Online Business Administration & Management Certificate Programs

Choosing an online Business Administration Certificate program may be a great way to sharpen your management, leadership and decision making skills while keeping the door open to completing a Master's degree at a later date. Distance-learning makes it potentially more convenient for a working student to take the next academic step; working while earning new credentials may show your employer that you are motivated and entrepreneurial. Sound like a win-win? Whether you are seeking a way to initiate or further your existing administrative capacities, an online Business Administration and Management Certificate Program warrants consideration.

Online Business Administration Certificate

What is an Online Business Administration Certificate?

Online Business Administration Certificate programs are typically designed for students who want to add onto their existing business skills through a shorter term, focused curricula and may be awarded at either the graduate or undergraduate level. Acceptance to a graduate business certificate program is usually contingent on having first obtained an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. Other requirements may include the GMAT and GRE if you plan to seek admission to a master’s program at a later date. Undergraduate business certificates may simply require a high school diploma, with the credits possibly going towards a Bachelor’s degree.

DID YOU KNOW? 9% of Business Practices Supervisors hold a Post-Baccalaureate certificate.(O'NET)[i]

The length of time to completion and graduation varies. Some students may take fewer courses for a lighter workload, others may take a more full-time approach.

Online Business Administration Certificate: Potential Curricula & Credits

If you hold a Bachelor’s degree, or are a business professional returning to college, earning an online business administration certificate indicates to your peers and employer that you have completed a specific course of study. Typically consisting of about 5 courses and between 12 and 18 credit hours[iii], it may be possible to customize your program according to your interests, especially through electives. Course topics are likely to vary between schools, and may either be introductory or advanced, depending on your education-level. Potential curricula usually revolve around cultivating core business competencies and could include:

  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Accounting
  • Budgeting
  • General business theory
  • Business administration basics
  • Customer service
  • Operations management
  • Project management
  • Information systems
  • Strategic business thinking
  • Time management
  • Spreadsheet software

Why Consider Earning a Business Administration Certificate Online?

If you are wondering why you should consider earning a business administration certificate online, here are a few reasons that may make sense to you:

  • Shorter: Less commitment may make it easier for working students to boost credentials without having the pressure of a full time degree program
  • Distance-learning means if you travel or live out of range of an accredited school, you can still get an education
  • Flexibility: Earning an online business administration certificate may fit into your work schedule; study wherever you have internet
  • Add on: If you do have a Bachelor’s degree, you may still need additional training or experience[ii]
  • No commute: Some colleges offer both residential and online programs so you are not giving up quality just travel-time
  • Web-based tools: Online students access digital libraries and resource tools so research is also at your fingertips
  • Access: you are usually able to take advantage of campus facilities and resources as well
  • Knowledge: You might learn something that is immediately relevant outside of the classroom

Naturally, do some homework and look for a school that is accredited regionally, has good tech support, student services and offers the courses you are interested in.

Continued Education

One of the potential benefits of earning an online business administration certificate is that it may be a way to keep your continued education options open. Some students may take a pause and return to college at a later date to expand on the credits earned in order to complete a master’s degree. Others who graduate with the necessary grades may choose to apply into a Master of Business Administration or related program.  

Take the Next Step

Ready for professional development in business administration and management? An online business administration certificate may be the perfect solution, especially if you cannot commit to a full Master’s degree. Browse sponsored program listings to find one that aligns with your personal and professional goals. The next program may be on the verge of starting, so make sure to stay on top of deadlines by requesting more information from the school.  

sources: [i] onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9199.02 |[ii] bls.gov/careeroutlook/2013/summer/art03.pdf |[iii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graduate_certificate |other sources: bls.gov/careeroutlook/2008/winter/art03.pdf