The flexible part-time program allows working professionals to continue their education while working full time.The flexible part-time program allows working professionals to continue their education while working full time.

Curriculum

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Curriculum Requirements 

The EMDC program requires four quarters of enrollment. All students begin the program in the fall academic quarter and graduate at the conclusion of the fall quarter of the following year. Students must satisfactorily complete a combined 12.0 units of core and elective courses and maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in order to graduate.

Starting in the fall 2024, the EMDC program is a hybrid structure. Each quarter of study includes:

  • 2.0 units of online courses delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning environments
  • 1.0 unit of in-person courses delivered in a Weekend Intensive program
  • Individual project work, reports, and reaction and reflection papers
  • Collaboration in work-study groups and ample opportunity to engage with accomplished industry leaders

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Program Structure and Duration

FALL QUARTER

  • 2.0 units of required coursework, online
  • 1.0 unit of Weekend Intensive programming, in-person

WINTER QUARTER

  • 1.0 unit of required coursework, online
  • 1.0 unit of elective coursework, online
  • 1.0 unit of Weekend Intensive programming, in-person

SPRING QUARTER

  • 1.0 unit of required coursework, online
  • 1.0 unit of elective coursework, online
  • 1.0 unit of Weekend Intensive programming, in-person

SUMMER QUARTER

No online coursework or Weekend Intensive units

FALL QUARTER

  • 1.0 unit of required coursework, online
  • 1.0 unit of elective coursework, online
  • 1.0 unit of Weekend Intensive programming, in-person

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Program Coursework

See a listing of courses for the current academic year 2024 - 2025

Beginning with the fall 2024 class, EMDC coursework will reflect similarities to those noted through the link above (for the current academic year).  The shift to the new hybrid structure will allow us to update course names and numbers, and, at times, change how we present the content to our students.  The outcome of the learning will remain consistent, while the structure of the hybrid format will allow us to enhance the programming to include additional new and relevant content.

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Core Courses

As a cohort, all students will be required to take the same nine units of core coursework (inclusive of core online courses and the Weekend Intensives) starting in the fall 2024.

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Elective Courses

In addition to the core courses, students are required to take three units of elective courses, and though some students may choose the same courses as others from the cohort, these electives are intended to allow EMDC students to customize their study to their individual experience and future career goals. Elective courses are offered through the EMDC program and subject to availability from other Northwestern Engineering programs and Northwestern Schools, including the Kellogg School of Management. Students choose their electives under the advisement and consultation of program director Shelley Finnigan.

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Weekend Intensive 

Beginning with the fall 2024 cohort, participation in four Weekend Intensive units are required as part of the EMDC program. Weekend Intensives are held once per quarter (the fall, winter, spring and the second fall quarters) and students are required to attend in-person (instruction and events will be held on the Northwestern Evanston and/or Chicago campuses and within the surrounding suburbs).* Every effort will be made to schedule Weekend Intensive dates far in advance to aid students in making their travel plans.

Weekend Intensives will typically run for three days over the Thursday - Monday timeframe (dependent upon scheduling for classroom and industry events) and serve the students through networking with the EMDC faculty, IAB members, industry professionals, and each other. Students will partake in team building and management exercises, group work, industry site visits, social outings and more.

*Certain accommodations may be offered to international students who are unable to travel to all four Weekend Intensives due to travel restrictions.