Northwestern University in Qatar is one of the leading education centers in Qatar, offering undergraduate program courses to international students. While Qatar has left no stone unturned to promote better education with its excellent faculty and facilities, the Northwestern university stands as one of its finest examples, serving in the education sector. With a vision of being an exceptional center of higher education, NU-Q has its door open for every deserving student. Discover its various learning programs and a virtual experience of what being a part of this university is like.

The university draws attention to its history, famous programs and finest faculty. Being partners with the Qatar foundation, students are offered the chance to discover the world and shape their future through the best schools of communication, journalism and strategic communication and liberal arts.

Students will be assured the best in teaching, creative research and personal and intellectual growth in a diverse academic society.   A student's potential is cultivated in order to lead the world of media, journalism and communication.  Students are given a world to dream and develop their skills at one of the largest educational universities in the world. Antoine Predock, an American architect designed the 4-story facility, with a view of Qatar’s skyline.  The finest facilities offer students the opportunity to enter the world of advanced media tools and spaces which include a multimedia newsroom, production studios, theaters, an auditorium, and much more.

Northwestern University Doha is dedication to ensuring students receive the finest teaching, creative research and personal growth within a diverse academic society. The best part about studying at this university is being apart of over 200,000 living alumni, which include countless public figures, statespersons, and societal leaders.  The aim is to encourage students to take part in all kinds of research and creative scholarships. Students get support and advice on their research methods, grant proposals, and the academic publishing process.

Being a part of the Northwestern Doha allows students to be a part of the education city student body. One of the biggest benefits of studying here is to be able to cross register for courses in the beginning of the year. The degree received at this university in Qatar is equal to American degree.

Northwestern University Qatar: A Detail on NU-Q Admission Process

Process Of Admission At Northwestern University Qatar

While getting enrolled might not be easy, NU-Q has a simple and hassle-free admission process. All you need is a handful of legal and valid documentation that is strictly demanded by the management. The process is as follows:

  • Apply - You can apply for admission early under early action, regular decision or transfer programs. You will be given the chance to compare admission and financial aid offered.
  • Decision Released - Those who have applied for admission early will get their notifications within 2-3 months of their applications and others will get them a little late.
  • Deposit Deadline - Confirmation of attendance by submitting the deposit for the seat has to be done by a given date.
  • Enroll - Students enrolled for the program will get their orientation by fall.

Materials Required For Admission

For a smooth admission process and to increase your probability of being elected as a student, you must have every document which the university requires. Here are some documents you must possess while filling out the application at Northwestern University in Qatar.

  • Common Application
  • Official secondary school transcript and school report
  • Counselor recommendation
  • At least one teacher recommendation
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Official proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS or DUOLINGO scores measuring English language proficiency
  • Nonrefundable application fee or application fee waiver
  • Midyear transcript

Experiencing Excellence at Northwestern

Experience Northwestern University

Very often students don’t know where to go, want to pursue and most have a vague idea as to what they want to pursue. Students take a range of courses in various disciplines like humanities and social sciences along with majors in communication and journalism and minor with partner universities in Education city. Northwestern gets students from all over the globe with a wide range of high school and pre- college experiences. Those with an academic achievement and a keen interest in global engagement and citizenship are motivated to apply.

Explore the Perfectly Architecture Campus

Explore the Perfectly Architecture Campus

While applying for admission, students will have to schedule an interview with the admission counselors. The interview allows them to gain information and a perspective about the candidate’s communication skills, personality, academic interests and whether he or she is a fit for Northwestern.

Campus Spaces

A renowned American architect Antoine Predock designed the university campus in Qatar nested in Education City, Qatar. It is home to several students, faculty and staff involved in learning and teaching, research and engagement. The university has the largest campus equipped with the best technology and facilities in the world. The campus is a unique place for teaching and research as it has fully-automated Newsroom to production studios, classrooms, library, and its own museum.

Newsroom

The fully automated newsroom has the most advanced technology in broadcast and production. Ali Wazani, a Beirut architect designed the space that enables to students to deal with all the elements of news production. Students with the used of feeds from live newswires can get information and create stories, graphics and various elements of digital visualization elements. This space is the first in Qatar as it allows people to have control of the entire show.  Students can create a range of programs using the set available that is converted into a talk show, panel on social media feeds, modern news desk and interactive video walls inside a modular design of the newsroom. The newsroom has its own control room and an editing room to create graphics and render audio and create content for live reports for various multiple platforms.

