This certificate introduces students to business foundations in preparation for applying to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program.
Many students do not feel prepared to enter an MBA program including:
- students who have been out of school for a number of years
- students who are unsure whether they want to do an MBA program
- students who know very little about business
These students will benefit from this program, which introduces them to business foundations and prepares them for MBA coursework. The program provides an opportunity to explore the business field while meeting basic entry requirements for the MBA degree.
Required Courses
Students complete six out of the following eight courses to earn the certificate:
- ACCT 780: Financial Accounting (3 units)
- DS 786: Operations Analysis (3 units)
- ECON 783: Economics for Managers (3 units)
- FIN 785: Financial Management (3 units)
- ISYS 782: Information Systems for Management (3 units)
- MGMT 788: Management Principles and Organizational Behavior (3 units)
- MKTG 787: Marketing Management (3 units)
All coursework required for the certificate must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and only courses completed with grades of C or better may be included to meet the certificate requirements.
Admissions Requirements
The certificate is available to individuals who have a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a 3.0 GPA in any subject.
GMAT / GRE Requirment
The GMAT / GRE may be waived for applicants who have 7+ years of full-time, professional experience or a doctoral degree. In lieu of completing this test, applicants will be invited for a personal interview and writing test. If applicants do not pass the writing test they will be asked to complete an online course before they begin the certificate program.
All others need to provide GMAT / GRE scores along with their application. If applicants do not earn a minimum score of 5.0 on the GMAT AWA or 4.5 on the GRE AWA, they will be asked to complete an online writing course before they begin the program.
How to Apply
Current MBA, MSA or MSBA students are not required to apply for admissions into a graduate business certificate program. The requirements can be met while seeking the graduate business degree.
All other interested students must formally apply to the Graduate Certificate in Business Principles through Cal State Apply (external link). Applicants are required to upload unofficial transcripts, a statement of interest, and current CV/résumé. Important: in order to apply for certificates, go to your “EXTENDED PROFILE” and under "DEGREE GOAL" select “CERTIFICATE”, then choose "Graduate Certificate in Enterprise Cybersecurity" and SAVE.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with deadlines in May and October.