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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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

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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

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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 focus@nwc.edu.

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 gcefinaid@nwc.edu

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 focus@nwc.edu

ONLINE nwc.edu/focus

MAIL

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