Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals

Develop a strong foundation in the core principles of business with a graduate certificate in business fundamentals from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Designed to compliment your current skillset by adding a fundamental understanding of effective business practices in key areas of business: accounting, finance, management, and marketing. 

George Mason University's graduate certificate in business fundamentals is designed for graduate students in other non-business disciplines or those looking to quickly upskill in foundational business knowledge.

Develop both your soft skills (such as leadership, collaboration, and communication) and hard skills (such as analysis, management, and implementation). Aid your decision-making by learning how to develop tools for understanding individual and group behaviors, make and implement effective marketing decisions, analyze financial statements, and apply financial theory to investments.

Students who complete at least two business fundamentals certificate courses with grades of B or better can have their application requirements for the MBA or master’s in management program reduced should they choose to apply. Courses taken for the business fundamentals certificate can be applied to the MBA or master’s in management program upon acceptance into the program. 

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Mixed Course Delivery Options
Course offerings include a combination of face-to-face (Mason Square Campus) and fully online formats.
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Flexible Schedule
Fall or Spring start; Complete the program in one semester or more than a year.
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12 Credits
Four courses structured in 8-week modules.
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Pathway to a Master’s Degree
This certificate can be applied to the master’s in management or MBA degree programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a graduate certificate?

Earning a graduate certificate offers several significant benefits that make them appealing to professionals seeking to further their education. Among the most important of these include:

  1. Maximize Your Time and Money
  2. Develop a Specific Skill Set
  3. Advance Your Career or Make a Career Change
  4. Preparation for a Graduate Degree

What can you tell me about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Mason?

Diversity is one of Mason's core values; everyone is welcome here. Mason was recently named the most diverse university in Virginia by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Mason, visit the university's DEI website. Visit this page to learn more about DEI at the Costello College of Business.