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Graduate Program
Business Fundamentals Certificate
A certificate in business fundamentals will help you develop a core set of business skills and set you up for success, whether you're changing careers or making big moves at your current organization.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Certificate
100% Online
Credits
12
Avg. Time to Completion
1 Year
College/School
Explore the Business Fundamentals Certificate
Our business fundamentals certificate will fast track your career growth and earning potential, enabling you to transition into a managerial role and assume greater responsibility for your organization's success.
Designed for technical professionals, clinicians, and individuals with non-business degrees, this program will teach you adaptable business skills that will invigorate whatever industry you choose. You'll develop competencies in marketing, accounting, managerial decision-making, strategic finance, and the design and management of business processes that you can put to work immediately. Or, you can seamlessly transition credits from the certificate program into our signature MBA.
It's our way of empowering you to achieve your career goals today and well into the future.
Our School of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Business Certificate Program Information
All industries require employees with effective leadership skills who can make sound business decisions. Through four fundamental businesses courses, you'll graduate prepared to:
- Build a talented and effective workforce
- Motivate your employees to superior performance
- Manage projects effectively
- Lead change at all levels of the organization
View our academic catalog for Loading... for the online business fundamentals certificate.
All coursework from this business certificate will transfer seamlessly into Widener's Master's of Business Administration degree. You can pursue an MBA your way with a professional MBA or a specialized degree in:
- Business Process Innovation
- Data Analytics
- Investment Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Health Care Management
- or Customized Studies
See course catalog and contact us for more details.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Business Students
Why Study Business Fundamentals at Widener?
Fuel Career Growth
Pursuing a standalone graduate business certificate can introduce you to new skills while you decide if a master's degree is right for you.
Complete your business fundamentals certificate completely online and then take all professional MBA or core specialization courses however you choose—on campus, online, or hybrid—seamlessly transitioning between formats. Select courses in the specialized MBAs may meet on campus.
Build a Network of Industry Insiders
Your education will stretch beyond the classroom as you build relationships with accomplished guest speakers, driven classmates, engaged alumni, and business faculty who infuse their teaching with the latest trends, technology, and thinking. As you get to know these industry insiders, you'll create a meaningful network of connections that will follow you long after graduation.
Business Highlights
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Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions Information
Your application to our certificate in business fundamentals consists of two parts: a complete online application and the $35 application fee.
For admission consideration, we require you to have an undergraduate degree with minimum GPA of 2.7.
We use a rolling admission format, meaning you can apply when it's convenient for you. We do recommend that you apply multiple weeks prior to the semester you'd like to begin the program; this will give us enough time to process your application.
You can start during any semester: fall (late August), spring (mid-January), or summer (mid-May).
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
Paths to Savings
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
Program Cost
Tuition rates are subject to change. Official costs for your first year will be determined at time of enrollment.
Graduate Admissions Office
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Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
School of Business Administration Graduate Programs Office
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Quick Center, Room 243
- 610-499-4305
- sbagradv@widener.edu
Jose Proenca
Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in the School of Business Administration
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Quick Center
Room 244 - (610) 499-4330
- jproenca@widener.edu