Frequently Asked Questions

How can I decide which program is for me?
Kellogg Non-Degree Executive Education offers numerous short programs covering one specific topic as well as longer general management programs. The short programs take place over one to five days and focus on a specific topic while the general management programs vary in length and cover multiple topics. To compare different programs, try our Find the Right Program tool.

Who can I talk to about choosing a program?
Our course consultants are available to discuss your options Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Standard Time. Please contact us at ExecEd@kellogg.northwestern.edu or call 847.467.7000.

Do I earn credit from Executive Education programs?
Executive Education offers only non-degree programs, and each participant receives a certificate of completion at the end of the program. However, participants of our Executive Scholars Program and general management programs receive the status of Kellogg Executive Education Alumnus.

Who teaches in the Executive Education programs?
Members of the Kellogg School’s faculty share the latest findings from their own research as well as theory from their respective disciplines by designing and teaching in all of our executive education programs. For more information please visit the program’s webpage to view the faculty that teach in that program. Click here for more on Kellogg’s expert faculty.

Does Kellogg have any distance-learning options?
All of our Executive Education programs require campus residency. The Kellogg School’s emphasis on team work and hands-on learning in the classroom is unrivaled by any institution and would be difficult to replicate in a distance-learning based model.

Where are the programs located?
The Kellogg School’s primary campus is located on the Northwestern University Campus in Evanston, Illinois. The Executive MBA program is also offered on the Kellogg-Miami Campus, located in Coral Gables, Florida. Get more information on our learning environment.

Are there programs specifically for leaders in nonprofit organizations?
Yes, the Kellogg School is committed to providing academic programs specifically for nonprofit practitioners. Click here for more information.

What is the Kellogg Executive Scholars Program?
The Kellogg Executive Scholars Program provides a practical, flexible, yet academically rigorous way to achieve your specific professional development goals by taking four selected executive education programs at the Kellogg School. Upon completion of the Scholars Program participants are awarded a Certificate of Professional Achievement in one of several subject areas and receive the additional benefits of becoming a Kellogg Executive Education Alumnus.

How do I apply for a program?
There are two simple ways to apply to our programs:

• Complete the online application available on each program’s Web page
• Download the printable PDF application available on each program’s webpage and return it to Kellogg Executive Education by mail, fax or e-mail

I don’t live in the U.S., do I need a visa?
Participants in our non-degree Executive Education Programs are not eligible for student visas. Participants requiring a visa should contact a U.S. embassy or consulate in your area to apply for a business visa (B-1).

Will I need Health Insurance?
It is expected that participants have health insurance valid in the United States for the duration of the program. The University is not responsible for medical expenses incurred by participants during the program.

Are there any language requirements?
All lectures, discussions, and small group exercises are conducted in English. Because collaboration is the cornerstone of the Kellogg experience, all participants must be proficient in written and spoken English. The TOEFL test is not required.

When is payment due?
Enrollment is not confirmed until payment is received. Payment may accompany the application or is due upon receipt of the invoice.

Can I pay online?
Online payment by credit card is allowed at the time of the registration unless the program has admission requirements, special pricing or is at capacity. If you are unable to pay online please call our office to pay by credit card over the phone at 847.467.7026.

What types of payment are accepted?
Payment must be in U.S. dollars and available payment methods are listed below:

Checks: Checks must be drawn on U.S. banks and payable in U.S. funds to “Northwestern University”.
Wire Transfers: Wire transfers must be accompanied by our bank information available on the invoice or by contacting our registrar at Exed-registrar@kellogg.northwestern.edu
Credit Card: We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express for our short programs only.

Is there special pricing for Kellogg Alumni?
Yes, Kellogg Alumni, including Full-time, Part-time, EMBA, and Executive Education Alumni are eligible to receive a 30% discount on all 1 to 5 day Executive Education courses. Additionally, up to two colleagues may accompany you at the discounted rate. Welcome back!

Does the cost include accommodations? Are meals included?
Program fees include materials, accommodations during the program, most meals, coffee breaks and any receptions. Participants may be responsible for dinner on free evenings.

