Certificate in Management of Creative Industries
The School of Communication is partnering with the Kellogg School of Management to offer students a unique academic experience. The Management of Creative Industries (MCI) Certificate connects a world-class education in business administration with robust development skills applicable to a wide variety of creative enterprises and industries. Students who complete this course of study will be well equipped for leadership roles in entertainment, media, and the arts.
The School of Communication is already home to distinguished faculty with expertise in the creative industries. Through this partnership, both Kellogg and SoC faculty will provide instruction, combining Kellogg’s specialized management curriculum with SoC’s deep knowledge of the creative sector. This collaboration offers Northwestern undergraduates a rare opportunity to explore an intersection of disciplines typically reserved for the graduate level.
Students who complete this program are expected to have accomplished the following learning goals, as demonstrated by the associated learning objectives.
- Students will analyze situations in creative industries and craft solutions using relevant theories and perspectives on organizations.
- Students will develop an understanding of key institutions and strategic factors that affect cultural production and mediation.
- Students will evaluate accounting data and use the financial reporting process to drive decision-making in creative enterprises.
- Students will understand the vital role that marketing plays in creative enterprises.
- Students will develop and practice negotiation skills necessary to succeed in creative industries.
The MCI certificate is open to Northwestern undergraduate students from all schools and departments. Any Northwestern undergraduate student interested in the unique blend of management and creative enterprises is encouraged to apply.
During early Fall of their sophomore or junior year, interested students can apply to participate in the MCI Certificate. Approximately 40-50 students per year will be selected to start. You are required to have a combined 3.0 average among all Certificate Program prerequisite courses in order to be eligible for application. It is acceptable to receive below a “B” in any individual prerequisite course, but the average of these courses must be 3.0 or higher to be considered for admission. Certificate Program students will typically receive a “B” or better in their prerequisite and related courses, and courses used toward the certificate may not be taken P/N.
To make an admissions decision, we review:
Prerequisite courses and grades, overall academic achievement, level of academic challenge of current courses of study, faculty member's recommendation, essay strength, and other metrics as determined by the MCI Certificate Advisory Committee.
How to apply:
A link to the application portal will be added at the beginning of Fall quarter 2025.
Applicants will be required to:
- Submit a 1-page resume and statement of interest
- Respond to two short essay prompts
- Provide the name and email contact of a faculty member who has agreed to provide a recommendation. Faculty members will be emailed a link to the recommendation form.