Who is the faculty for this program?

Courses for the Kellogg Certificate Program for Undergraduates are taught by Kellogg School faculty. In addition, senior Kellogg School faculty members and deans participate in the program design, administration and evaluation.

May I apply to the certificate program if I am not a WCAS or McCormick student?

Yes, both certificates are open to all Northwestern undergraduates who fulfill the prerequisites regardless of their school or major. We encourage all qualified students who believe that the certificate program will contribute to their education and career goals to apply.

May I apply as a junior instead of as a sophomore?  

The majority of students apply as sophomores, in part to take advantage of the optional summer internship opportunity. However, juniors may apply as well. Typically, about 70% of CPU applicants are sophomores and 30% are juniors.  Prospective students should note that CPU courses are offered only once per academic year, and the quarter, day, and time during which they are offered can vary from year to year.  As a result, it can be easier to accommodate your overall schedule by taking the program as a junior.

May I apply to the certificate program if I am not currently a Northwestern University student?

We do not accept applications from high school seniors or from students enrolled at other universities. You must be a currently-enrolled NU student in order to apply.

Can I count certificate courses towards my major or minor?

In general, no, although depending on the school, department or program, some certificate courses may count towards certain distribution requirements. Specific questions about this should be addressed with your academic adviser and/or department chair.

Is the certificate program considered an academic major, minor or concentration?

Certificate programs at Northwestern University are not considered academic majors or minors, and Certificate students remain in their home schools.

Will the certificate be reflected on my academic transcript?

The certificate award is noted on the student’s transcript upon successful completion of the four certificate courses and graduation from the university. Students must earn at least a “B” average in the four courses in order to earn the certificate

Do I have to take all four courses in one year?

You may split the courses over two years, with the exception that the first certificate course, which is offered in the fall, must be taken during the fall. (The first course for the FE Certificate is Principles of Finance; the first course for MA is Analytical Decision Modeling.) At this time, the other three CPU courses may be taken in any order.   Prospective students should note that CPU courses are offered only once per academic year, and the quarter, day and time during which they are offered can vary from year to year.  As a result, it is prudent for juniors to take as many CPU courses as possible during their first year in the program in order to avoid potential scheduling conflicts during their senior year.

Do I have to do an internship in order to complete this program?

An internship is not a requirement, although it will supplement the coursework and provide valuable training and practical experience.

Can students participate in both certificates?

Students may earn only one certificate, however students who have completed one certificate may take courses in the other on a space-available basis.

When do I apply for the certificate program?

Students enter the program in the fall quarter and apply the previous winter. Applications are due during the winter quarter and admission decisions are made during the spring quarter.

Can I apply for admission to the program and then defer my start date until the next academic year if I am accepted?

We do not defer admission until another year except in unusual circumstances.

Can I study abroad and participate in the certificate program?

Because the fall course for each certificate covers foundation material for the rest of the courses, students must start the program in the fall. This means that you would not be able to study abroad during the fall of your first year in the program.

Must I have completed and passed all prerequisites before applying?

Because Northwestern has so many course options, students are able to fulfill CPU prerequisites in many ways in Weinberg, McCormick, or both. Many applicants are still taking prerequisite courses when they apply during the winter quarter, but the prerequisites should be completed by the end of the spring term.   As a rule, admission decisions are based on winter quarter grades.  Students who are accepted into the program and are still taking courses during the spring must receive a “B” or better in those courses in order to enter the program in the fall. 

How many students will be accepted to the certificate program? Do I have to start in the fall?

Both the Financial Economics and Managerial Analytics Certificate will accept approximately 50 students per year. Both certificates start in the fall.

How competitive is the admission process?

The certificate program is designed for students who excel at math and other analytical subjects, as indicated by the prerequisite requirements in mathematics, probability and statistics, econometrics, and economics. Successful applicants perform at a high level in these subjects, typically attaining a “B” or better in the prerequisites and related courses.  We review every applicant’s complete transcript, recognizing that taking more challenging courses can have an impact on grades.  In addition to reviewing grades, we read all other application materials including the application form itself, the student’s essay, and the two faculty recommendations.

How do these certificates differ from the MMSS program?

Both programs complement each other. The highly methodological and technical skills learned in the MMMS program can be applied to the business modules that are explored in depth in the certificate program, preparing students for a career in the finance or consulting industries.

Are the certificates the equivalent of an MBA degree?

The certificate program offers focused finance and managerial analytics courses and does not replace the broader MBA curriculum. Also, on average Kellogg MBA students have five years of work experience and take a series of management and leadership courses leading to a master’s in business administration.

What kind of Ph.D. program will this make me better qualified for?

The certificate program will be an asset to students looking to pursue a Ph.D. in finance, economics, management, operations and statistics.