In the trading world, a "future" is a binding, legal agreement to buy or sell a given commodity. An "option" is a right - but not an obligation - to buy or sell futures contracts at a certain price in a given period. Both financial instruments play key roles in helping companies manage risks and lower the cost of doing business. In turn, part of the savings is passed down to consumers. These contracts trade by open auction and on an exchange's electronic platform.

Program Audience

Northwestern University's School of Continuing Studies has expanded the course list to include new exciting courses involving futures and options trading. They are ideal for those wishing to learn about commodity futures, commodity options, financial futures, financial options, and electronic trading. Courses are designed for active traders as well as those new to the field.

Learning Goals

All courses provide excellent opportunities for participants to broaden their knowledge and skills involving a range of futures and options market aspects. Instructors emphasize theoretical as well as practical trading perspectives.

In the Basics of Futures and Options Trading course, participants will learn about the following subjects:

• Pricing of derivative products
• The relationship between cash markets and futures markets
• Liquidity providers' roles on exchanges
• Products and applications, speculation, and hedging of futures
• Pricing, strategies, applications of options

In the introduction to Economics of Markets and Trading course, participants will learn about the following subjects:

• Macroeconomics
• Money and banking
• Financial instruments and their markets
• Time value of money
• Security valuation
• Efficient market hypothesis
• The pricing of a variety of financial instruments

Additionally, fundamental topics are explained through short courses in the following subjects:

• Technical Analysis for Futures Markets
• Introduction to Electronic Trading
• Option Volatility, “greeks”, and Pricing
• Introduction to U.S. Financial Markets and Derivative Instruments
• Introduction to Options Strategies
• Tactics for Traders: Managing Performance Pressure in the Markets

*Please be sure to check the computer system requirements for online courses.

Course Information

Futures and options courses are held in the evening at our convenient Loop location.

Registration information and detailed course descriptions can be found on the Futures and Options Trading course listings page. Schedules, content and prices are subject to change. In most courses students may elect to attend online, in class, or a combination of both.

Custom Programs

The School of Continuing Studies works with corporate partners to develop custom Futures and Options programs to meet their specific needs. This program can be held at your company location.

Northwestern Excellence

• Northwestern University is a preeminent university recognized internationally as a hallmark of academic excellence.
• School of Continuing Studies programs provide students with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, professional and personal growth.
• SCS instructors bring outstanding academic credentials and relevant professional experience to the classroom to create a highly interactive, collaborative, and challenging learning environment.
• SCS students study with peers who have rich, diverse backgrounds and can provide lifelong learning connections.

The information and materials presented in connection with Northwestern University's School of Continuing Studies Basics and Advanced Futures and Options course(s) are for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented does not constitute trading or other advice regarding the purchase or sale of any futures, options, or other financial products or services.