Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics

In today's digital business world, data drives decision-making, making analytics skills a highly marketable asset for anyone preparing for a leadership role. Develop your proficiency in cutting-edge data tools and techniques with our Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics—and grow your confidence in harnessing the power of data to create smart business strategies.

Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics Overview

Program Structure: 12–15 credits
Class Schedule: Monday–Thursday evenings at 5:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Start Term: January or September
Time to Complete: 1 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

Learn the latest analytical methods for essential business practices, building your repertoire of skills for making decisions with data
Specialize your graduate certificate in business analytics with electives relevant to your goals, such as advanced data mining techniques, coding languages, visual dashboards, artificial intelligence, and machine learning
Gain a unique perspective on brand management thanks to Northeastern's signature focus on preparing you as a responsible business leader
Build your confidence and experience through applied project work and case studies—key components of 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 graduate certificate in business analytics credits toward an eligible master's program

“Connect the dots you have, and build new links to cutting edge concepts in analytics and data science. We've designed this certificate to integrate immediately with your knowledge base, while also taking you to the frontier of analytics. It's a chance to see the business landscape with fresh eyes, and use data to make the big decisions.”
Kwong Chan, Executive Director, DATA Initiative Faculty Director, MS in Business Analytics Associate Academic Specialist, Marketing

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

The Part-Time Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics—designed for working professionals in the Boston area—explores analytical methods that can be used to drive better outcomes across industries and business functions.

Your core coursework will deepen your knowledge of the major components of cutting-edge analytics and data science—statistical methods, data management, and visualizing and communicating data. You'll choose three or four electives on topics that support your career goals, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced data mining techniques, or programming languages. No previous analytics background is required.

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 Business Analytics 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.

Bloomberg Business Lab

Access almost any piece of information you need about global markets and business using the powerful research and analysis tools leveraged by the financial services industry.

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.

Career Outlook

The D'Amore-McKim Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics prepares you for leadership roles in most industries. This program builds your expertise and deepens your knowledge so you stand out with essential brand analytics abilities. Depending on your experience, your certificate may lead to roles like brand analyst, business intelligence analyst, data analyst, management consultant, or market researcher. 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

Your Graduate Career Center

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

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.

Build your network

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

Explore job postings

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

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? No. This program is not 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.

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

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.