College of Professional Studies

Commerce and Economic Development

Master's: Boston, MA
More Program Options
Master's : Online
Request Info | Apply

The Master of Science in Commerce and Economic Development, a STEM-designated program, integrates economics, leadership, technology, and public policy to prepare students for a career in the private or public sector.

Boston, MA
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
12-18 months
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
Loading...
Overview

Globalization has created a borderless economy with a host of new opportunities and challenges for those engaged in commerce and economic development. While global markets offer exciting growth prospects, navigating the world stage requires in-depth knowledge of the financial, regulatory, and economic environments and institutions that affect the global economy and international trade. To meet the need for both insight and skills development, Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies—in collaboration with Northeastern University’s College of Social Sciences and Humanities—offers the Master of Science in Commerce and Economic Development, which integrates an applied economics study of information, institutions, and innovation designed to develop and hone analytical skills to support private and public decision-making.

More Details

Unique Features

  • Program designed for midcareer professionals
  • Graduates are positioned for jobs in government, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, universities, or the private sector
  • STEM designation allows international students to apply for a 24-month OPT STEM Extension to their 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation
  • Boston location is a hub for healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences
  • Required capstone project
  • Financial Economics concentration prepares students for the CFA Institute Level I exam

Program Objectives

  • Translate economic theory and classroom materials into core competencies
  • Apply quantitative skills in the areas of economics, economic theory, policy analysis, and research
  • Learn to set prices and output levels
  • Use conceptual and mathematical tools to examine fluctuations in employment, prices, and economic growth
  • Develop skills in data collection, estimation, and results interpretation
  • Apply theories of economic growth, technology, structural changes, industrialization, factor proportions and prices, trade, population, and income distribution
  • Evaluate labor markets and the role of human capital
  • Assess how art, culture, and entertainment impact economic development
  • Analyze the impact of environmental resources on commerce and economic development

Career Outlook

Several major trends—policy convergence, e-commerce expansion, and continued international development—are driving the job growth in the fields of international trade and economic development, and career prospects are expected to remain strong. Jobs in economic analysis and international trade are typically well-paying, with individuals holding advanced degrees expected to enjoy the best opportunities.

Unique Transfer Opportunity

About the CFA, CFP, FRM and PRM Certification Transfer Credit Opportunities:
Why consider a Master of Science in Commerce and Economic Development from Northeastern University? We recognize the knowledge and financial competencies demonstrated by those who have earned their CFA, CFP, FRM and PRM certifications. As a result, credential-holders have the unique opportunity to accelerate through a Northeastern University degree.

Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their CFA® certification:

  • Will receive 10 credit hours of transfer credit—a 22% savings in tuition.
  • Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: CED 6050 (Commerce & Economic Development), CED 6240 (Financial Ethics), FIN 6161 (Investment Analysis).

Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their CFP™ certification:

  • Will receive 11 credit hours of transfer credit—a 24% savings in tuition.
  • Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses:  CED 6050 (Commerce & Economic  Development), FIN 6102 (Asset & Liability Management), FIN 6161 (Investment Analysis).

Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their FRM® certification:

  • Will receive 11 credit hours of transfer credit—a 24% savings in tuition.
  • Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: FIN 6102 (Asset & Liability Management), FIN 6161 (Investment Analysis), CED 6250 (Derivatives & Alt. Investments).

Successful applicants for a master's degree program with their PRM™ certification:

  • Will receive 11 credit hours of transfer credit—a 24% savings in tuition.
  • Transfer credit is awarded for the following courses: FIN 6102 (Asset & Liability Management), FIN 6161 (Investment Analysis), CED 6250 (Derivatives & Alt. Investments).

 

Looking for something different?

View more Business programs
Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$52.2K *
Tuition
$3.5K
Avg Institutional Aid
11%
% Receiving Aid

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Online application
  • Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
  • 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.)
  • Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
  • 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

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

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.

Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Learn About Getting Real World Experience

 

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our business alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

 

  • Where They Work

    • State Street
    • Fidelity Investments
    • Dell EMC
    • IBM
    • Raytheon

  • What They Do

    • Business Development
    • Sales
    • Operations
    • Finance
    • Entrepreneurship

  • What They're Skilled At

    • Management
    • Leadership
    • Customer Service
    • Project Management
    • Strategic Planning

 

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.

Related Info

Related Articles

MS in Economics vs Finance vs MBA: Which Is Right for You?

August 15, 2024 -
Industry Advice

3 Types of Innovation Changing the Future of Business

August 7, 2024 -
Industry Advice

10 Economics Careers To Power Your Future

August 7, 2024 -
Industry Advice

You May Also Be Interested In
Master's
Online
Full-Time
Part-Time
12-18 months
Online
 Save
LOCATION COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE
 
Master's
Boston, MA
Full-Time
12-16 Months
Classroom
 Save
LOCATION COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE
 
Master's
Boston, MA
Full-Time
2.25 years
Classroom
 Save
LOCATION COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE
 
Certificate
Boston, MA
Full-Time
Part-Time
6-12 months
Classroom
 Save
LOCATION COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE
 
Certificate
Boston, MA
Full-Time
Part-Time
6-12 months
Classroom
 Save
LOCATION COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE
 
Certificate
Boston, MA
Full-Time
Part-Time
6-12 months
Classroom
 Save
LOCATION COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE