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 on-campus and online, the certificate is designed for professionals 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 on-campus and entirely online, the certificate’s flexibility enables working professionals to improve their skills 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?
This certificate is intended for students and technology professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of business operations and strategies. It is also ideal for individuals preparing to transition into supervisory or management roles that demand a strong foundation in 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
Real-World Applications
Through practical coursework and case-based learning, students gain the skills to apply business principles effectively within technical roles. Whether supporting technology decisions, contributing to business planning, or facilitating cross-departmental communication, these skills enhance both individual performance and organizational success.
Students also develop the ability to interpret financial information, navigate ethical challenges in the telecommunications industry, and collaborate with teams that include non-technical professionals. These real-world experiences are especially valuable in today’s environment, where IT professionals play a critical role not only in managing infrastructure but also in shaping a company’s strategic direction.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University emphasizes staying current with industry developments as a central focus of this certificate. Faculty actively engage with emerging trends through conferences and ongoing research, ensuring the curriculum reflects the latest regulations, ethical considerations, and business challenges facing technology professionals.
The certificate also integrates advancements in data analytics, policy updates, and evolving communication standards. As a result, students are well-equipped to meet today’s demands and lead or contribute to forward-thinking discussions on the role of technology in business strategy.
Hands-on Activities
Experiential learning is a central component of the Certificate in Business Foundations for IT. 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 curriculum comprises five required courses, totaling 15 credit hours, that provide students with essential skills in professional development, business communication, management information systems, business ethics, and core business practices.
Together, these courses provide a comprehensive skill set essential for IT professionals operating in business environments. Students will be prepared to communicate technical information clearly, align IT initiatives with organizational objectives, and navigate the regulatory frameworks that shape modern information systems.
BCOM 210: Business Communication for Professional Development
An introductory course in the development of professional business communication to enhance workplace readiness skills. Emphasis will be on writing and speaking like an industry insider. Students will explore industries of interest to develop career plans and conventional business messages.
BCOM 301: Strategic Business Communication
This course examines various aspects of written, verbal, and nonverbal business communication. The course includes the application of business communication, with an emphasis on report writing, information literacy, and effective communication within a team/group environment.
MGT 101: Management Information Systems
Management Information Systems (MIS) investigates the use and management of information systems within organizations. The course covers a broad range of topics, from individual components of information systems (hardware, software, data, procedures, and people) to information security issues and ethics related to information systems. Other topics include introductions to artificial intelligence, data analytics, and data visualization/design. Students will be exposed to and understand the information systems they will use in their careers and lives.
Discover the full Certificate in Business Foundations for IT course listing in the Academic Calendar.
Students who complete the Certificate in Business Foundations for IT are well-prepared for hybrid roles that require a combination of technical expertise and business acumen. These positions are essential in today’s organizations, where close collaboration between IT and business units is crucial for success. The skills gained enable career advancement, greater responsibilities, and opportunities to enter new business-focused fields.
IT Project Coordinator
IT project coordinators manage IT initiatives by coordinating with stakeholders and ensuring projects meet business goals and deadlines. They play a key role in understanding business requirements and effectively communicating them to technical teams.
Business Analyst
Business analysts utilize data to support informed decisions, map processes, and align IT systems with business needs, thereby identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Systems Administrator with a Business Focus
Systems administrators with business skills support technical upkeep while aligning infrastructure with business goals and preparing reports for management.
Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers oversee IT systems to support organizational goals, requiring strong communication, planning, and an understanding of policies.
Technical Sales Engineer
Technical sales engineers engage with clients, demonstrate technology solutions, and explain how these solutions address business needs, combining technical expertise with strong communication skills.
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 related programs that focus on integrating business, data, and technology. 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
This certificate comprises five core courses: Business Communication for Professional Development, Strategic Business Communication, Management Information Systems, Public Policy and Law, and Ethics in Telecommunications, as well as Introduction to Business.
Most students complete the certificate in one or two semesters, depending on their course load.
Yes, all courses are available online and on campus, offering flexibility for working students.
While designed for IT professionals, the certificate is open to anyone interested in gaining business knowledge, with no specific prerequisites beyond admission to FHSU.
While the certificate does not include formal internships, it features hands-on simulations and collaborative group projects throughout the coursework, providing valuable real-world experience and practical application of skills.
Information about the Department of Informatics
The Department of Informatics at FHSU offers a flexible and forward-thinking education tailored to students' interests in data, analytics, and digital media. This dynamic program empowers students to customize their curriculum and develop cutting-edge skills essential for leadership in today’s technology-driven world. Whether studying on campus or online, students learn to leverage data and technology to solve real-world challenges and shape their own career paths.
As one of the fastest-growing and most in-demand fields, informatics opens the door to a wide range of high-impact, high-paying careers—from data analytics and cybersecurity to digital media and information management. FHSU equips students with expert instruction, hands-on learning opportunities, and strong industry connections to help them succeed in a profession that has quickly become vital across nearly every sector.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- Cybersecurity Club: The Cybersecurity Club is dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of evolving cybersecurity principles and techniques. Open to all students, regardless of experience or skill level, the club welcomes anyone with an interest in topics such as network security, digital forensics, penetration testing, secure coding, cryptography, reverse engineering, and more. Through hands-on activities and collaborative learning, the club provides a supportive environment for exploring the many facets of cybersecurity.
- Tiger Media Network: TMN is the student-run news outlet at FHSU, offering hands-on experience in various aspects of media production. Open to students with interests in videography, photography, news writing, journalism, and related fields, TMN provides valuable opportunities to develop practical skills while contributing to campus news and storytelling.
- Advanced Technology Student Organization: The Advanced Technology Student Organization (ATSO) offers a collaborative learning environment for students interested in exploring the ever-evolving world of technology. The organization brings together members to support one another’s educational growth while promoting innovation and technological advancement. ATSO’s primary goal is to foster knowledge-sharing and unite students in driving both the organization and FHSU's continued progress in the tech field.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
