Advanced Manufacturing MS at Northwestern University

Programme overview

The MS trains students to analyze and optimize flexible manufacturing systems, design new processes and apply advanced technologies to industrial and research problems. Students work with faculty and researchers in labs and industry collaborations, with focus areas including medical devices, semiconductors, clean energy and decarbonization technologies.

Faculty: McCormick School of Engineering | Duration: 3-4 quarters | Intake: Fall; combined BS/MS spring and fall | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Research Thesis track: 9 courses plus 1 academic-focused project. Practicum Thesis track: 9 courses plus 2-3 small industry-focused projects. A summer-quarter internship is encouraged.

Career pathways

Practicum Thesis graduates move into process development and manufacturing infrastructure management; Research Thesis graduates go to PhD programmes, national labs, corporate R&D and research organizations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants submit letters of recommendation (from faculty in manufacturing or employers in similar fields), a CV, a sample of scholarly work and written statements describing what they designed, fabricated or tested. Grades, GPA and test scores are reviewed for compatibility with required skills; no minimum GPA is stated. Fall deadline: July 14, 2027 (portal opens September 15, 2026); combined BS/MS spring deadline February 1, 2027, fall July 1, 2027.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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