Graduate Certificate in AI Applications for Business - D'Amore-McKim School of Business

As artificial intelligence and machine learning become more common, companies worldwide need employees who are skilled in AI—and understand its impact, limitations, and applications in different fields. Our Graduate Certificate in AI Applications is designed for professionals from a wide range of academic and professional expertise interested in harnessing the power of AI within business.

Graduate Certificate in AI Applications for Business Program Overview

Program Structure: 16 credits
Class Schedule: Monday–Thursday evenings at 5:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. or 100% online
Start term: January or September for study in Boston. January, February, May, June, September, or October for Online study.
Time to Complete: 4 months to 3 years

Typical program timeline

*Course offerings change each semester.
**Most finish in three semesters, but you can go at your own pace up to three years.

Download the program fact sheet

Unique features

No programming experience required.
Select AI tools that can improve business or operational practices by applying a human-centered approach
Identify potential risks and benefits of using AI
Leverage AI responsibly, ethically, and effectively
Communicate technical and non-technical information effectively to diverse stakeholders
Build your confidence and experience through Northeastern's practice-oriented approach to learning
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

AI will be crucial for students, as it prepares them for a future where technology and human intelligence must work together to solve complex problems. Learning to use AI effectively will be a key skill for navigating the technological landscape of tomorrow.
David De Cremer, D'Amore-McKim's Dunton Family Dean and author of The AI-Savvy Leader

The business learning you need

Dive Deeper

Are graduate business certificates worth it?

Graduate certificates can be a worthwhile investment as they can enhance specific skills, boost career advancement opportunities, and offer flexible, cost-effective education. These programs are ideal for professionals seeking targeted knowledge without the commitment of a full degree, which in turn provides networking opportunities and the potential to stand out to employers in a short-term timeframe. Learn more about the benefits of a graduate certificate, what earning a graduate certificate entails, and if pursuing one might be the right fit for you.

Learn more about certificates →

Graduate certificate vs. master's degree: what credential is right for me?

Exploring graduate education options is an important step towards advancing your career, gaining specialized knowledge, and enhancing your professional qualifications. If you're contemplating graduate-level education, you may be weighing the benefits of pursuing a graduate certificate versus a master's degree. Learn more about these distinct types of graduate credentials, their key differences, and the pros and cons of each option.

Learn more about the difference →

Curriculum

In our Graduate Certificate in AI Applications for Business, you'll discover how to use AI technologies responsibly, ethically, and effectively within organizations. You'll see how AI can boost business competitiveness and fit seamlessly into business strategies. Dive into machine learning techniques like unsupervised, supervised, and reinforcement learning, and learn to recommend AI-driven business solutions.

Guided by expert Northeastern University faculty, you'll navigate the dynamic landscape of AI-driven business transformations. These thought-leaders will teach through the lens of their own experience.

Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.

EXPLORE the CURRICULUM

Experience-Powered Learning

Experience is the signature feature of a Northeastern education. Your Graduate Certificate in AI Applications for Business 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.

DATA Club

Participate in real-world data challenges to strengthen your skills and connect with a powerful network of like-minded students as you explore data's infinite applications.

Picture of a screen with many forms of data

Data KIPS

Join a supportive network of students and engage in peer-to-peer mentorship to apply data to strategic business decision-making. Participate as an expert or as a member.

Emalie Hermans and Bailey Kane, both college of engineering students graduating in 2019, work in the IDEA lab in Hayden Hall

IDEA Student-Led Venture Accelerator

Get comprehensive support to bring your big idea to market—or volunteer to coach budding startups on finance, marketing, or business strategy.

Micro-Internships

The search for meaningful work experience can be challenging, especially when juggling a busy class schedule. A micro-internship may be the answer you're looking for.

Virtual Work Experience

“Work” for a real firm in a simulated format—so you can build your skills and resumé while exploring what your day-to-day could look like working in different industries.

Career Outlook

The D'Amore-McKim Graduate Certificate in AI Applications for Business prepares you for leadership roles in many industries. Depending on your experience, your AI knowledge can lead to roles such as AI Product Manager, AI Business Consultant, Customer Experience Manager (AI-Driven CX), AI Supply Chain Analyst, Risk and Fraud Analyst, and Responsible AI Consultant. 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

visit the career center site

Build your network

A strong professional network can help you develop and improve your skillset and stay on top of the latest industry trends.

Access on-demand career related content

Prepare for your future through a structured, self-paced module in Career Management, hosted by the Graduate Career Center.

Explore job postings

The Graduate Career Center connects our exceptional and diverse graduate students and alumni with employers looking for skilled job candidates.

Get job search ready

Our Graduate Career Center has collected extensive resources to help you navigate the job market and grow the career of your dreams—now and after graduation.

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 for full-time study in Boston only.
Is a graduate business certificate worth it? Learn more 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

*Oct. 24, 2024 deadline is the final deadline for international candidates who require a new F-1 or J-1 visa for a January start for eligible full-time programs
**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

Online Graduate Certificates

Application Deadlines	Enrollment Deadlines	Classes Begin
Aug. 12, 2024	Aug. 19, 2024	September
Sept. 30, 2024	Oct. 7, 2024	October
Dec. 9, 2024	Dec. 16, 2024	January
Feb. 3, 2025	Feb. 10, 2025	February
April 14, 2025	April 28, 2025	May
June 9, 2025	June 30, 2025	July

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.