What is the cancellation policy?
Because attendance at a Kellogg School executive program requires significant advance preparation and demand often exceeds capacity, it is important that you contact us in a timely manner if you must cancel or defer your attendance. To receive a full refund, notice of cancellation must be received more than 30 days in advance of the initial program start date. Cancellations received less than 30 days in advance are not eligible for a refund but may be eligible to defer to a future session.

Northwestern University reserves the right to cancel a program at any time for any reason. In the unlikely event of a course cancellation, paid program fees will be refunded, but the university is not responsible for any travel or other related expenses accrued by the program registrant.

Who can I contact if I need to change my registration?
Once your enrollment has been confirmed, you may contact your program manager if you have any questions about your registration.

What are my options if I cannot attend a program that I am registered for?
Participants may nominate an acceptable substitute or attend a future session of the same program within one year.

Will I receive any readings before the program starts?
Approximately 2-4 weeks before the program start date you will receive access to a course website or an information packet in the mail. The advance packet or website will contain pre-reading materials and logistical information.

Can I make arrangements to arrive the night before the program starts?
We recommend contacting your program manager to inquire about room availability and fees. If you do not have your program manager’s contact information please phone our main office at 847.467.7026.

What do I need to bring to be prepared?
Please bring all advance readings with you, including print copies of the case studies. Laptops are not required.

What is a typical schedule like?
Class sessions are usually 1.5 hours long. A typical class day begins at 8:30 a.m. with two morning sessions, a break for lunch and three afternoon sessions. Some programs also have evening class sessions ending at 9:00 p.m.

Where will I stay?
Lodging is included in your program fee and rooms are automatically reserved for program participants as listed below.
Evanston Campus: Participants of programs held on the Evanston campus typically stay at the Allen Center. Occasionally demand for a program requires that participants stay at a nearby hotel.

Miami Campus: Participants of programs held on the Miami campus stay at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables directly adjacent to our classroom facilities.

Are accommodations available for family members?
Due to the rigorous course schedule, we do not recommend inviting family to join you on campus. Accommodations at the Allen Center are available for program participants only.

What amenities are available at the Allen Center?
The Allen Center is a unique living- learning center on the Evanston Campus of Northwestern University. Amenities include bedrooms with queen size beds and private baths, dining rooms, study group rooms, laundry and maid service, workout room, newspapers and a front desk manned 24 hours per day. There is free wifi access throughout the building and televisions in the common areas. Click here to see more.

What recreational facilities are available on the Evanston Campus?
The Allen Center has a weight room and sauna that you may use anytime. Kellogg School Executive Education participants on the Evanston campus also have guest privileges at the University libraries, the 140,000-square-foot Henry Crown Sports Pavilion and Lester J. Norris Aquatics Center, the University beach, and miles of jogging paths along the lakefront. Click here to learn more about our Learning Environment.

Are meals included?
Program fees for our programs include most meals, coffee breaks and any receptions. Participants may be responsible for dinner on free evenings. Click here to learn more about dining at the Allen Center.

What if I have special dietary needs?
Vegetarian options are available at all meals and breaks during our programs. Please contact us if you have specific questions about your dietary requirements.

Will I have internet access?
Yes, free internet access is available in all campus locations. For more information please visit our technical assistance page.

What is the recommended attire?
Business casual attire is appropriate during all Executive Education programs. We recommend dressing in layers to accommodate temperature variances in the classrooms and common areas.

What transportation is available from the airport?
We strongly encourage participants to take a taxi or limousine to campus. We are located approximately 45 minutes from O’Hare International Airport and 1 hour from Midway Airport by taxi. Your course website includes a list of taxi companies that offer a preferred Allen Center rate. While it is possible to take public transit from the airport to our campus, we don’t recommend the complicated transfers and long wait times.

Where can I find driving directions? 
Click here to view campus maps and directions.

Is parking available on campus?
We strongly encourage participants to take a taxi or limousine to campus. If you must drive remote parking is available on the Evanston campus and paid parking is available on the Miami campus.