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Fundamentals of Management, Certificate

The Fundamentals of Management is a business management certificate that prepares you to build teams, manage relationships, and lead in all types of organizations. It is designed for people newly promoted into management roles or for those who want to improve their management skills.

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About this Program

The Graduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Management is designed for working professionals who want to build their management expertise and earn a graduate credential without committing to a full graduate degree. The certificate also provides a pathway to further graduate study: all three courses count toward the credits required for Seattle University’s Professional MBA (PMBA). Current PMBA students can also complete the certificate as part of their degree, with the courses fulfilling PMBA requirements or counting as electives.

Learning Competencies

On successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Establish and maintain effective teams and constructive working relationships, grounded in part on self-awareness (emotional intelligence).
  • Recognize and address moral and ethical challenges and defend a course of action.

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 9 semester/15 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)

Electives
One elective (3)

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

Earn your Fundamentals of Management Certificate Today

Graduate student Bowen Chen (MSF), from Shanghai China, center, writes out a finance problem in the library on campus in preparation for his final.

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. Once complete, 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/term. Speak to your adviser to get the most up-to-date schedule for the academic year.

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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