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.
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.
| Credit/noncredit | # Courses required for completion | # Programs offered | # Online programs | Enrollment/application | Prerequisites | When can I begin? |
| Noncredit | Varies | 22 | 5 | Open enrollment, rolling dates | None | Dates vary throughout the year |
Build pathways to professional or academic advancement in one of a range of fully online certificates. Undergraduate credit courses are designed to ensure robust and engaging learning experiences with the high level of academic rigor that Northwestern is known for. You'll learn from a faculty of industry leaders and earn a credential from a top university. You can upgrade your skill set and advance your career, or apply credit earned to one of five SPS online bachelor's degrees.
| Credit/noncredit | # Courses required for completion | # Programs offered | # Online programs | Enrollment/application | Prerequisites | When can I begin? |
| Credit | 4 | 9 | 9 | Application (no fee), quarterly admission | None | Quarterly |
Programs for career advancement or graduate or professional school preparation. Many students use these programs to strengthen their transcript, show recent academic success and secure letters of recommendation from Northwestern faculty.
| Credit/noncredit | # Courses required for completion | # Programs offered | # Online programs | Enrollment/application | Prerequisites | When can I begin? |
| Credit | 4 | 25 | 4 | Application (no fee), quarterly admission | Completed bachelor's degree | Quarterly |
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.
| Credit/noncredit | # Courses required for completion | # Programs offered | # Online programs | Enrollment/application | Prerequisites | When can I begin? |
| Credit | 4 | 12 | 12 | Application ($50 fee), quarterly admission | Completed bachelor's degree | Quarterly |
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.
| Credit/noncredit | # Courses required for completion | # Programs offered | # Online programs | Enrollment/application | Prerequisites | When can I begin? |
| Credit | 4 | 36 | 22 | Application ($50 fee), quarterly admission | Completed master's degree | Quarterly |