan. Shortly after, the founders established a campus and completed its first building. In the fall of 1855, Northwestern started classes with two staff members and ten students.

Northwestern University Accreditation Details

Northwestern University holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. In addition to this, the colleges and their specific programs hold separate accreditations. The additional accreditations are as follows:

• The Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET

• The American Chemical Society and the American Psychological Association.

• The Illinois State Board of Education

• The National Association of the Schools of Music

• The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication

• The Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

• The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs

• The American bar association

• The Association of American Law Schools

• The Liaison Committee on Medical Education

• Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education

• American Board of Genetic Counseling

• American Psychological Association

• National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education

• Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

• Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant

• The Council on Education in Public Health

• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Institutional Review Committee, ACGME Residency Review Committee

• American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation

Northwestern University Application Requirements

Incoming students interested in attending Northwestern University for the first time must meet the following application requirements:

• Complete and apply for admission and pay the non-refundable $75 application fee, submit a fee waiver form.

• Submit official transcripts or school reports

• Students should submit a recommendation from a counselor, and at least one teacher.

• Provide proof of official SAT or ACT scores

• International students should provide proof of TOEFL or IELTS scores.

• Early decision applicants must submit their early decision agreement

• Regular decision applicants are required to submit mid-year transcripts

• Two SAT subject tests are recommended, but not required

• Music applicants must submit a music audition

• Homeschool applicants must provide proof of three SAT subject tests

Students interested in a bachelor’s in computer science are required to meet the following requirements:

• Applicants are required to have sufficient background within the three academic divisions.

• Submit a “statement of purpose” outlining why you want to work in this field, and why the faculty should consider you.

• Submit two letters of recommendation

• Standardized test scores and academic records

• Online application, and fees

Regardless of your field of study, when applying to Northwestern University, you are required to apply to one of the six undergraduate schools. The admission criteria are the same for all applicants, and all colleges. Each school has a unique degree option and requirement, so students are encouraged to apply to a college that holds their intended degree major.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition and fees for all undergraduate students attending Northwestern University for the 2016/2017 school year are as follows:

• Tuition – $16,808 per quarter

• Application fee – $75.00

• Tuition Deposit – $400.00

• Associated student governors fee- $60.00 per quarter

• Athletic events fee- $51.00 per quarter

• Health services fee- $67.00 per quarter

• Annual health and hospitalization premium- $3,799 per year

• Room and board – $15,489 (estimated)

• Books and supplies- $1,620 (estimated)

• Personal expenses $2,457 (estimated)

Approximate Total – $70,421 per year

Northwestern University provides students with grants, scholarships, work-study opportunities, and payment plans to help at need students. There are several types of scholarships and grants available to students in financial need including, university funded scholarships, federal and state grants, and outside scholarships. Additionally, students who are already in approved programs can utilize VA educational benefits toward the cost of their education. Students in need of assistance can supply for aid and will automatically be considered for assistance.

Bachelor’s in Computer Science at Northwestern University

Students interested in the field of computer science can receive a bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University through the McCormack School of Engineering. This program teaches students how to solve problems using algorithms, and how to comprehend and apply computations. Students enrolled in this program will also learn how to approach problems utilizing the systems perspective, and how to use, and extend software and hardware stacks.

This course is comprised of several courses segmented in the following areas:

• Background courses- These fulfill the general requirements of the university

• Core courses-This is material that faculty expects every student to know

• Breadth courses-Courses which reflect areas of computer science that you should be exposed to

• Depth courses- Students are required to select two requirements under this category

• Project requirement- Students must complete two-quarters of project-oriented courses

• Elective and non-tech requirements – Students must complete electives in select categories.

There are several benefits that students will experience while studying for a bachelor’s in computer science. These include:

• Graduates receive hands-on learning opportunities, which aid in career preparation.

• The curriculum offers students a variety of challenging career options and pursuits within their industry.

• Students learn leadership, professionalism, and how to work in multi-disciplinary teams. With this knowledge, they can make responsible decisions.

• Graduates consistently learn and identify new concepts

After successful program completion at Northwestern University, graduates move on to obtain careers in which they are leaders in their chosen fields.

Related:

50 Most Advanced University Computer Science Departments 2016