Business students enrolled in our online business certificate will develop competencies in marketing, accounting, managerial decision-making, strategic finance, and the design and management of business processes.

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.

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Academics
Graduate & Law Degree Programs
Business Fundamentals Certificate

At a Glance

Offered as

Certificate

Format

100% Online

Credits

Avg. Time to Completion

1 Year

College/School

School of Business

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

Recent Employers

Wawa
FedEx
Citigroup
Amazon
Bristol-Meyers

Avg Salary

$102,450

Median annual wage for management occupations, the highest of all major occupational groups

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Industry Growth

Employment in management occupations is expected to grow by 8% by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Business Highlights

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

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

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 admitted 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.

COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA

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.

Explore Our Employer Partnerships

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%.

Learn more about qualifying for an alumni discount

Program Cost