Applications for fall 2008 admission to the Financial Economics Certificate Program are due March 31, 2008.

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, regardless of their school or major, who satisfactorily complete the prerequisite courses are eligible for the Financial Economics Certificate. Applicants should have completed at least five of the prerequisite courses when they apply; admission to the program is conditional on the successful completion of all prerequisite courses prior to the start of the program. The program does not accept applications from high school seniors.

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.