F O C U S D E G R E E C O M P L E T I O N
You can do this. Have faith.
“I would encourage anyone to go back to school. Just do it, because you never want look back and say ‘I wish I would have.’”
— Susan, Christian Counseling
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Whether you have zero college credits or have already started college, we
will help you develop a plan to earn your degree. If you want to increase
your earning potential, advance your career or have a total career makeover,
you can fit your education and life together to achieve your goals.
The Northwestern Difference
At Northwestern College, your degree is built upon 110 years of excellence
in Christ-centered education. FOCUS has been equipping adult learners with
knowledge and skills to achieve their dreams for more than 20 years. There
are many things that set us apart:
› FAITH FOUNDATION
Northwestern is Christ-centered and biblically based. Every course helps
you understand God’s role in what you’re learning.
› PREPARATION FOR YOUR CAREER AND CALLING
A complete education prepares you for all of life, not just a job.
Our graduates become well-rounded individuals able to apply the
knowledge gained and practice Christlike leadership. You can advance in
your career and gain new opportunities.
› ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Our faculty bring real-life experience to the classroom and are
committed to creating a quality learning experience for each student.
Among our faculty you’ll find authors and researchers highly respected in
the academic community.
› QUALITY AND AFFORDABILITY
You will experience a rich and vibrant learning environment and an
education that is a great value. Our financial aid professionals will help
you explore your options to make your education affordable.
› OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUR SUCCESS
Your academic or faculty advisor will help you create a customized
course plan to integrate your learning into your life. The tools you need
to succeed are readily available, including access to learning resources,
campus services, and an on-site coffee shop for refreshment and study.
Among the first
Christian institutions
to offer adult degree
completion in
Minnesota, the
Northwestern FOCUS
program recognizes
your unique needs and
life experiences.
Complete what you started.
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“To enhance my value as an employee and set myself apart from others I chose to return to school. God has made the path smooth to achieving my education goals and working out time commitments.”
– John, Business Administration
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The FOCUS program combines deep faith with in-depth knowledge as you
learn with and from people who share your personal and professional values.
A Northwestern education will help you:
› Prepare for advancement in your career
› Grow in your faith while growing professionally
› Develop leadership skills that will set you apart
› Gain deeper understanding of God’s Word
› Establish clear ethical and moral standards for your professional life
Areas of Study
CUSTOMIZED LEARNING PLANS — PAGE 7
› Strategy to Earn Your Degree Faster
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE — PAGE 7
› Associate of Arts in General Studies
BACHELOR’S DEGREES — PAGES 7–9
› Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
› Bachelor of Science in Business Management
› Bachelor of Science in Christian Counseling
› Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies
› Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
› Bachelor of Science in Marketing
› Bachelor of Science in Ministries
› Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Criminal Justice Emphasis
Health Psychology Emphasis
Marriage & Family Emphasis
Through our
accelerated
format, you can
complete your
degree by taking
classes just one
night a week at
our St. Paul or
Brooklyn Park
locations.
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Prepare for the future.
“I have a passion for clear and serious thinking. That’s something I can give to my students. I want to help them become people who believe it’s important to honor God with ‘all your mind’ as well as your heart and soul.”
— Michael Wise, Ph.D., Scholar in Residence
Chair, Biblical & Theological Studies
Meet with an admission
counselor, attend an
Information Night or
even visit a class. When
you get the information
you need, your decision
will be clear.
Visit nwc.edu/focus
or call 651-631-5200
to take the next step.
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stom
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earnin
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egree P
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Customized Learning Plans
You may be closer to completing your degree than you realize.
Many adults have previous technical training
or have some college credits, but now want a
bachelor’s degree.
Northwestern will review your previous training
and determine what more you may need to
complete a degree. A personal Customized
Plan is created strategically so that you take
only the courses that you need to get your
degree faster.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Business Administration
A degree in business administration equips you
with skills and knowledge needed for analytical
problem solving and business decisions.
Learn how to investigate and explore different
approaches to current business issues as you
integrate essential concepts and Christian
principles with business operations.
