Benefits of the Business Essentials Certificate Program

College Students
Non-business majors enrich their academic experiences and broaden their career prospects by developing a working knowledge of fundamental business concepts.

Adult Learners
Individuals seeking a career change or applying for a business oriented position would benefit from the program as well as a college graduate with a non-business degree preparing for an MBA program.

Convenient Scheduling

The certificate may be completed during one or two summers, and Business Essentials students are guaranteed seats during the Summer Sessions. Sections of each course are offered at convenient times, including either online or in the evening. Some of the courses for Business Essentials are also offered online during the College’s four week Winter Session – a convenient and streamlined alternative.

Tuition and Fees

Normal undergraduate tuition and tuition related fees apply to all academic courses (Tuition Information). In addition, all relevant non-tuition related charges (e.g., parking fees, dishonored check fees, etc.) apply.

Q: What are the requirements for the Business Essentials Certificate?
To earn a certificate, four (4) four-credit courses are required. Three of the courses are required of all certificate students and the fourth required course offers enrollees options. The three required courses are Principles of Financial Accounting (ACCT221), Marketing Principles and Practices (MKTG290) and Managing Organizational Behavior (MGMT302). For the fourth course, you may choose one of the following courses: Business Law I (BADM223), Principles of Information Technology (INFO224) or Corporate Finance I (FINC301)*.

Q: Who can take the Business Essentials Certificate Program?
College Students: Non-business majors enrich their academic experiences and broaden their career prospects by developing a working knowledge of fundamental business concepts.

Adult Learners: Individuals seeking a career change or applying for a business-oriented position would benefit from the program as well as a college graduate with a non-business degree and those preparing for an MBA program.

Q: How long does the certificate take to complete?
The Business Essentials Certificate can be completed at your own pace. Sections of each course are offered at convenient times, including either online or in the evening. The certificate can also be completed during one or two summers. Business Essentials students are guaranteed seats during summer sessions. Some of the required courses are also offered online during the College’s four-week winter session.

Q: Who do I contact if I have difficulty registering for a course?
If you are having trouble with registration and/or need a permit to register for a course, please contact Karen Norton at (201) 684-6653 or knorton@ramapo.edu.

Q: Is the Business Essentials Certificate eligible for financial aid?
If you are a current Ramapo College student receiving aid, the required classes are part of your normal course schedule, therefore are paid through your college account. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (201) 684-7549 to see how many credits you are covered for through financial aid. If you are not a matriculated Ramapo College student, this program is not eligible for financial aid because it is a non-degree program.

Q: What is the total cost of the program?
The courses for the Business Essentials Certificate are all credit-bearing Ramapo College courses and tuition is established annually by the Board of Trustees. The cost per credit is dependent on the semester in which courses are taken, as well as in-state or out-of-state status. To view the tuition cost per credit, please visit the Office of Student Accounts website at https://www.ramapo.edu/student-accounts/costinfo/.

Q: Will I receive a transcript after completing this program? 
Yes, all required courses taken as part of the Business Essentials Certificate program are recorded on your Ramapo College official transcript.   Once completed, your certificate is noted as earned on your Ramapo transcript.  Transcripts may be requested online on the Registrar’s website at https://www.ramapo.edu/registrar/.