In addition to requirements directly related to awarding of a degree, all students are required to maintain standards of academic integrity and adhere to a code of academic ethics (see Academic Integrity section of this web site). Regulations concerning registration and changes of academic program also apply to all students across degree programs and disciplines.

The Graduate School at Northwestern University offers the degrees of master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), master of public health (MPH), and master of fine arts (MFA). Each student's program of study for a master's degree must be approved by the student's academic program. 

To obtain a master's degree, Graduate School students must satisfactorily complete the program specified by the academic program and by The Graduate School, pass the final comprehensive examination, and submit the Application for Degree and a Master's Degree Completion forms via TGS Forms in CAESAR by the deadlines published for degree awarding for a given quarter. Students must complete all the requirements for the master's degree within five years of the date of their initial registration in The Graduate School.

Programs leading to the degree of master of fine arts, offered in the fields of art theory and practice, radio/television/film, directing, and stage design may have special requirements, including submission of evidence of competence in the field of concentration. For information regarding these requirements, students should review the program descriptions on this Web site for the Departments of Art Theory and Practice, Theatre, and Radio/Television/Film.