About the Program
The Introduction to Business Management Certificate program (15-16 credits) is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in core business areas such as management, accounting or finance, communications, writing, and technology. You can earn this certificate upon successful completion of five courses.
An Education that Fits Your Life
Certificate programs provide a flexible, convenient, short-term opportunity for professional development, self-enhancement, and earning a formal academic credential from Penn State. Credit certificate program courses can “step up,” or be applied, to academic degrees at Penn State.
Career Potential
Healthcare and social assistance organizations in the Reading, PA area are looking for applicants with business management and accounting skills. Positions such as accounts payable specialist are open to those with 0-5 years of experience. Source: Burning Glass Technologies’ Labor Insight™ Real-time Labor Market Information tool.
Required Courses
Students must complete the following courses with a “C” or better:
ACCTG 211: Financial and Managerial Accounting for Decision Making
Introduction to the role of accounting numbers in the process of managing a business and in investor decision making. (4 credits)
CAS 100A or 100B: Effective Speech
(A) Principles of communication, implemented through presentation of speeches, with some attention to group discussion and message evaluation. (B) Principles of communication, implemented through group problem solving, with some attention to formal speaking and message evaluation. (3 credits)
ENGL 015: Rhetoric and Composition
Instruction and practice in writing expository prose that shows sensitivity to audience and purpose. (3 credits)
Note: Prerequisite course requirements may apply.
MGMT 100: Survey of Management
Introduction to organizational factors relevant to management processes, including leadership, motivation, job design, technology, organizational design and environments, systems, change. (3 credits)
MIS 204: Introduction to Business Information Systems
Introduction to the use of information systems in business organizations. (3 credits)
Related Programming
Introduction to ERP and Business Processes Badge
The Introduction to ERP and Business Processes badge can be earned through the completion of one course, MIS 404 – Introduction to ERP and Business Processes. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are a tool that gives businesses their competitive edge.
This course can benefit students in two ways: (1) It gives students a solid foundation of knowledge regarding how businesses operate and their key business processes, as well as (2) hands on experience with ERP software to understand the software, in this case, the SAP® ERP system.
Many businesses are relying on Enterprise Resource systems to manage their business operations. The addition of this badge will give you an added skill companies are looking for.
Prerequisite: MIS 204
Course Offerings
To review prerequisites, read course descriptions and view current offerings, please visit LionPATH at https://lionpathsupport.psu.edu/.
Admission to Credit Certificate Programs
Certificate programs and courses are open to high school graduates and to those who have earned a GED. No formal application to Penn State is required, but those interested in enrolling must complete a non-degree enrollment form.
Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement from your employer is accepted with verification of eligibility.
For More Information
For more information or to register, contact Continuing Education at (610) 396-6220 or [email protected].
With sufficient enrollment, this certificate program can be delivered on-site at a company location.