Celebrating 10 Years of Graduate and Professional Studies at Northwestern College
Honoring a decade of growth, innovation, and lifelong learning.
This year, Northwestern College celebrates a major milestone, the 10-year anniversary of its Graduate and Professional Studies division. What began as a vision to expand access to high-quality, Christ-centered education for working professionals has become a thriving division serving learners across the country through flexible, relevant, and mission-driven programs.
Laying the Foundation for Online Learning
Northwestern’s commitment to lifelong learning took a significant step forward in 2011 with the hiring of the College’s first director of online learning. This marked the beginning of an intentional effort to bring Northwestern’s distinctive education to students beyond the traditional classroom.
In 2013, the College launched its first fully online program, an RN to BSN program, designed to empower registered nurses to advance their education and careers while continuing to serve their communities.
A New Era: Graduate Studies Begin
Momentum continued to build, and in 2015, Northwestern received approval from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to offer fully online master’s degrees. This opened the door for the launch of the Master of Education programs, officially establishing the Graduate School and
Adult Learning division. This moment marked the start of a new chapter in Northwestern’s history, one that expanded its reach, deepened its academic offerings, and reaffirmed its mission to equip students to serve God and others in their professions.
Expanding Programs and Impact
Over the past decade, the division has grown to include a variety of graduate and professional programs designed for students seeking advancement, career change, or deeper purpose in their work. Today, the division, now know as Graduate and Professional Studies, offers:
- Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Graduate level endorsement programs
- Graduate level certificate programs
- Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Arts in School Counseling
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Education programs in several specializations
- And Northwestern’s first on-campus master’s program, the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program
Each of these programs reflects the College’s commitment to combining academic excellence with faith integration and real-world relevance, preparing students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and professions.
Looking Ahead
As Northwestern celebrates 10 years of graduate and professional education, the College remains dedicated to the same mission that inspired its beginning: to make Christ-centered education accessible, practical, and transformative for lifelong learners.
The story of Graduate and Professional Studies at Northwestern is one of faithfully stewarding God’s provision, leading to innovation, growth, and confidence in the power of education to change lives. And as the next decade begins, that mission continues, entrusted with the opportunities to serve others.
To learn more about the programs offered through Northwestern’s Graduate and Professional Studies division, click here.
