The following campuses are offering the Business Essentials for Professionals certificate:

• Altoona
• Berks
• Brandywine
• Erie
• Fayette
• Greater Allegheny
• Hazleton
• Lehigh Valley
• Mont Alto
• New Kensington
• Shenango
• University Park
• York

Curriculum

Business Essentials for Professionals Certificate
(4 courses, 3 credits each)
Each course in this program can provide you with core competencies in business, such as communications, marketing, management, information technology, and sales, to name a few.

CAS 100B (3 credits)
Effective Speech
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles of effective communication with a specific focus on group problem solving. The goal of CAS 100B is directed toward skill development in effective group communication, with less emphasis on formal public speaking and message evaluation. Toward that end, class size is limited and class meetings place considerable attention on group dynamics, teamwork, and effective communication within groups. Through in-class activities, peer critiques, and analysis of both process and product, this course is designed to allow students to actively work in groups and engage in self-analysis of their own group processes. Structurally, this course begins with discussion of the principles of effective communication and public presentation and then covers significant course content addressing group communication and group process. This course enables students to work more effectively in groups, develop teams, and make effective group and individual presentations. At least one individual speech, several group communication activities, and one message evaluation are required in this course.

MIS 204 (3 credits)
Introduction to Business Information Systems
This is an applications-oriented course that provides an overview of (1) the role of information systems in business process design, (2) the current technologies used for obtaining, storing, and communicating information in support of operations and decision-making within a business organization, and (3) the concepts and principles for programming, developing, and using popular spreadsheet and database tools. Applications focus on important problems and issues found in business disciplines, including accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain operations, and general management.

B A 100 (3 credits)
Introduction to Business
This course provides a broad overview of the study of business and its environment, organization, operation, and interrelationships with government and society. Topic areas include economic systems, forms of business ownership, information, accounting, finance, management, marketing principles, legal and regulatory environments, business ethics, and international business. A student majoring in business will develop a broad basis for further study in a specific area in business, while those in other majors will become familiar with the American enterprise system and the functions and issues facing business today.

MKTG 220 (3 credits)
Introduction to Selling Techniques
This course covers the principles underlying the sales process and the practical application of these principles to selling situations. Students will study the role of selling in the total marketing process.