Northwestern University School of Professional Studies Early Admission Transfer Program

What is it?

The Northwestern University School of Professional Studies Early Admission Transfer Program is a transfer preparation program designed for Oakton College students who are interested in pursuing part-time undergraduate studies at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies after their education at Oakton. Northwestern University School of Professional Studies is a part of a unique and distinguished university community. SPS is intended for students who are working full-time and would like to complete a degree at a part time pace. The mission of School of Professional Studies is to provide a superior education to outstanding students whose academic pursuits must be balanced with professional or personal commitments.

Students may choose from any of the following undergraduate majors:

On Campus Online
Biological Sciences Information Systems
Communication Studies Enterprise Leadership
Communication Systems Strategic Communication
Economics Social Sciences
English Major in Writing Health Sciences (starts fall 2024)
Humanities
Information Systems
Organization Behavior
Organization Behavior: Business Leadership
Psychology
Social Sciences

*Please note: As a part of this agreement, students will be admitted to the Northwestern School of Professional Studies. This agreement does not grant you admission to the Northwestern University.

Benefits

As an Oakton student in this program, you will:

  • Work with a SPS enrollment advisor, in addition to your Oakton academic advisor, to create an individualized pathway to help you get the most from your transfer to Northwestern.

  • Apply for Early Transfer Admission to the School of Professional Studies (SPS.) Early Transfer Admission allows SPS to review your current academic progress and records while you are still completing your degree at Oakton. If accepted for Early Transfer Admission, you will receive a conditional decision* of admission. When you successfully complete your AA or AS degree at Oakton, you will receive full admission to Northwestern SPS and will be able to enroll in classes as early as the first quarter after you complete your Oakton degree.

  • Attend special events and workshops, speak with current Northwestern SPS students, and meet with different departments.

  • Have opportunities for scholarships offered by Northwestern University and SPS.

* Conditional admission to Northwestern SPS is pending the successful completion of the applicant’s AA or AS degree at Oakton and their upholding of all relevant policies of student conduct.

Participation Details

In order to qualify for Early Admission at Northwestern University SPS a student must:

  • Be a current Oakton College student.
  • Be a high school graduate (as evidenced by a high school diploma or GED)
  • Complete a minimum of 24 transferable semester credit hours
  • Maintain a GPA of 3.3 or higher on all transferable work taken at Oakton and all colleges/university prior to Oakton.
  • Remain in good academic standing and in compliance with Oakton and Northwestern University standards of student conduct.
In addition:

  • Oakton students who do not meet early admission requirements may still apply for regular admission.
  • No more than 60 semester hours (22.5 units), or half of graduation requirements, may be accepted as transfer credits.
  • Transfer credit is awarded for courses passed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

How to Apply

  • Schedule an appointment with your Oakton Academic Advisor to express interest in the Northwestern SPS program.
  • Send an email to the SPS enrollment advising team and indicate your intended date of transfer and major. If you have not decided on a major, you may participate by identifying yourself as an "undeclared major". Refer to the list above to determine what majors are part of this program. Your degree requirements will not be established until your major is declared.
  • An SPS enrollment advisor will reach out to you to set up your first appointment to meet and understand your long-term academic goals.
  • Submit your Northwestern application after completing 24 semester hours/36 quarter hours of college level credit. However, if you do start participation later in your college experience, Northwestern will work with you to find a pathway that makes sense for you.
  • Applicants can check the status of their application at any time by logging into the online Self Service Center portal.

View more information on the Northwestern University School of Professional Studies Early Admission Transfer Program.

Contact

Northwestern School of Professional Studies

Admissions
312.503.0875
spsadmissions@northwestern.edu

Financial Aid
Julia Jenkins
Associate Director
financial-aid-chicago@northwestern.edu
P: 312.503.8722
F: 312.503.8700

Oakton Academic Advising

Des Plaines campus
1600 E. Golf Road, Room 1861
847.635.1700

Skokie campus
7701 N. Lincoln Ave., Room A100
847.635.1400
advising@oakton.edu

Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The College is closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the summer (late May through mid-August.)