Successful businesses need professionals with a strong background in accounting and finance who can create innovative solutions to complex problems. By earning your Graduate Certificate in Accounting and Financial Decision Making, you'll build the skills necessary to analyze financial statements, assess risk, and make informed strategic decisions.
Graduate Certificate in Accounting and Financial Decision Making Program Overview
- Program Structure: 12–15 credits
- Class Schedule: Monday–Thursday evenings at 5:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Start term: January or September
- Time to Complete: 8 months when studying full-time, and 8 months to 3 years when studying part-time
Full-time Graduate Certificate | Typical program timeline
*Starts in September or January. May be completed at a flexible pace but is usually completed in two semesters.
*Starts in September or January. May be completed at a flexible pace but is usually completed in two semesters.
Part-time Graduate Certificate | Typical program timeline
*Starts in September or January. May be completed at a flexible pace but is usually completed in three semesters.
*Starts in September or January. May be completed at a flexible pace but is usually completed in three semesters.
Unique Features
- Increase your understanding of essential financial practices, including identifying and analyzing critical information in corporate financial reports
- Develop your managerial skills by studying time-tested frameworks for decision-making
- Specialize your studies with electives that are relevant to your goals
- Build applied financial experience by joining the student management team of the 360 Huntington Fund—a real fund in Northeastern's endowment—and researching and presenting your own stock recommendations to a panel of your peers
- Build the foundation for a future master's degree from Northeastern—you may be able to apply your certificate credits toward an eligible master's degree or MBA
Dive Deeper
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Curriculum
You can study for your Graduate Certificate in Accounting and Financial Decision Making full-time or part-time.
In all formats, you'll learn from faculty—financial experts, consultants, and respected industry leaders—who belong to the #1 behavioral accounting research group in the country. You'll study alongside a diverse group of students with a mix of industry and academic backgrounds.
Your coursework will explore the essentials of financial strategy, financial reporting, and information analysis. You'll dive into topics such as financial statement preparation and analysis, resource acquisition, capital budgeting and structure, strategic decision-making, risk management, information technology, and more.
Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Experience-Powered Learning
Experience is the signature feature of a Northeastern education. Your Graduate Certificate in Accounting and Financial Decision Making courses will include applied project work that strengthens your collaboration and problem-solving skills. Some of your learning will happen outside your formal curriculum—take advantage of these non-credit opportunities to expand your knowledge base.
Bloomberg Business Lab
DATA Club
Data KIPS
IDEA Student-Led Venture Accelerator
Career Outlook
The D'Amore-McKim Graduate Certificate in Accounting and Financial Decision Making builds your expertise and deepens your knowledge of accounting and financial decision making, making you prepared to tackle real-world challenges head-on. Depending on your experience, your certificate may lead to roles like financial accounting manager, auditor, credit analyst, senior financial analyst, budget analyst, or tax manager. Our graduates are recruited by companies of all sizes, from startups to multinational organizations.
Plan a successful career with genuine support
Dedicated career support through our Graduate Career Center
Tap into the extensive career planning tools and the deep understanding of the job market that our Graduate Career Center offers. Attend events, build your network, forge connections with fellow students, staff, and faculty, and hear insider insights from employer partners
Meet Our Students
Admissions
- Interview required? Upon request.
- English language proficiency: English proficiency, both written and verbal, is necessary for success in D'Amore-McKim classrooms. For more information, review our admissions policies.
- GMAT Required? No.
- Where do I apply? Learn more here.
- Eligible for International Student Visa? Yes. This program is F-1 visa compliant.
- Is a graduate business certificate worth it? Learn more here.
- Graduate certificate or a master's degree? Explore what business credential is right for you here.
| Application Deadlines | Decision Notifications | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 26, 2024 | Rolling Basis | January |
| Oct. 24, 2024* | Rolling Basis | January |
| Dec. 5, 2024 | Rolling Basis | January |
| Jan. 9, 2025 | Rolling Basis | September |
| March 27, 2025** | Rolling Basis | September |
| May 15, 2025 | Rolling Basis | September |
| June 26, 2025 | Rolling Basis | September |
| Aug. 7, 2025 | Rolling Basis | September |
**March 27, 2025 deadline is the final deadline for international candidates who require a new F-1 or J-1 visa for a September start for eligible full-time programs
Tuition
Northeastern Student Financial Services publishes the tuition rates for Graduate Certificates. Under the “Graduate Programs” section, the cost per credit appears next to “D'Amore-McKim School of Business Programs.”
Financial Aid
Northeastern offers resources to help you finance your graduate education, and the Student Financial Services team will guide you through your options. Please visit the Graduate Financial Aid page.
Once you are a student, your financial aid advisor will work with you one-on-one to answer your questions, point you to resources and provide valuable insight as you navigate the financial commitments of your program.
Scholarships
Northeastern University has a variety of scholarships. As a graduate certificate applicant you may be eligible for the Full Circle Scholarship. You may also qualify for funding support as an alum, U.S. servicemember, or veteran.
Application Fee Waivers
D'Amore-McKim offers application fee waivers to applicants that meet specific criteria. You can review the policy on the Graduate Application FAQ web page.
The D'Amore-McKim community believes that understanding and solving problems requires constant interaction among people who bring different contexts and experiences to the conversation.
We value uniqueness, recognize the power and importance of belonging in our own and surrounding communities, and ensure engaged participation. Numerous student groups and campus resources focus on building dynamic communities.
Get in touch
Full-Time & Online advisors
Elizabeth Nersinger
Jessica Ward
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D'Amore-McKim Graduate Programs Application Q&A
Get all of your application process questions answered and explore topics like financial aid, scholarships, and making your app stand out.
