| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
| Course Level: | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration: | 2 Years | |
| Course Language: | English | |
| Required Degree | 4 Year Bachelor’s Degree | |
Mills College was a private liberal arts and sciences college in Oakland, California. Founded in 1852 as the Young Ladies' Seminary in Benicia, it later relocated to Oakland in 1871 and became the first women's college west of the Rockies. Over the years, Mills became known for its commitment to social justice, academic excellence, and leadership in women's education.
Location: Oakland, California
Founded: 1852
Type: Originally a women's college, later a gender-inclusive institution
Motto: Una destinatio, viae diversae ("One destination, many paths")
Academic Focus: Liberal arts, sciences, business, and the arts
Notable Programs: Music, English, Ethnic Studies, Public Policy, and Business
In 2022, Mills College officially merged with Northeastern University to form Mills College at Northeastern University. This partnership aimed to expand opportunities for students by combining Mills' strong liberal arts foundation with Northeastern's global experiential learning programs.
Mills College was known for its liberal arts focus and interdisciplinary approach. Some of its major undergraduate programs included:
Arts & Humanities
English & Creative Writing
Ethnic Studies
Art & Art History
Music (including Composition, Performance, and Electronic Music)
Philosophy
Social Sciences
Political Science
Sociology
Public Policy
Psychology
Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies
Sciences & Mathematics
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Science
Mathematics
Biopsychology
Business & Leadership
Economics
Business Administration
Public Policy
Mills College also had strong graduate programs, particularly in education, public policy, and the arts. Some of the key programs included:
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
MFA in Creative Writing
MFA in Studio Art
MM in Music (Composition, Electronic Music, Performance)
MA in Educational Leadership
MPP (Master of Public Policy)
After joining Northeastern University, Mills College's curriculum was integrated with Northeastern’s experiential learning and co-op programs. New programs now emphasize:
Global Affairs & Public Policy
Data Science & Technology
Health Sciences & Psychology
Creative Writing & Arts
Business & Entrepreneurship
Course Program Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
English & Creative Writing |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Ethnic Studies |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Art & Art History |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Music (Composition, Performance, Electronic Music) |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Philosophy |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Political Science |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Sociology |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Psychology |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Biology |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Chemistry |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Environmental Science |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Mathematics |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Biopsychology |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Economics |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Business Administration |
4 years |
$30,770 |
|
Public Policy |
4 years |
$30,770 |
Course Name |
Duration |
Tuition Fees Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|
|
Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
2 years |
$35,000 |
|
Master of Public Policy (MPP) |
2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Educational Leadership |
1-2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing |
2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art |
2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Music (Composition, Electronic Music, Performance) |
2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Computer Science |
2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Infant Mental Health |
2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education |
1-2 years |
$30,000 |
|
Master of Public Policy & MBA (Dual Degree) |
3 years |
$35,000 |
Before merging with Northeastern University in 2022, Mills College welcomed international students and provided a supportive environment for global education. Now part of Mills College at Northeastern University, it continues to offer diverse programs, resources, and opportunities for international students.
Small Class Sizes & Personalized Attention
Liberal Arts & Interdisciplinary Programs
Strong Focus on Social Justice & Leadership
Diverse & Inclusive Campus Community
Pathways to Northeastern University’s Global Network
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Programs)
Application: Common App or Mills College Application
Academic Records: High school transcripts (translated if necessary)
English Proficiency:
TOEFL (minimum 80 iBT)
IELTS (minimum 6.5)
Duolingo (minimum 105)
Exemptions for students from English-speaking countries
SAT/ACT: Optional
Statement of Purpose & Letters of Recommendation
Graduate (Master’s Programs)
Application: Online via Mills or Northeastern’s portal
Academic Records: Bachelor’s degree with official transcripts
English Proficiency:
TOEFL (minimum 90 iBT)
IELTS (minimum 7.0)
Duolingo (minimum 115)
GRE/GMAT: Not required for most programs
Personal Statement & Recommendation Letters
Merit-Based Scholarships: Available for undergraduate & graduate students
Need-Based Aid: Limited for international students
External Scholarships: Encouraged (e.g., Fulbright, EducationUSA)
International Student Services (ISS): Visa & immigration support
Cultural Clubs & Organizations: Global Student Ambassadors, cultural events
Internships & Co-op Programs: Through Northeastern’s global network
Housing Options: On-campus & off-campus housing available
Step 1: Choose a Program
Mills College at Northeastern University offers liberal arts, sciences, business, and interdisciplinary programs.
Explore programs on the Northeastern website.
Step 2: Submit an Online Application
Apply through:
Common Application
Northeastern University Application Portal
Pay Application Fee ($75 USD) (Fee waivers may be available).
