Kellogg is Northwestern University's business school, located in Evanston, Illinois

Kellogg School of Management is the graduate business school at Northwestern University. It offers MBA programs, specialized master's degrees, and executive education courses. The school serves students who want to study business at the graduate level, whether full-time, part-time, or through executive formats designed for working professionals.

Kellogg is one of several business schools in the United States that award MBA degrees. It is known for its curriculum structure, case-based teaching, and emphasis on teamwork and leadership development. The school has two main campuses: the primary campus in Evanston, Illinois (on Lake Michigan, north of Chicago), and a satellite campus in Miami, Florida.

If you are researching business schools or considering a graduate business degree, understanding what Kellogg offers — and how its programs differ from other schools — can help you decide whether to explore it further.

Key Takeaways

  • Kellogg offers full-time MBA programs, part-time MBA programs, and one-year specialized master's degrees in areas like management, finance, and analytics.
  • The school uses case-based teaching, meaning many classes center on real business scenarios rather than lectures alone.
  • Admission to Kellogg's MBA programs typically requires the GMAT or GRE, work experience, and submission of essays and transcripts.
  • Kellogg has partnerships with other universities that allow students to pursue dual degrees, such as an MBA combined with a law degree or engineering degree.
  • The school publishes information about program costs, financial aid options, and student outcomes on its official website.

Full-Time and Part-Time MBA Programs

Kellogg's primary MBA offering is a two-year full-time program. Students attend classes on campus, participate in team projects, and complete internships. The curriculum includes core courses in finance, accounting, strategy, and organizational behavior, along with electives students choose based on their interests.

The school also offers a part-time MBA designed for working professionals. This program typically takes three years and classes meet in the evenings and on weekends. Students can attend while maintaining full-time employment, though the workload is substantial.

Both programs use the case method, a teaching approach where professors present real or realistic business situations and students discuss how they would respond. This differs from some business schools that rely more heavily on lectures and textbooks.

Specialized Master's Degrees

Beyond the MBA, Kellogg offers one-year master's programs in specific fields. These include a Master of Management, a Master of Finance, and a Master of Analytics. These programs are shorter and more focused than the MBA, making them an option for students who want graduate business education but do not need or want a full MBA.

The Master of Finance, for example, is designed for students who want deep informed in corporate finance, investment management, or financial analysis. The Master of Analytics focuses on data analysis and business intelligence. Each program has its own curriculum and admission requirements.

Executive Education and Custom Programs

Kellogg also offers executive education courses and programs for professionals who are already established in their careers. These are shorter programs — ranging from a few days to several weeks — and focus on specific topics like leadership, strategy, or negotiation.

Some of these programs are open-enrollment, meaning individuals can register. Others are custom-designed for companies and delivered on-site or at Kellogg's campus. These programs do not lead to a degree but provide professional development and networking opportunities.

Dual Degree Options

Kellogg has formal partnerships with other Northwestern schools and external universities that allow students to pursue two degrees simultaneously. A student can combine an MBA with a law degree (JD), an engineering degree (MS), a medical degree (MD), or degrees from other institutions.

Dual degree programs typically take longer than a single degree but less time than pursuing both degrees separately, because some courses count toward both programs. Students interested in a dual degree should research the specific combination they want and contact both schools to understand the timeline and requirements.

Admission Requirements and Process

Admission to Kellogg's MBA programs requires submission of several materials. Most applicants take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination), though the school has specific policies about test requirements that change periodically. You will also need to submit undergraduate transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation.

Work experience is expected for MBA applicants. The average work experience for admitted students is several years, though the school does not have a strict minimum. Part-time MBA applicants typically have more work experience than full-time applicants.

The process process includes essays in which you explain your background, goals, and reasons for pursuing an MBA. Some applicants are invited to interview with an admissions officer. Kellogg reviews applications on a rolling basis, meaning decisions are made throughout the year rather than all at once.

Cost and Financial Aid

Kellogg publishes tuition and fee information on its website, though costs vary by program. The full-time MBA is more expensive in total than the part-time MBA because it is a two-year program, but the annual cost of the part-time program may be higher per year. Master's programs have different costs than the MBA.

The school offers financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, and loans. Some scholarships are merit-based (awarded based on academic or professional achievement), while others are need-based. Students can also take federal loans or private loans to help pay for their education.

Kellogg's financial aid office can discuss payment plans, loan options, and scholarship opportunities with prospective students. The school also publishes data on average student debt and salary outcomes for graduates, which can help you understand the financial return on the investment.

How to Learn More About Kellogg

Kellogg's official website contains detailed information about each program, including curriculum details, admission requirements, and student profiles. The site also lists contact information for the admissions office and provides access to process portals.

The school hosts information sessions and campus visits for prospective students. These events allow you to meet admissions staff, tour the campus, and speak with current students. Some sessions are held on campus in Evanston or Miami; others are held virtually or in other cities.

You can also reach Kellogg's admissions office directly by phone or email to ask specific questions about programs, costs, or the process process. Many business schools, including Kellogg, also participate in MBA fairs and recruiting events where you can meet representatives in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Kellogg have a one-year MBA option?

Kellogg's primary MBA is a two-year full-time program. However, the school offers one-year specialized master's degrees in management, finance, and analytics. If you are looking for a shorter graduate business degree, these master's programs may be an option worth exploring.

What is the GMAT and do I have to take it?

The GMAT is a standardized test used by most business schools to assess quantitative, verbal, and analytical skills. Kellogg requires or strongly recommends it for MBA applicants, though policies vary by program and change over time. Check the school's website for current testing requirements.

Can I attend Kellogg part-time while working full-time?

Yes. Kellogg's part-time MBA is designed for working professionals. Classes meet in evenings and on weekends, and the program typically takes three years. However, the workload is substantial, so you should expect to spend significant time on coursework outside of class.

How much does Kellogg cost?

Costs vary by program. The full-time MBA, part-time MBA, and master's programs each have different tuition and fees. Kellogg publishes current pricing on its website. Financial aid, scholarships, and loans may reduce the out-of-pocket cost for individual students.

What is the case method of teaching?

The case method is a teaching approach where professors present real or realistic business situations and students discuss how they would respond. Rather than learning theory from a textbook, you analyze actual decisions companies faced and debate the best course of action. This approach emphasizes critical thinking and discussion.