Industry Growth
Employment of management occupations is projected to grow 8% by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
Graduate Program
Customized Graduate Business Certificate
Tailor your certificate in business to your unique needs and create an adaptable portfolio of skills that will enable you to meet the ever-evolving demands of your current position and future career.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Certificate
100% Online or Hybrid
Credits
12
Avg. Time to Completion
1 Year
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Customized Business Certificate
Our graduate business certificate allows you to design your own personalized course of study by mixing and matching courses from multiple business disciplines and building a unique set of competencies that best suit your interests, job needs, and career aspirations. Courses focus on:
- Core business functions
- Data analytics
- Business innovation
- Leadership and human capital management
- Investment management
- and a range of other business disciplines
If completing the certificate inspires you to pursue a graduate degree, you may be able to roll your credits into one of our signature master's programs. It's our way of empowering you to achieve your career goals your way— 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
Students will pick any twelve credits of graduate business courses offered by the School of Business Administration. Available courses vary but include topics at the 500-level and above in:
- Accounting
- Business Process Innovation
- Finance
- Financial Planning
- General Business
- Health Care Management
- Information Systems
- Management
- Taxation
View our academic catalog for Loading... for the customized business studies certificate.
As you create your customized certificate path, you can work with your academic advisor to specifically select courses that will transfer 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
Certain course may also contribute towards the Master's in Business Innovation (MSBI) or Master's in Taxation & Financial Planning (MSTFP) programs.
See course catalog and contact us for more details.
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Graduate Business Students
Why Study Business 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 customized business certificate in online or hybrid formats, 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
Recent News
How We Spent our Summer Vacation
Partnering with faculty advisors, more than 60 students participated in the annual Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life, hands-on projects.
The 2023 Alumni Awards: A Family Affair
The 2023 Alumni Awards recognized the accomplishments of Jill Borin, Donya Moore, Col. Tom Vossler, Ryan Raiker, and Marcia Zaruba O’Connor at an intimate ceremony.
The Business of Sustainability
From marketing and finance to supply chain processes, students in the School of Business Administration are getting hands-on experience putting sustainable practices into action to build a greener future.
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 customized business studies 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
-
Hyatt Hall
14th St
Chester, PA 19013 - 610-499-4282
- gcs@widener.edu
School of Business Administration Graduate Programs Office
-
Quick Center, Room 243
- 610-499-4305
- sbagradv@widener.edu
Jose Proenca
Associate Dean for Graduate Programs in the School of Business Administration
-
Quick Center
Room 239 - (610) 499-4330
- jproenca@widener.edu