It takes more than just a good idea to launch a successful business in today's digital-first economy—it takes knowledge of product development processes, business models, and competitive strategies. When you earn your Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship, you'll learn the process for turning a promising idea into reality and build a complete business plan for your own high-potential venture.
Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship Program Overview
- Program Structure: 4–5 courses
- Class Schedule: Monday–Thursday evenings at 5:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Time to Complete: 8 months when studying full-time; 8 months to 3 years when studying part-time
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.
Full-time Graduate Certificate for international students | Typical program timeline
*Starts in September or January. May be completed at a flexible pace but is usually completed in three semesters.
Unique Features
145+
countries represented by Northeastern students and faculty
12 or 15
credits may be applied toward a future MBA
#11
Graduate entrepreneurship program (Princeton Review, 2021)
2
study options
- Learn core business skills that will help you turn an entrepreneurial concept into a real, thriving enterprise
- Build a complete business plan for your own high-potential idea
- 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
- Access expert career guidance from an experienced counselor at Northeastern's office of Employer Engagement and Career Design
- 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 program
Admissions
- 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.
- Interview Required? International applicants who are not native English speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency. You may demonstrate this in one of two ways: submit your test score from TOEFL iBT, IELTS, or PTE academic.
Helpful Guides
Application Checklist
Need guidance on completing your application? The application checklist provides step-by-step instructions and tips from our admissions team.
Personal Statement Guide
Need guidance in composing the personal statement for your application? The essay guide will help you organize your thoughts and draft your copy.
Full-Time Graduate Certificates (F-1 Visa Compliant)
| Application Deadlines | Decision Notifications | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 5, 2023 | Rolling Basis | January |
| Nov. 9, 2023* | Rolling Basis | January |
| Dec. 7, 2023 | Rolling Basis | January |
| Feb. 1, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| March 21, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| May 9, 2024** | Rolling Basis | September |
| June 7, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| July 3, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| Aug. 1, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
**May 9, 2024 deadline is the final deadline for international candidates who require a new F-1 or J-1 visa
Part-Time Graduate Certificates
| Application Deadlines | Decision Notifications | Classes Begin |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 4, 2023 | Rolling Basis | January |
| Nov. 9, 2023 | Rolling Basis | January |
| Dec. 7, 2023 | Rolling Basis | January |
| Feb. 1, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| March 21, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| May 9, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| June 7, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| July 3, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
| Aug. 1, 2024 | Rolling Basis | September |
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. You may 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 School of Business community stands with our university and its leadership in our dedication to cultivating equity and inclusion for all humankind. Understanding and solving our problems requires constant interaction among people who bring their own diverse contexts and experiences to the conversation. Therefore, we must be a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community that values the uniqueness of its members, recognizes the power and importance of diversity in our own and surrounding communities, and ensures their engaged participation.
Graduate Student Clubs
There are numerous university-wide and D'Amore-McKim-affiliated student groups that you may wish to join, and several are grounded in building inclusive communities and resiliency. Many of our graduate business students participate in the Graduate Students of Color Collective, Grad Q, and Out in Business.
Campus Resources
Participate in community-building programs, lectures, and events offered by Northeastern's cultural centers representing a range of affiliations and interests including the LGBTQA Resource Center, Latinx Student Cultural Center, Asian American Center, Office of Global Services, and many more.
Curriculum
You can study for your Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship full-time or part-time.
In both formats, you'll be learning from world-renowned faculty—industry leaders, leading consultants, 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 entrepreneurship, focusing on the skills and knowledge you need to launch and manage a successful business. You'll dive into topics such as . . .
- Designing a successful organization
- Developing next-generation products
- Building business plans
- Harnessing lean design
- Uncovering opportunities for disruption
- Creating a positive business culture
Choose your format
Full-time curriculum
Study on our Boston campus and complete the program in eight months. Full-time study is F-1 visa compliant.
The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Meet Some of Our Students
Expanding career opportunities through pursuit of a graduate certificate
“Without having a formal education in the field, my knowledge was limited to my experiences. I wanted to learn more about marketing and earn a graduate certificate to provide myself access to more career opportunities in the future.” says Danielle Cochran, Graduate Certificate in Marketing'21
Former consultant builds entrepreneurial skills
“The graduate certificate was the perfect mix of entrepreneurship and innovation coursework that helped me explore career paths while building the skills to grow my career at BCG.” says Jay Addo, Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship'21
How his dream of leading a startup started with D'Amore-McKim
“My graduate certificate provided me with the tools and ability to understand and learn about entrepreneurship with a different vision.”
Get in touch
Full-Time & Part-Time advisor
Elizabeth Nersinger
Learn more about campus
Upcoming Future Student Events
2023 Boston Area Diversity Admissions Forum
Learn how the graduate business programs at D'Amore-McKim can further your career goals.
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