The core modules focus on critical areas of AI-driven transformation, offering actionable frameworks and practical tools. They are designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills to effectively implement AI strategy and drive sustainable organizational change.

Becoming Digital Leaders

• Leading Successful Digital Transformation Efforts
• Leadership

Shaping AI-First Strategies

• Foundations of AI — From Prediction to Creation to Autonomy
• AI and Customer Experience Management
• AI and Operations Management
• AI and Business Support Functions 
• AI Applications in Selected Industries
• Generative AI and Creative Industries — Transforming Media, Art and Design
• AI and Business Transformation — Strategy, Capabilities and Governance
• AI and Society — Ethics, Regulation and Jobs

Identifying Opportunities

• Building a Customer-Centric Organization
• Growth in a Disruptive Environment

Building a Shared Vision

• Vision and Roadmap
• Overcoming Resistance to Change
• C-Suite and Boardroom Dynamics
• Magnetic Communication
• Building the Business Case for Digital Strategy

Executing for Today

• Making Build, Buy or Partner Decisions
• Platforms, Technology and Data

Building for Tomorrow

• Building an Innovation Ecosystem

Note: Sessions topics subject to change

Sample of Online Electives

• Data Visualization
• Customer Analytics
• Design Thinking
• Growth Strategies
• Digital and Platform Business Models
• Customer Experience Strategy

Sample of In-Person/Live Virtual Electives

• Business Marketing Strategy
• Delivering Business Growth
• Leading with Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
• Corporate Governance
• Operations Strategy
• Driving Organizational Change
• The Customer-Focused Organization
• Competitive Strategy
• Leading and Sustaining a Culture of Innovation
• Lean Operations

Note: Electives are subject to change.

The live online sessions are strategically integrated throughout the program to deepen your executive understanding of AI leadership and enterprise transformation. Each session combines expert insights with practical frameworks designed to accelerate your organization’s AI journey, and participation in the live sessions is highly recommended to deepen your understanding and application.

Session 1: The Human Intelligence Needed for AI — A Leadership Framework

• Develop a divergent and value-based mindset for leading AI-driven teams.
• Learn the key leadership skills needed to transition into an AI-first strategic leader.

Session 2: Generative AI: From Hype to Enterprise Value

• Explore how gen AI is moving from experimental tools to enterprise-grade solutions.
• Understand business use cases across industries, including content creation, code generation and customer service automation.

Session 3: Leading With AI: Strategic Decision Making in the Age of Intelligence

• Learn how to integrate AI into high-stakes executive decision making.
• Examine frameworks that blend human judgment with AI insights for better, faster outcomes.

Session 4: Scaling AI — Building a Platform and Data Moat

• Implement frameworks for AI and data-driven prioritization.

Note: Sessions are subject to change and are strongly recommended to attend

The program culminates in a five-day on-campus immersion that includes required in-person modules to deepen your learning through direct engagement with world-renowned Kellogg faculty and dynamic peer collaboration. This intensive experience combines academic rigor with hands-on application, fostering the strategic thinking and leadership mindset essential for executive transformation.

During this immersion, you will explore the intricate relationship between AI and organizational success. You will acquire critical insights into navigating strategic risks while unlocking the full potential of AI and digital transformation to enhance business intelligence and catalyze innovation. This immersion will empower you to confidently guide your organization into a digitally enabled, AI-accelerated future.

Note: Participants must attend the in-person module to complete the program and receive the Kellogg Executive Scholar certificate. Any travel, accommodation, and related expenses associated with attending this immersion activities are the responsibility of the participant and are not included in the program fee.

Admission Criteria

Participants are expected to have:

• A minimum of 10 years of leadership experience within their respective functions and industries
• A role that involves leading digital transformation as part of their career progression
• Fluency in written and spoken English

An admissions committee thoroughly reviews each application and considers the nature and scope of the applicant’s responsibilities. For the benefit of class members, sponsoring organizations and the integrity of the program, the committee seeks to admit individuals with diverse skills and experiences who meet the qualification criteria as described above.

Kellogg expects that participants will attend all sessions, immerse themselves completely in the experience and free themselves from all other obligations while the program is in session.

Language

This program is taught in English and there is a considerable amount of reading material (e.g., case studies and articles) given in advance and during the program. Strong English language skills are essential in order to comprehend the reading materials and contribute meaningfully to classroom and study group discussions. Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English is required for a successful educational experience.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of this program, participants will receive a Kellogg Executive Education Scholar Certificate. Certificates are delivered electronically to your preferred email address after the program ends.

