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Business Administration, Certificate

The Certificate in Business Administration exposes you to a variety of graduate courses from marketing and management to law, technology and more.

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About this Program

The Business Administration certificate is designed to give you a solid foundation in business principles. The courses are split into two  tracks. There is the Behavioral Core track that deals with “soft” business skills such as Leadership, Management and Ethics, and there is the Analytical Core which deals with quantitative business skills such as: Accounting, Finance and Economics.

These certificate courses make up the majority of our Professional MBA core classes. Once you complete this certificate you are more than halfway through the Professional MBA coursework. When you complete the certificate you can either graduate from the certificate or use the certificate classes towards the Professional MBA degree.

Learning Competencies

On successful completion, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate competence for managerial decision-making
  • Recognize and address moral and ethical challenges, and defend a course of action
  • Understand, integrate and apply relevant knowledge and skills in a global context
  • Display competence in communications
  • Establish and maintain constructive working relationships
  • Develop self-awareness and professional purpose

Transition to Semester Calendar

Begin your graduate program on the quarter system before Summer 2027 and continue your studies as Seattle University transitions to a semester calendar. The university is planning for a smooth transition so you can stay on track toward your degree. Learn more about the Graduate Programs Move to Semesters.

No Application Fee

We are committed to removing barriers to graduate education by waiving the application fee for all applicants.

Certificate Requirements

This certificate requires 21 semester credits or 25 quarter credits to complete.

Quarters: Explore the 2026–27 course catalog to see what you may study as part of your degree. 

Semesters: Course offerings will evolve as we transition to a semester calendar. See the list of courses for this program starting Fall 2027.

Required courses 
MBA 5011: Teams, Leadership, and Decision-Making (3) 
MBA 5120: Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility (3) 
MBA 5005: Accounting for Business (3) 
MBA 5006: Finance for Business (3) 
MBA 5007: Economics for Business (3) 
MBA 5009: Systems, Operations, and Supply Chain (3) 
MBA 5013: Marketing Management (3) 

Course titles and numbers are subject to change as the semester curriculum is finalized. Course content will remain unchanged.

Earn your Business Administration Certificate Today

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What to Know Before Applying

  • Current students should speak to their adviser about adding a certificate.
  • New students need to apply for the certificate program as a regular student via our Application page.
  • After being accepted, you must complete the onboarding process, including a meeting with your advisor, and then you may start the next available term.
  • Length of program depends on when classes are being offered and how many you wish to take per term. Not all classes are offered every year/quarter. Speak to your adviser to get the most up-to-date schedule for the academic year.

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Get in Touch

Get in-depth, personalized program information from an expert. Share your career goals and decide on next steps with our specialized admissions team.

Carolyn Auvil

Senior Graduate Student Recruitment Specialist

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