Certificate in Business - Graduate Level
Hours: 12 On-Campus Online
About
The Certificate in Business – Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their business knowledge and leadership capabilities. Open to individuals from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, this graduate certificate provides a focused introduction to the core principles of business.
Through 12 credit hours of coursework, students develop a foundational understanding of economics, marketing, management, accounting, and finance. This broad-based skill set supports effective decision-making and helps professionals better understand the business functions that drive organizational success.
Available online and on campus, the certificate offers a flexible format for working professionals and adult learners. Courses are taught by experienced faculty who connect business concepts to real-world applications, helping students build practical knowledge they can apply immediately in their careers.
Why pursue a Certificate in Business – Graduate Level at Fort Hays State University?
The Certificate in Business – Graduate Level provides a valuable pathway for professionals seeking to strengthen their business knowledge and advance their careers without pursuing a full graduate degree.
Students benefit from instruction by experienced faculty, personalized support, and coursework that emphasizes practical application. The certificate helps professionals build confidence in business decision-making, enhance leadership potential, and develop skills applicable across a wide range of industries and organizational roles.
Who is this program for?
This certificate is well-suited for individuals seeking to expand their business knowledge and develop skills that support career growth across a variety of industries.
- Professionals seeking promotion into management
- Individuals transitioning from non-business fields
- Recent graduates building a professional skillset
- Entrepreneurs launching or managing small businesses
- Employees looking to upskill with formal training
- Managers seeking to solidify foundational business knowledge
Real-World Applications
Students apply business principles to workplace challenges across a variety of industries and organizational settings. They learn how professionals use financial information, marketing strategies, management practices, and data analysis to make informed decisions, improve performance, manage resources, and support organizational goals.
Through coursework in key business disciplines, students develop skills that can be applied directly in professional roles, helping them contribute effectively to planning, problem-solving, and decision-making in the workplace.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Fort Hays State University continually updates course content to reflect current trends and developments in business. Students explore emerging topics in data analytics, marketing technology, financial management, and strategic decision-making, helping them stay informed in a rapidly changing business environment.
Through exposure to modern business practices and data-driven approaches, students develop the knowledge and adaptability needed to navigate new challenges, respond to industry changes, and support organizational success in a variety of professional settings.
Hands-on Activities
Hands-on learning is integrated throughout the Certificate in Business – Graduate Level. Students complete practical projects and case studies that allow them to apply business concepts in areas such as marketing, accounting, finance, and management.
Courses encourage active participation through discussions, collaborative assignments, and real-world business scenarios. Students engage with faculty and peers, receive personalized feedback, and develop practical skills through applied learning experiences in online and on-campus formats.
What You’ll Learn:
- Understand key management concepts
- Analyze financial and accounting data
- Apply economic theory to decisions
- Explore core marketing strategies
- Utilize data for business analysis
How You’ll Learn:
- Learn from expert business faculty
- Engage in case-based learning
- Study online or on campus flexibly
- Complete four targeted business courses
- Apply concepts to real-world work
The certificate includes four core courses that build a foundation in key business disciplines. Students explore economics, accounting, management, marketing, and quantitative methods, developing practical skills that support effective business decision-making.
GBUS 801: Survey of Economics
This course introduces students to key economic principles and analytical techniques for understanding and applying modern business practices. It integrates fundamental concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics with basic quantitative and financial tools while addressing the increasing significance of international production and distribution.
GBUS 802: Management and Marketing Concepts
This survey course covers essential concepts in management and marketing. Management topics include leadership, organizational behavior, decision-making, planning, and strategic management, with a focus on environmental and cultural factors. Marketing topics focus on the evolution of marketing, the external environment, the marketing mix, and their integration into a marketing plan.
GBUS 803: Accounting Theories and Practices
This course provides an overview of accounting and its fundamental analytical techniques. It introduces the accounting system, teaches how to read and interpret key financial statements, and demonstrates how to use accounting information in everyday managerial tasks. It also lays the foundation for management practices in planning, monitoring, and controlling an enterprise.
Discover the full Certificate in Business – Graduate Level course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Students who complete the Certificate in Business – Graduate Level develop business knowledge and professional skills that support advancement across a wide range of industries and organizational roles.
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing coordinators support marketing campaigns, manage content and promotional activities, and analyze campaign performance. They help organizations reach target audiences, strengthen brand awareness, and support business growth.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts examine financial data to evaluate performance, identify trends, and support business decisions. They develop reports, assess risks, and provide insights that help organizations plan for future growth.
