Admissions Requirements
The Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications Professional program starts in the fall and winter quarters of each academic year. Consult the academic calendar below to see our upcoming priority deadlines, final deadlines and start dates.
Review the application requirements below to learn more about what you will need to get started on your application.
Download an Application Checklist
Our application checklist is a brief, one-page takeaway that will help you successfully complete your application to the MS in IMC Professional program at Northwestern.
| Round 1: IMC Professional | Round 2: IMC Professional | |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2025 | November 14, 2025 |
| Decision Notification | September 29, 2025 | November 21, 2025 |
| Deposit Date | October 20, 2025 | December 9, 2025 |
Please apply in the Round that fits your schedule. The same application review process is applied during each Round.
Each deadline has a corresponding decision notification date. Decisions are not released on a rolling basis; instead, applicants who have submitted completed applications by the deadline can expect a decision by the notification date above. A completed application means that all transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation and required essays have been received by our office. Applicants can view whether their application is complete by checking their application portal. Applications that are submitted but missing required documents, such as a letter of recommendation, will not be reviewed until all materials have been received. As a result, applications that are incomplete are not guaranteed a decision by their corresponding notification date.
If you have any questions, please schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor.
Application Requirements
Reviewing the academic requirements for Northwestern University’s IMC Professional Master’s program is essential to ensure you’re well-prepared for the admissions process. Click the tab for each requirement below to get more information. If you have any questions about the process, program, or waiver options, please contact MedillGraduateAdmissions@northwestern.edu.
Academic Transcripts
You must have a bachelor's degree.
When you apply, you must submit academic transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. You are not required to submit a transcript for non-degree coursework for certificates or MOOCs. Please list non-degree coursework on your resume. If you have transfer credit for three or more courses, you must submit a transcript from the original grade-granting institution even if the transfer credit appears on your home institution transcript.
For application review, you can submit either official or unofficial transcripts. You can upload unofficial transcripts in the "Academic Experience" section of the application. Please make sure that uploaded unofficial transcripts are complete and legible; if they are not, the processing of your application could be delayed. If the size of your unofficial transcript file is too large to upload directly into the system, please email your transcript to the email address provided below.
You can also send official transcripts via secure e-transcript provider to MedillGraduateAdmissions@northwestern.edu or via mail directly from the institution to:
Medill Office of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid
Northwestern University
1845 Sheridan Road
Suite 104
Evanston, IL 60208-2101
If you are admitted, you will be required to submit official and final copies of all of your transcripts 30 days prior to enrollment (start of classes), including your final undergraduate transcript with proof of your degree and the date it was conferred. Medill reserves the right to withdraw an admission offer if we do not receive these official transcripts by this deadline. It is your responsibility to request an official transcript from the registrar of each institution and to ensure transcripts are sent to Medill.
Applicants with international transcripts must also submit an independent course-by-course credential evaluation and degree verification from a NACES provider (see NACES' website for a list) and an official English translation of the transcript (if they were not originally issued in English).
Please note: The Northwestern University Medill Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid Office is a separate office from Northwestern University’s The Graduate School (TGS) Admissions Office. Transcripts must be routed directly to the Medill Office of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid.
Admissions Interview
The Office of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid may require applicants to sit for an admissions interview to supplement their completed application and provide more information about their interest in the MS in IMC Professional program. Interviews are conducted virtually via Zoom. Applicants will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
GRE or GMAT Test Scores
GRE/GMAT scores are not currently required for admission. If you would like to strengthen your application by submitting these scores, you are welcome to, but they are not compulsory at this time.
Resume
Submit your current resume, which should highlight your professional and academic experiences, including non-degree course work and MOOCs. Three years of work experience are required. Career changers are welcome to apply.
Professional Statement
In your essay, describe your interest in Medill’s Integrated Marketing Communications Professional program in 1,500 words or fewer. Be sure to address the following questions:
- What professional experiences have led you to pursue an IMC degree? What professional experiences and/or opportunities informed your decision to apply to the program at this time?
- How will the IMC program help you achieve your professional goals?
Additional Information (optional): If there is anything in your application that you would like to address (e.g., GRE or GMAT scores, GPA, lack of marketing or other work experience) or any additional information you would like to include, please do so.