Presentation and Performance

The buildings are highly spacious for performance and presentation which include an auditorium, black-box theatre and projection theatre. Students can use the black box to create and play videos. There is a set design and construction room as well. The studio is well fitted with lights and special audio cancellation and flooring. 115 people and a large HD projector is something that can be used to record and live stream events at the auditorium.

Classroom and Study Spaces

The classrooms are used for discussions and are equipped with the best technology. The buildings at Northwestern are used by small and large groups of students and a two-story library is nestled at the heart of the building.

Discover The Various Programs and Courses of Qatar’s Northwestern University

Academics : Various Disciplines
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Pursuing a career in journalism and strategic communication is one of the biggest advantages for students studying at one of the top universities in Qatar. Students are given a basic foundation in liberal arts that offers a range of courses in various disciplines like philosophy, Middle East studies, anthropology, and literature.

Undergraduate Programs

The undergraduate program offers a range of Northwestern university in Qatar courses students can choose from which include:

  • Bachelors of Science, Communication
  • Bachelors of Science, Journalism
  • BSJ and MSJ: Dual Degree Program in Journalism
  • Certificate, Strategic Communication
  • Minor, Media and Politics
  • Minor Middle East Studies
  • Minor, strategic Communication

Liberal Arts Program

Students pursuing the liberal arts program are offered an interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences education that offers the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in a dynamic and complex world.

A student’s intellectual curiosity, flexibility and critical inquiry to interact with the society they live in a more meaningful and productive ways is developed. Learning how to implement knowledge, learning about cultures and institutions are certain things students are taught. The university encourages students to use their creativity and address all kinds of challenges and opportunities that come their way.

Undergraduate Writing

First year writing

During their freshman year, students are supposed to take 2 semesters of writing.  The ability to create thoughtful, organized and efficient pieces of writing are shaped and defined in a student. With the help from their instructors, students can craft their essays. A different them serves as a focal point for readings, discussions, and writing assignments, each semester.

Writing Center

Through the writing center, students have access to the writing support services. Writing specialists and peer tutors can offer assistance and guidance with one-on-one assistance, helping with research, citation and English grammar and punctuation.

Ways of Knowing

Ways of knowing is a course that discovers what we already known and what has to be investigated on a given subject- for instance- global warming. The course evaluates the interdisciplinary approach to knowing and solving problems of our times.

Hands- on, experiential Learning

The experience of sitting in a classroom at NU-Q offers a feeling beyond a normal setting into spaces where students can engage in a hands-on activity in the best facilities like the multimedia newsroom, studios and black box theater.

Students' leadership skills and global awareness is developed with living and studying outside Qatar.

Journalism Residency

Students are given a hand- on experience in the field of journalism and media, which is the aim of the Journalism residency. The 3rd year students leave campus to work with veteran journalists or public relations practitioners in a professional atmosphere. Students get university credit for their residency which is needed for their bachelor of science degree in journalism.

Eligibility Criteria

Those who are pursuing their bachelor of science degree in journalism are eligible for the course.

When Is It?

10 Weeks during spring semester junior year.

Residency Sites

Students will be asked to given in their choice for the journalism residency sites and industries.  However, the final outcome about their placements will be decided by the administration. Several factors like student's training, internships, campus journalism and communications-related experiences, interests, career goals, grades, and insights from faculty is taken into consideration while making the decision. An assignment given to students will enable them to develop their skills and grow professionally even though they may not get their choice of site. When it comes to voicing their choice of placement, students should take their skills and experience into consideration.

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Evanston Communication Exchange Program

Evanston Communication Exchange Program
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Students pursuing their bachelors of science degree in communication are eligible for Evanston Communication Exchange program.

Eligibility

Juniors studying Bachelor of Science degree in communication are eligible.

Requirements

There are certain eligibility requirements needed to for the course students want to pursue. Some of them include:

  • Should have a 3.0 GPA when applying for the course
  • full-time student
  • completed four full-time semesters
  • completed five full-time semesters at the beginning of the exchange program
  • earned junior standing
  • completed all MIT major requirements for the first two years of the program prior to the exchange program
  • must be in good standing, which means:
  • not on academic probation
  • no incompletes
  • no registration holds
  • no current academic integrity investigations

When is it?

Spring Semester Junior Year

Apply

One of the best colleges in Qatar choose students to attend the exchange program. The criteria of selection change every year.

Global Media Experience

Students are given the opportunity to visit major traditional and new media organizations through global media experience. Students are given a broad understanding of the role of media and enables them to explore the potential fields of study and careers to pursue.

Eligibility

All students in good academic standing can pursue the course.

Engage Chicago

In 8-week summer field study program, students are given opportunity to live, work and learn together in places like Chicago, USA, among a rich history and culture of civic engagement. Engage Chicago is a blend of academic coursework, placements with the best community organization and community experiences which is taken care of under expert guidance of the faculty, staff and mentors.

The course offers the best hands-on experience, thoughtful reflection and summer living along with the chance to learn about the city about social change and about themselves.

Eligibility

  • Rising sophomores
  • Rising juniors
  • Rising seniors

When is It?

8 weeks during summer

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Top Graduate Programs at Northwestern University in Qatar

The program list doesn’t end here. Taking care of various interests, the university offers the best graduate programs for attaining excellence in their respective field. Take a look:

1. Sports Administration / Global Sports Communication

Sports is a broad field that offers a range of career opportunities; however, the competition is quite tough. When it comes to looking into a career in the business of sports, students can build the needed skills with a masters in arts in sports administration program. Students are taught by faculty who share their practical knowledge based on professional experience in sports.

The program enables students to engage with team executives and professionals specializing in operations, marketing and sponsorship in a range of sports and sports related environments. The curriculum provides a strong foundation to improve one’s strategic, creative and analytic skills important for the success in the business of sports.  Students are trained to specialize in opportunities in enhancing the global sports industry.

2. Scholarship Support

The ministry of education and higher education has granted licensing and accreditation for their sports administration program in Qatar.

If you want to know more about the scholarship, then you can get in touch with the administration office and find out how they administer the program that allow students to get government aid for the studies.

Main Courses

  • MSA 401 Sports Research Methods
  • MSA 402 Sports Marketing
  • MSA 403 Organization of Sports
  • MSA 404 Sports Business
  • MSA 405 Legal and Ethical Issues
  • MSA 451 The Technology of Sport
  • Thesis Research

Global Sports Communication Specialization

Global Sports Communication Specialization
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The colorful and robust sports industry grabs an important amount of media investment which get the audience’s attention and important resources from around the world. It has led to a high demand for communication professionals who will contribute to the improvement of the sports industry in the region. Students deal with creating strategic communication, media marketing and leadership skills designed only for the sports industry and communication, marketing and promotional roles.

Main Courses

  • MSA 475 Global Sports Communication
  • MSA 476 Principles and Practice of Strategic Communication and PR
  • MSA 477 Media Literacy in Sports
  • MSA 479 Practical Experience in Global Sports Communication

Capstone or Thesis

The culmination of the MSA Program is the capstone project course that showcases a student’s talent of the curriculum and a broad understanding of the basic guidelines of sports administration. When it comes to completing their capstone needs, students can take up their course.

Pre-requisite: Students can pursue the course with MSA 498. The requirements of the course can be completed before the beginning of the course.

Choose either the thesis or capstone project:

  • MSA 498 Capstone Class
  • MSA 590 Thesis Research

MA in Sports Administration

  • Master's in Sports Administration Program Goals
  • Sports Administration Curriculum & Specialization
  • Master's in Sports Administration Admission
  • Sports Administration Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Careers in Sports Administration

The sports industry in the Middle East has grabbed the attention of young students from all over the world. With the attention of a young audience, the professionals from the field have given shape to the industry in Qatar. In fact, over 380 million people and 17 territories make up for the Middle East and North Africa which has led to an impact on global sports over the years as it enhances its position in the market and a provider for sports events.

In turn, the dependence on professionals to administer and promote sports and its related fields and to channel access to new markets and audiences is seen in the industry. So, when it comes to pursuing higher studies, students can think of studying in Qatar.

Master's in Sports Administration Program Goals

MSA graduates should have the knowledge, skills and aptitude for:

  • Lead enterprising sports organizations within an evolving environment
  • Synthesize data to support evidence-based decision making
  • Evaluate revenue streams and risk mitigation
  • Create effective business plans to set strategic direction of a sports entity
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Sports Administration Curriculum & Specialization

A total of 11 courses has to be completed to earn the degree which include covering six core courses, a four-course specialization, and a capstone class or thesis project. The global sports communication specialization which entails 4 courses is a combination of both online and on- campus classes, where students are given a chance to grow in the global sports industry, paying attention to strategic communication, media marketing and leadership. To earn a stand- alone certificate, the four courses can be completed.

Master's in Sports Administration Admission

When an application is sent for review, a number of factors are taken into consideration. Background and experiences differ.

Careers in Sports Administration

A tiny fraction of people will join the ranks of professional sports as players, coaches, or top executives but jobs related to sports marketing and administration will continue to see a growth in the Middle East.