Operations Manager
Operations managers oversee daily business activities to improve efficiency, productivity, and organizational performance. They coordinate resources, manage processes, and ensure business objectives are met effectively.
Business Consultant
Business consultants help organizations solve challenges, improve performance, and achieve strategic goals. They analyze business operations, identify opportunities for improvement, and recommend practical solutions.
Department Supervisor
Department supervisors lead teams, oversee daily operations, and monitor progress toward organizational goals. They support employee development, manage resources, and help ensure departments operate efficiently and effectively.
The Certificate in Business – Graduate Level is open to individuals who have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Students and professionals can gain essential business knowledge and skills without prior business background.
Application Process
Students apply through Fort Hays State University's Graduate School. The application process includes submitting an online application, official transcripts, and the required application fee. Standardized test scores, such as the GMAT or GRE, are not required.
English Language Proficiency (International Applicants)
International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency through the TOEFL, IELTS, or another approved method established by the Graduate School.
Additional Information
Business experience is not required for admission. The certificate is well-suited for individuals looking to expand their business knowledge, strengthen professional skills, or prepare for leadership and management responsibilities.
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 $2,590.08* (on-campus) or $3,307.80* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($215.84/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (275.65/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
Fort Hays State University offers several related programs for students interested in expanding their business knowledge, developing leadership skills, or pursuing advanced study in specialized areas of business.
- Master of Business Administration (General MBA)
- Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Marketing
- Certificate in Management
- Master of Professional Studies (Organizational Leadership)
- Master of Business Administration (Finance)
- Certificate in Human Resource Management
- Certificate in Entrepreneurship
- Certificate in Operations Management
- Certificate in Business Law
Yes. Working professionals with a full-time job can complete the certificate. Courses are available online and on campus, with flexible scheduling options.
Many students use the certificate to qualify for leadership roles, transition into new business positions, or increase their earning potential.
No. The Certificate in Business – Graduate Level accepts students from all academic backgrounds who have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. It is ideal for those new to business or seeking to establish a solid foundation in business knowledge.
This certificate comprises four courses, totaling 12 credit hours. Students can complete the courses in one semester if taken full-time, or over two semesters part-time.
Yes, credits earned in the certificate may count toward an MBA or other graduate business degrees, depending on the program.
Information about the Department of Management
The Department of Management at FHSU offers both on-campus and online programs designed to prepare students to lead teams and manage resources effectively in today’s dynamic business environment. With a strong emphasis on leadership development, the programs equip students with the skills needed to handle daily operational challenges and engage in long-term strategic planning.
The curriculum focuses on critical areas such as decision-making, solution-oriented thinking, and team leadership, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of modern management roles. Each program is tailored to align with students' personal and professional goals, providing the tools necessary to succeed across a wide range of industries.
Through hands-on learning experiences, personalized mentorship, and a comprehensive academic approach, students gain the confidence and capabilities to thrive in competitive business settings. The department’s dedicated faculty and staff are committed to supporting each student’s journey, offering guidance and encouragement every step of the way.
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.
- Alpha Kappa Psi: Alpha Kappa Psi is a professional co-ed business fraternity dedicated to developing principled business leaders. Founded in 1904 by four students at New York University, the organization has grown into the oldest and largest co-ed business fraternity in the world, with over 298,000 initiated members across 219 universities in four countries.
With a strong network of alumni, Alpha Kappa Psi provides members with valuable professional connections and access to opportunities at some of the world’s most successful companies. The fraternity emphasizes leadership, professionalism, and career readiness, preparing members for lifelong success in the business world.
The Zeta Pi Chapter at FHSU, chartered in 1965, remains an active and engaged part of the campus community. Students interested in joining are encouraged to connect with the chapter’s leadership for more information. - The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): The SHRM student chapter at FHSU provides valuable resources, industry best practices, and networking opportunities for students interested in human resource management. The organization serves as an excellent platform for those pursuing careers in HR, leadership, management, training, and organizational development.
Through SHRM, students gain exposure to real-world HR practices, connect with professionals in the field, and enhance their academic and career development. Students interested in joining or seeking more information are encouraged to contact Dr. LeAnn Brown, the chapter’s faculty advisor.
- Certificate
- On-Campus
- Online
