Master's Certificate Programs in Business Management
A graduate certificate in business management can equip you with fundamental business skills for a fraction of the time and cost of a full-time MBA program. If you've already got a bachelor's degree, keep reading for program information, areas of study, prerequisites, classes and online learning. Schools offering Business Management degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Is a Master's Certificate in Business Management Right for Me?
Master's certificates in business management are best suited for those with bachelor's degrees in other fields who want to strengthen their knowledge in foundational areas of business. There are master's certificate programs in general business management, as well as programs in specialized areas, such as non-profit business management, business management for engineers and project management.
Most programs consist of three to ten classes and can take one to two years to complete. Often, you can transfer any credits that you've earned through a certificate program to a master's degree program in a business-related field.
| Program Specializations | Non-profit business management, business management for engineers, project management |
| Key Skills_ | Business development, sales management, advertising, purchasing |
| _Admission Requirements | Bachelor's degree, resume, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, personal statement |
| _Common Courses | Financial management, negotiation techniques, risk management, organizational behavior, human resources |
| _Online Availability | Program can be completed entirely online |
What Will I Learn?
You'll learn the fundamentals of business in areas such as accounting, finance, human resources management and marketing. Because many applicants enroll in master's certificate programs in business management in preparation to starting their own businesses, programs often focus on entrepreneurial skills such as:
- Business development
- Sales management
- Advertising
- Purchasing
In an increasingly global business environment, many programs also emphasize technology, computer science and technical literacy. Of course, management and leadership skills are often central components in these programs.
What Are the Prerequisites?
You'll have to have at least a bachelor's degree before being considered for admission; however, your degree usually does not have to be in a business-related field. You may also have to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores and a personal statement. Some specialized programs that focus on practical applications may also require you to submit a business prospectus.
What Classes Will I Take?
Classes in graduate certificate programs in business management typically consist mainly of coursework, although you can expect to participate in collaborative projects. Some classes that you may expect to find in the curriculum include:
- Financial management
- Business research methods
- Negotiation techniques
- Project management
- Management economics
- Risk management
- Organizational behavior
- Human resources
Can I Earn This Certificate Online?
Graduate business certificates are available fully online or in hybrid programs that feature online and on-campus classes. Online programs offer flexible schedules and, depending on the program, you may be able to finish the program faster than you would a traditional on-campus program.
Coursework in online programs is often identical to the coursework found in on-campus certificate programs. You'll use email, discussion forums, conference calls and in some cases video chat to communicate with you professors and classmates.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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