Commerce and Economic Development
Master's
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.
Program overview
An integrated approach to economics
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 to develop and hone analytical skills.
Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.
If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.
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 to develop and hone analytical skills.
Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.
If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.
- The program is designed for midcareer professionals.
- Graduates are positioned for jobs in government, international organizations, nonprofit organizations, universities, or the private sector.
- The 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.
- Northeastern’s Boston location is a hub for healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences.
- This MS requires a capstone project.
- The financial economics concentration prepares students for the CFA Institute Level I exam.
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.
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; 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, personal copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; official transcripts are required at the time of enrollment
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents. Please review the FCE requirements by country.
Please refer to the CPS Apply Now page to learn about additional materials that may be required
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Develop your skills in practical and theoretical economic concepts.
Apply quantitative skills in the areas of economics, economic theory, policy analysis, data collection, estimation, and results interpretation.
Learn to set prices and output levels and use conceptual and mathematical tools to examine fluctuations in employment, prices, and economic growth.
Apply theories of economic growth, technology, industrialization, factor proportions and prices, trade, population, and income distribution and evaluate labor markets and the role of human capital.
Assess how art, culture, environmental resources, and entertainment impact commerce and economic development.
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.
Watch and learn
Occupations
Showing job titles from highest to lowest annual growth for ZIP code .
Showing job titles from highest to lowest annual growth for the postal code .
No companies available.
No skills available.
No job titles available.
Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
-
$54,315Tuition 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 aidA hub of innovation
Northeastern's first campus builds on Boston's legacy of innovation. Our 37-plus research facilities allow students and faculty to work on groundbreaking research, while our deep ties to the biotech, healthcare, education, and startup industries provide unique opportunities for learning.
#1
Best state to live in
(WalletHub, 2023)
110K+
Northeastern alumni in Greater Boston
#3
Best state for education
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)