Our graduates have found work in a variety of
roles, including:
› Banking manager
› Market research analyst
› Retail manager
› Sales executive
› Credit analyst
› Project manager
› Finance analyst
ASSOCIATE OF ARTS
General Studies
If you have taken a few college courses or
are just beginning your college journey, the
Associate of Arts (A.A.) in General Studies is a
first step toward the education you’ve dreamed
of. The A.A. offers foundational course work
in communication, history, art, literature,
mathematics, science and Bible. We will do a
free transcript evaluation and work with you to
create a customized learning plan that builds
on any previous credit or experience you bring
into the program.
There are several sources we evaluate to
make sure you receive the credit you’re due,
including:
› DSST Credit by Exam
› CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
› Prior Learning Assessment
› Military training
If you choose to continue your studies you
will be eligible to move directly into one of the
FOCUS Degree Completion programs.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Business Management
A business management degree prepares you
for leadership in public, private or nonprofit
organizations. With an emphasis on the role
of leadership for business and organizational
planning, learn how to be effective in problem
solving, communication, management
techniques, team building, and developing
and implementing business strategies. Biblical
coursework helps you apply Christian values
and ethics to situations in business settings.
Our graduates have found work in a variety of
roles, including:
› Education administrator
› Insurance underwriter
› Management analyst
› Operational services manager
› Purchasing agent
› Corporate communications manager
Bac
hel
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s
8 Visit nwc.edu/focus for complete requirements and course descriptions.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Christian Counseling
The Christian counseling program provides
a biblical and theoretical foundation for a
counseling ministry, primarily in churches
and parachurch settings. Additional training
will be required if you are interested in a
professional counseling career. Through your
studies you will learn to address a wide range
of issues faced within the church and in other
counseling settings, using skills based upon
biblical principles and relevant theory.
Our graduates have found opportunities to be
involved in a variety of roles, including:
› Mediator
› Personal counselor
› Spiritual counselor
› Graduate student
Also available: Christian Counseling Certificate
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Human Resource Management
A human resource management degree
prepares you for professional human
resources opportunities in the public, private
and nonprofit sectors. Study employment
law, business ethics, recruiting and selection
techniques, best practices for compensation
and benefits and more—all within a Christian
context.
Our graduates have found work in a variety of
roles, including:
› Director of human resources
› Employment and placement manager
› Recruiter
› Employer/employee relations specialist
› Compensation and benefits manager
› Employee assistance plan manager
› Human resource information system
specialist
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Communication Studies
Through the study of communication you
will develop basic communication skills in
speaking, writing and public relations. Explore
how to be an effective and ethical Christian
communicator in today’s society. Skills you’ll
gain include critical and creative thinking,
research, writing, speechmaking, group
facilitation and interviewing.
Our graduates have found work in a variety of
roles, including:
› Copywriter/copy editor
› Public administrator
› Public relations manager
› Event planner
› Press secretary
› Publications editor
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Marketing
A degree in marketing prepares you to you help
public, private and nonprofit organizations to
communicate effectively about their products
and services. Create marketing concepts, reach
your target audiences, generate responses
and organize successful marketing campaigns.
Benefit from your instructors’ academic
expertise and real-world experience as you
learn how to reach a global audience.
Our graduates have found work in a variety of
roles, including:
› Account executive
› Advertising manager
› Brand marketing manager
› Market research manager
› Marketing specialist
› Meeting and event planner
› Production/project manager
Bach
elor’s D
egree P
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9Some of the roles graduates have attained may require additional education or training.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Ministries
This degree will help you build a foundation for
work in church and parachurch organizations,
as well as graduate work in theological or
professional areas. Develop knowledge and
skill through a three-pronged curriculum
that includes biblical studies, theological
studies and professional applications such
as philosophy of ministry, communication in
ministry, counseling and ministerial ethics. Up
to nine credits from this degree can qualify for
advanced placement in Northwestern’s Master
of Arts in Theological Studies or Master of
Divinity programs.
Our graduates have found opportunities to be
involved in a variety of roles, including:
› Pastor
› Children’s ministry director
› Curriculum writer
› Missions coordinator
› Youth director
› Camp director
› Christian education administrator
› Graduate student
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Psychology—Health Psychology Emphasis
A psychology degree with emphasis in health
psychology provides training in theories
and methods of psychology and stress and
pain management in a clinical setting. Study
physiological, psychological and social causes
for pain and stress and methods for effective
treatment.
Our graduates have found opportunities to be
involved in a variety of roles, including:
› Educational therapist
› Employee assistance counselor
› Social service worker
› Wellness counselor
› Graduate student
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Psychology—Criminal Justice Emphasis
A psychology degree with criminal justice
emphasis provides training in theories and
methods of psychology and criminal justice.
Study the criminal justice system, juvenile
delinquency, corrections, criminal law and
deviance as you examine how to apply
psychological principles from a Christian
perspective.
Our graduates have found opportunities to be
involved in a variety of roles, including:
› Corrections officer
› Parole officer
› Youth counselor
› Law enforcement officer
› Crisis counselor
› Graduate student
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Psychology—Marriage & Family Emphasis
A degree in psychology with marriage and
family emphasis provides training in theories
and methods of psychology and counseling.
Study the nature of human growth and
development and methods of assessing
personality and problem areas. Integrating a
Christian perspective in these areas, you’ll also
explore strategies for counseling children,
adolescents, adults and families.
Graduates are prepared for academic and
professional opportunities such as:
› Child protection worker
› Gerontology specialist
› Social service worker
› Child care professional
› Graduate student
Our admission
counselors are
committed to helping
you explore the right
path for you. They will
provide you with all of
your options and assist
you in reaching your
goals.
Northwestern cooperates with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to make it possible for eligible students to request VA benefits for adult education programs.
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We support you every step of the way. From the
time you first speak with our admission staff until
graduation—and beyond—you’ll have access to people
and resources to help you achieve your goals.
ADMISSIONS
Your counselor is your source for any information
you need before beginning life as a student. You’ll get
individualized attention—and prayer—as you
explore your options and proceed through the
admission process.
ACADEMIC ADVISING/STUDENT SERVICES
Your academic advisor understands the challenges you
face—juggling life, career and school—and will help
you select courses, learn about campus services and
help you make connections. Once you’re admitted to
Northwestern, Student Services assists you on your
educational journey.
CENTER FOR CALLING & CAREER
The Center for Calling & Career will help you learn
more about who you are and what you do best,
using tools such as the StrengthsFinder, Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator® (MBTI) and more. Our expert career
counselors can help you explore your calling, learn
about jobs and internships, investigate graduate
schools and more. Learn more at nwc.edu/career.
ALPHA CENTER
Whether you are intimidated by writing or just want
help improving your writing or understanding, tutors
in the ALPHA Center can help. We even offer a free
composition lab to help you sharpen your grammar
and writing skills. With extended hours to serve
Graduate & Continuing Education students, you will be
supported and excited about your studies!
DISABILITIES SUPPORT
The Disabilities Office for Support Services (DOSS)
works with students who require additional support for
classroom and program success. If a learning challenge
held you back in the past, learn how DOSS can help
you succeed for the future. Find more information at
nwc.edu/doss.
MILITARY STUDENTS
If you are active-duty military or a veteran, you will find
support at Northwestern! We work with you to gain
access to all available benefits for your education.
BASIC NEEDS FOR BUSY SCHEDULES
Most FOCUS students come to class straight from work
or other commitments. Our dining center and coffee
shop in the Billy Graham Community Life Commons
offer extended hours so you can grab a meal, a snack
or a Starbucks® before class.
GRADUATE STUDY
FOCUS degrees provide an excellent foundation for
graduate programs at Northwestern or other colleges
and universities. Visit nwc.edu/gradstudies to learn
more about Northwestern’s Center for Graduate
Studies.
If you are planning to pursue a Master of Arts in
Theological Studies or Master of Divinity degree,
several FOCUS courses will qualify you for advanced
placement in these programs. As you plan your
graduate education we recommend working
closely with your advisor to select courses to fulfill
requirements and maximize credit for your future
educational goals.
