Staying ahead in a global and tech-driven business environment requires fresh thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset. When you earn your Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation, you'll learn a cutting-edge set of skills for reinventing existing methods, developing new business models, and designing new products—and securing your place as a valued contributor in the decision-making process.
Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation Program 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: 8 months when studying full-time; 8 months to 3 years when studying part-time
Full-time Graduate Certificate | Typical program timeline
*Starts in September or January. May be completed at a flexible pace but is usually completed in two semesters.
*Starts in September or January. May be completed at a flexible pace but is usually completed in two semesters.
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.
Unique Features
- Develop your creative capacity and learn how to expand the boundaries of your thinking
- Learn best practices for harnessing technological innovation and commercializing sound ideas
- Specialize your studies with electives that are relevant to your goals, such as disruptive technologies, intellectual property, or design thinking
- 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 earned certificate credits toward an eligible master's degree or MBA
“I wanted to get a better understanding of current technology curves and learn how innovation happens, and this program is perfect for that–and Northeastern is one of the best schools out there.”
—Peter Rupert, Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation (formerly Innovation Management)'19
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Curriculum
You can study for your Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation full-time or part-time.
In both formats, you'll be learning from world-renowned faculty—industry leaders, leading consultants, change agents, and founders of startups—and you'll study alongside a diverse group of students with a mix of industry and academic backgrounds.
Through core coursework and electives, you'll explore the fundamentals of corporate innovation, focusing on the skills and knowledge you need to make innovation central to your organization's competitive strategy. You'll dive into topics such as harnessing technological innovation, designing business models, unlocking creative potential, creating business plans, financing new ventures, and uncovering opportunities for disruption.
Experience-Powered Learning
Experience is the signature feature of a Northeastern education. Your Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation 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
DATA Club
Data KIPS
IDEA Student-Led Venture Accelerator
Career Outlook
The D'Amore-McKim Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation prepares you to challenge the status quo in a corporate setting. This program builds your expertise and develops essential innovative skills necessary to develop your organization's competitive strategies. Depending on your experience, your certificate may lead to roles like corporate development & strategy, community manager, advancement, client services associate, or communications lead. 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
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.
| 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 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.
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