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College of Professional Studies

Cross-Cultural Communication

Certificate

Gain in-demand communication skills that can help you more effectively navigate multicultural environments.

Program curriculum Explore College of Professional Studies
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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
6 - 12 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No
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Program overview

Training communication leaders

This certificate trains students to leverage strong communication skills across various groups in a particular environment. Students will learn about effective communications in areas ranging from grassroots outreach to the communications at large public entities like global corporations. With effective skills in cross-cultural communication, professionals can seek opportunities in consultancy, governmental bodies, nonprofit organizations, public relations, sales, social service, and tourism. There are also a vast range of roles within corporate departments, such as communications, customer service, development, human resources, marketing, and sales.

  • Choose from two pathways: international or social justice.
  • Take on an international field study experience, which includes on-site training in your chosen region.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.


  • Online application

  • Professional resumé

  • Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:

    • Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date

    • TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores

  • Other materials may be required

Program objectives

Prepare for success

This unique certificate allows students to learn traditional communications strategies while increasing their personal cross-cultural awareness.

Address bias and organizational strategy

Analyze personal cross-cultural awareness and implicit bias, in addition to interpreting organizational cross-cultural communication strategy to develop effective communication processes and activities.

Evaluate audiences

Evaluate communication audiences from a holistic perspective, thereby constructing effective verbal and nonverbal interactions based on cross-cultural consumption.

Develop more effective strategies

Formulate enlightened cross-cultural communication and inclusive diversity strategies, processes, and policies.

Gain advanced critical-thinking skills

Apply critical-thinking skills through research, case analysis, role plays, and experiential learning while employing cross-cultural communication strategies.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Stack your certificate

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $14,704
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

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Online Programs

Your education, your way

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Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

Learn more about online learning at Northeastern

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)