Graduate Certificate

Business Administration

Gain essential business insight through flexible, high-impact graduate coursework.

Program details

  • Commitment

    Full-time, 4 months; Part-time, 8-36 months

  • Entry terms

    Fall, Spring

  • Visa Compliant

    Yes

  • STEM-designated

    No

  • Locations

  • Program Options

This program is ideal for

Working professionals seeking to upskill quickly with flexible, graduate-level work

Career changers looking to gain targeted knowledge in a new industry or function

International students seeking insight into U.S. business and culture

Application deadlines

*Final deadline for full-time international applicants needing a new F-1 or J-1 visa 

Why get a graduate certificate?

Why get a graduate certificate? Opens in Modal

Flexible, when life can't be

In today's fast-moving business landscape, staying competitive means staying current. D'Amore-McKim's Graduate Certificate in Business Administration gives you the flexibility to choose the courses that match your goals, so you gain the skills you need, when you need them. In just 12 to 15 credits, you'll build essential business knowledge, earn a respected credential, and apply what you learn immediately in your work. It's a smart, customizable path to career growth.   

Program options

The Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is built for flexibility so you can shape your learning around your goals. Choose any course offered on our Boston campus for which you meet the prerequisites, or follow a curated curriculum designed by our expert faculty. Whether you want to explore a specific field like marketing, supply chain, or entrepreneurship, or mix and match across disciplines, you'll gain relevant skills, real-world experience, and a credential that moves your career forward. Complete your certificate in as little as four months or take your time—this is graduate education that fits your life. 

This flexible option lets you choose from a wide range of graduate business courses offered on your campus. You pick the classes that matter most to you, creating a personalized curriculum that fits your career goals and interests. You can move at your own pace, focus on what's important to you, and gain new skills in areas that inspire you or support your professional growth.  

Consider our 8-month international student cohort

Designed exclusively for international students, this full-time, 8-month program offers a structured, cohort-based set of graduate-level courses taught sequentially on Northeastern's Boston campus. This is your chance to experience U.S. business firsthand as you study and live in the U.S. You'll study alongside a group of global peers, gain essential business skills, and immerse yourself in American business culture. 

Consider our accelerated 4-month option

Ideal for international MBA students, you can study full-time for a single semester in Boston. Study abroad, earn credits, and expand your global perspective. You'll take graduate-level courses alongside MS and MBA students, gain exposure to U.S. business practices, and transfer your credits back to your home institution, making this a powerful way to enrich your education and broaden your career horizons. 

Experience-powered learning

Put your knowledge to work

At D'Amore-McKim, we excel at blending classroom instruction and academic theory with real-world, experience-driven learning. This approach broadens your knowledge, fosters creativity, and equips you to navigate the evolving demands of today's business world. From the moment you begin your program to the day you graduate, you'll gain valuable experiences that enhance your perspective and boost your confidence.

Additional experiential opportunities

Some of your most valuable learning experiences happen outside the formal curriculum. Make the most of these opportunities to broaden your knowledge. 

  • for Credit

    360 Huntington Fund

    Make real investment decisions. Join the student-led mutual fund and manage part of Northeastern's endowment. You'll pitch stocks, make real investments, and build high-impact finance skills.

  • non Credit

    Bloomberg Terminal

    Get Bloomberg certified. Harness powerful financial tools to analyze real-time data, earn Bloomberg Market Concepts and ESG certifications, and compete in global team challenges.

  • non Credit

    DATA Club

    Tackle real-world data challenges. Sharpen your skills in R, Tableau, Python, and more through hands-on workshops, while networking with industry pros and competing resumé-building challenges.

  • Non Credit

    DATA Kips

    Blend data with business. 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.

  • Non Credit

    Female Leaders Club

    Lead boldly. Join a supportive network of women who challenge convention and lead with impact.

  • Non Credit

    Graduate Consulting Club

    Build your path into consulting. Sharpen your case skills, connect with industry professionals, and grow as a leader through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on practice in a supportive community.

  • Non Credit

    IDEA Student-Led Venture Accelerator

    Launch a venture—or help one grow. Build your startup or mentor early-stage teams in strategy, finance, or marketing.

  • Non Credit

    Micro-Internships

    Gain experience on your schedule. Take on short-term, virtual, paid projects. Explore industries, build skills, and grow your network.

  • Non Credit

    Virtual Work Experience

    Experience a day on the job–virtually. Explore industries and build skills through employer-designed simulations. It's a flexible, risk-free way to gain experience.

Locations

Boston

Advance your career and expand your network at our flagship campus in a global innovation hub for finance, healthcare, technology, education, startups, and more.

Student voices

Careers & support

The dedicated experts at the Graduate Career Center will help you achieve your professional goals and emerge as a responsible, forward-thinking business leader. As you develop skills and gain experience, we'll help you set goals, prepare for the job search, explore learning opportunities beyond the classroom, and stay abreast of events and programs to grow your network.

Stackable credits

Considering a master's degree or MBA from D'Amore-McKim? Starting with a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration is a smart move. Complete the certificate with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and you may be able to apply your credits towards an eligible master's program or MBA at Northeastern.

Faculty & learning

Our world-class faculty bring years of experience, innovative leadership, and global perspectives to their teaching and are dedicated to preparing you for success in a rapidly evolving business world. Learn skills and gain experiences to advance your career as you form valuable relationships with mentors and advisors who will collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing challenges in business today. 

Alumni network

One of the most valuable benefits of earning your degree from D'Amore-McKim is the chance to become part of our elite alumni network. Numbering more than 65,500 members across 180+ countries, our alumni regularly connect through events, programs, services, chapters, volunteering, and more. 

Applicant FAQs

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, providing networking opportunities and the potential to stand out to employers in a short-term timeframe.

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 might be weighing the benefits of pursuing a graduate certificate versus a master's degree. Learn more about these distinct types of graduate credentials, the key differences between a graduate certificate and a master's degree, and the pros and cons of each option.

Application requirements

To apply, log in—or create an account—on our application portal, choose your program, and answer a few questions. You'll need to submit:

  • Application form
  • A personal statement (<=500 words)
  • Resumé
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Academic transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
  • Kira online interview (by invitation, access provided after submitting your application)
  • Optional GMAT/GRE test scores
  • TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Passport or permanent residency card (if applicable)

Interviews are rarely required for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration program. However, the Admissions team may request one if necessary.

Graduate certificate programs do not require GRE or GMAT scores for admission.

Yes, English proficiency—both written and verbal—is necessary for success in D'Amore-McKim classrooms. If you are not a native English speaker, we require a standardized test of English language proficiency unless you completed a bachelor's or master's degree at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or you have worked full-time for two years in the United States or other native English-speaking environment.

Yes. International students must meet additional requirements, including proof of English language proficiency, a valid passport, and English translations of academic transcripts. Our international graduate students page provides more information about applying and the benefits of choosing D'Amore-McKim.

Upcoming admissions events

Jan 9

Join us to get your final graduate application questions answered and put the finishing touches on your packet before hitting submit.

Jan 14

Join us on January 14 to hear insights about the graduate student experience at D'Amore-McKim.

Jan 21

Join us for a casual in-person chat about our graduate business programs over a cup of coffee, on us!

Request more information

Whether you're ready to apply or just exploring, fill out this short questionnaire to join our contact list and receive timelines, updates, and event invitations.

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