Applications for fall 2010 admission to the Financial Economics Certificate Program will be due on Monday, February 22, 2010.

The Financial Economics Certificate prepares students for careers in financial services and consulting as well as doctoral or professional school programs in areas such as law or business. The certificate builds on Northwestern students’ existing strong analytical and mathematical skills and their coursework in microeconomics. Students will develop a specialization in corporate finance, capital markets and securities pricing. This certificate consists of a four-course sequence which is normally completed in the student’s junior year. Principles of Finance, which is offered in the fall quarter, is the foundation course and must be taken first.

Students who earn the Financial Economics Certificate will be prepared for business roles that include:

• Performing cash-flow analysis and building financial models
• Devising financing plans and capital structure choices
• Preparing analysis to support mergers and acquisitions
• Researching capital budgeting and other business and financial decisions
• Analyzing portfolio investments and asset management choices
• Generating and proposing risk-management strategies
• Researching cash flow forecasts and valuation estimates for industries and firms
• Facilitating meetings with clients and preparing supporting presentations and analyses

All Northwestern University undergraduate students who have completed -- or are on track to complete -- the prerequisite courses by the fall they would enter the program are eligible to apply for the Financial Economics Certificate.  While applications are due during the winter quarter, many successful applicants finish completing their prerequisites during the winter (and sometimes spring) term.  Students who are accepted into the program and are still taking a prerequisite course (or two) during the spring term must receive a “B” or better in that course in order to enter the program in the fall. 

The program does not accept applications from high school seniors, students attending other universities, or other individuals who are not currently undergraduate students at Northwestern University.

Satisfying Course Requirements for Majors in Related Fields

The Kellogg certificate courses can be used by WCAS and McCormick students as unrestricted electives. Individual programs or departments may also count them toward the degree requirements as related courses. Students should confer with their advisers and appropriate departments to discuss how the certificate courses may fit into their course requirements.

Students from other Northwestern schools should consult with their advisers about using Kellogg courses as electives or required courses.