Online Business Certificate Program Guide
The business field can include any industry involved with professional activities. Workers across various business sectors may need finance, accounting, and management skills. They can sharpen these abilities by earning degrees and/or certificates.
Business certificates provide focused education within specific areas of the field. You can choose an online certificate program that suits your learning needs. The following page outlines the different types of certificates available and how to choose the best online business certificate program for you.
Are business certificates worth it?
Earning an online business certificate can be hard work, but it also comes with many benefits, including:
- Boosting your current business credentials
- Demonstrating your ability to handle new expectations
- Keeping up with emerging technologies
- Moving into a new sector
- Broadening your professional network
What Is a Business Certificate?
Business certificates provide condensed knowledge of various subsets of business within a short timeframe. Individuals who wish to learn new skills without enrolling in traditional degree programs may benefit from these programs. Certificate graduates demonstrate their commitment and knowledge to prospective employers.
Various institutions offer certificates, including four-year universities, community colleges, and private organizations. Providers may offer credit and noncredit programs. Credit-bearing courses may transfer to future degree programs, whereas noncredit courses usually cannot.
Learn more about the main types of business certificates below, including curricula, length, and admission requirements.
Undergraduate Certificate
Undergraduate certificates in business provide introductory-level courses for individuals without bachelor’s degrees. Enrollees may study topics like corporate finance, marketing, business analytics, and information technology. Some programs may offer electives for students to learn about personal interests. Certificates usually comprise 16-18 credits and take 8-12 months to complete.
Candidates typically submit online applications, essays, and official high school transcripts for admission. Certain programs may require college credits or two years of relevant work experience.
Graduate Certificate
Online graduate certificates offer advanced courses for attendees looking to develop business knowledge without committing to a full graduate degree. Coursework may cover quantitative analysis, operations management, accounting, and financial management. Most programs comprise 12-18 credits, which enrollees can complete in 6-24 months.
Some graduate certificates are post-baccalaureate, meaning that you must hold a bachelor’s degree for admission. Others are post-master’s and require you to possess a master’s degree, such as a master of business administration.
For either type, institutions typically ask for supplemental information such as official transcripts, resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
Executive Certificate
Individuals looking to study advanced business skills while working may benefit from executive certificate programs. These certificates can cover business, management, and leadership topics. Most programs only last a few weeks and are non-credit-bearing. Providers may offer flexible options for full-time employees.
Applicants may need to possess senior-level experience or have completed graduate degrees. The online application process may require a candidate to submit a resume, short essays, and a letter of recommendation from a manager.
What Can You Do With a Business Certificate?
Online business certificate programs can lead to various employment opportunities. Your exact options will depend on your additional education, employment history, and whether you hold any professional certifications.
Undergraduate certificates can lead to entry-level careers in supporting business roles. Graduate certificates complement your existing degree and may help you advance in your career or move into more specialized career tracks.
The following table highlights key details about jobs for which an online business certificate may help you qualify:
| Job | Median Salary (2024) | Job Outlook (2023-2033) | Typical Minimum Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Service Representative | $42,830 | -5% | High school diploma or postsecondary certificate |
| Information Clerk | $43,730 | -1% | High school diploma or postsecondary certificate |
| Administrative Assistant | $47,460 | +1% | High school diploma or postsecondary certificate |
| Financial Clerk | $48,650 | -4% | High school diploma or postsecondary certificate |
| Tax Preparer | $50,560 | +4% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Accounting Clerk | $49,210% | -5% | Postsecondary certificate or associate degree |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk | $55,290 | -15% | Postsecondary certificate or associate degree |
| Tax Examiner | $59,740 | +2% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Insurance Claims Adjuster or Examiner | $76,790 | -5% | Postsecondary certificate or bachelor’s degree |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,950 | +8% | Bachelor’s degree |
How Much Does an Online Business Certificate Cost?
Average Tuition and Fees for Online Business Certificate Programs
$2,253
Undergraduate
$7,327
Graduate
Note: The above averages are based on 2019-2020 tuition and fees for online certificate programs in business, management, and marketing.
Online business certificate programs generally offer an efficient, cost-effective way to upgrade your educational credentials. As the table above indicates, the typical cost of a business certificate program falls well below the average tuition fees paid by students in degree programs. Certificate programs are also shorter, meaning you’ll secure additional savings by spending less time in school.
However, fees vary among schools, and some certificate programs carry higher-than-average costs. Factors impacting pricing include the program level and the school’s reputation and status. You may pay more for a graduate certificate program, or if you attend a prestigious school.
Some certificate programs qualify for federal financial aid, if they’re approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Private lenders can help you bridge funding gaps if you still need financial aid after maximizing available scholarships, grants, savings, and federal loans.
How to Choose the Best Business Certificate for You
1. Identify your goals.
Students often pursue undergraduate certificates for quick, affordable entry-level career training. Graduates tend to choose certificate pathways to complement their existing degrees, learn a specialized skill, fulfill certification or licensure requirements, or position themselves for career advancement.
What’s your motivation for pursuing a certificate, and how does an online business certificate fit into your long-term plans? Answering these questions can help you identify aligned learning opportunities.
2. Check for accreditation.
Colleges and universities that offer online business certificates can hold institutional accreditation. This type of accreditation is necessary if you are looking to receive federal financial aid or have your certificate credits recognized by other institutions.
Individual programs and departments at schools can earn programmatic accreditation, usually awarded by accreditors within specific fields. The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs is one of the only agencies that accredits business programs at the certificate level. Since programmatic accreditation of business certificates is rare, focus on institutional accreditation when choosing a school-based program.
Private corporations differ from higher education institutions and cannot receive institutional accreditation, but they can still teach valuable skills. However, a certificate from a non-accredited institution may be lower than certificate programs with programmatic or institutional accreditation.
3. Consider format and length.
Schools deliver online courses in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Synchronous classes take place in real time on a set schedule, just like campus-based courses. Asynchronous courses involve pre-recorded lectures, which you can engage with when it’s most convenient for you.
Both options have their benefits and limitations. Asynchronous classes offer more flexibility, but synchronous courses make it easier to interact with your instructor if you have questions about the material.
You can also study part time or full time. Part-time learning generally makes it easier to work around outside commitments.
4. Review curriculum requirements.
Online business certificate programs vary in their credit requirements and intensity. Some cover only a few courses, while others require multiple semesters of full-time study. Consider course volumes and completion timelines, as they may impact your learning experience.
Also, review all courses — including electives, if they’re offered — to ensure the program aligns with your learning interests. If a program deviates too much from what you’re expecting or hoping to learn, consider an alternative. As an online student, you aren’t limited to programs available in your geographic area.
5. Compare costs and financial aid.
When you perform your cost analysis, look beyond your out-of-pocket expenses. Consider the job opportunities you could qualify for with the certificate, and compare that against your present earning power. If the certificate pathway offers an upgrade, you’ll be in a good position to earn a positive long-term return.
Finally, compare financial aid opportunities at each school. Non-repayable aid, such as scholarships, can dramatically reduce your attendance costs.