General Frequently Asked Questions

How can I decide which program(s) best suits my professional development needs?

Kellogg Executive Education offers non-degree short programs (3-5 days) offering deep focus on one specific topic as well as longer general management programs (3-4 weeks) offering a wider exposure to management and leadership skills and tools. To compare different programs, try our Program Finder tool.

Who can I talk to about choosing a program?

Our Executive Development Advisors are available to discuss your options. Please contact us at execed@kellogg.northwestern.edu or call 847.467.6018 and one of our advisors will be happy to schedule a conversation at a convenient time.

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. This certificate does not count as credit toward a degree. Participants who earn a Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate or complete one of our general management programs are awarded Kellogg executive education alumni status at the successful completion of their programming.

Who teaches in Kellogg’s Executive Education programs?

Participants in Kellogg’s executive education programs benefit from exposure to our world renown faculty. These dynamic thought leaders bring to the classroom the latest findings from their own research as well as theory from their respective disciplines. For more information please visit the program’s webpage to view the faculty that teach in that program.

Where are the programs located?

Kellogg's primary campus is located on the campus of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Some of our programs are offered at our downtown Chicago campus as well as the Kellogg Miami campus, located in Coral Gables, Florida. Click here for more information on our learning environment.

Are there programs specifically for leaders in nonprofit organizations?

Yes, Kellogg is committed to providing academic programs specifically for nonprofit practitioners. Please contact our Center for Nonprofit Management if you have questions: nonprofit@kellogg.northwestern.edu or 847.491.3415. They will be happy to assist you.

What is the Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate?

The Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate provides a practical, flexible, yet academically rigorous way to achieve your specific professional development goals by taking any four in-person or live virtual executive programs over a five-year period. Please note that our online asynchronous programs do not apply toward a Scholar Certificate. Upon completion, 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.

I don’t live in the United States...What kind of visa do I need?

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). Please refer to our VISA guide for more information.

Will I need health insurance?

It is expected that participants have health insurance valid in the United States for the duration of the program. Northwestern 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.

How do I register or apply for a program?

Complete the online application available on each program’s webpage.

If you have any questions please contact us at execed@kellogg.northwestern.edu or call 847.467.6018.

How do I register/apply for a program on behalf of someone else?

For our three-to-five day programs, HR and administrative professionals may register or submit an application on behalf of the participant.

If you have access to the executive’s e-mail to receive the online account password, we recommend using the online application. The Kellogg Executive Education account should be created using the executive’s name and e-mail address.

Our general management programs and several of our three-to-five day programs require the approval of the Academic Director. Because of these stricter admissions criteria, applicants should complete the application independently.

If you have any additional questions regarding registration or application for others or for groups, please contact our technical support team at exed-admin@kellogg.northwestern.edu or 847.467.3038.

When should I submit my registration or application?

We recommend submitting at least 60 days in advance of the program start date. Our programs require advanced preparation prior to entering the classroom. For our longer general management programs, registering two-to-three months in advance can be helpful to allow the participant time to schedule extended time away from the office as well as travel.

What is the application timeline?

For programs with specific enrollment requirements, please allow up to 10 business days to receive admissions notification. Open enrollment program registrations are processed within two business days of receipt. Registrations or applications that are not submitted online may take additional time to process. 

Is sponsorship from my employer required?

Participants are required to be available on campus and must be relieved of their work duties for the duration of the program. Financial sponsorship is not required.

When is payment due?

Kellogg Executive Education requires payment by credit card at the time of enrollment for most programs.  

Registrants who wish to request an alternate method of payment may choose to be invoiced for their program fees. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. Enrollment is not confirmed until full payment is received.  

For participants enrolling within 30 days of a program start date, full payment is due immediately, regardless of payment method.  

Failure to meet the payment requirements outlined in this policy may result in forfeiture of the participant’s seat in the program.  

What types of payment are accepted?

Payment must be in U.S. dollars and available payment methods are listed below: 

• Credit Card: We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express
• Registrants who wish to request an alternate method of payment may choose to be invoiced. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date. 

