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College of Professional Studies

Global Regulatory Affairs

Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Global Regulatory Affairs allows you to build an international perspective by studying convergent regulatory requirements in Canada, the European Union, EMEA countries, and ASEAN nations.

A group of scientists in white lab coats are gathered in a laboratory, listening to a man explain chemical diagrams on a whiteboard. Some take notes while others watch attentively. Laboratory equipment surrounds them.
Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
6 - 12 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring, Summer
Meets F1 visa requirements
No

Program overview

A real-world approach to regulation

The professional practice of regulatory affairs is becoming increasingly harmonized, and regulatory intelligence, submissions, operations, and strategy are evolving into globally based endeavors. As organizations set common guidelines and standards for these and other regulatory practices, marketing approval and post-market surveillance requirements are geographically converging.

In Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Global Regulatory Affairs, you’ll examine specific biomedical regulatory requirements in countries around the world and utilize your knowledge of such requirements to maintain global, rather than geographically based, regulatory practice.

  • Gain a global perspective as you study alongside students from more than 20 countries.
  • Study in a flexible online format, allowing you to complete most work when and where it best suits your schedule.
  • Connect with alumni working at the world’s largest pharmaceutical, biologic, medical device, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical product and service manufacturers including Genzyme, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, PRA Health Sciences, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Novartis, Merck, Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola.
  • Stack credits from this certificate program into Northeastern’s Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs.

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

With the skills developed in this program, you’ll be able to effectively bring organizations up to speed in the face of rapidly changing global regulations.

Understand harmonized regulatory practices

Develop knowledge of how regulatory intelligence, submissions, operations, and strategy are converging into globally standardized approaches across regions.

Master international guidelines and standards

Learn the common frameworks established by leading organizations that are driving convergence in marketing approval and post-market surveillance requirements worldwide.

Analyze regional regulatory requirements

Examine specific biomedical regulatory requirements across key markets, including Canada, the European Union, EMEA countries, and ASEAN nations.

Apply global regulatory knowledge strategically

Efficiently leverage understanding of convergent regulatory requirements to practice regulatory affairs on a global scale.

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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Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $14,592
    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.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

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.

#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)