Northwestern University

Am I able to transfer training/college transfer credits towards earning my degree?

If you have completed graduate work at Northwestern University, you may qualify to transfer credits. In order to be considered, the courses must have been taken at Northwestern University and not applied toward any other degree or certificate. All transfer petitions must be submitted at the time of admission. A maximum of three courses can be transferred for credit.

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What should I look for in a distance education degree program?

The strongest distance education programs are those with proven track records, those which experience low student attrition rates, receive consistently high student satisfaction scores and require minimal travel. Northwestern University’s online learning programs have all of these important attributes. In fact, Northwestern has been recognized by the University Continuing Education Association with awards for its leadership in distance learning. Northwestern University and the MMI program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA)*. This regional accrediting body is recognized by both the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education (USDE).

* Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA):
www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org or 800-621-7440.

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How much does the program cost?

Tuition is $3,164* per course. There is an additional technology fee of $110 per course for the online program. The one-time non-refundable application fee is $75. The online option for the MMI program parallels its campus-based counterpart, providing the same curriculum and access to the outstanding Northwestern faculty and resources. For more information, visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page.

*Tuition rates are based on the 2008-2009 tuition schedule. Tuition and fees are determined annually and are subject to change.

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How long will it take to earn my degree?

The MMI online program can be completed in as little as two years of part-time study. While the online synchronous learning format requires scheduled participation as indicated by instructors, it enables you to study and work on assignments at a pace that fits your busy lifestyle and work schedule. Completion of 11-13 courses and attending an on-campus session is required for graduation.

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Why is accreditation important?

Regional accreditation is the primary type of institutional accreditation recognized in the United States. Some institutions with online programs hold national accreditation rather than regional accreditation because they are unwilling or unable to meet the rigorous standards of regional accreditation. It is important to know that many educational institutions holding regional accreditation do not recognize credits or degrees earned at institutions that are nationally accredited. This is very important if you plan on transferring from one college or university to another part way through a degree program, or if you plan to pursue additional degrees at different colleges or universities.

Northwestern University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. The Higher Learning Commission is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. For more information, visit our Accreditation page.

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Is online learning for me?

Online learning is ideal for working professionals because it provides the opportunity to study where it is most convenient. While the online synchronous learning format requires scheduled participation as indicated by instructors, it enables you to study and work on assignments at a pace that fits your busy lifestyle and work schedule. The many levels of unprecedented student support available throughout the program make this an uncomplicated educational model.

Additionally, students who graduate from Northwestern’s MMI online program graduate with the same degree as students to attend classes on our campus.

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How many hours per week will I need to study?

For each course taken, most students spend on average 10-15 hours per week out of the classroom working on projects and researching and studying. However, this can vary greatly, depending on your personal and professional circumstances.

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What is Blackboard?

Blackboard is a classroom-based software program that provides the instructor and student with a user-friendly environment that allows for straightforward web-based communication.. The features includes discussion forums, in-class mail, student presentations, online testing, posting of assignments and lectures, Internet relay chat, an online grade book and many other features that an instructor may make available to the student. Not every course will have all of the same features. Blackboard has been a leader in education course management software since 1995 and is the most widely-used tool for providing online education.

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What are the computer requirements for participation in the program?

To participate in the online Master of Science in Medical Informatics program, you will need a computer system with current specifications.

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