Business Foundations, Graduate Certificate
This certificate provides an understanding of the primary functional areas of business for: 1) Post-baccalaureate students with non-business undergraduate degrees, who had no time for additional coursework as an undergraduate, or who discovered after graduation that they needed a better understanding of business concepts, but do not have the time or resources for an MBA; 2) Students in NAU graduate programs, other than business, who would like to augment their master's or doctoral degree with additional knowledge of business. Students can combine their primary area of interest with fundamental business skills to advance their careers.
The Business Foundations Graduate Certificate program at NAU provides a means for individuals with undergraduate degrees in fields other than business to gain exposure to, and understanding of, basic functional business skills. The program is designed for students and professionals who wish to increase their knowledge of business. Skills acquired in this AACSB accredited program can expand performance and career opportunities in both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations.
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University Requirements
- Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 or 4 units) may be used on a certificate program.
No more than 25% of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
- Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
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Overview
Please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 15 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Explain and apply fundamental concepts of business to business decisions in the areas of marketing, management, finance, accounting, economics, operations management, and business law
- Perform and interpret basic statistical and financial analyses
- Evaluate the impact of economic, regulatory, and competitive forces on business decisions
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Details
- Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent.
- Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
- Transcripts
- For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy
- International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy
Individual program admission requirements include:
- Reference form with contact information for two references
- Prerequisites (completed prior to enrolling in the program)
- Math class one level above college algebra
Certificate Requirements
This certificate is not available to students who have a graduate or undergraduate business degree.
Take the following 15 units with a minimum grade of 3.0 or better:Courses for this certificate are only offered in summer sessions.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.