An applicant whose native language is not English must present an IELTS score of 6.5 or alternatively, a TOEFL score of at least 80 on the TOELF ibt. Normally, to be considered for admission, a non-U.S. citizen shall have completed a four-year undergraduate degree. A minimum 2.75 overall gradepoint average (GPA), based on a 4.00 system, in their baccalaureate program or must have completed 15 or more semester hoursof graduate work at an accredited institution with a GPA of 3.20 or higher.
Completed application for admission to the NIU Graduate School (select Master of Science Applied Human Development and Family Sciences)
Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions to the NIU Graduate School
GRE scores to the NIU Graduate School
A personal/goals statement to the NIU Graduate School
Two letters of recommendation to the NIU Graduate School
Admission
Upon admission into the program, students are required, within 30 days, to notify the area coordinator in writing of their intention to register for classes in the term for which they were admitted. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of admission.

An applicant is required to have a minimum of 6 semester hours of undergraduate courses in family relations and lifespan development or an equivalent course. A student may be required to remove deficiencies in the area of family relations and lifespan development by successfully completing designated courses. These deficiency courses should be completed during the first semester after admission to the specialization. Graduate students' undergraduate deficiencies have to be met with a grade of B or better. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program.

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution is required prior to formal admission to the AHDFS program. All applicants must first be admitted to the Graduate School at NIU. Applicants must provide evidence of academic competence by a combination of GRE scores, undergraduate GPA, or the equivalent. Students applying for and admitted to the specialization in leadership in aging studies must also meet the requirements for admission and retention in the master of science in applied human development and family sciences.