Executive Education in Communication and Media

Improve upon your skills in media, strategic communication and marketing.

The intensive classes have enabled adult professionals improve upon the careers and will enable students to choose from the range of Northwestern University in Qatar careers.

The short-term programs offered include:

  • Strategic Communication
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Sports Communication
  • Health Communication
  • Communication for Conflict Resolution
  • Risk Communication

Effective Communication Skills For Negotiation

Effective Communication Skills For Negotiation
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Negotiating for all kinds of deals or projects is constantly happening, as can either make or break our lives. Most people at times are aware of the fact that they leave the value on the table.  Very often negotiations are perceived as a tactical zero-sum power and persuasion exercise. It is a challenge that needs cooperation between two or more parties.  A change in paradigm is needed to seek maximum potential in negotiations which need a problem-solving mindset. The Strategic Arena, the Creative Arena, and the Tactical Arena are the 3 dimensional  problems that have to be dealt with.

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Digital Resources At Northwestern University Qatar

Digital Resources At Northwestern University Qatar
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Northwestern University isn't just a dream place for students to come and pursue their education but it is also a place where you can expand your research. The university offers digital research resources to students at the NU-Q Library. All students, faculty, and staff members can use these resources. From online journals and e-books to tutorials and streaming videos, you get it all at the NU-Q Library.

Policies & Services Of The Library

Renew Your Library Material Online - Students can renew the material online directly through their library account. Be it books, DVDs or any other material, it is easy to renew the items before they are due.

Borrower Limit - There is a certain borrower's limit on the items that students or faculty members can loan from the library. Here's what you need to know about it -

  • Books: Load period of 120 days, maximum items can be 25, minimum items can be two
  • Video Recordings: Load period of 7 days, maximum items can be 10, minimum items can be two
  • Journal Back-Issues: Load period of 7 days, maximum items can be 10, minimum items can be zero
  • USB-DVD Players: Load period of 7 days, maximum items can be 1, minimum items can be two
  • Course Reserves: Typically four hours or loan period, maximum items can be 5, minimum items can be zero
  • Bose Headphones: Load period of four hours, maximum items can be one

Library Fines & Fees - The library at Northwestern University Qatar issues fines due to certain cases. Patrons taking materials from the library are required to keep a track of their renewal period or the date by when they are required to return the material. All this can be tracked online by the patrons. Failing to renew or return the material results in fine.

Who Can Access The Northwestern University Qatar Library?

Northwestern University Qatar Library
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The library at NU-Q is one of the key features of the university. Popular for research resources available, the library can be accessed by certain visitors, and here are the types of visitors allowed.

Students, Faculty & Staff

The students, faculty members, and staff at the Northwestern University Qatar can access the library without any sort of approval as they are considered members of the library automatically.

Alumni From NU-Q

The alumni from Northwestern University Qatar can get library use and borrowing privileges. Once graduated, they can get a library card which can be renewed on a yearly basis.

Family Members Of NU-Q Employees

Even the family members of employees like spouses and children who are over the age of 15 can obtain a borrower's car for NU-Q Library. The card is valid for up to a year.

Library Access For Doha Community Members

Library membership is available to Doha residents 18 years of age or older who are not faculty/staff/students from another education institution with a library or from another higher education institution with a library in Qatar. Interlibrary loans are not available to community borrowers. Borrower's cards do not grant patrons access to NU Library's online databases, which require the use of a NetID.

Walk-in Access

Another interesting thing to note about the NU-Q Library is that Walk-in access to the library and onsite use of electronic databases is permitted for non-profit/educational use. Guests can request for a free temporary day pass which provides them access to the premises alongside digital resources.

Students Life At Northwestern University in Qatar

Students Life At Northwestern University in Qatar
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Students are given the option of staying on campus and make use of the all the facilities offered like one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment-style units with private bathrooms, plus access to study rooms, public majlis, televisions, laundry facilities, and wireless internet.

Outside Campus

Clubs - Best Buddies, Bibliophiles, Debate Club, Music Society, Not Another Film Club, NU-Q Student Union, Peace Squad, Studio20Q, Society of Professional Journalists

Athletics - Skate Park, running track, basketball, football and volleyball courts are some of the athletics facilities that can be used.

When it comes to exploring or rather discovering life in the Middle East, people can think of Qatar. On the other hand, if students want to pursue their higher studies in journalism or communication, then Northwestern University in Qatar is the place to get admission. Students will receive the best education and can easily pursue a career in the very same field. So, what are you waiting for? Pack those bags and book your flight to Qatar.

