Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

To succeed in a business environment redefined by data and technology—and to seize the promising opportunities created by change—you need a redefined set of skills that fully meet the moment. When you earn your Graduate Certificate in Business Administration from D'Amore-McKim, you'll build a foundation of knowledge that will make you a more resilient and agile business leader in challenging times. Tailor your coursework to align with your career goals and gain a graduate credential you can leverage right away.

Program Overview

Program Structure: 4–6 courses, depending on format
Class Schedule: Typically Monday–Thursday evenings at 5:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, or 100% online
Time to Complete: 4 or 8 months when studying full-time; 8 months–3 years when studying part-time; 8 months–2 years when studying online

Graduate Certification in Business Administration | Typical program timeline

Unique Features

unique formats

12-15

Credits may be applied toward an MBA*

The business learning you need

Gain essential business knowledge that you can use immediately at work or in pursuit of a new opportunity
Complete your certificate in as little as four months, with the flexibility to choose a longer course of study
Build your confidence and acumen through Northeastern's practice-oriented approach to learning—taught by world-class faculty with substantial industry experience
Get expert career guidance from a career counselor at Employer Engagement and Career Design—which, for international students, includes support in navigating American workplace culture and starting a job search in a new country
Pave the way for a future master's degree—you may be able to apply credits earned in your business administration certificate toward an eligible master's degree at Northeastern, including the Part-Time MBA

Meet some of our students

Entrepreneur benefits by stacking her certificate to earn an MBA

“One of the most positive aspects of the classes at D'Amore-McKim has been the opportunity to learn from others with different educational backgrounds and experiences than my own.”

Leveraging a graduate certificate as a stepping stone to an MBA

“Northeastern and the Part-Time MBA Path are helping to make my goals come to life!”

Becoming a leader through student-led venture accelerator

“I'm a Venture Coach… In the IDEA program, we help entrepreneurs do product validation, prepare a business plan, pitch their idea, and think as an entrepreneur.”

Customizing her path to an MBA

“I learned more about different countries and their approaches to business and solving problems. It was helpful to understand how people across the world think about business.”

More student experiences

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? This program is F-1 visa compliant for full-time study on our Boston and Oakland campus.
Performance-Based Admissions: Option to skip the application process and use your performance from two initial courses to secure your place. Available for the online study only. Apply using this application.
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

*Oct. 24, 2024 deadline is the final deadline for international candidates who require a new F-1 or J-1 visa (Full-time certificates only)
**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)

Online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

Application Deadlines	Decision Notifications	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 21, 2025	May
June 9, 2025	June 16, 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 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.

View D'Amore-McKim's commitment to diversity

Apply for the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration

Curriculum

The Business Administration Certificate is taught in five unique formats—choose the one that best fits your life and career goals. Depending on which you select, you'll take either a required core curriculum or a customized grouping of courses that meet your specific needs.

In all formats, you'll be learning from world-renowned faculty—many of whom are industry leaders, leading consultants, or founders of startups—and you'll study alongside a diverse group of students with a mix of industry and academic backgrounds.

Choose your format

photo of a female student with long dark hair wearing airpods and sitting at a table typing on a laptop

8-Month International Student Cohort Curriculum

Study full time and join a global community of learners in this program of five essential business courses.

Build-Your-Own Curriculum

Select the courses that match your professional interests and goals with this completely customizable format.

students sitting around a table studying

Part-Time MBA Path Curriculum

Gain the foundational skills you need to make an immediate impact on your career, while earning credits that you may apply to a future master's degree.