Letter of Recommendation
Medill requires one letter of recommendation for applicants to our graduate programs. You may submit a second recommendation if you wish. Recommendations should be from someone who can assess your academic and professional abilities (e.g., employers, supervisors, current or former professors). Recommendations from family members or from friends who do not have direct experience with your professional or academic work will not be accepted. Enter your recommender's contact information in the online application. The system will then email your recommender instructions on how to submit their letter online. You are responsible for reminding your recommender to submit their letter through the online system by the deadline. If your recommender has trouble submitting their letter, please contact IMCprofessional@northwestern.edu.
Please note: We cannot accept letters of recommendation submitted by applicants; they must come directly from the recommender.
Application Fee
There is a $100 non-refundable application fee. You may pay this online by credit card or indicate that you will be paying by check. If paying by check, please include the payment voucher that you can print from your online application and mail your payment to:
Medill Office of Graduate Admissions and Financial Aid
Northwestern University
1845 Sheridan Road
Suite 104
Evanston, IL 60208-2101
If you are a current or former member of the U.S. Armed Forces, AmeriCorps, Teach for America or the Peace Corps, you may request a fee waiver by sending an email to IMCprofessional@northwestern.edu prior to submitting your application.
We also offer a limited number of application fee waivers based on financial need; requests of this nature must be requested in writing prior to submitting your application. Send your request to IMCprofessional@northwestern.edu.
Send materials that cannot be uploaded or entered into your online application account to: MedillGraduateAdmissions@northwestern.edu
Please note that application materials become property of Northwestern University and will not be returned. Remember to retain a personal copy of your application.
Medill reserves the right to revoke admission if new information is obtained that would warrant such action.
In exceptional circumstances, Medill reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to waive any documentation normally required for admission. Medill also reserves the right to admit or deny admission whenever it believes that it has sufficient evidence to do so.
Are you a working professional looking to take your career to the next level?
Earn your master’s live online with the option for on-site experiences through Northwestern University. Our MS in Integrated Marketing Communications Professional program, offered through the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, helps you build your expertise in consumer understanding through a rigorous and immersive curriculum.
Complete the form to download a program brochure for more information on the IMC Professional program.
This program is for marketers with three or more years of professional experience.
The IMC Professional Program Welcomes Career Changers
Ready to make your mark in marketing? Medill welcomes professionals from diverse backgrounds who are ready to accelerate their transition into marketing leadership. Whether you’re coming from communications, media, business or any other field, our program is designed for experienced professionals with at least three years of work experience—no prior professional marketing experience required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admissions process for the Northwestern IMC Professional program?
The program has multiple application rounds, with deadlines typically in August, October and November for the upcoming academic year. Each round follows a set schedule, with a corresponding decision notification and deposit deadline.
Applicants should ensure their materials are complete before the deadline for their desired round.
For a detailed guide to the application process, Northwestern offers a step-by-step video tutorial to help applicants navigate the system, including document submission and fee payment.
Learn More About the Application Process
What are the prerequisites Northwestern requires for the IMC Professional program?
For non-degree coursework, such as certificates or MOOCs, no transcript is required, but the courses should be listed on your resume. If you have transfer credits for three or more courses, a transcript from the original institution is also needed.
International applicants must submit a course-by-course credential evaluation and degree verification through a NACES provider, as well as an official English translation of their transcript if necessary.
What are the admissions requirements for the IMC Professional program?
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Academic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
- GRE or GMAT scores (optional).
- Resume detailing professional experience.
- Professional statement outlining career goals and why you are pursuing the IMC degree
- One letter of recommendation from a professional or academic reference.
- Admission interview—may be required. Applicants will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
- Application fee of $100.
Please note: Applicants can upload unofficial transcripts during the application review process, but will need to provide official transcripts upon admission.
Does Northwestern require a GMAT or GRE for the IMC program?
Are international students able to apply for the IMC Professional program?
If the transcripts are not in English, they must also be submitted with an official English translation.
Does Medill accept transfer students and/or credits?
Is experience in marketing required for admission to the IMC Professional program?
While the program does not specifically require prior marketing experience, it is particularly suited to those in marketing, communications, media, public relations or business who seek to advance into leadership roles or fill gaps in their knowledge.
