Northwestern University School of Professional Studies

08/31/2026

We sat down with Northwestern SPS faculty member Lauren Liss, a human-centered designer and educator, to discuss how the MS in Information Design and Strategy prepares students for UX/UI career paths and why a collaborative spirit, deep empathy for users, and a mindset focused on understanding business problems before proposing solutions are still essential. Read the full story via link in bio.

08/21/2026

As a teenager, Pardhasaradhi ("Pardhu") Namburi, ’26 thought he would become a monk. Today, he's combining AI, public policy, and nonprofit leadership to cultivate kindness and strengthen communities.

His passion for technology—and his belief that positive human virtues transcend any one religion—led him to Northwestern's MA in Public Policy Administration. Today, he leads Joyful Rise, a nonprofit using AI-assisted tools to support personal growth and civic engagement.

"Figure out what you really want to do that benefits society. Then work backward,” he says. “It's not just about wanting to use AI. It's about asking whether AI helps you achieve your goal.”

Read the full story: http://spr.ly/6180B1mT1m

08/10/2026

How are AI and analytics changing the role of information systems leaders? Northwestern SPS spoke with MS in Information Systems faculty members Faisal Akkawi, Amul Chapla, Terry Cottrell, James DeMarco, and David Ostrowski about what skills matter most in today’s technology workforce and how the MSIS program is preparing professionals for the future of enterprise technology. Read the full story: http://spr.ly/6189B11Dpc

07/29/2026

148 Northwestern student-athletes were named Big Ten Distinguished Scholars, setting a new school record. 15 of the athletes who received the honor are Northwestern SPS students. Congratulations to all the Distinguished Scholar Award Wildcats!

07/18/2026

Northwestern SPS had the opportunity to recognize outstanding students—including student leaders, veterans, distinguished thesis award recipients, and Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society inductees—honoring adult learners who exemplify academic excellence while balancing their professional and personal lives and responsibilities. Congratulations to all of our students!

07/15/2026

Northwestern University School of Professional Studies thanks Henry S. Bienen for believing in the importance of continuing and adult education. We are grateful for his support of our mission to create accessible, innovative programs that empower working professionals and adults from all backgrounds. We deeply appreciate his service as interim president, leading our community through challenges and uncertainty, and leaving Northwestern stronger. Pictured here is Northwestern SPS Dean Thomas F. Gibbons with Henry S. Bienen.

06/25/2026

What would you say to data scientists who are concerned about AI “taking over”? Northwestern MS in Data Science faculty director Tom Miller weighs in on one of the most common misconceptions about AI.

Read how AI is changing data science and how Northwestern’s MS in Data Science is changing with it: https://sps.northwestern.edu/stories/news-stories/msds-ai-is-changing-data-science.html

06/17/2026

06/15/2026

Northwestern graduates: we celebrate each one of you and your journey to get here. You did it!