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Medill Executive Education

The Medill Executive Education Advantage

In the rapidly evolving fields of journalism, media, and marketing communications, technological advancements and shifting market dynamics are challenging established business models.​

Medill Executive Education equips current and future leaders with cutting-edge, strategic, analytical, and executive-level competencies needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving landscape,  enabling them to make significant contributions to their organizations and advance their professional goals. 

Custom Programs in Action

Custom Programs

Medill Executive Education Custom Programs are built for enterprise organizations ready to invest in their people at the highest level.

Each program is designed for immediate application, combining Medill's top-ranked academic rigor with real-world relevance to develop marketing leaders at every stage of their careers.

Our faculty have led their fields for decades, bringing deep expertise, real-world perspective, and practical insights leaders can apply immediately.

Program Focus Areas

Marketing in The Age of AI

Build the capabilities to apply AI thoughtfully and effectively across marketing and communications.

Strategic Thinking and Leadership

Equip your leaders to think strategically, lead through change, and move your organization forward.

Communications, Media and PR

Strengthen your team’s ability to navigate today’s complex media landscape, communicate with impact, and protect your organization’s reputation 

Ready to Elevate Your Team?

Individual Programs

Medill Executive Education's individual programs are immersive courses, summits, and salons designed for marketing and communications professionals navigating what’s next.

Join on your own, attend with colleagues, or send your team to gain fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and meaningful connections with peers and industry leaders.

Upcoming Individual Programs

Executive Leadership

CCO Accelerator Hot Seat

Chief Communications Officer Accelerator, Spring 2027

Medill Executive Education's CCO Accelerator program equips senior leaders with the strategic frameworks and executive capabilities needed to meet rising stakeholder expectations, build trust in high-stakes situations, leverage AI strategically, and influence business outcomes.

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Summits

Womens Brunch Danielle and Speakers

Medill Women's Executive Leadership Summit, Saturday, March 6th, 2027

Connect with accomplished women leaders for a day focused on what’s next in marketing, media, and communications.

The Medill Women’s Executive Leadership Summit brings together leading industry executives and experts to explore emerging trends, strengthen leadership skills, and share fresh perspectives and practical insights designed to help women lead with greater impact.

Sign up to be the first to know when registration opens for this event, as it will sell out quickly.

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Why Medill Executive Education?

 Medill Executive Education combines Northwestern academic rigor, deep expertise in marketing, communications and media, and practical learning designed for today’s professionals. 

Deep Subject-Matter Expertise

Decades of leadership in integrated marketing communications, journalism, media and communications.

Faculty + Industry Leaders

Learn from accomplished faculty and corporate leaders who bring both research and real-world experience into every program and summit.

Learning Built for What’s Next

Programs address the issues shaping how organizations operate today, from AI and transformation to leadership, reputation and media.

The Power of Medill

Medill is a recognized leader in journalism and the pioneer of Integrated Marketing Communications. Our faculty and industry leaders lead programs at the forefront of what’s next in marketing, media, communications, and journalism, bringing real-world insights and emerging thinking into the classroom so participants can apply what they learn today and lead their organizations in a quickly changing landscape.

Flexible Learning Experiences

Engage in learning designed to meet you where you are, with experiences offered in Chicago, Evanston and virtually.

Customized for Impact

Tailored programs that meet your team’s goals and deliver measurable results.

Frequently asked questions

Who are Medill Executive Education programs designed for?

Medill Executive Education programs are designed for marketing, communications, and media professionals who want to build new skills, stay current, and keep pace with a rapidly changing industry. They’re also designed for organizations that want to invest in their people, strengthen their teams, and give employees the knowledge and perspective to make a greater impact on the business.

Do I have to be a Medill or Northwestern alum to participate in Medill Executive Education programs?

No. Medill Executive Education courses and programs are open to all marketing, communications, and media professionals. You do not need to be a Medill or Northwestern alum to participate 

Who teaches Medill Executive Education programs?

Medill Executive Education programs are taught by Medill faculty and experienced industry leaders who bring deep expertise in marketing, communications, media, leadership, and emerging technologies. Participants learn from experts who combine academic rigor with real-world experience, bringing current challenges, research, and practical insights directly into the learning experience. 

Can I attend a Medill Executive Education program with colleagues or my team?

Yes. Medill Executive Education Individual Programs are designed to be flexible. You can attend on your own, with colleagues, or as part of a larger team. Organizations may also send multiple team members to learn together, build shared skills, and bring new ideas back to the business. 

What is the difference between Medill Executive Education Custom Programs and Individual Programs?

Medill Executive Education Custom Programs are built specifically for an organization and tailored to its goals, challenges, and team development needs.

Individual Programs are pre-designed courses, summits, and salons created for marketing, communications, and media professionals. Participants can attend on their own, with colleagues, or as part of a team. 

Can Medill Executive Education create a custom executive education program for my organization?

Medill Executive Education creates custom executive education programs for enterprise businesses tailored to their goals, challenges, and people.

Each program draws on the same academic rigor, industry expertise, and real-world approach that have made Medill a leader in journalism and integrated marketing communications, bringing that expertise to today’s most important challenges in marketing, media, and communications.

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