Admission to Northwest University is granted to applicants meeting the University admissions requirements without regard to sex, race, color, age, national or ethnic origin, or physical disability. However, admissions are made on a selective basis according to the criteria described below
Conditional admission status may be offered to students who meet entrance requirements at Northwest University, but do not have a completed application. Admission to Northwest University is conditional based upon satisfying specific requirements prior to full admission. Individuals admitted on Conditional standing will not be permitted to take courses for more than one term or session.
Graduate students are exempt from the English Language Proficiency Requirement if their native language is English, or if they have completed a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college/university with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Holders of an equivalent degree from another English-only speaking country may also be exempt and should speak with their enrollment counselor.
Graduate students to whom the requirement applies must fulfill it via one of the following test scores in order to qualify for admission to Northwest University:
For admission to any graduate program (excepting doctoral programs):
For admission to any doctoral program:
At the discretion of each program’s leadership, a waiver may occasionally be granted to a student who clearly demonstrates exceptional English language proficiency through other means.
Any college or university transcript which is submitted from a school located outside of the US and Canada must be supplemented by an official evaluation of the transcript for US degree equivalency and GPA, performed by an institution approved by NACES https://www.naces.org/members. (Course-by-course evaluations are not required unless transfer credit is requested; for more information, please consult the enrollment counselor for the program to which you are applying.)
In addition to program-specific admission requirements, international students (those on or seeking an F-1 student visa) must:
Please refer to the specific program pages for additional information.
International students are encouraged to submit applications by the priority deadline because of the time it takes to issue an I-20 and apply for a student visa.
Northwest University places a great deal of importance on relationships and recognizing the need for responsible behavior. The Graduate, Online, and Adult Evening Student Handbook provides description of the environment the University seeks to maintain. Any questions about the Handbook should be directed to the respective program dean or the Dean of Student Development.
In attending a Christian university, faculty and students expect a certain environment in which to study and pursue truth. Mutual respect and encouragement, healthy relationships, honesty, patience, forgiveness, and accepting personal responsibility for one’s actions all create an atmosphere in which individuals from a variety of backgrounds and holding diverse viewpoints can learn from each other. The Graduate Student Handbook outlines the code of conduct that is expected of all students enrolled in a graduate program. Violation of the behavioral standards are grounds for University response and disciplinary action.
Violations of the University’s Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Violence Policy are addressed through an equal opportunity grievance process. More information on this policy and the associated reporting and remediation procedures can be found on the Student Development Eagle page or by contacting the Dean of Student Development.
Northwest University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with documented disabilities to ensure equal access and equal opportunities with regard to curricular and co-curricular programs and services and university employment
For students with learning and/or physical challenges, as defined by the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Northwest University takes an individual and holistic approach to providing accommodation. A student may notify the University of his/her disability when the student is confirmed for enrollment. Formal notification to the Director of Academic Success and Advising is required prior to the consideration of an accommodation request. Documentation should include a medical or educational evaluation by a physician or licensed learning specialist, a description of what specific accommodations have been offered in the past, and a list of specific needs and services that will be requested from Northwest University. The Director works closely with students and their respective graduate programs and faculty to ensure all reasonable accommodations and services are provided. More information about disability accommodations is available at: https://eagle.northwestu.edu/departments/student-development/student-life/disability-accommodation/.
Students who are admitted to Northwest University but who need additional help to bring their writing up to the level expected for graduate work may be encouraged or required to enroll in one or more of the following courses. Course descriptions are included at the end of this catalog, and course scheduling, registration, and cost details are available through the student’s respective graduate office.
Located on the second floor of the Randall K. Barton Building, Student Financial Services (SFS) assists students with any questions regarding student account balances, and all matters related to scholarships and financial aid. Contact SFS at (425) 889-5210 or studentfinancialservices@northwestu.edu.
The Information Technology Office supports the NU community with technology infrastructure and resources – on campus and online. Enrolled students are issued a Microsoft 365 license that includes email, Microsoft Office (desktop and online apps), and other tools and services. Students are expected to check their NU email on a frequent basis to stay informed of academic, campus life, and other timely information. Use of NU information resources is subject to the Network and Computer Acceptable Use Policy, available on the Information Technology page on the Eagle Website: https://eagle.northwestu.edu/departments/information-technology/
Students are encouraged to bring their own computer for academic use. On the Kirkland campus, computers are available for student use in Argue HSC 252 & 254, Barton 209 & 250, the Rice Hall Lobby, the second floor of the 6710 Building, and throughout the Hurst Library. Computers in the Hurst 214 study space are available 24/7.
Northwest University provides assistance to all international students through the International Student Services (ISS) Office. The ISS Office is located in the lower level of the Hurst Library. The ISS staff is available to assist international students with support in a variety of ways including immigration concerns, academic affairs, cultural matters, moral support and encouragement in the adjustments that often accompany life in another culture.
Northwest University has security personnel available for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide and encourage security, safety, education and personal responsibility. Extension: 222, Mobile: 425.864.1552. Through officer patrolling and community involvement Campus Security endeavors to protect the people who study, teach and serve as part of the Northwest University community. More information including campus crime and fire statistics is available on the Security web page at https://eagle.northwestu.edu/departments/security/.
Vehicle registration is required for all students who park vehicles on our campuses. Students may purchase a permit online at https://eagle.northwestu.edu/departments/security/ for $70 plus sales tax per academic year. Violation of vehicle regulations may result in fines and/or cancellation of the permit. It is expected that students bringing cars on campus will have them properly insured and properly licensed with the state in which they are registered.
Graduate and alumni students may use the Wellness Center medical and nutrition services on a per session fee basis of $30. Services provided include convenience care, medical care for illness and minor injury, travel information and education, COVID testing, and nutrition consultations. For a detailed list of services, please visit the Wellness Center website. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting the Wellness Center at 425-889-5282. The Wellness Center is located in the Everette D. Greeley Center, Building #5. Hours of service are posted on the Wellness Center’s website. For health care needs requiring immediate attention that occur outside of the Wellness Center’s office hours, please refer to the Wellness Center’s website for a list of local medical facilities that provide 24-hour response.