Business Certificate

Gain practical skills you can apply immediately to your job or business.

The Business Certificate will equip you with the skills you’ll need to succeed in any workplace – whether corporate, non-profit, or startup. It is designed for working professionals and small business owners who want a comprehensive introduction to foundational business knowledge and practices. It also provides excellent preparation for those pursuing graduate study in business.

This 5-course, part-time program covers the following topics and more:

Principles of effective business decision-making
How to plan, hire, and manage staffing
How to budget, perform cost-benefit and other financial analyses, and plan long-term financing
How to identify and target prospective markets/customers

The Business Certificate can be completed as a stand-alone program or you can combine it with the Bachelor of Professional Studies program, the fastest way to degree completion. You can also pair the Business certificate with our Management Certificate and apply both toward the Professional Studies or other major.

All courses are offered in the evenings and may be completed on-campus or online. Availability of online courses will vary semester to semester.

MGT 105: Introduction to Management (3 credits)
A thorough development of decision-making, managerial creativity, and the art of management. The principles of planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling are treated as basic guides to effective management.

ACC 203: Financial Accounting (3 credits)
Provides students with a fundamental understanding of financial accounting. Accounting is the language of business and understanding the basics of accounting is essential to a successful career in the business world. This includes the ability to read and understand financial statements.

FIN 207: Managerial Finance I (3 credits)
The fundamental theory and practice of corporate financial management. Covers the basic tools and techniques of financial analysis, valuation, capital budgeting, long-term financing, and risk and return. Prerequisites: ACC 203 and ECN 101 or ECN 102.

MKT 205: Principles of Marketing (3 credits)
Explores the basic principles, theories, problems and practices in the ever changing marketing environment (social, economic, technological, legal and ethical) and its impact on product, price, promotion and distribution decisions in the domestic and global market. Emphasis is placed on the marketing functions, planning and the distribution of goods and services from the producer to consumer.

ECN 101: Principles of Economics – Micro (3 credits)
Explains the economic behavior of individuals and firms in a market economy. Consideration is given to consumer and producer choice under various market structures and to the theoretical and actual distribution of income. Prerequisite: Requires basic knowledge of algebra.

OR

ECN 102: Principles of Economics – Macro (3 credits)
A model of the aggregate economy is developed to determine the level of output, income, prices, and employment. The international sector is incorporated into the model reflecting the importance of international trade in today’s economies. The role of fiscal and monetary policies in economic outcomes is examined and evaluated. Fulfills SCE Social Science core requirement. Prerequisite: Requires basic knowledge of algebra.

5 Courses

15 total credits needed to complete this program

12:1

Student-to-faculty ratio for a highly personalized learning experience

3

transfer credits may be applied

Student Testimonials

Fueling Positive Change through Business Success

In this video, Carlene Fonseca describes how she used the PCSCE business certificate to fuel her entrepreneurial spirit and help others improve their lives. She also shares advice with those who may find the very thought of taking this program while balancing family and work demands daunting.

Watch Video

Take the First Step: ‘You’ll Be Surprised How Easy It is to Return to College’

In this video, James Lord shares what drove him to complete his bachelor’s degree, the immediate impact his studies had in the workplace, and advice for others considering a return to college as an adult learner.

Watch Video

Faculty

Here we spotlight a few of the faculty contributing to this program:

Mark DeFanti, Ph.D.
Professor DeFanti brings professional sales and marketing experience into the classroom, having worked in both corporate and agency settings. He’ll share his expertise with you about marketing strategy, social media, and branding in MKT 205 (Principles of Marketing).

Joseph Gemma, MBA
Professor Gemma is an Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies and has taught management courses at Providence College for more than 40 years. He teaches MGT 105 (Principles of Business Management).

Paul Maloney, MBA
Professor Maloney offers more than 35 years of professional finance experience, having worked as a chief financial officer in a corporate setting as well as owner of an independent accounting practice. He’s also taught finance for 40+ years at the college level.

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Ready to take the first step? Our advisers will help you create a personalized education plan. This includes guidance on the number of credits you can transfer as well as financial aid.

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