Applied Human Development and Family Sciences

Eligibility Requirements

In general, you need to have accomplished the following in order to be considered for admission:

• Completed a four-year undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution or one with equivalent recognition.
• Achieved a 2.75 grade point average on a 4.00 scale, or the equivalent.

NIU only recognizes degrees awarded by regionally accredited institutions or foreign institutions with equivalent recognition. For example, we recognize degrees from institutions in India that are recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC), designated by the UGC as deemed to be a university, or designated as an Institute of National Importance as possessing the equivalent to regional accreditation.

Application Materials

In general, you may follow the information provided on the application materials page when preparing to apply. Additional information and requirements are below.

Transcripts

When you apply, you must upload transcripts and proof of degree (diploma, diploma supplement, etc.) attested by an appropriate school official, as well as certified English language translations.

If you're from India or Pakistan, you must upload individual marksheets rather than transcripts, as well as degree certificates (if available), all attested by the principal, controller of exams, registrar or USIEF.

If you're admitted, you'll need to submit hard copies of all transcripts, marksheets and proof of degree.

Test Scores

In addition to test scores required by your intended program, you must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score unless you meet one of the following criteria:

• You're seeking admission to the Intensive English Program at ELS DeKalb.
• You completed or will complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from an institution in one of these countries (listed).

Please note the following regarding test scores:

• NIU requires an 80 (TOEFL), 6.5 (IELTS) or 53 (PTE Academic) or 115 (Duolingo).
• When preparing your score report for upload, be sure that your name and all scores are legible.
• If you're admitted, you must have your test score sent to NIU from the testing center. When having your TOEFL score sent, use institution code 1559. NIU does not require department codes; neither does the testing center. For your Duolingo test score, you will be able to send it through the Duolingo website directly. There is no separate testing center.

Passports

Though not required, you may upload a copy of your passport during the application process. A passport is required to be issued an I-20, but not for admission purposes.

Select Your Program

• Select the graduate program in which you wish to enroll.

• Gather Your Application Materials

  Your application materials will consist of the following:

  • Transcripts (unofficial copies are accepted for admission purposes).
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of purpose.
  • Test scores (if required).
  • Resume or curriculum vitae (optional).
  • Additional materials required by your program.Take note of the program's application requirements and its application deadline, the date by which you must submit all application materials.

  Format Your Materials

  Read our file upload requirements to make sure your materials are formatted correctly.

  Check in With Your Referees

  Your referees are people who will write letters of recommendation for you. You should ask them if they are willing to write a letter before you begin the application process.

  Start Your Online Application

  When you start your application, you'll be asked to do the following:

  • Provide required information.
  • Enter email addresses for your referees and trigger an email to be sent to them.
  • Upload a statement of purpose.
  • Upload copies of unofficial transcripts.
  • Provide additional materials required by your program, such as a writing sample or test score.

    Finalize and Submit Your Application

    Double check your work. Verify that you have chosen the correct program of study. Once an application is submitted, it is considered final. We will not accept revised documents (except for your resume/curriculum vitae).

    If you save your application before you submit it, you can log back in to continue working on it. After you submit your application, you can log back in to view a checklist of materials and upload any you still need to submit.

    • Checklists are only updated after you submit your application.
    • Duplicate materials and items that are not required will not appear on your checklist.