FAQs

Q1. Which is the best thing about studying at Northwestern University in Qatar?

Northwestern University Doha is dedicated to ensuring students receive the finest teaching, creative research, and personal growth within a diverse academic society. The best part about studying at this university is being a part of over 200,000 living alumni, which include countless public figures, states persons, and societal leaders. The aim is to encourage students to take part in all kinds of research and creative scholarships. Students get support and advice on their research methods, grant proposals, and the academic publishing process.

Q2. What undergraduate programs are offered by Northwestern University Qatar?

Northwestern University Doha is dedicated to ensuring students receive the finest teaching, creative research, and personal growth within a diverse academic society. Some top undergraduate courses offered by the university include -

  • Bachelors of Science, Communication
  • Bachelors of Science, Journalism
  • BSJ and MSJ: Dual Degree Program in Journalism
  • Certificate, Strategic Communication
  • Minor, Media and Politics
  • Minor Middle East Studies
  • Minor, strategic Communication
Q3. What do I need to get admission to Northwestern University Qatar?

Getting admission to one of the top universities like Northwestern in Qatar is a dream for many students. When it comes to applying for admission, students will have to submit the following materials, which include - Common Application, Official secondary school transcript, and school report, Counselor recommendation, At least one teacher recommendation, SAT or ACT scores, Official proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores measuring English language proficiency, Nonrefundable application fee or application fee waiver, Midyear transcript.

Q4. What is the process of admission at Northwestern University Qatar?

When it comes to applying for admission at this university, the process is quite simple.

  • Apply - You can apply for admission early under early action, regular decision or transfer programs. You will be given the chance to compare admission and financial aid offered.
  • Decision Released - Those who have applied for admission early will get their notifications within 2-3 months of their applications and others will get them a little late.
  • Deposit Deadline - Confirmation of attendance by submitting the deposit for the seat has to be done by a given date.
  • Enroll - Students enrolled for the program will get their orientation by fall.
Q5. What is the admission process for transfer applicants at Northwestern University Qatar?

If you are willing to continue further studies at Northwestern University, you will have to apply as a transfer student if you have gotten admission in a course of study after completing your school graduation. Those who have completed at least 1 academic year of full-time college coursework are considered successful transfer applicants. In the process of finishing a year of college coursework, you can apply for transfer of admission as long as you have done the same coursework before starting the term you plan to enroll in. You have to be the ideal candidate to be eligible to continue studying at your present institution.

Q6. Is there a library at Northwestern University Qatar?

Yes, Northwestern University isn't just a dream place for students to come and pursue their education but it is also a place where you can expand your research. The university offers digital research resources to students at the NU-Q Library. All students, faculty, and staff members can use these resources. From online journals and e-books to tutorials and streaming videos, you get it all at the NU-Q Library.

Q7. Is the NU-Q Library open to the community in Doha?

Yes, Library membership is available to Doha residents 18 years of age or older who are not faculty/staff/students from another education institution with a library or from another higher education institution with a library in Qatar. Interlibrary loans are not available to community borrowers. Borrower's cards do not grant patrons access to NU Library's online databases, which require the use of a NetID.

Q8. What is the borrower limit at NU-Q Library in Qatar?

The NU-Q Library has a certain limit on every item that is being borrowed by patrons. Here's what you should know -

  • Books: Load period of 120 days, maximum items can be 25, minimum items can be two
  • Video Recordings: Load period of 7 days, maximum items can be 10, minimum items can be 2
  • Journal Back-Issues: Load period of 7 days, maximum items can be 10, minimum items can be 0
  • USB-DVD Players: Load period of 7 days, maximum items can be 1, minimum items can be 2
  • Course Reserves: Typically four hours or loan period, maximum items can be 5, minimum items can be 0
  • Bose Headphones: Load period of four hours, maximum items can be 1
Q9. Can I get walk-in access to Northwestern University Qatar Library?

Yes, another interesting thing to note about the NU-Q Library is that Walk-in access to the library and onsite use of electronic databases is permitted for non-profit/educational use. Guests can request for a free temporary day pass which provides them access to the premises alongside digital resources.

Q10. What is Engage Chicago by NU-Q?

This is an 8-week summer field study program where students are given the opportunity to live, work and learn together in places like Chicago, USA, among a rich history and culture of civic engagement. Engage Chicago is a blend of academic coursework, placements with the best community organization and community experiences which is taken care of under expert guidance of the faculty, staff and mentors. The course offers the best hands-on experience, thoughtful reflection and summer living along with the chance to learn about the city, social change and about themselves.