What is the program about?

The program consists of a 20-week core program, live online sessions, and a required 5-day in-person immersion. Each online program features asynchronous modules and live webinar sessions.

What is the learning experience?

Your learning experience will consist of tools and frameworks delivered via video lectures, live webinars, real world examples, downloadable content and networking. You will put your learning into action through weekly activities, customized assignments and quizzes, discussion boards and faculty engagement. The program culminates with a capstone project, bringing together all of the key concepts from the program.

What is the program format?

The program is delivered over 7 months, with online, live-online and in-person sessions. Learners can expect to dedicate 4-6 hours per week to watch videos, complete assignments and participate in discussions. Each module is opened weekly, allowing a flexible but structured approach to learning, with quizzes/assessments delivered at the module’s conclusion. Learners may choose to engage with the program module all in one sitting or in smaller segments of time throughout the week.

Could a learner choose to opt out of some topics?

No. To receive the Kellogg Executive Scholars Certificate, a participant must complete all components of the program.

Are any of the sessions delivered in real time (live)?

For the online, asynchronous programs, there will be live sessions led by faculty and/or subject matter experts, delivered during the course of the program via a video conferencing platform. These sessions provide learners an opportunity to listen and ask questions, and while they are valuable in enhancing the overall experience, attendance is not strongly recommended. Most live sessions are recorded for later viewing. The in-person immersion is an in-person experience only.

What methods will be used for grading and evaluations?

Kellogg program leaders will review assignments, discussions and exercises to determine participants’ understanding of the material.

How much time is allocated to complete assignments?

The due date for submitting assignments is typically within 7 days of the module opening, but can be as long as 14 days, depending on the scope of the assignment. However, learners may request deadline extensions to accommodate for business and personal conflicts that may arise during the program timeframe. Reach out to the program delivery manager to discuss any challenges you may have in completing assignments.

Can participation in this program be counted as credit toward a degree, either at Kellogg, Northwestern University or another academic institution?

No. Executive Education offers only non-degree programs and participants who meet the requirements receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program. This certificate does not count as credit toward a degree. In addition, at this time, our online programs do not count as credit toward a Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate.

Does the program offer community engagement for learners?

Yes, there will be virtual networking events held through the 7-month program, and a required 5-day, in-person immersion at the end of the program. Participants will have an opportunity to connect with peers throughout their experience. A Success Coach will also support participant engagement throughout the program.

What are the requirements for accessing the program?

Participants will need the following to access the program:

• Valid email address
• Computing device connected to the internet (Mac/PC/laptop, tablet or smartphone)
• The latest version of your preferred browser to access our learning platform (though not required, we recommend using Google Chrome when accessing the Online Campus for optimal experience)
• Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and PDF viewer to access content such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files, and transcripts
• Additional software and resources may be required for certain programs – this will be communicated upon registration and/or at the beginning of the program
• PLEASE NOTE: Google, Vimeo and YouTube may be utilized in the program delivery.

Do the programs offer a certificate?

Yes. Upon successful completion of this program, participants will receive a Kellogg Executive Education Scholar Certificate. Since our online program components are graded as a pass or fail, participants must receive an 80% to earn the certificate of completion. This digital certificate can be shared with colleagues and posted on LinkedIn. (PLEASE NOTE: We do not provide reports of assessments, or “transcripts,” since this is a non-degree program.)

Will completion of this program guarantee me a job or promotion?

No. The primary objective of this program is to give you the skills needed to be prepared for a job or to advance your career in this field. Our program support team includes mentors and Success Coaches to help you reach your goals. New employment and advancement opportunities depend on a variety factors, including prior experience, education and the job market; we therefore do not guarantee a job placement upon completion of this program.

Who is Emeritus and what is their relationship with Kellogg Executive Education?

Kellogg Executive Education is partnering with Emeritus Institute of Management, an online education provider, to develop and deliver this program. By working with Emeritus, we are able to provide broader access to Executive Education, beyond our on-campus offerings, in a collaborative and engaging format that is consistent with Kellogg’s standard of quality.

Additional questions?

Please contact us by calling 847-467-6018 or email us at execedonline@kellogg.northwestern.edu.