Professional Development
Choose from day, evening, and online programs in wide range of areas such as analytics, technology, finance, and project management. These noncredit programs range from single-day sessions to longer, multi-course formats.
Advance your career or prepare for advanced study.
SPS offers a wide range of certificate programs for those who want to enhance their skill set or explore a new subject without the commitment of a full degree program. Programs are offered in a number of formats. Browse within program types or search all certificate programs using the filters below.
View Professional Development
Post-baccalaureate
Programs for career advancement graduate school preparation. Many students use these programs to strengthen their transcript, show recent academic success and secure letters of recommendation from Northwestern faculty.
Graduate Certificates
Complete a four-course certificate program and build essential skills while earning a targeted credential in one of twelve distinct tracks. Graduate certificate students also have the option to continue their studies by applying credit to a related SPS master’s degree program.
Advanced Graduate
A unique opportunity for targeted study in a field for individuals who already hold a graduate degree. Each certificate is designed around a specialized area of focus, allowing students to explore new trends in their field, prepare for doctoral study, or refresh their skills in advance of a career change.
Which type of certificate program is right for me?
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
POST-BACCALAUREATE |
|
ADVANCED GRADUATE |
|
| Credit/noncredit | Noncredit | Credit | Credit | Credit |
| # Courses required for completion | Varies | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| # Programs offered | 22 | 35 | 12 | 36 |
| # Online programs | 5 | 4 | 12 | 22 |
| Enrollment/application | Open enrollment, rolling dates | Application (no fee), quarterly admission | Application ($50 fee), quarterly admission | Application ($50 fee), quarterly admission |
| Prerequisites | None | Completed bachelor's degree | Completed bachelor's degree | Completed master's degree |
| When can I begin? | Dates vary throughout the year | Quarterly | Quarterly | Quarterly |