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Get the support you need.
“My writing, speaking and presentation skills have improved significantly as a result of this program. I’ve been offered two new jobs while in school!”
— Shane, Human Resource Management
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It’s in your power—with God’s help—to change your career prospects,
prepare for further study, or grow personally and professionally.
A Northwestern education can help make it happen. Focusing on the things
that matter most, you’ll see a return on your investment in all areas of
your life.
Tuition & Financial Aid
FOCUS is affordable. You can find tuition rates online at nwc.edu/focus, or
contact an admission counselor at 651-631-5200 or [email protected].
There are several financial aid options available to students, including Federal
Pell Grants, Minnesota State Grants, Federal Stafford Loans and private
financing to help fund your education, depending on qualification.
The financial aid process can seem complicated but our financial aid
professionals will make it clear and work with you to make your education a
reality. Start here:
› Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ (Northwestern FAFSA Code: 002371)
CONTACT FINANCIAL AID:
PHONE 651-631-5105 | 888-362-8715
FAX 651-628-3369
E-MAIL [email protected]
ONLINE nwc.edu/focus/finaid
Employer Tuition Assistance and Discounts
Many major Minnesota corporations offer employer-provided tuition
assistance for college expenses. Check with your organization’s human
resources department to see if your company offers this benefit.
If you have family members who are Northwestern students or you work in
full-time Christian ministry, you may qualify for special discounts.
“It’s been such
an amazing
experience to
come to a school
that’s in line with
your faith. You
know that these
people love the
Lord and that
their teaching
is scripturally
grounded.”
– Alex, Psychology
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Make a great investment.
Visit Us
Come see us to learn what you
need to know about pursuing your
degree at Northwestern. There are
several ways to connect:
› ON CAMPUS
Visit with your admission
counselor at our Graduate &
Continuing Education offices.
You can even take a campus
tour and see where you’ll be
taking classes.
› INFORMATION NIGHT
Attend Information Night or
other specials admissions
events. Visit nwc.edu/focus
and select Learn More for a
schedule of events.
› OUT AND ABOUT
Find us at education fairs,
conferences and music
festivals. We’ll even meet you
at your favorite coffee shop if
you can’t come to us!
Contact Us
Your questions are welcome here!
Let us know how we can help you
in your decision-making process.
PHONE 651-631-5200
888-362-8715
E-MAIL [email protected]
ONLINE nwc.edu/focus
3003 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN 55113-1598
IN PERSON
2803 Lincoln Drive
Roseville, MN 55113
Apply Today
Apply online at nwc.edu/focus or request an application by phone,
651-631-5200 or 888-362-8715.
Begin your journey.
You don’t have to decide
to start school today.
Just make a decision to
start the process. Take the
first step now and call
651-631-5200!
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You can do this.Have faith.
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Admission ProcessHow to Apply
Application materials are available
at nwc.edu/focus.
Your complete Northwestern
College application file will
include:
� Application Form
� $30 application fee
� Life Experience and Faith
Essay
� High school transcript
� Official college transcripts
� Writing evaluation
Once your file is complete it will
be reviewed by the admission
committee. You will be notified of
your admission status within one
to two weeks.
Financial Aid Forms
Additional forms are needed if
applying for financial aid:
› FAFSA form completed
online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
(FAFSA Code: 002371)
› Northwestern College
Graduate & Continuing
Education Financial Aid
Application, available at
nwc.edu/focus/finaid.
Northwestern College exists to provide Christ-centered higher
education equipping students to grow intellectually and spiritually,
to serve effectively in their professions, and to give God-honoring
leadership in the home, church, community and world.
WHOLEHEARTEDLY CHRISTIAN
ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT
FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY
ENGAGED IN THE WORLD
N W C . E D U / F O C U S
651-631-5200888-362-8715
F O C U S D E G R E E C O M P L E T I O N
3003 SNELLING AVENUE NORTHST. PAUL, MN 55113-1598