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The Graduate School

At Northwestern State University, we believe graduate education should be accessible, innovative, and designed for real-world impact. Whether you’re seeking to advance in your current career, pivot into a new field, or deepen your expertise, our graduate school offers over 40 high-quality programs that combine academic excellence with the flexibility you need.

Why Choose NSU for Your Graduate Degree?

NSU Doctoral candidate

Academic Excellence

Our faculty are accomplished scholars and industry professionals who bring both research expertise and practical experience into the classroom—helping you bridge theory with application.

Academics
2 NSU students study in the lawn

Flexible Learning Options

With both online and on-campus programs, you can pursue your degree from anywhere in the world while balancing work, family, and personal commitments.

Majors & Programs
An NSU sonography student performing an ultrasound

Career-Ready Skills

NSU graduate programs focus on professional development, leadership, and problem-solving—preparing you to make an immediate impact in your field.

Majors & Programs
NSU nursing student learning from instructor in hospital

Supportive Community

From your first inquiry to graduation day, you’ll have access to dedicated academic advisors, research resources, and professional networks that help you succeed.

Academic Success Center

Admissions Made Simple

We make it easy to take the next step. Our admissions process is straightforward, with application deadlines throughout the year and dedicated staff to guide you at every stage.

NSU students graduate with a Master's degree Play

Our Graduate Programs

Choose from a variety of master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees in fields such as:

Education

Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, Special Education, and more

Health & Human Services

Nursing, Psychology, Counseling, and Allied Health

Arts & Sciences

Creative and research-focused disciplines

Technology & Innovation

Computer Information Systems, AI, and STEM programs

NSU students gives

Contact Us

 

The Graduate School

Room 123, Caspari Hall

Phone: (318) 357-5851

Email: grad_school@nsula.edu

NSU graduates enter Prather Coliseum for commencement ceremony
Zach Cooper headshot
01 / 05

Earning both my bachelor’s and master’s at NSU was the best decision I could’ve made. I always felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to step outside my comfort zone. My professors truly cared about my success and pushed me to reach my potential, while the campus community gave me opportunities to lead, connect, and grow. I walked away with two degrees, real experience, and the confidence to succeed in my career.

Zach Cooper

Master of Arts in Stgudent Affairs in Higher Education

Natalie Mangandi Headshot
02 / 05

The faculty really cared about me and my goals, and that made all the difference. I knew I wasn’t just another student. That’s a big part of why I stayed for my master’s. I always had someone I could go to for advice or encouragement, and those relationships helped me step up my skills and confidence. Grad school at NSU pushed me further than I thought I could go, and I’m grateful for the support that got me here.

Natalie Mangandi

Master of Arts in Stgudent Affairs in Higher Education

ATKINSON photo
03 / 05

I was drawn to NSULA’s program because it offered a wide range of composition courses, and I wanted a holistic experience. I absolutely received that, but what truly sold the experience for me were my instructors. Each of my instructors was engaging, supportive, and an expert in their discipline who created some of the most rewarding online courses I have ever taken.

Bryana Atkinson

(MA in English, 2024), Writer, College Educator, & Community College Director of Instructional Support

Natalee Cook headshot
04 / 05

NSU gave me the freedom to explore. I was able to try different majors, join new clubs, and get involved in events that pushed me to grow. Through those experiences, I discovered my strengths, learned where I could improve, and uncovered the passions that ultimately led me to the right career path.

Natalee Elkins

Master of Arts in Education

DONEY photo
05 / 05

The faculty did an outstanding job preparing me to compete and win my ETA Fulbright award. The course requirements were flexible enough to allow me to attain a Graduate TESOL Certificate, as well as to secure an EFL teaching internship with the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan.

Christopher Doney

(MA in English with concentration in TESOL, expected in 2026

Ready to Apply?

MA in English

Successful applicants to the MA in English typically hold an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and must submit official transcripts, a letter of intent outlining goals and research interests, a 10–15 page writing sample demonstrating strong analytical or creative ability, and two letters of recommendation from academic or professional supervisors who can speak to the applicant’s readiness for graduate study.

 

Capstone Information and Forms

Handbook

MS in Allied Health

Admission to this program requires a bachelor’s degree, credentials in an allied health profession, and successful completion of an undergraduate statistics or research course.

MS in Radiologic Sciences

Requires a bachelor’s degree and students must hold credentials in one of the medical imaging modalities or radiation therapy. Also, students must have completed an undergraduate statistics or research course.

MS in Clinical Psychology

Admission to the Clinical Psychology program requires a completed bachelor’s degree with at least 18 credit hours in psychology, a 500-word letter of intent outlining academic background and goals, two professional or academic letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, and a $25 application fee. GRE scores may be required depending on GPA and coursework: they are waived for applicants with a psychology GPA of 3.5 or higher, or for those with a 3.0–3.49 overall GPA and at least a 3.5 in key psychology courses; applicants with a 2.5–2.99 GPA must submit GRE scores. Admission may also include an interview by invitation as the final step.

NSU student at graduation ceremony
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
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