Program Overview

Introduction to the Certificate Program for Undergraduates

The Certificate Program for Undergraduates is an elite, four-course academic program for undergraduate students at Northwestern University, offering early exposure to careers in consulting, financial services, and other data-driven professions. This program is a partnership between Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Management.

Program Overview

The program allows students to choose between two four-course certificates: the Financial Economics Certificate or the Managerial Analytics Certificate. Both tracks help students improve their critical thinking skills, business acumen, and understanding of strategic models used in various industries and occupations. Students remain in their home schools and take the four certificate courses in addition to their regular coursework.

Academic Expertise

The program teaches students how to turn business theory into practice, using case studies and exposure to topical business scenarios. The curriculum is comprised of MBA-level courses, and students are held to high academic standards.

Program Benefits

The program offers a unique and advantageous learning environment, including:

• Academic rigor
• Emphasis on collaboration and teamwork
• A community of like-minded students
• State-of-the-art facilities

Admission Criteria

Successful applicants perform at a high level academically, particularly in analytical and quantitative subjects. The program looks for overall academic accomplishment, recognizing that taking more challenging courses can impact grades.

Application Process

• Applications are due during winter quarter.
• Admission decisions are made during winter quarter, based on fall quarter grades.
• If accepted, students must begin the program in the spring.

Program Structure

• The program is designed to complement and build upon Northwestern University's liberal arts education and engineering curriculum.
• Students must complete several prerequisite and corequisite courses in advanced calculus, economics, probability, and statistics.
• The program is open to Northwestern students of all majors who have strengths in mathematics and related analytical subjects.

Certificate Details

• The certificate is noted on the student's transcript upon successful completion of the four certificate courses and graduation from Northwestern University.
• Students must earn at least a "B" average in the four courses to earn the certificate.
• The certificate is not considered an academic major, minor, or concentration.

Research Opportunities

Many Kellogg professors employ Certificate Program students as Research Assistants, allowing students to work closely with the professor and be involved in interesting aspects of the research.

Program Completion

• Students must start the program in the spring.
• The courses do not need to be completed in one year, but the first certificate course must be taken in the spring.
• Students are encouraged to complete the remaining courses during their junior year to avoid scheduling conflicts during their senior year.

Miscellaneous

• Students can study abroad and participate in the Certificate Program, but must be on campus during spring quarter of their first year in the program.
• Courses are taught by Kellogg School faculty.
• The program provides an Orientation Handbook with information on day-to-day activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to the Program

• When is the next application cycle?
  • Application dates, timelines, and information sessions can be found on the program's website.
• May I apply to the certificate program if I am not currently a Northwestern University student?
  • No, the program is only open to currently enrolled Northwestern University students.
• Do I have to be a WCAS or McCormick student to apply?
  • No, the program is open to all Northwestern undergraduates who fulfill the prerequisite courses, regardless of their school or major.

Admission Criteria

• What do you look for academically in applicants?
  • Successful applicants perform at a high level academically, particularly in analytical and quantitative subjects.
• Is there a minimum overall GPA or prerequisite GPA required?
  • Yes, students must have a combined 3.0 average among all Certificate Program prerequisite courses to apply.

About the Certificate

• Is the Certificate Program considered an academic major, minor, or concentration?
  • No, the certificate is not considered an academic major, minor, or concentration.
• Can I count courses taken in the Certificate Program 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.

Completing the Program

• Do I have to start the program in the spring?
  • Yes, one of the benefits of participating in the program is collaborating with fellow Certificate Program students, which promotes development of the cohort.
• Do I have to take all four courses in one year?
  • No, the courses do not need to be completed in one year, but the first certificate course must be taken in the spring.