Certificate Overview
The Business Economics Graduate Certificate develops your command of economic theory and its application to real-world business challenges. In four rigorous courses, you’ll explore microeconomics, macroeconomics, market structure, and the financial and labor dynamics that influence organizational strategy.
Designed for professionals seeking to strengthen analytical and strategic thinking, this fully online certificate helps you build the economic fluency that finance, consulting, and operations roles increasingly demand.
99%
Of certificate earners would recommend the program
94%
Reported being prepared for their next career steps
Skills You'll Gain
Through the certificate program, you will learn to:
- Apply microeconomic and macroeconomic principles to business decision-making.
- Analyze current economic issues using quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Evaluate how market forces influence organizational strategy and performance.
- Assess the role of information, transaction costs, and market structure in business operations.
- Interpret economic trends in areas such as labor markets, financial systems, and global competitiveness.
Career Outcomes
Completing this certificate demonstrates your ability to apply economic principles to real-world challenges — positioning you for leadership in finance, consulting, and operations.
Students who have earned the Business Economics Graduate Certificate work at organizations like:
- Boeing
- Edward Jones
- Deloitte
They hold titles such as:
- Personal Financial Advisor
- Business Operations Specialist
- Insurance Underwriter
- Economist
Courses
The Business Economics Graduate Certificate includes four online courses:
- 1 principles of economics course
- 1 microeconomics course
- 2 elective courses
Selecting courses. Multiple course options are available during fall, spring, and summer terms. Offerings vary by term. Explore current options in the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Upcoming Term: Fall 2026
Enroll in your first certificate course this fall — no application required.
Pre-registration opens July 6. Registration opens July 20 at 9 a.m. ET.
Featured Faculty
John Komlos, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, Emeritus, University of Munich
David McIntosh, MBA
Founder, Creative Business Breakthroughs
Zinnia Mukherjee, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, Simmons University
Aleksandar Tomic, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Strategy, Innovation, and Technology and Director of Master of Science in Applied Analytics and Applied Economics, Woods College of Advancing Studies, Boston College
Bruce Watson
Master Lecturer on Economics, Boston University and Lecturer in Extension, Harvard University
Stackable Certificates and Degrees
Stackable credentials allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements.
If you pursue a master’s degree in one of the following two fields, you can earn this graduate certificate along the way by completing courses that fulfill both certificate and degree requirements:
This approach allows you to build specialized knowledge while making measurable progress toward your degree.
Support and Resources
Access to career resources, including webinars, advising, and career fairs
Weekly virtual office hours with the student advising team
Affiliate membership in the Harvard Extension Alumni Association
Tuition
Earning Your Certificate
If you take two courses per semester, you can complete your certificate in 8 months. If you prefer a more flexible pace, you have up to three years to finish.
There is no formal application required. You simply register for each course.
To meet the requirements for the certificate:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete all courses within three years of starting your first eligible certificate course.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
