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Learn from our esteemed faculty in a rich, interactive digital environment, and equip yourself for a new, dynamic business landscape.
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Accelerate your growth: build an outcome-based partnership between Kellogg and your organization.
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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.
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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 special Scholar benefits upon certificate completion.
Executive Scholar Certificate
- Become a Kellogg Executive Scholar by attending any four in-person or live virtual executive programs within five years of your first eligible program.
- 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 the specialization’s topic area as listed on our website. Your remaining two live virtual or in-person programs can be selected from any of the eligible programs on our website.
- There are no admission or academic requirements since all of our programs are non-degree continuing education.
- Please note that 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.
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VIDEO: Begin your journey to lifelong learning with the Executive Scholar Certificate
Personal Consultation
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Available Specializations
- Family Enterprises
- Finance
- General Management*
- Growth & Innovation
- Leadership
- Marketing
- Sales
- Nonprofit Management*
- Operations
- 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 or Sales
Operations
Option Two:
Combine Women's Senior Leadership Program or the Executive Development Program with any live virtual or in-person program
Nonprofit Management
Nonprofit leaders 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 an eligible general Executive Education program as your capstone. Programs in this specialization cannot be applied toward other specializations and must be completed within five years.
Executive Scholar Benefits
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 exceptional Scholar benefits which include:
- A Certificate of Professional Achievement, including a digital certificate for your social media profile
- A 15% discount on all Executive Education year-long Chief Officer 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 branded email account
Please note that personalized career advice is not available to Executive Scholars.
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. 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 on your learning journey with the approval of the Executive Scholar Advisor. (Please note that a specialization requires completion of at least two eligible programs in the selected specialization's portfolio.)