Program Overview

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Business Management Foundations is designed to provide a strong foundation across a wide range of business disciplines, including management, accounting, finance, leadership, and marketing. This interdisciplinary certificate is ideal for graduate professionals who desire more formal business training or education.

Program Details

• Credits and Costs: 12 credits, $1,273 per credit
• Application Deadline: Apply by April 15 to start May 18
• Program Format: 100% online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace
• Career Opportunities: This program can help create opportunities in various fields and industries, and can also give students a solid head start toward a full master’s degree

Required Courses

• BA 809: Strategic Business Architecture (3 credits)
• BA 888: Executive Leadership (3 credits)
• MBADM 571: Global Strategic Management (3 credits)
• MBADM 811: Financial Accounting (3 credits)
• MBADM 816: Managing and Leading People in Organizations (3 credits)
• MBADM 820: Financial Management (3 credits)
• MBADM 821: Marketing in a Global Environment (3 credits)

Program Benefits

• AACSB Accredited: The Penn State Smeal College of Business is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide
• Convenient Online Format: This program's convenient online format gives students the flexibility to study around their busy schedules
• Trusted Leader in Online Education: Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree: An applicant must hold either a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a tertiary degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution
• Official Transcripts: Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed
• Test Scores: GRE or GMAT scores are not required, but English proficiency tests may be required for international applicants
• Vita or Résumé: A one- to two-page listing of professional experience
• Statement of Intent: A statement describing how professional experience and goals align with the Graduate Certificate in Business Management Foundations

Tuition and Financial Aid

• Tuition Rates: Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which a student registers
• Financial Aid: Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree" and are not eligible for federal student aid, but may be eligible for private alternative loans or other forms of financial assistance

Faculty

• Chelsea Hammond: Associate clinical professor of marketing and program director of the online marketing analytics certificate
• Brendan Bagley: Information technology project manager and learning partner for Penn State HR Talent Management
• Brian H. Cameron: Associate dean for Professional Graduate Programs and clinical professor of information systems
• Jeffrey A. Krug: Adjunct professor of management
• Neil F. Fogarty: Award-winning, full-time instructor of entrepreneurship

Career Services

• Career Counselor/Coach Support: Career counseling and coaching to support students in achieving their career goals
• Occupation and Salary Information: Access to information on occupations and salaries to help students make informed decisions
• Internships: Opportunities for internships to gain practical experience
• Graduate School Resources: Resources and support for students pursuing further education

Related Degree Programs

• Business Administration - MBA: A master's degree program that can help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in business
• Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A master's degree program that focuses on corporate innovation and entrepreneurship
• Strategic Management and Executive Leadership: A master's degree program that prepares students for leadership roles in organizations
• Enterprise Architecture and Business Transformation: A master's degree program that focuses on enterprise architecture and business transformation
• Marketing Analytics and Insights: A master's degree program that focuses on marketing analytics and insights
• Supply Chain Management: A master's degree program that focuses on supply chain management

Penn State Smeal Advantage

• Lifelong Learning: A commitment to lifelong learning and professional development
• Personal Advising: Personal advising to help students refine their career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to their interests
• Career Coaching: Career coaching to support students across all career stages
• Rich Educational Experience: A rich educational experience that combines the best of online and in-person learning
• Courses Designed to Engage and Motivate: Courses designed to engage and motivate professional students
• Real-World Perspective: A real-world perspective that brings industry professionals into the virtual classroom
• Global Immersion: Opportunities for global immersion to enhance students' ability to communicate cross-culturally and adapt to evolving business environments
• Large and Influential Network: A large and influential network of instructors, learners, and alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact.