Live Virtual Programs
Learn from our esteemed faculty in a rich, interactive digital environment, and equip yourself for a new, dynamic business landscape.
Discover More
Explore group and custom solutions
Accelerate your growth: build an outcome-based partnership between Kellogg and your organization.
Learn more
Center for Nonprofit Management
In this era of dramatic social and economic change, nonprofit leaders are being challenged as never before — and the need for leadership development has never been greater.
Learn more
Gain the Kellogg edge
A distinctive cross-disciplinary approach puts the Kellogg advantage to work for you.
Learn moreExecutive Scholar Certificate
A Kellogg credential that
is uniquely you.
Growth-minded leaders like you understand that lifelong learning is an essential part of staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. With the Executive Scholar Certificate, you can earn a credential that distinguishes you as a leader, is customized to your professional development goals and rewards you with Kellogg Executive Education alumni status and a multitude of benefits upon certificate completion.
Executive Scholar Certificate
Become a Kellogg Executive Scholar by attending any four in-person or live virtual executive programs within the next five years. Choose from one of the specializations below or build your own certificate. A specialization can be earned by attending any two live virtual or in-person programs from within a topic area as listed on our website. Your remaining two live virtual or in-person programs can be selected from over 40 programs listed on our website. You have five years to complete the certificate, beginning from the date of your first attended program. There are no admission or academic requirements since all of our programs are non-degree continuing education. Online self-paced programs are not counted toward the Executive Scholar Certificate at this time.
As your academic partner, our team is available every step of the way to offer personalized advising to plan your path to certificate completion.
REQUEST A BROCHURE
VIDEO: Begin your journey to lifelong learning with the Executive Scholar Certificate
Personal Consultation
Please contact us to schedule an advising session
Available Specializations
- Family Enterprises
- Finance
- General Management*
- Growth & Innovation
- Leadership
- Marketing & Sales
- Nonprofit Management*
- Operations & Technology
- Strategy
* Please note that the General Management and Nonprofit Management specializations have separate requirements.
General Management
Option One:
Complete one program from each of the following topic areas:
Finance
Leadership
Marketing & Sales
Operations & Technology
Option Two:
Combine Women's Senior Leadership Program or the Executive Development Program with any live virtual or in-person program
Nonprofit Management
Senior nonprofit leaders and board members may choose to pursue an Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management. This specialization requires the completion of four programs offered by the Center for Nonprofit Management followed by a capstone executive education open enrollment program. Programs in this specialization cannot be applied toward other specializations and must be completed within five years.
Alumni Benefits & More
FOR YOU: RECOGNITION, A POWERFUL GLOBAL NETWORK AND MORE
The Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate gives you the opportunity to earn a credential from a world-class business school, leadership development paths aligned with your unique goals, and membership in the global Kellogg alumni network.
Upon completion of your certificate, you will be awarded Kellogg Executive Education alumni status and granted access to exceptional benefits:
- A Certificate of Professional Achievement in your selected specialization
- A 15% discount on all Executive Education C-level, year-long online programs
- A 30% discount on Kellogg Executive Education open enrollment programs
- Membership in the global Kellogg alumni network and access to the online network
- Opportunities to participate in alumni clubs and events
- Access to cutting-edge research and thought leadership content from Kellogg faculty and leading practitioners
- A Kellogg alumni Gmail account
Please note that personalized career advice is not available to Executive Education alumni.
FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION: DEVELOP LEADERS & STRENGTHEN YOUR ORGANIZATION
Organizations who support completion of the Executive Scholar Certificate enjoy:
- A flexible option to develop current and future leaders with limited time away from the workplace
- Expansive program offerings to help your employees build and strengthen a variety of competencies
- Employees return with broadened industry and global perspectives
- Kellogg's focus on practical application means executives can have an immediate, positive impact
What Participants Say
"The Kellogg Executive Scholar program offers the unique opportunity to tailor my learning experience to ensure I’m staying on the leading edge of the learning curve in a rapidly and ever-changing marketplace, packaged in a manner that is conducive to both my professional and personal life."
Brand Manager, Eli Lilly and Company
"As someone who has already completed an MBA and a Master of Medical Management (MMM), I have been amazed at how much I have been able to add to my knowledge through Kellogg’s executive scholar program. The faculty are academically based but bring a wealth of real-world experience through their research and consulting experiences. This combination, rare in most business schools, separates Kellogg from other programs focused on executive education."
Professor of Wound Healing & Tissue Repair, University of Illinois at Chicago
"The Executive Scholar program is perfect for busy professionals like me. My goal with the program was to learn the latest scientific discoveries, marketing concepts and business case studies from the top business marketing school in the country. Not only did I benefit from the coursework, I developed a professional network to help me through the transformative changes at the NPB — and made a lot of friends in the process."
Vice President, National Pork Board
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a Kellogg Executive Scholar?
Simply submit your online Scholar application. There are no admission or academic requirements since all of our programs are non-degree continuing education. The application serves to inform the school of your intent to become an Executive Scholar, allowing the school and advisor to monitor your progress toward completing a certificate. The application is non-binding and does not obligate you to attend any programs.
If you would like to speak with an advisor, please email scholars@kellogg.northwestern.edu or call 847-467-6018.
Is there a fee to become an Executive Scholar?
There is no additional fee required to become an Executive Scholar nor does it obligate you to attend our programs. Our 2-5 day program fees vary from $5,000 to $12,000 and include program materials, accommodations and most meals. Since the certificate requires attendance in four programs, your total cost is highly dependent on your program selection.
Why should I consider the Executive Scholar Certificate?
The Executive Scholar Certificate offers a practical, flexible approach to achieving your career goals and receiving a Kellogg credential. With more than 40 programs, you can tailor a curriculum around your individual needs.
Can I change my Executive Scholar Certificate specialization?
Yes! Professional development plans are often disrupted due to unpredictable career changes. Our program is flexible to your needs so that your specialization can be revised at any time with the approval of the Executive Scholar Advisor.