A graduate certificate in business administration is a fantastic stepping stone for many professionals, providing them with a pathway to an MBA or to develop the necessary skills needed to flourish in their business management career. But what exactly will you learn from a graduate certificate in business administration?
You head online to find out more but are met with page after page of confusing and contradicting information. Well, no more!
Today, we are here to help you get the answers you need. Our brief guide covers what a graduate certificate in business administration is, what you will learn about it, and more.
What is a graduate certificate in business administration?
A graduate certificate in business administration is a postgraduate course, sitting one level above an undergraduate degree. It helps you pursue an MBA (master’s degree in business administration) while keeping your future study options open.
These courses are an excellent option if you cannot immediately commit to an MBA but want to gain business management knowledge. A graduate certificate is also an excellent option if you have been out of education for a while and want to dip your toe in before returning fully.
Graduate certificates in business administration can be taught in person or online, with several flexible options that allow you to fit your studies around your schedule. The course involves four modules and usually takes around eight months to complete part-time.
What will I learn from a graduate certificate in business administration?
What you will learn on a graduate certificate in business administration varies depending on the course provider that you choose, but you will likely cover four modules that provide you with the fundamentals needed to pursue further education or move into business management. We have outlined the typical modules to help you see what you can expect from your business administration course.
Strategic management and business policy
Strategic management is a crucial part of business administration and management, examining the decisions, actions, and processes taken by firms to grow, change, and succeed in a business environment. You would expect managers of all levels to be involved in this process, and you must be able to plan and problem-solve to aid in strategic management.
Part of this unit will explore the principal elements in internal and external environments that impact organisations. You will learn how current theoretical frameworks and professional knowledge can respond to complex issues, using analytical and planning skills to help you create business plans.
Business ethics and sustainability
A business ethics and sustainability module will examine the socio-cultural environment in which business operates. You will learn how to consider ethical frameworks, construct debates surrounding contemporary corporate responsibility, and how they impact organisations globally and locally. You can expect to learn about how pressures on businesses arise and how various models are used to manage these challenges.
Marketing management
Marketing is a vital part of any organisation, and as a manager or leader, you should be able to manage a marketing team effectively. This module helps to show you the major decisions marketing managers make as they balance their organisation’s objectives, resources, and capabilities with the needs and opportunities of the marketplace.
You will learn how to evaluate contemporary marketing practices and the major trends in managerial marketing, and you will use case studies to explore some real-world examples.
Financial analysis
Financial analysis is an essential skill managers need to succeed in complex local and global businesses. This module aims to develop planning, analytical, and decision-making skills, giving you a theoretical framework for effectively and efficiently using financial statements to help analyse a business.
Once you have mastered this, you will move on to credit analysis, security analysis, management communications analysis, and merger and acquisition analysis.
What skills will I learn on a graduate certificate in business administration?
You can expect to learn and develop several skills during a graduate certificate in business administration, which we have listed below:
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Communication
- Financial analysis
Throughout the course, these skills will be required of you to complete case studies, interact with others, and complete graded assignments.
Final thoughts
A graduate certificate in business administration will provide you with the fundamentals needed to succeed in an MBA or to progress into a business management role. The four modules will provide a good understanding of business operations and financial analysis, allowing you to step into several roles and increase your leadership and analytical skills.
