Business: Strategies, Innovation, and Success
In this course, you will bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world business success. Explore the fundamentals of marketing, sales, finance, and more; discover what it takes to be an effective business leader by solving complex problems and making strategic decisions; and step into the shoes of a product innovator tasked with creating a new concept by your CEO to help your business thrive. Finally, hear from business experts spanning a number of exciting industries, and determine if business is the right fit for you.
Program Dates
Choose the course length that works for you: 2-week and 4-week sessions
Eligibility
For students ages 13 and up
Individual Course Fees
$1,795
From Idea to Execution
Discover the Foundation of Business
Ascertain what business is, how companies are structured, how businesses maintain success, and the skills required to become a dynamic business leader across all verticals.
Determine What To Sell—and How
Understand the fundamental concepts of product development and product management. Review how product ideas are developed and managed all the way to launch.
Driving Success Through Strategy
Review the fundamental elements of business strategy and learn how they drive successful businesses. Enhance your strategic and analytical lens to address real-world strategic problems.
Go Inside Marketing & Sales
Once you’ve decided what consumers want, how do you ensure a strong product-market fit and alignment with your overall business strategy? Discover how to effectively sell products to customers.
Understand Business Operations and its Moving Pieces
Discover the critical role that operations and supply chain management play. Explore the functions that they fulfill, and how products are sourced, procured, manufactured, and distributed.
Course Conclusion & Final Capstone Project
Acting as a product innovator, use what you’ve learned to create a compelling presentation for leadership, detailing the offering and how it positions the company for success.
How You Will Benefit
- Ascertain what business is, how companies are structured, how businesses maintain success.
- Understand the fundamental concepts of product development and product management.
- Identify how businesses market and sell products according to their larger business strategy.
- Complete a Final Capstone Project to demonstrate what you’ve learned.
- Earn a Certificate of Completion from Northwestern University.
Three Learning Advantages Designed for You
Final Capstone Project
All online courses culminate in a Final Capstone Project that allows you to:
- Act as a product innovator who has been tasked with creating a new concept by your CEO.
- Use what you’ve learned throughout the course to create a compelling presentation detailing your innovation.
- Highlight how it positions your company for success.
Mentoring
You’ll receive guidance from a mentor who can support you and answer questions as you deepen your learning experience. You can expect:
- Expertise in each course’s particular field
- Encouragement and feedback on all assignments
- Inspiration, motivation, and confidence to help you succeed in your studies
Flexible Learning
- 100% online learning that works with your schedule
- You’ll learn through engaging video lessons. Watch anytime that works for you
- 20-30 hours of total instruction and course work, including engaging multimedia, simulations, and curated assignments for which you will receive guidance and support from mentors
Apply Now for the Next Available Course
All course options have the same educational content, learning materials, and number of assignments. We are offering a condensed version of the course in order to accommodate students’ individual schedules.
Course Designed by Northwestern Faculty
Joseph Patton
Sr. Associate Director of Career Advising & Education/Executive Education Lecturer at Kellogg School of Management
Professor Patton is a distinguished executive coach and speaker who empowers global leaders across industries to harness their strengths and advance their careers. In his roles at Northwestern, he guides MBA students in crafting successful career paths. His background includes serving as a Vice President at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and holding a board position with the Evanston Community Development Corporation.
How To Apply:
It’s easy. No transcripts or letters of recommendation are required. Just provide some basic information and tell us why you wish to take this program.
Note: Please submit all application materials in English.
Begin the guided application process. It should take only a few minutes of your time to answer the questions.
Want to Know More?
Sign up for more information and we’ll be in touch.
Admissions
Our application process is easy. You can expect a prompt decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you're admitted? Find answers to your questions here.
Scholarships
We offer need-based scholarships in each cohort to students exhibiting high potential who need assistance affording the associated cost. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship but you:
- Haven't applied to the program, complete your application now. The scholarship application is included.
- Applied to the program and didn't fill out a scholarship request, reach out to us at support@precollege.northwestern.edu for assistance.
- Are unsure about whether or not you applied for a scholarship, reach out to us at support@precollege.northwestern.edu for assistance.