Welcome to graduate studies
We welcome you as you explore all of what Graduate Studies at Northern State University has to offer. We hope that you find what you are looking for here at Northern and invest in yourself and your future with one of our master’s degrees!
Dr. Erin Fouberg, Director of Graduate Studies
A Quick Overview
15 graduate degrees and 7 certificates
589 graduate students
53% growth since 2019
Our Mission
With our 15 graduate degree programs across the schools of business, education, and fine arts, our mission is to:
- create a challenging academic climate in which graduate students can expand their knowledge;
- encourage development of critical and independent thinking skills;
- enhance graduate students' abilities to analyze problems from multiple perspectives;
- promote the investigation and interpretation of current research;
- provide engaging and rigorous courses that will prepare graduate students for the demands of their professions; and
- support exploration through graduate assistantships, theses, internships, practicums, and research to prepare graduate students for a wide range of employment opportunities.
Outcomes
- a solid understanding of the formulation and application of research;
- knowledge and application of theoretical concepts in their field and discipline;
- skills appropriate to the program area;
- competency in written, oral, and digital communication skills; and
- evidence of the ability to reflect, synthesize, and apply theory to practice.
Value of a Master's Degree
Higher Earnings
Based on 2022 median earnings, people with a master’s degree earn 20% more annually than people with a bachelor’s degree and 59% more annually than those with only a high school diploma.
Better Job Placement
From 2021 survey statistics, people with a master’s degree have a higher chance of landing a professional role after graduation.
Networking Opportunities
Past graduate students at Northern State University have said that our programs opened the doors to establishing “positive relationships that stood the test of time.
What Makes Northern State University Special?
Affordable Tuition
Based on 2024 estimate calculations, the average cost of a master’s degree is $59,684. At Northern State University, you can expect to save nearly 75% on total program costs.
Flexible Classes
All of our programs incorporate online or HyFlex learning. You can earn a master’s degree at Northern State University while maintaining a full-time job and committed family life.
Experienced Faculty
Our accomplished professors are all well-versed in what they teach through years of professional and/or higher education experience.
Student Testimonials
Sierra Wieseler
“My professors believed in me from the beginning of my journey, and they made me want to become a better educator and person than I was the day before. They genuinely cared about how I was doing both in and out of class.”
MSEd in Individualized Interdisciplinary Studies
Dr. James Weaver
“The experienced staff and supportive culture allowed me to complete my master’s degree while teaching full time, and I was instantly placed on a new career path using my master’s degree from Northern State University.”
MSEd in Leadership and Administration
New Student Information
This section is designed to answer your questions and concerns about the transition to being a graduate student at Northern State University.
Below, you will find the steps and resources that you need to succeed in graduate studies.
- Accessing Your NSU Account
The first step after being accepted as a graduate student should be to set up your NSU account. This account allows you to access your university email as well as the learning management system used for all of your classes.
If you have been enrolled as an NSU student in the last two semesters, your university account should still be active. However, for everyone else, please visit the First-Time Access page to activate your NSU account. Note: In the username/email box, enter your NSU email address. For most students, this is firstname.lastname@wolves.northern.edu.
- Reviewing the Graduate Studies Handbook
The Graduate Studies Handbook is another document that you should review before the first day of classes. It outlines all of the policies relating to continuation requirements, transfers of credits, codes of conduct, and other areas of administration that affect you as a graduate student. Please take time to examine this comprehensive document (linked above), as it does have information that may pertain to you.
- Logging Into Desire2Learn (D2L)
D2L is the learning management system used at Northern State University. All of your online classes can be accessed here, and most, if not all, in-person classes utilize the software in some way. To get into D2L, click on the hyperlink above and use your Northern credentials that you created while setting your NSU account to sign in.
- Confirming Your Attendance
Before the start of each fall and spring semester, you must confirm your enrollment plans for that semester. Attendance confirmation can be completed using myNSU Portal. Once in the portal, click on Registration Terms and Conditions under the Self-Service Banner section to access your attendance confirmation.
- Registering for Classes
Registration for classes can be completed in the Ellucian Dashboard. To register for classes, click the Register for Classes link and add courses to your schedule by course number or CRN number. If you are still hesitant on this process, please view this section in Graduate HOWL for additional instructions.
- Getting your Student ID
All enrolled students are eligible to get a Pack Pass ID, which can be used for dining, residence hall and door access, concessions, laundry, library, etc. The Pack Pass is only available digitally, and can be added to your Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or Samsung Wallet. Visit the Pack Pass Mobile ID page for more instructions on getting your Pack Pass ID.
- Viewing Required Class Materials
The NSU Bookstore is operated completely online. Using your Northern credentials, log into the online bookstore. Once in the online bookstore, you will see all of the textbooks and other course materials that you need to purchase for your courses. This page is completely personalized to the classes that you are enrolled in, and there are several purchasing options for your materials (print, e-copies, rentals, etc.).
- Using Graduate HOWL
Once you are accepted as a graduate degree-seeking student, you will automatically be enrolled in Graduate HOWL. Graduate HOWL is an optional course in D2L that will take you through the process, in great detail, of registering for classes, paying your bill, and accessing online planning tools. You should use Graduate HOWL as a supplement to this New Student Information page.
Questions?
As a reminder, we can be reached via email, phone, or in-person to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. We want to make your transition to becoming a graduate student as easy and as streamlined as possible, so please let us know if we can help you in any way!
Contact Information
We are ready for you to start your master’s degree with us! If we can help answer any of your questions or concerns, please reach out to us via email or phone, or stop by office anytime during our operating hours.
