Certificate in Business Foundations for IT
Hours: 15 On-Campus Online
About
Students who complete the Certificate in Business Foundations for IT gain foundational business knowledge to complement their information technology (IT) skills. Offered both on-campus and online, the certificate is designed for individuals in or entering the IT field who seek to broaden their understanding of key business principles.
The certificate requires completion of five core courses, totaling 15 credit hours, covering topics such as business communication, information systems, business law and ethics, and management. Students must earn a minimum grade of C in each course and complete all credits through Fort Hays State University.
Why pursue a Certificate in Business Foundations for IT at Fort Hays State University?
A key advantage of this certificate is its targeted focus on IT professionals seeking to understand and apply core business principles in their careers. The Certificate in Business Foundations for IT effectively bridges the gap between technical expertise and business strategy.
Offered both on-campus and fully online, the certificate’s flexibility enables working professionals to upskill without interrupting their careers. The curriculum is delivered by experienced faculty who are actively engaged in their industries and familiar with the evolving challenges faced by IT professionals.
Who is this program for?
Our Certificate in Business Foundations for IT is designed for students and technology professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of business operations and strategies. It is also well-suited for individuals preparing to transition into supervisory or management roles that require a solid grasp of both technology and business principles.
- IT professionals transitioning to management
- Computer science students preparing for business roles
- Technology staff expanding into cross-functional teams
- Working adults returning to education for upskilling
- Business professionals interested in IT alignment
Learning Outcomes
The Certificate in Business Foundations for IT equips IT professionals with a business-focused perspective to interpret, manage, and support key decisions. It aims to develop core business skills that students can apply effectively in dynamic, multidisciplinary environments.
Enhanced Business Communication
Students will learn to clearly convey technical ideas and systems to both technical and nontechnical audiences. This includes crafting written reports, delivering presentations, and preparing strategic briefings that are professional and tailored to business settings.
Strategic Alignment with Business Objectives
Graduates will be able to support and guide IT projects that align with overall business goals. By understanding key business functions and priorities, they can make decisions that drive organizational success and competitiveness.
Legal and Ethical Business Decision-Making
Students will learn to identify and assess public policies, ethical challenges, and legal regulations impacting IT operations. This prepares them to manage risks and ensure compliance in today’s complex business environments.
Proficiency in Core Business Areas
Students will build a solid foundation in essential business topics, including organizational behavior, communication strategies, and information systems management. These skills are crucial for leadership roles and effective cross-functional collaboration.
Real-World Applications
Through practical coursework and case-based learning, students in the certificate are prepared to apply business principles to technical roles. Whether supporting technology decisions, contributing to business planning, or improving communication across departments, the skills gained enhance both individual effectiveness and organizational performance.
Students develop the ability to interpret financial information, navigate ethical issues in telecommunications, and collaborate with teams that include nontechnical professionals. These real-world experiences are especially valuable in today’s environment, where IT professionals play a key role in shaping a company’s strategic direction, beyond managing its infrastructure.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Staying current with industry developments is a core focus of the certificate. Faculty actively engage with the latest trends through conferences and ongoing research, regularly updating the curriculum. This ensures students learn the most up-to-date regulations, ethical considerations, and business challenges facing technology professionals.
The certificate also incorporates emerging trends in data analytics, policy changes, and evolving communication standards. As a result, students are well-prepared to meet today’s demands and to lead or contribute to forward-thinking discussions about technology’s role in business strategy.
Hands-on Activities
Experiential learning is a central component of this certificate. Students participate in projects, group assignments, and business simulations that foster strategic thinking and effective communication. These activities enable students to apply classroom theory to real-world business challenges in a risk-free environment that simulates actual workplace settings.
Collaborative exercises encourage students to solve technical issues while explaining, justifying, and presenting business decisions. These experiences build confidence and prepare students to assume more dynamic and leadership-focused roles within their organizations.
What You’ll Learn:
- Communicate effectively in a business setting
- Apply strategic business planning principles
- Understand the law and ethics in telecommunications
- Analyze data for informed business decisions
- Collaborate across technical and nontechnical teams
How You’ll Learn:
- Interactive online or on-campus coursework
- Case studies and business simulations
- Projects integrating IT and business strategies
- Group-based problem-solving and presentations
- Applied business planning assignments
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Related Programs
Students interested in the Certificate in Business Foundations for IT may also benefit from exploring other FHSU programs that focus on business, data, and technology integration. These programs provide broader or more specialized options tailored to diverse career goals.
- Certificate in Applied Data Analytics
- Minor in Management Information Systems
- Minor in International Business & Economics
- BBA in Management Information Systems
Information about the Department of Informatics
FHSU’s Department of Informatics allows you to tailor your education to your interests in data, analytics, and digital media. Our dynamic program empowers you to design your own curriculum and gain cutting-edge skills that make you a leader in today’s tech-driven world. Whether you choose to study on campus or online, you’ll learn to harness the power of data and technology to solve real-world problems and shape your career path.
In a field that has rapidly evolved into one of the most in-demand job markets, the possibilities are endless. From data analytics and cybersecurity to digital media and information management, Informatics offers a vast array of high-paying, high-impact careers. At FHSU, we provide the expertise, hands-on experience, and industry connections to help you excel in a profession that didn’t exist several years ago but is now essential across every industry.