Sustainability isn't just another buzzword—it's a new way of doing business that requires organizations to make a positive impact on surrounding communities. When you earn your Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business from Northeastern, you'll develop a foundation of skills for creating sustainable business strategies that can make you a more well-rounded leader.
Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business Program Overview
- Program Structure: 12–15 credits
- Class Schedule: Monday–Thursday evenings at 5:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Start Term: January or September
- Time to Complete: 1 to 3 years
Part-Time Graduate Certificate | Typical program timeline

**Most finish in three semesters, but you can go at your own pace up to three years.

**Most finish in three semesters, but you can go at your own pace up to three years.
Unique Features
- Learn strategies for addressing climate change, social justice, community impact, and governing transparency that give your organization a competitive edge in the marketplace
- Specialize your studies with electives relevant to your goals, such as social entrepreneurship, public policy, or sustainable supply chain management
- Build experience through applied project work and case studies—key components of Northeastern's practice-oriented approach to learning
- Build the foundation for a future master's degree from Northeastern—you may be able to apply your certificate credits toward an eligible master's program
“More and more, companies are coming to realize the value of making sustainability integral to their business strategies. The Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business equips you with the knowledge to incorporate sustainable practices into all aspects of a company, from building customer trust, to attracting and retaining a committed workforce, to developing reliable supplier relationships and obtaining social impact financing.”
Sheila M. Puffer, University Distinguished Professor
Professor of International Business and Strategy
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Curriculum
The coursework for the Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business will cultivate the skills needed to practice ethical and sustainable decisions in today's business world, giving your organization a competitive edge.
Through relevant coursework, you'll learn to increase efficiency, drive value, and build trust through sustainable practices. You'll complete your certificate in as few as four courses, with an optional fifth to expand your learning. Through one required core course and choices from six electives, you'll dive into topics such as social entrepreneurship, public policy, and sustainable supply chain management.
Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
Experience-Powered Learning
Experience is the signature feature of a Northeastern education. Your Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business courses will include applied project work that strengthens your collaboration and problem-solving skills. Some of your learning will happen outside your formal curriculum—take advantage of these non-credit opportunities to expand your knowledge base.

Bloomberg Business Lab

DATA Club

Data KIPS

IDEA Student-Led Venture Accelerator
Career Outlook
The D'Amore-McKim Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and Business prepares you for roles specializing in implementing sustainable practices into business. This program teaches you the fundamentals of sustainable business strategy while developing a competitive edge for your organization. Depending on your experience, your certificate may lead to roles such as sustainability manager, renewable energy analyst, environmental compliance specialist, environmental planner, natural sciences manager, or corporate social responsibility manager. Our graduates are recruited by companies of all sizes, from startups to multinational organizations.
Plan a successful career with genuine support
Dedicated career support through our Graduate Career Center
Tap into the extensive career planning tools and the deep understanding of the job market that our Graduate Career Center offers. Attend events, build your network, forge connections with fellow students, staff, and faculty, and hear insider insights from employer partners
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? No. This program is not F-1 visa compliant.
- Is a graduate business certificate worth it? Learn more here.
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 for a September start for eligible full-time programs
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 different contexts and experiences to the conversation.
We value uniqueness, recognize the power and importance of belonging in our own and surrounding communities, and ensure engaged participation. Numerous student groups and campus resources focus on building dynamic communities.
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Full-Time & Online advisors
Elizabeth Nersinger
Jessica Ward

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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.