Certificate in Business Fundamentals
Individuals who hold undergraduate degrees in nonbusiness related fields are given managerial responsibilities as they progress in their careers. The graduate certificate in business fundamentals is designed for these individuals. The certificate provides business knowledge so these individuals will be able to handle day-to-day business operations, manage workplace issues and develop positive business relationships. The program provides an introduction to the major disciplines within the field of business, and the opportunity to quickly gain business knowledge that is applicable immediately on the job. The business fundamentals certificate is designed to be part of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, and the courses that comprise the business fundamentals certificate can be applied toward the MBA program. Furthermore, completion of the certificate allows students to apply for an exemption from the standardized testing requirements if they are interested in pursuing the MBA degree. The certificate can be completed only in an online format.
Admission
New graduate students: Applicants to the graduate certificate in business fundamentals are required to meet Graduate School requirements for nondegree, Category A admission. The graduate certificate should be selected as the intended program in the Graduate School application.
Current WSU graduate students: To apply for the certificate program, submit the Graduate School's Declaration of Intent to Pursue a Graduate Certificate form, located on the Graduate School's web page. With department approval, the student may then be admitted to the certificate program. All Graduate School and department admission requirements apply. International students may enroll in the certificate program, but must ensure it complies with their visa requirements. Students should contact the office of graduate studies in business to inform them of their intent to enroll in the program.
Program Requirements
Students need to complete the following courses to earn the certificate:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MBA 802 | Fundamentals of Accounting | 1.5 |
| MBA 803 | Fundamentals of Finance | 1.5 |
| MBA 804 | Marketing Basics | 1.5 |
| MBA 805 | Management Basics | 1.5 |
| ECON 811 | Analysis of Macro-Economic Theory | 1.5 |
| ECON 812 | Analysis of Micro-Economic Theory | 1.5 |
| MGMT 862 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| or MIS 874 | Management Information Systems | |
| Total Credit Hours | 12 | |
In addition to these requirements, students must meet the Graduate School’s requirements in order to earn this certificate.