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Graduate and Professional Studies

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Be Central in Your Career

For over 30 years, North Central College graduate students have become ethical and purposeful leaders in local, national, and global contexts. So, whether you are looking to advance your business career, develop leadership skills, increase your appreciation for liberal arts, or be at the forefront of education, we invite you to join our community of learners that will help you grow professionally and personally to impact the lives of others. 

New Online Master’s in Business, Financial Management and Human Resources

Online courses, a weekend professional development conference, and specialized degree options are at the core of our three new business master's degrees. The residency component allows you to network with peers and participate in seminars designed to boost your career potential. And no GMAT or prerequisites are required. 

Record-setting $3.2M grant from Kern Family Foundation

North Central College has been awarded a $3.2 million grant to develop principals and teachers who foster “cultures of character” in their schools. The grant will provide scholarships to M.Ed. in Educational Leadership students who are underrepresented in administrative ranks or who currently serve underserved communities.

Master's Degree Programs

Lead Your Profession

Our master's degrees will challenge you to apply theory into practice. We encourage collaboration among our students, which is why you’ll learn in teams across different disciplines just as you do in professional settings.

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Master of Leadership Studies

You’ll learn to create solutions, discover new ideas and skills and develop the ability to engage and motivate others.

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Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Become a more seasoned writer and critical thinker, while exploring topics that suit your professional needs and intellectual curiosity.

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M.Ed. in Educational Leadership

Our program will provide you with the tools to foster an effective, welcoming and professional learning environment for the benefit of students, teachers and staff.

Master of Education in Instructional Coaching

The curriculum is designed for you to become an effective instructional facilitator: a licensed teacher leader who facilitates and coaches continuous improvement in classroom instruction.

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1-Year, Online Business Degrees

Expand your business knowledge in an online degree format. With no GMAT and no prerequisites required, you can complete your degree in as little as one year. 

Occupational therapy graduate student in class

Master of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work with people who suffer from Alzheimer’s, autism, the loss of limbs or other disabilities. Grow and develop the professional knowledge, leadership, and ethical behaviors necessary to be purposeful and competent entry-level practitioners.

Financial Aid

Financing Your Education

We offer merit- and need-based financial aid, graduate assistant positions, and work study opportunities to help you pay for college. Your life goals are well within reach at North Central.

 

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Education Alliance Grant

Eligible employees from local businesses and school districts can receive 20% off tuition in some of our graduate degrees.

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Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are designed to provide professional experiences that complement your studies and offer 100% tuition remission. 

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FAFSA

Graduate students may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for federal direct loan opportunities.

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Alumni Admission Graduate Scholarship

New graduate students who are recommended by an alumnus/alumna of a North Central graduate program can receive a scholarship.

Meet Our Alumni

Our strong alumni community understands the quality of our education. We're proud of our alumni's accomplishments, and they are a testimony of our faculty's deep commitment to develop well-trained professionals in both the theory and practical sides of leadership. 

Graduate Student Spotlight

MBA Graduate Student

“It’s been great to use what I am learning in my MBA classes to help run the business and launch a new startup roasting business in the coffee lab.” - Connor McGury '18, M '20

Master of Leadership Studies Graduate Student

"North Central College has given me the opportunity to continue learning about other cultures while providing a support system for international students." -Michelle Weber M '20

MBA Graduate Student

North Central has given me the opportunity to work for the Alumni Engagement Office as their Graduate Assistant. This so far has been a great experience that has allowed me to form new relationships with alumni." -Oscar Garcia '18, M '20

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