Build toward your Master's Degree - Graduate Certificate in International Business

Earn credits that work twice as hard for you

If you’re thinking of pursuing the next step in your business education, there’s no better place to do that than Northeastern. A master’s degree from Northeastern distinguishes you as an innovative thinker and problem-solver who is uniquely prepared for the challenges of today’s global business world.

And your graduate certificate from Northeastern can give you a head start on that degree. Once you’ve completed your certificate with at least a 3.0 GPA, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s degree program at Northeastern for up to three years following completion of your certificate. This includes an MBA program at D’Amore-McKim like our Online or Part-Time MBA, or an applicable master’s program at the College of Professional Studies. (Note that completion of your graduate certificate doesn’t guarantee acceptance into a master’s degree program.)

Having never taken a business course prior to entering the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration program, it was the perfect way to get my feet wet. It didn’t take me long to realize that earning my certificate would only be the beginning of my business career.
Madeleine Eames, GCBA’15, Part-Time MBA Path

Optional Practical Training

If you’re an international student currently planning on a master’s degree, earning a graduate certificate first can help you add to your credentials and maximize your work time in the United States.

When you earn a graduate certificate in one of our full-time, F-1 visa compliant programs, you’ll be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) afterward. Once you complete your OPT, you may decide to stay at Northeastern to earn your master’s degree. If you choose to do so, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for an additional year of OPT after finishing your master’s program. This means you could complete your certificate, work in the United States for a year, complete your master’s degree in an eligible program, and apply for an additional year OPT, allowing you to gain further work experience in the U.S.

Learn more about Optional Practical Training

Eligible Master’s Programs at D’Amore McKim School of Business

Students who have successfully completed a Graduate Certificate in International Business with a GPA of 3.0 or above may apply their credits towards this master’s degree. Please note that completion of the certificate program does not guarantee admission into an MBA program.

MS in Management (MS x)

Chart your own path to leadership with a personalized management degree that will position you for success in the business world of tomorrow. Gain the business skills that employers want as well as specialized expertise in an area of your choosing in this highly flexible program.

Online MBA

Earn an MBA degree that prepares you to meet the challenges of a tech-driven, high-speed business world—in an all-virtual, customizable format. Choose from eight in-demand concentrations.

Part-Time MBA

Earn an MBA degree that prepares you to meet the challenges of a tech-driven, high-speed business world—on a part-time schedule that works with your life. Choose from 15 in-demand concentrations.

Eligible Master’s Programs at the College of Professional Studies

MS in Corporate & Organizational Communication

The Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication is designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and experiential learning opportunities required to succeed in a dynamic field.

Select graduate business courses from the Graduate Certificate in International Business are eligible to apply towards this master’s program if you earn a 3.0 grade or above. Please contact your enrollment coach for details.