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—in just five or six courses—you'll build the skills necessary to analyze financial statements, identify the strategic implications, assess risk, and make informed decisions.
Program Overview
- Program Structure: 5–6 courses
- Class Schedule: Monday–Thursday evenings at 5:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Time to Complete: 8 months when studying full-time and 8 months to 3 years when studying part-time
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.
Full-time Graduate Certificate for international students | 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
145+
countries represented by Northeastern students and faculty
12 or 15
credits may be applied toward a future MBA
Top 50
among national universities (U.S. News & World Report)
3
study options
- 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
- Access expert career guidance from an experienced counselor at Northeastern's office of Employer Engagement and Career Design
- 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 program
Meet Some of 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.
Campus-Based Graduate Certificates
| 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 (Full-time certificates only)
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 diverse contexts and experiences to the conversation.
We value uniqueness, recognize the power and importance of diversity in our own and surrounding communities, and ensure engaged participation. Numerous student groups and campus resources focus on building inclusive communities.
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
Choose Your Format
Get in touch
Full-Time & Part-Time advisor
Elizabeth Nersinger
Learn more about our Boston campus
Upcoming Future Student Events
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.
Café Connections in Boston's Financial District
Join us on January 9 for a casual in-person chat about our graduate business programs over a cup of coffee, on us!
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.
Financing Your Graduate Business Degree
Connect with our Financial Aid Counselors and learn about the diverse range of options available to support your academic journey.
