MBA program unveils graduate certificates
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas MBA program is introducing a series of new graduate certificates this fall, offering eight areas of in-depth specialization and a business foundations certificate.
The certificates, taught at the Edwards Campus in Overland Park, allow students to earn credit-bearing graduate coursework in management education. When completed, a certificate provides official recognition on a transcript and resume.
“Certificates demonstrate to employers your competency in specific areas of management,” said Dee Steinle, administrative director of masters programs.
As a relatively new concept in higher education, certificates appeal to a diverse audience for a number of reasons.
“Someone who has an MBA may want to update their skills in a different area of specialization,” Steinle said. “For someone else, it may be that they need a piece of management knowledge rather than a full degree program.”
Students without a business education are welcome to the certificate program, but they may need to complete a couple of prerequisite courses. Certificates are designed to be taken as a stand-alone study but can also work in tandem with the curriculum for students already in the Working Professional MBA program.
The Edwards Campus will offer the following certificates: Foundations of Business, Business Analytics, Human Resource Management, International Business Management, Investments, Marketing, Strategic Management, Supply Chain Management and Valuation.
The Foundations of Business certificate comprises the first five courses of the Working Professional MBA, making it an easy transition into the full graduate program. Additionally, if students complete a certificate before they have an MBA, all of their courses from the certificate will transfer and count toward an MBA if they decide to pursue the full degree.
The application deadline for fall semester is July 15, and for the spring semester, it's Dec. 15. Get more information online about KU MBA’s certificates.