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
- 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.
Campus-Based Graduate Certificates
| 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 (Full-time certificates only)
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 diverse contexts and experiences to the conversation.
We value uniqueness, recognize the power and importance of diversity in our own and surrounding communities, and ensure engaged participation. Numerous student groups and campus resources focus on building inclusive communities.
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
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
Get in touch
Full-Time & Part-Time advisor
Elizabeth Nersinger
Learn more about campus
Upcoming Future Student Events
Nardone Family Seminar: AI: Promise and Perils for Business
Discover the transformative potential of artificial intelligence with Venkat Srinivasan, Founder & Managing Director of Innospark Ventures, who will share his perspectives as an AI researcher and Venture Capitalist to explore the opportunities and challenges that AI poses in the present day and discuss what we might expect from AI in the business world in the coming years.
D'Amore-McKim Graduate Programs Overview
Join us to gain insights into D'Amore-McKim's programs and discover how you can propel your career forward.
D'Amore-McKim Graduate Programs Application Q&A
Get all of your application process questions answered and explore topics like financial aid, scholarships, and making your app stand out.
Café Connections in Boston's Financial District
Join us for a casual in-person chat about our graduate business programs over a cup of coffee, on us!