Step 3: Provide Required Documents
Official High School Transcripts (Translated if not in English)
English Proficiency Test Scores (For international students)
TOEFL (Minimum 80 iBT)
IELTS (Minimum 6.5)
Duolingo (Minimum 105)
Personal Statement/Essay
Letters of Recommendation (1-2)
Optional: SAT/ACT Scores (Not required but may strengthen application)
Step 4: Financial Aid & Scholarships (Optional)
Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships (Automatic consideration upon application).
Submit CSS Profile or FAFSA (U.S. students only).
Step 5: Receive Admission Decision
Decisions are usually sent within 4-6 weeks.
Accepted students will receive an I-20 form for their student visa application (for international students).
Step 6: Confirm Enrollment
Pay the enrollment deposit (~$300 USD).
Attend orientation and prepare for move-in.
Step 1: Choose a Program & Apply Online
Applications are submitted via:
Northeastern University Graduate Application Portal
Pay Application Fee ($75 USD).
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
Official Bachelor's Degree Transcripts (From an accredited institution)
Statement of Purpose (1-2 pages explaining academic and career goals)
Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
Resume/CV (For MBA & Public Policy applicants, work experience is preferred)
English Proficiency Test Scores (For international students)
TOEFL (Minimum 90 iBT)
IELTS (Minimum 7.0)
Duolingo (Minimum 115)
GRE/GMAT Scores (Only for certain programs, not required for most)
Step 3: Financial Aid & Scholarships (Optional)
Apply for Merit-Based Scholarships through Northeastern.
Check for Assistantships & Fellowships for graduate students.
Step 4: Receive Admission Decision
Decisions typically take 4-8 weeks.
Accepted students will receive an I-20 for their visa application (for international students).
Step 5: Confirm Enrollment & Begin Studies
Pay the enrollment deposit.
Attend orientation & advising sessions.
Admission Term |
Undergraduate Deadline |
Graduate Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall (August/September) |
Early Action: January 1 |
(Feb – June) |
|
Spring (January) |
October 15 |
October 1 – November 15 |
|
Summer (May/June) |
Limited programs |
Limited programs |
Rolling Admissions: Some programs accept applications year-round.
Graduate Deadlines Vary: Check specific program pages on Northeastern University’s website.
Academic Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent (minimum GPA 2.5 – 3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
Strong coursework in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
English Language Proficiency (For International Students)
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80
IELTS: Minimum 6.5
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 105
SAT/ACT: Optional but can strengthen application.
Additional Documents
Personal Statement/Essay
Letters of Recommendation (1-2)
Transcripts (Official, translated if necessary)
Academic Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
Minimum GPA 3.0 (Varies by program).
English Language Proficiency (For International Students)
TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90
IELTS: Minimum 7.0
Duolingo English Test: Minimum 115
Program-Specific Requirements
GRE/GMAT: Not required for most programs.
Work Experience: Preferred for MBA & Public Policy programs.
Portfolio (For Art & Creative Writing Programs)
Statement of Purpose & Letters of Recommendation (2-3)
Ranking System |
Ranking |
Category |
|---|---|---|
|
QS World University Rankings |
Not Ranked |
Liberal Arts Colleges are not included |
|
US News & World Report |
Top 10 |
Best Regional Universities (West) |
|
US News & World Report |
Top 5 |
Best Colleges for Social Mobility (West) |
|
Washington Monthly |
Top 50 |
Best Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S. |
|
Forbes |
Top 300 |
America’s Top Colleges |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD per year) |
Applicable To |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mills Merit Scholarship |
Based on academic achievement (GPA 3.0+) |
$10,000 – $15,000 |
Domestic & International Students |
|
Mills College Presidential Scholarship |
Exceptional academic performance (GPA 3.5+) |
Up to $20,000 |
Domestic & International Students |
|
Dean’s Scholarship |
Strong academic record & leadership skills |
$7,000 – $10,000 |
Domestic & International Students |
|
Ethel Wallace Scholarship |
Academic excellence & financial need |
N/A |
U.S. Students |
|
Alumnae Referral Grant |
Referral by Mills College alum |
$1,000 (one-time) |
Domestic & International Students |
|
Outside/Private Scholarships |
External scholarships (e.g., Fulbright, EducationUSA) |
N/A |
International Students |
Scholarship Name |
Eligibility Criteria |
Award Amount (USD per year) |
Applicable To |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Graduate Assistantships |
Work as a teaching or research assistant |
Tuition Reduction + Stipend |
U.S. & International Students |
|
Merit-Based Graduate Scholarships |
Strong academic background (GPA 3.5+) |
Up to $10,000 |
U.S. & International Students |
|
Public Policy & Education Fellowships |
For students in Public Policy or Education programs |
Partial to Full Tuition |
U.S. Students |
|
MBA Leadership Scholarship |
For high-achieving MBA students |
Up to $15,000 |
U.S. & International Students |
Facility |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Libraries |
F.W. Olin Library with extensive research materials and study spaces |
|
Student Center |
Lounges, cafés, meeting rooms, and student organization offices |
|
Computer & Tech Labs |
High-speed internet, multimedia labs, and digital design studios |
|
Music & Art Facilities |
Practice rooms, concert halls, art studios, and galleries |
|
Athletics & Recreation |
Gym, swimming pool, tennis courts, and fitness programs |
|
Dining Services |
Organic, vegetarian, and vegan meal options available |
|
Health & Wellness Center |
Medical services, mental health counseling, and wellness programs |
|
Career Services |
Internship placement, job fairs, and career counseling |
Housing Option |
Type |
Occupancy |
Cost Per Year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Warren Olney Hall |
Traditional Dorm |
Single & Double Rooms |
$13,448 |
|
Ethel Moore Hall |
Traditional Dorm |
Single & Double Rooms |
$13,448 |
|
Mary Morse Hall |
Residential Hall |
Single & Shared Rooms |
$13,448 |
|
Prospect Hill Apartments |
Apartment-Style |
2-4 Students Per Unit |
$14,500 |
|
Underwood Apartments |
Apartment-Style |
2-4 Students Per Unit |
$14,500 |
|
Off-Campus Housing |
Nearby Apartments & Rentals |
Varies |
$12,000 – $18,000 |
Meal Plans: Additional $5,500 – $6,000 per year depending on the plan.
