Entrepreneurship
Certificate
Have a high-potential idea for a startup or corporate venture? Build a business plan, sharpen your strategy, and prepare to launch your own enterprise.
Program overview
Turn ideas into market success
The Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship at Northeastern University equips you with the essential skills to bring technological products from concept to launch. In just 12–15 master’s-level credits, you’ll learn from experienced entrepreneurs and study real-world cases that bring theory to life.
The curriculum covers areas like venture financing, technology application, and business planning, with elective options such as lean design, operations management, and marketing to tailor your experience to your career goals. This flexible program, available both full time and part time, also offers access to experiential learning opportunities that enrich your perspective and build confidence.
The Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship at Northeastern University equips you with the essential skills to bring technological products from concept to launch. In just 12–15 master’s-level credits, you’ll learn from experienced entrepreneurs and study real-world cases that bring theory to life.
The curriculum covers areas like venture financing, technology application, and business planning, with elective options such as lean design, operations management, and marketing to tailor your experience to your career goals. This flexible program, available both full time and part time, also offers access to experiential learning opportunities that enrich your perspective and build confidence.
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International—the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.
- Personalize your curriculum with electives that align with your career goals.
- Create a comprehensive business plan applicable in your current role or for your own startup.
- Study on-campus in Boston, a global hub for business and innovation.
- Access guidance from the D’Amore-McKim Graduate Career Center.
- Explore experiential opportunities like the DATA Club or IDEA, Northeastern’s student-led venture accelerator.
- Lay the groundwork for a future MBA by applying your certificate credits toward an eligible master’s degree.
- Qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) as an international student through full-time study.
Mastering new business skills is crucial for advancing your career, whether in a corporate setting or launching your own venture. The Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship equips you with up-to-date knowledge, setting the stage for roles in startup investment or laying the foundation to launch your enterprise.
Northeastern’s experiential learning model focuses on real-world application. Your courses will include case studies and project work, allowing you to learn from successful companies and refine your skills in a collaborative setting. Enhance your business knowledge through unique opportunities, such as:
- DATA Club
- Data KIPS
- IDEA, Northeastern’s student-led venture accelerator
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.
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, and we recommend that you complete your application early to maximize your chances of securing enrollment.
*Final deadline for international applicants needing a new F-1 or J-1 visa
Spring Term: Full-Time
| Application Deadline: | Decision Notification: |
| Nov. 1, 2025* | Rolling Basis |
| Dec. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
Spring Term: Part-Time
| Application Deadline: | Decision Notification: |
| Oct. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
| Dec. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
Fall Term: Full-Time
| Application Deadline: | Decision Notification: |
| Nov. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
| Jan. 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
| May 1, 2026* | Rolling Basis |
| Aug. 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
Fall Term: Part-Time
| Application Deadline: | Decision Notification: |
| Nov. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
| Jan. 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
| May 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
| Aug. 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
To apply, log in—or create an account—on our application portal, choose your program, and answer a few questions. You’ll need to submit:
Application form
A personal statement (<=500 words)
Resumé
One letter of recommendation
Academic transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
Kira online interview (by invitation, access provided after submitting your application)
Optional GMAT/GRE test scores
TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
Passport or permanent residency card (if applicable)
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Strengthen the critical skills needed to launch and manage a successful venture, including marketing, finance, operations, and product design.
Learn to develop a comprehensive business plan, preparing you to launch a new venture or introduce innovative products within your company.
Study real-world cases to understand successful entrepreneurial strategies and apply these insights to your projects.
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.
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
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$22,608 - $28,260Tuition 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.
Visit tuition & financial aidTotal Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.
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