Can you go to business school right after undergrad?

If you're about to graduate and wondering whether to jump straight into the workforce or keep your momentum going, here's something worth thinking about: heading directly into business school can be a game-changer.

Keep your momentum—and your competitive edge

You're already in “learning mode,” so why hit pause now? Going straight into a graduate business program helps you stay in that academic rhythm while fast-tracking your path into high-impact, career-focused roles. Business school isn't just about lectures and case studies—it's where you sharpen the leadership, communication, and analytical skills that employers are actively looking for.

Not ready for an MBA? That's okay, there's a smart starting point

While the MBA is a popular goal, most programs expect a few years of work experience. That can make it tough to contribute meaningfully to class discussions or apply real-world insights right after undergrad. But that doesn't mean business school is off the table—it just means there's a better fit for you right now.

And you're not in this alone. This article will help you explore your options and find the program that fits your goals, interests, and timeline. Whether you're aiming to launch your career faster, pivot into a new field, or just want to keep growing, there's a path that's right for you.

Specialized master's programs are designed specifically for recent grads. At Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business, they don't require prior work experience and focus on building deep, targeted expertise in areas like:

• Accounting–Develop technical accounting skills and gain a strategic edge with MBA-level business knowledge.
• Business Analytics–Learn to solve complex business problems with data.
• International Management–Gain a global perspective and prepare for leadership roles in international business.
• Management–Customize your learning and build a strong foundation in leadership, marketing, finance, and operations.
• Quantitative Finance–Combine finance with programming, data analytics, and math to meet the demands of today's financial services industry.

These programs are shorter than a traditional MBA, often more affordable, and can position you strongly in industries that are hungry for specialized talent.

No Business Background? No Problem.

If you're coming from a non-business major, D'Amore-McKim has you covered. Their innovative master's programs are built for students transitioning into business from other fields. You'll gain the skills, confidence, and experience to launch a successful career—even if you've never taken a business course before.

Programs like the MS in Accounting/MBA, MS in International Management, and MS in Management are tailored for students without a business or accounting background. They even include opportunities like paid corporate residencies to help you build real-world experience while you learn.

MS in Accounting/MBA 

MS in Accounting/MBA

Become a leader in the rapidly changing accounting field by building comprehensive accounting knowledge, critical business skills, and proficiency in data analytics—and gain professional experience through an intensive corporate residency. This degree is designed for students who did not major in accounting, or who studied accounting outside the U.S.

If you're looking to pivot into a business career through accounting, Northeastern's 15-month MS in Accounting/MBA offers a fast track to get there. With a dual focus on accounting, business, and analytics, this program gives you the tools to break into a fast-growing field—even if you don't have a business background.

You'll complete a paid corporate residency at a top accounting firm, where 99% of participants have historically received full-time job offers. You'll also be learning from professors who are both Ph.D.s and experienced CPAs, helping you prepare for the CPA exam and setting you up for long-term success in public accounting.

MS in International Management

MS in International Management

Accelerate your career as a global business leader by developing your cultural agility, leadership skills, and knowledge of the issues faced by businesses operating internationally.

If you're ready to take your career global, Northeastern's MS in International Management will help you get there. You'll build the skills to lead diverse teams, manage international operations, and tackle global business challenges head-on.

You can complete the program full-time in as little as 12 months or part-time in under two years—whatever fits your schedule. With a mix of core courses and electives, you'll shape your education around your goals, all while learning from faculty with real-world international expertise.

MS in Management

MS in Management

An MS in Management on our Boston campus offers a flexible, efficient path for recent graduates interested in business leadership. The curriculum builds skills in leadership, data-driven decision-making, financial analysis, and market positioning, with electives tailored to your career goals and interests. You can specialize in one of 15 concentrations, take non-business electives across Northeastern's graduate schools, and apply earned credits toward an eligible MBA—saving time and reducing costs. 

Designed for today's evolving business world, MS x combines project-based learning with leadership development, helping you create a personalized education and career path. 

Looking for a flexible, fast-paced way to break into business leadership? Northeastern's MS in Management program on the Boston campus is designed for recent grads and more established professionals who want to build real-world skills in areas like data-driven decision-making, financial analysis, and market strategy.

What sets this program apart is how customizable it is. You'll choose from 15 concentrations and even shape your core courses to match your interests—so it can feel like earning a master's degree in the area you care most about. With project-based learning and a strong focus on leadership development, you'll graduate with a personalized toolkit and a clear direction for your next career move.

Want a STEM-designated program? You have choices.

If you're looking to build specialized, in-demand skills right after undergrad, the MS in Business Analytics, MS in Management with a Major in Fintech Management, and MS in Quantitative Finance at D'Amore-McKim are excellent options. These STEM-designated programs offer rigorous, immersive training in technical and analytical areas that are highly valued in today's data-driven industries. This will give you a strong competitive edge in the job market.

MS in Business Analytics

Position yourself for leadership by learning to solve complex business problems with data in this STEM-designated program.

MS in Quantitative Finance

Blend deep financial knowledge with computer programming, data analytics, engineering, mathematics, and econometrics skills.

MS in Management with a Major in Fintech Management

Chart your own path to leadership in tech with a personalized fintech management degree that will position you for success in the business world of tomorrow.

Build skills and connections

Graduate business programs aren't just about learning theories—they're about building real, practical skills that employers value. At D'Amore-McKim, learning goes beyond the classroom. You'll have access to hands-on experiences like:

• Graduate co-ops and corporate residencies
• The Community Impact Initiative
• Project-based learning with real companies

These opportunities help you build practical skills, grow your network, and often lead directly to job offers. Plus, the Graduate Career Center offers personalized support with job search strategies, interview prep, and career exploration—connecting you with a powerful network of alumni and employers.

How the 360 Huntington Fund and graduate co-op fueled my passion for quantitative finance

“What truly set D'Amore-McKim apart for me was experiential learning. Getting experience in a real Mutual fund and gaining professional work experience sounded amazing, and once I discovered these, I knew this was the perfect program for me.”

Finance professional uses analytics to support inner-city literacy

“I know this was the right choice. I'm gaining practical experience through my Community Impact Initiative project, which is crucial. It will not only help me better understand the market and how to work effectively, but it will also help me stand out among job applicants.”

Coast Guard officer creates a unique corporate residency

“I self-developed a corporate residency with the Coast Guard. I was assigned financial and accounting projects to complete, and this work will line up with my job duties when I return to active duty.”

A smart move toward a future MBA

Here's the best part: starting with a specialized master's now doesn't close the door on an MBA later. In fact, it can make your MBA even more impactful. You'll enter with stronger skills, more experience, and a clearer sense of your goals. Some programs even allow you to apply credits toward a future MBA, saving you time and money.

Take the next step  

Whether you want to build expertise, explore new career paths, or set yourself up for long-term success, D'Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University has a program that fits your goals.

And remember—you don't have to figure it all out alone. We're here to help you explore your options and find the path that's right for you. With the right program, you can build the skills, experience, and confidence to thrive in today's business world—and set yourself up for long-term success.

Explore your options. Attend an info session. And discover how a graduate business degree can help you build the career you're passionate about—starting now.