Business Essentials Certificate Program
The Business Essentials Certificate Program, offered by the Missouri State University College of Business Administration, is designed to provide a foundation of basic business knowledge for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a non-business discipline. A student who completes the entire 6-course program should be better qualified to interview for entry-level positions that require a fundamental understanding of business practices and concepts in addition to their discipline-specific knowledge. The complete program is composed of six classes that may be taken by any non-business student in good standing at the university; however, students may take any combination of these classes as a supplement to their degree program as long as the course prerequisites have been completed. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to students who apply for and complete the 6-course Business Essentials curriculum and one prerequisite (MTH 135-College Algebra, or a higher-level math class).
The Curriculum
CIS/CSC 101 - Computers for Learning. Fundamental computer concepts including word processing, spreadsheets, assessing information and the responsible use of information and technology. Course may be waived by proficiency exam. (No prerequisite)
FGB 135 - Introduction to Business. This course is a survey of business which includes an evaluation of the social and economic environment in which it operates, followed by a look at business organization, management, finance, accounting, production, marketing, insurance, legal environment, and information systems. (No prerequisite)
MKT 150 - Marketing Fundamentals. This is a survey course designed to develop a broad understanding of the field of marketing. (No prerequisite)
ACC 201 - Introduction to Financial Accounting. This course introduces students to the methods and procedures employed in financial accounting, placing emphasis on the development and interpretation of financial statements. (Prerequisites: MTH 135 or equivalent and 24 credit hours completed; or permission)
RIL 231 - Legal Environment of Business. Ethical and legal issues in the domestic and international regulatory environment are the focus of this course. Topics covered include legal reasoning and dispute resolution, court systems, and sources of law. Substantive areas such as contracts, product liability and consumer rights are discussed, in addition to contemporary legal issues such as regulation of environmental practices, deceptive advertising and computer law. (Prerequisite: 24 credit hours completed; or permission)
MGT 320 - Patterns of Management. This course, designed specifically for non-business majors, provides a knowledge of management and its importance and applications in various fields. Topical areas covered include: management functions and problems, decision making, organizational design, managerial/non-managerial relationships, and management job opportunities. (Prerequisite: 54 credit hours completed)
All degree programs offered by the Missouri State College of Business Administration are fully accredited by the AACSB: The International Association for Management Education.
Admission Requirements
Any student with a 2.0 GPA (combined Missouri State plus transfer) who has completed the following three classes with a grade of "C" or better in each class can, upon application, be admitted to the Business Essentials Program: CIS/CSC 101, FGB 135, and MTH 135 (or higher).
Requirements for Completion
There are three requirements for completion of the Business Essentials Program.
- maintain a combined (Missouri State plus transfer) grade point average of 2.0 or higher;
- complete one prerequisite class, MTH 135 (or higher);
- complete the six-course Business Essentials curriculum.
Business Essentials Certification
Students who complete the entire six-course Business Essentials Program and maintain a combined (Missouri State plus transfer) grade point average of 2.00 will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply for admission to the Business Essentials Certificate Program?
A: If you have maintained a 2.0 GPA (combined Missouri State plus transfer) and have completed CIS/CSC 101, MTH 135 (or higher), and FGB 135, with a grade of "C" or better in each class, you can be admitted to the Business Essentials Certificate Program by filling out a brief application form. The form is available in the Business Advisement Center (GLA 106).
Q: What prerequisites are required for me to take the Business Essentials courses?
A: Only one prerequisite course, MTH 135 (or higher), is required; however, some of the courses require that you complete a certain number of credit hours before enrolling in them.
Q: Can I use Business Essentials courses toward a business degree at Missouri State?
A: The following Business Essentials courses may be counted toward a business major at Missouri State: CIS/CSC 101, ACC 201 and RIL 231. In addition, FGB 135 may be counted toward the General Business minor. All Business Essentials courses do apply toward the General Business minor; thus, students are able to earn a General Business minor by completing only three courses in addition to the six Business Essentials courses.
For additional information contact:
Sandra Culver, Director
Business Advisement Center
David D. Glass Hall - Room 106
College of Business Administration
Missouri State University
901 South National Avenue
Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 836-5386
SandyCulver@missouristate.edu