Business Management Foundations Graduate Credit Certificate Program

The Graduate Certificate in Business Management Foundations is offered by the Smeal College of Business. Most career fields today require a foundational business knowledge. The graduate certificate is a 12-credit program that can be completed in one calendar year. The graduate certificate provides foundational knowledge in key areas of business management.

Effective Semester: Spring 2021
Expiration Semester: Spring 2026

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies. International applicants may be required to satisfy an English proficiency requirement; see GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.

Exceptions to GCAC-305 will be considered by the program. Exceptions may or may not be granted by the Graduate School.

Other admissions requirements include:

• Official Transcripts – Submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation.
• Application –Completion of the Graduate School certificate application.
• Statement of Purpose — Applicants must describe how professional experience and goals align with the Certificate in Business Management Foundations, not to exceed 500 words.
• Vita or Résumé — Provide a one- to two-page listing of professional experience and education.

GRE/GMAT scores are NOT required.

Certificate Requirements

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in Graduate Council policy GCAC-212 Postbaccalaureate Credit Certificate Programs.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Learning Outcomes

• Graduates will be able to demonstrate competency in the foundational concepts and practices of business management.
• Graduates will be able to demonstrate competency in the concepts and practices in four of the following foundational areas of business management: (a) strategic management, (b) financial accounting, (c) financial management, (d) managing and leading people in organizations, (e) leadership. The four areas will be dependent on the student’s background and needs.

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