Mills was known for its welcoming and diverse student body, including students from different racial, cultural, and international backgrounds. It was historically a women’s college, but later became gender-inclusive, supporting nonbinary and transgender students.
Mills College had over 40 student-led clubs and organizations, including:
Cultural & Identity Groups (Black Student Collective, Latinx Student Union, LGBTQ+ Club)
Academic & Professional Organizations (STEM Club, Business Leaders Club)
Arts & Performance (Choir, Creative Writing Club, Dance Collective)
Social Justice & Activism (Feminist Coalition, Environmental Action Club)
After merging with Northeastern University, students now have access to even more clubs and networking opportunities across Northeastern’s global campuses.
Convocation & Commencement Ceremonies – Celebrating new and graduating students.
Spring Fling & Fall Festival – Campus-wide events with music, food, and performances.
The Black & White Ball – A formal dance event for students.
Community Engagement & Volunteering – Local outreach programs and nonprofit partnerships.
Mills College had a strong recreational sports culture, with facilities including:
Gym & Fitness Center
Swimming Pool & Tennis Courts
Yoga, Dance, and Fitness Classes
Mills had NCAA Division III sports teams before the merger, and now students can access Northeastern’s athletics and sports programs.
Students at Mills had access to on-campus dormitories and apartments, with communal lounges, study spaces, and dining halls. Residential life was designed to promote community bonding, academic success, and well-being.
Career Services offered resume workshops, job fairs, and internship placements.
Networking with Northeastern’s Global Co-op Program provides international work experiences.
Alumni Mentorship Programs connect students with successful Mills graduates.
Now part of Northeastern University, Mills students benefit from:
Expanded career networks & internships
Study-abroad opportunities
Global research collaborations
Access to Boston-based Northeastern University events
Mills College provided:
Career Coaching & Resume Workshops – One-on-one career guidance and resume-building sessions.
Internship & Job Placement Assistance – Support for securing internships in various fields.
Networking with Alumni & Employers – Access to an extensive alum network.
On-Campus Job Fairs & Employer Visits – Regular recruitment events.
Mills College graduates were highly sought after in the following industries:
Business & Entrepreneurship – Startups, consulting firms, and corporate jobs.
Education & Public Policy – Teaching, administration, and nonprofit organizations.
Arts & Creative Industries – Publishing, music, and visual arts.
STEM & Environmental Science – Research, healthcare, and sustainability projects.
Social Justice & Advocacy – NGOs, law firms, and government agencies.
After merging with Northeastern University, students now have access to:
Northeastern’s Global Co-op Program – Paid internships with top global companies.
Corporate Partnerships – Connections with employers like Google, Tesla, Amazon, and NGOs.
Experiential Learning Opportunities – Hands-on learning with real-world projects.
Before merging with Northeastern University, Mills College had an acceptance rate of around 86% – 90%. As a liberal arts college, it had a more inclusive admissions process, focusing on holistic review rather than just test scores.
Since Mills College is now part of Northeastern University, its acceptance process follows Northeastern's admissions standards.
Northeastern University’s Acceptance Rate: 6% – 20% (Highly competitive)
Mills College at Northeastern University: Likely more flexible than the main Northeastern campus, but more selective than before the merger.
Mills College is located in Oakland, California, within the San Francisco Bay Area. After merging with Northeastern University, the campus is now known as Mills College at Northeastern University and continues to operate in the same location.
Address:
Mills College at Northeastern University
5000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94613, USA
Nearby Cities & Landmarks:
San Francisco (about 20 minutes away)
Berkeley (home to UC Berkeley, 15 minutes away)
Silicon Valley (about 40–50 minutes away)
Oakland International Airport (OAK) (10 miles away)
