The Kellogg School of Management, in conjunction with Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences (WCAS) and the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science, offers a two-track certificate program for Northwestern juniors and seniors who want to pursue a career in business, particularly in the areas of financial services or consulting, as well as for those who intend to continue their education in doctoral or professional school programs in areas such as law or business. Both certificates prepare students to step into analytical roles in many types of organizations in the public, private and not-for-profit sector. Students take the certificate courses above and beyond their stated academic majors and minors.

The first certificate, Financial Economics, begins September 2007 in collaboration with WCAS. The second, Managerial Analytics, begins September 2008 with McCormick.

Interested students from any of Northwestern’s six undergraduate schools who meet the eligibility requirements may apply to the program. Each certificate will admit approximately 50 students per year. To be accepted, students must have completed several prerequisite undergraduate-level courses in the areas of advanced calculus and linear algebra, intermediate probability and statistics, advanced econometrics and intermediate microeconomics. Typically, students will apply at the end of their sophomore year. Acceptance is based on their grades, faculty letters of recommendation and a brief essay. The program does not accept applications from high school seniors.

Each certificate contains four courses that are taught at an advanced level by Kellogg School faculty. Classes are taught within the framework of the business environment and focus on the analytical tools and models used to make business decisions. Students may also undertake a research project with a Kellogg School faculty member between their junior and senior years if they choose. Students in one certificate may take courses from the other if space is available.

Through a partnership between the Kellogg School and Northwestern University Career Services, certificate students work with a dedicated career services professional who combines NU’s Career Services’ knowledge of the undergraduate population and traditional undergraduate job opportunities with the Kellogg School’s expertise in financial and consulting organizations. The certificate program’s career services adviser assists students in their career preparation and gives them access to the leading employers of undergraduates for summer internships and full-time jobs upon graduation.

Certificate program classes are held in a newly renovated space on campus that includes two state-of-the-art classrooms, four Kellogg-style group study rooms and a lounge for participating students.

The world-renowned Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University is consistently ranked among the best schools in the world for business education.