Graduate Certificate

Corporate Innovation

Gain the skills to reinvent processes, develop new business models, and design new products as you grow as an innovative leader in your organization.

Program details

  • Commitment

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

  • Entry Terms

    Fall, Spring

  • Visa Compliant

    Yes

  • STEM-designated

    No

  • Locations

  • Program Options

This PROGRAM IS IDEAL FOR

Students interested in jobs like corporate development and strategy officer 

Current professionals interested in emerging trends and technologies 

Workers looking to add key skills now with a future master's degree in mind 

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

The innovative mindset you need for a rapidly changing world 

  • Become an adaptable, creative thinker capable of harnessing the latest technology, implementing strategic ideas, and driving change in your organization.  
  • Work with faculty and experienced entrepreneurs on projects and case studies that directly apply to business challenges.  
  • Customize your education with a flexible schedule and electives relevant to your goals—including disruptive technologies, intellectual property, or design thinking. 
  • Chart your career path, explore employer opportunities, and refine your job search with dedicated support from our Graduate Career Center. 
  • Earn credits that you may be able to apply toward an eligible Northeastern master's degree or MBA program in the future. 

Program options

The Graduate Certificate in Corporate Innovation offers the flexibility to complete the program at a pace that suits your personal and professional life. In just 12 credits—with the option to expand up to 15 credits to deepen your knowledge base—you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to advance your career. These example timelines illustrate what your plan could look like, depending on if you attend classes full-time or part-time. Actual course schedules may vary, so you'll work closely with your academic advisor to plan your schedule.   

The full-time format is designed for students who can commit to eight months of full-time study. Evening classes run Monday through Thursday, and you can choose from 5:20 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. class times, completing the program in just two semesters.

The full-time format is F-1 and J-1 visa compliant for international students. This may make you eligible to apply for apply for Optional Practical Training (F-1 students) or Academic Training (J-1 students), allowing you to work in the United States for up to 12-months (F-1 students) or 8-months (J-1 students) after your studies are complete.  

The part-time format is designed for working professionals who would prefer to set their own pace to work with their life and other responsibilities. Evening classes run Monday through Thursday, and you can choose from 5:20 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. class times. You can finish in as little as one year, or if you need to go slower in order to accommodate your work and family commitments, you can finish your certificate over a longer period of up to three years. 

In addition to the required Enterprise Growth and Innovation course, you'll choose three to four electives that deepen your knowledge in specific areas and prepare you to reach your unique goals.  

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 for D'Amore-McKim students

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

  • non Credit

    Bloomberg Business Lab

    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

    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

Experience the convenience of Northeastern's central Boston campus. Easily accessible by train and offering ample parking, our campus fits seamlessly into your busy schedule. Enjoy flexible class hours that accommodate your professional commitments while immersing yourself in the heart of the city's vibrant business hub.

Study in the heart of Boston

Study in the heart of Boston Opens in Modal

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 Corporate Innovation 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 the latest tools and approaches for corporate innovation as you form valuable relationships with mentors and advisors who will collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing challenges in the field. 

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)

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.

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

The D'Amore-McKim School of Business is a vibrant, diverse community of learners from all over the world. Our international graduate students page provides more information about applying and the benefits of choosing D'Amore-McKim.

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

Upcoming admissions Events

Sep 24

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Sep 29

Join us to learn how a graduate certificate from D'Amore-McKim can further your career goals.

Oct 1

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