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Northwestern University SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES

Professional Development Certificates

Our certificate programs enhance your resume and provide a gateway to professional accreditation and other career opportunities.

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Professional Development Programs

Select a Certificate Program

Our high-quality professional development programs are taught by experienced faculty who are leaders in their fields. Courses are organized around experiential activities, case studies and other projects to help working professionals develop new skills. 

Select a Certificate

Finance

  • Certified Financial Planner

    Financial planning encompasses a broad range of skills including budgeting, taxation, investing, retirement and estate planning. However, not all financial advisers are created equal. Financial planners with CFP Board certification have the industry leading credential that can help propel them ahead in their chosen career.

  • The Dalton Review® for the CFP® Exam

    Northwestern University has partnered with The Dalton Review®  to offer a CFP® Certification Examination Review Course for individuals who are preparing to take the CFP® Certification Examination. Students are strongly urged to complete an examination review course prior to taking the comprehensive exam.

  • Certified Treasury Professional

    This certification serves as a benchmark of competency in the finance profession and is recognized as the leading credential in corporate treasury worldwide.

  • Certified Internal Auditor

    Elevate your standing in the audit community, boost your career opportunities and earn credibility with auditor certification.

Mediation

  • Divorce Mediation Training Program

    Divorce Mediation has become an increasingly respected and proven means for helping couples work through difficult decisions amicably in order for them to move ahead with a divorce. This intensive five-day course provides students with the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to assist couples who are separated or divorcing in reaching an agreement on critical issues.

  • Mediation Skills

    Mediating is an invaluable skill in any job. From sales negotiations to workplace disputes to legal arbitration, professionals in a wide range of industries face potential conflicts each day. This five-day mediation course helps students navigate themselves or their colleagues through these challenging moments. Using diverse role-play situations, mediation trainers help students move from confrontation to collaboration. 

Information Technology

  • Business Analyst

    In these volatile economic times, the strategic and business value of IT has continued to evolve, and IT professionals are being asked to draw from their analysis skills to deliver innovative systems and solve complex business problems with financial consequences.

  • Mobile App Developer

    Learn to create and launch successful mobile applications and websites optimized across a range of devices in this six-course certificate program.

Nonprofit Management and Humanities

  • Museum Studies

    The museum studies program crosses academic and professional boundaries. Theory and practical experience come together in a curriculum that prepares participants for professional or volunteer careers in administration and specialty disciplines within museums, zoos, aquariums, parks and botanical gardens.

  • Philanthropy and Nonprofit Organizations

    This program is ideal for nonprofit administration professionals who wish to enhance their skills as well as those who might be considering nonprofit administration as a second career. This program explores the issues that are often unique to nonprofit organizations with a particular emphasis on fundraising.

Leadership and Management

  • Certificate in Jewish Leadership

    The Certificate in Jewish Leadership is dedicated to transforming American Jewish life by enhancing the professional abilities of Jewish leaders. Through lectures, group work, and individual mentoring led by Northwestern and Spertus faculty, participants will learn best practices drawn from contemporary leadership principles and classical Jewish texts and thought.

  • Decision Making for Climate Change

    Learn to understand the impact of climate change and make educated decisions about adapting to and minimizing its effects. Examine the causes and economics of climate change and explore possible responses and solutions. Analyze the financial, environmental and business aspects of minimization efforts.

  • Fundamentals of Leadership

    A new program for professionals across industries, this certificate program focuses on authentic leadership. Examine leadership styles and basic change models. Learn the most effective ways to motivate and lead effective teams. Create a strong self-awareness of your personal leadership style that will aid you in your career or a graduate level program.

Project Management

  • Project Management

    In ever increasing numbers, organizations are turning to project management to help them gain competitive advantage. Regardless of size or industry, project driven or not, companies can leverage project management techniques to help them complete work on time and on budget in an environment which reinforces alignment with organizational strategy.