Is there special pricing for Northwestern and Kellogg alumni?

Yes, Northwestern alumni and Kellogg alumni (including Full-Time MBA, Evening & Weekend MBA, Executive MBA, and Executive Education alumni) are eligible to receive a 15% discount on all Executive Education C-level, year-long online programs and a 30% discount on all other Executive Education open enrollment programs. Welcome back!

What is included in the program fee?

Program fees include program materials, lunch, coffee breaks and any Kellogg planned receptions. Participants are responsible for dinner on free evenings. Lodging and accommodations are not included in the registration fee for Kellogg Executive Education in-person programs unless otherwise specified.

What are my options if I cannot attend a program that I am registered for?

All cancellation, transfer, and substitution requests must be submitted in writing via email to your assigned program manager.

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 subject to late notice fees outlined below.

Participants may nominate an approved substitute or request to transfer to a future session of the same program within one year of the original start date. If the tuition for the future session has increased, the participant is responsible for paying the difference.

Please note that only one transfer is permitted per enrollment. If you are unable to attend the new session, you may designate a substitute to attend in your place. Otherwise, the full program fee will be forfeited.

Due to the administrative and preparatory costs involved, cancellation or transfer requests received 30 days or fewer before a program start date are subject to late notice fees as outlined below.

Northwestern University reserves the right to cancel a program at any time for any reason. In the unlikely event of a program 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.

Where will I stay?

Lodging/accommodations are not included for Kellogg Executive Education in-person programs unless otherwise specified.

Are meals included?

Program fees for our programs include lunch, coffee breaks and any Kellogg planned receptions. Participants may be responsible for dinner on free evenings.

What if I have special dietary needs?

Vegetarian options are available at all meals and breaks during our programs. Please contact your program manager if you have specific questions about your dietary requirements.

Will I receive any readings before the program starts?

Approximately two-to-four weeks prior to the program start date you will receive access to a course website. This site will contain pre-reading materials and logistical information to help you prepare for your time at Kellogg.

What do I need to bring to be prepared?

Please bring all advance readings with you, including copies of any case studies. Special electronics such as laptops and tablet devices are not required but can be used to take notes if that is your preference.

What is a typical schedule like?

Class sessions typically last 1.5 hours. Class days begin at 8:30 a.m. with two morning sessions, a break for lunch and three afternoon sessions.

Most of our live virtual programs consist of half-day sessions taking place from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Central Time.

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.

Visa Requirements:

For international participants, the B1/B2 visa (for participation in scientific, educational, professional, or business conventions, conferences, or seminars) is the appropriate visa for entry into the United States from required countries.  When applying for a visa, you may ask an Executive Education Program Manger to prepare an invitation letter to help with your visa application.  It is important to emphasize that the visit is for business purposes.  You may also apply for the Visa Waiver Program if you are a citizen or national from an eligible country.

Evanston Campus - 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 rate. While it is possible to take public transit from the airport to our campus, we do not recommend the complicated transfers and long wait times.

Where can I find driving directions?

Due to ongoing construction on campus, please use the map provided. A GPS device may not be accurate. For 24/7 assistance, please contact our front desk staff at 847-864-9270. They will be happy to guide you to campus.

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. Please obtain a visitor parking permit from the front desk staff upon your arrival.

• Downtown Chicago (Wieboldt Hall) or Miami campus - If attending a program on the Chicago (Wieboldt Hall) or Miami campus, your program manager will provide transportation information.

How can I stay in contact with other participants?

All Executive Education program participants will receive a participant list for their session once they arrive on campus. After the program, we encourage participants to join our Kellogg Executive Education LinkedIn group.

How can I stay in contact with Kellogg?

You can stay up-to-date with the latest research and happenings at the Kellogg School by reading our faculty blogs, joining our Kellogg Executive Education LinkedIn network, or following us on Facebook or Twitter.

What are the benefits of being an Executive Education alumnus?

Becoming a Kellogg executive education alumnus offers:

• A Certificate of Professional Achievement in your selected specialization
• A 30 percent 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 Gmail account

Learn how you can become a Kellogg Executive Education Scholar.