Today's business world is interconnected and international, and employers value professionals who can operate effectively across cultures. Our Graduate Certificate in International Business will prepare you for this environment with high-impact courses on global business issues—plus the chance to learn about finance, marketing, operations, economics, and strategy through an international lens.
Graduate Certificate in International Business Program Overview
- Program Structure: Full-time or part-time. You'll complete 12–15 credits, depending on your chosen format.
- Class Schedule: Monday–Thursday evenings on campus
- Time to Complete: Eight months to three years, depending on your chosen format.
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

*Typically starts in September or January. May be completed in eight months (two semesters) to be F-1 visa compliant.
Unique Features
Top 10
ranked international business program in the Top 10 by U.S. News & World Report
12-15
credits to earn your certificate
2
available formats
By earning your Graduate Certificate in International Business, you will . . .
- Become part of an international business program ranked in the Top 10 by U.S. News & World Report
- Learn from highly renowned faculty with recognized expertise in emerging markets, reverse innovation, talent management, entrepreneurship and innovation, health care management, and corporate governance/ethics
- Earn credits that may be applied toward a future MBA at Northeastern
Meet Some of Our Students
Minwoo Kim, Graduate Certificate in International Business‘19, MS in International Management‘21
“After researching various options, I decided Northeastern would be the best fit because of its diverse and welcoming community. I wanted to be at a university where I could interact with and learn from peers with perspectives and experiences that differ from mine…I'm glad I have the chance to do this at Northeastern.”
Monique Buckner, Graduate Certificate in International Business '17
“I wanted to be a part of a school and program that had the ability to deliver above and beyond their reputation and my expectation, so I chose Northeastern” says Buckner.
Claire Venables, Graduate Certificate in Business Administration '18
“The resources provided by the university and the quality of the lectures has allowed for me to gain an education which is at the forefront of business innovation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of a global mindset in business” says Venables
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)
2023 Application Deadlines | Decision Notifications | Classes Begin |
---|---|---|
Oct. 4 | Rolling Basis | January |
Nov. 9* | Rolling Basis | January |
Dec. 8 | Rolling Basis | January |
Mar. 21 | Rolling Basis | September |
Apr. 20 | Rolling Basis | September |
Jun. 1* | Rolling Basis | September |
Jun. 29 | Rolling Basis | September |
*June 1 deadline is the final deadline for international candidates who require a new F-1 visa
Part-Time Graduate Certificates
2023 Application Deadlines | Decision Notifications | Classes Begin |
---|---|---|
Oct. 4 | Rolling Basis | January |
Nov. 9 | Rolling Basis | January |
Dec. 8 | Rolling Basis | January |
Mar. 21 | Rolling Basis | September |
Apr. 20 | Rolling Basis | September |
Jun. 1 | Rolling Basis | September |
Jun. 29 | 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
The Graduate Certificate in International Business is designed to help professionals and recent graduates build specialized knowledge in areas highly relevant to the global business environment. All three program formats include two required courses. You can then choose electives from your program that build the specific skills you need—for example, supply chain, finance, or marketing.
Choose your format
Full-time Curriculum
Compliant with F-1 visa regulations, our program offers you the chance to build in-demand skills and cultural fluency through one of the country's top-ranked international business programs.
Part-time Curriculum
The Part-Time Graduate Certificate in International Business helps Boston-area professionals like you begin building the knowledge and skills you need to navigate the global marketplace, in as few as four courses.
The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Get in touch
Full-Time & Part-Time advisor
Samir Saueressig

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