A business certificate is a fast-paced, hands-on course that may improve your career opportunities. Explore average salaries, certificate program courses, and average costs of programs with this Campus Explorer guide. Review business certificate programs online and in-person to see if this course option fits your career goals.

What Are Business Certificate Programs Online and In-Person?

Online or on-campus short courses give you a crash course in business as you prepare for an entry-level position or look for ways to change course in the middle of your career. Certificate programs don’t offer a bachelor’s or master’s degree but offer a series of courses targeting a specific area of business or skill set.

The courses you take depend on your chosen business certificate program. Consider one of these as you look for the best next step in your career:

• Business management
• Risk management
• Business analysis
• Supply chain management
• Business analytics
• International business management

Some certificate programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree or MBA, while others are designed for first-time students in the field. One of these programs may not be the only qualification you need to apply for a new job or negotiate a raise, but they can improve your resume and help you gain the demonstrable skills you need in the business world.

In-person courses may be offered on nights and weekends to allow you to continue your education without taking time off work. Many online courses are flexible to accommodate your busy schedule.

In addition to hands-on skills and relevant lessons in business and related fields, business certificate programs often offer excellent networking opportunities. Connect with industry professionals leading the course and mid-career students.

These networking opportunities are useful for entrepreneurs, managers, CEOs, and entry-level employees. A certificate program is particularly popular for mid-career professionals looking to start a business, negotiate a raise, or transition to a new career.

As a business certificate holder, you will have practiced the finance, leadership, marketing, and networking skills necessary to succeed in a competitive environment. Consider a certificate in your current position or desired position to strengthen your application and abilities.

How Much Does a Business Certificate Program Cost?

Most business certificate programs vary between $1,000 and $5,000. Online programs are often at the lower end of the range, while on-campus programs can cost as much as $20,000. Look for scholarships and self-paced options to reduce the cost or time of your chosen program.

Average Salary for a Business Certificate Holder

While a business certificate may not qualify you for a position, it can improve your skills and knowledge base. Consider a business certificate to strengthen your application for a position in business and finance, where the median annual wage was about $72,300 in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS.

One common position in the business and finance sector is a human resource specialist. These professionals earned a median pay of around $63,500 in 2020, according to BLS. Management analysts earned approximately $87,700 in 2020, while personal financial advisors earned a median pay of about $89,300 in the same year. Business managers earned a median annual salary of around $109,800 in 2020.

Many of these positions require a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a relevant field. A business certificate, however, can help you prepare for an entry-level position or gain more skills after receiving a bachelor’s degree.

What Is the Job Outlook for Business Certificate Holders?

The average expected job growth for both business occupations and management occupations is 5%, according to BLS, which is slightly faster than the average for all occupations. These positions are expected to grow this percentage from the years 2019 to 2029.

Courses in Business Certificate Programs

Explore diverse course offerings that focus on your chosen area of business. Unlike a bachelor’s degree, a certificate program gives you the opportunity to target a single aspect of business or a single skill set as you tailor your education to your career goals.

Prepare for hands-on courses in leadership, business administration, finance, project management, supply chain management, or analytics. Some programs cover a broad range of topics, but most focus specifically on a key set of skills.

Some certificate programs are designed to build on existing knowledge and experience. You may be required to have a bachelor’s degree before taking some courses as part of your program. Other programs, however, are open to first-time business students.

FAQs on Business Certificate Programs Online and In-Person

What Jobs Require a Business Certificate?

The knowledge you learn and skills you practice in a business certificate program can prepare you for a position as a management analyst, financial advisor, human resource specialist, or manager.

Does a Business Certificate Offer Good Job Prospects?

Many business and finance positions offer competitive salaries and faster-than-average job growth expectations, according to BLS. A certificate may also be helpful when negotiating a raise or seeking a promotion.

What Are the Different Fields of Business Certificate Programs?

Consider a specialization in finance, international business, bookkeeping, small business management, risk management, business analytics, or another business or finance specialization.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Business Certificate?

Business certificate courses can take between four weeks and a year, depending on the number of credits and your pace of study. On-campus courses are typically more scheduled and less flexible, while many online programs are self-paced.

What Does Business Certificate Program Curriculum Typically Include?

Explore courses related to international business, finance, leadership, analytics, and human resources as part of your online or in-person business certificate program.

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