The Catholic University of America

Professional Programs for Adults

Certificate in Business Management

Overview

To function effectively as a manager, one must understand not only the work environment and the internal functioning of organizations, but also the influence of political, social, ethical, international, technological, economic and environmental issues. Managers must be able to think critically, to analyze situations in a variety of different contexts, to apply theoretical knowledge to real world situations, and to develop cogent arguments and substantiate their ideas through the techniques of persuasion and documentation. The Business Management Certificate program provides students with instruction in each of these important areas.

 

Who would most benefit?

The Business Management Certificate Program is designed for those who needed a better understanding of both the functional areas of business and the context in which management decisions are made. The program is ideal for new and aspiring managers, entrepreneurs, and those planning to enroll in an M.B.A. program -- anyone who would benefit from an understanding of management and business concepts.

 

Requirements

To earn the Certificate, students must complete 7 courses with a "C" or better. Students who have already completed similar courses at other institutions may apply for transfer credit, but they must complete at least six courses at CUA to earn the certificate.

 

Schedule

Courses are scheduled on an accelerated basis, enabling students to complete the entire program in as little as one calendar year. Courses typically meet either:

  • One evening per week, 5:30 - 9:45 pm, for a half-semester, OR
  • One evening per week, e.g., 6:10 to 8:40 pm, for a full semester. Courses involving more complex concepts and quantitative courses tend to meet on this schedule.

 

To complete the Certificate in a calendar year, students would normally take, for example, one full-semester course (meeting, e.g., every Tuesday evening for the full semester) and two half-semester courses (meeting, e.g., on Thursday evenings - one in the first half of the semester, and another meeting during the second half of the semester). Typically, credits earned toward a certificate program may be applied toward CUA's bachelor's degree programs as well.

 

 

Interested in Learning More About MSPS Programs and Certificates?

 

 

Required Courses

Course #

Title

Description

MBU 110

Introduction to Accounting I

Begins with an analysis of accounting concepts, assumptions, and principles; progresses to evaluation of accounting data for management and decision-making.

MBU 201

Management and Organizational Behavior

Provides an introduction to the principles and practice of management, with an emphasis on individual and group behavior in organizations. Examines how members of organizations behave, behavior of work groups and supervisors, intergroup relations, and employees goals and attitudes. Explores methods for making organizations and individuals more productive.

MBU 205

Contemporary Marketing

Covers all the functions and activities of marketing as practiced today, along with what the trends indicate for the future. Some reflection on marketing's professional development. Active discussion and cases, including analysis of ethical situations.

MBU 251

Financial Analysis

Introduction to financial analysis, planning and control, working capital management, financial structure, and financial decisions. Emphasizes both supply and demand for capital as well as the return on and cost of capital investment.

MBU 341

Business Law I

An overview of certain basic legal concepts and principles pertaining to the business world, focusing on business organizations and property rights. Covers agency law and the legal aspects of the formation, operation, and termination of partnerships and corporations. Also addresses public regulation of business.

MBU 361

Human Resources Management

This course provides an overview of the major topics in the management of human resources in organizations. It examines the major issues facing human resources management in the coming years to create a productive workforce and foster effective employee/management relationships. Specific topics include job design, recruitment and selection, skills training and management development, performance appraisal, compensation and benefits, and employee and labor relations.

MIS 240

Management Information Systems

A survey course covering all aspects of the management perspective of implementing a corporate information system; the development of user requirements using business process reengineering/system planning methods; the process of selecting the appropriate hardware, software and communication systems; and the implementation and maintenance of the system. Uses real world case studies to cover state-of-the-art technical solutions.

 

Admission
Anyone over the age of twenty-one years who graduated from an accredited high school, completed the General Educational Development Test (GED) successfully, or who has successfully completed some work in an accredited institution of higher learning may apply for admission to MSPS. Application to the undergraduate (for-credit) program includes the following:

1. Application with non-refundable fees.

2. Official transcripts from high school or the GED. You may use our Transcript Request Form (Adobe/PDF). Just complete it and send it to the high school you attended.

3. Official transcripts of previous colleges attended. You may use our Transcript Request Form (Adobe/PDF). Just complete it and send it to the college(s) you attended.

4. Current résumé of professional experience.

5. Brief description of educational and career goals. This requirement is addressed in the application that you complete.

6. Letter of recommendation if requested.  (Note: Candidates applying to the HR3 or MSM3 Scholars Programs are required to submit one professional or academic letter of recommendation.

7. A pre-admission interview with a counselor. You may e-mail us for an appointment.



Related Links
Academic Policies
Admissions
Certificate Overview
Financial Aid
MSPS: History, Mission, and Goals
Student Services
Tuition and Fees

Additional Information
Susan Scully * (202) 319-6667 * ScullyS@cua.edu