Applying to the Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals
Begin assembling your required application materials as electronic documents before completing the online graduate application. Do not mail any documents.
Application Dates and Guidelines
Students with a bachelor's degree or graduate degree may apply to the certificate program.
Certificate programs are part time, and international students may not apply for them as a stand-alone program. International students interested in graduate-level business education may want to consider Lerner's MBA.
Application Deadlines
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Students may start in the fall, spring, or summer sessions depending on when courses are offered. The deadlines are the same as the on-campus and online MBA programs.
Course Waiver/Substitutions
Course waivers/substitutions are available to students who have previously completed an MBA from an AACSB-accredited program or who meet the course waiver requirement based on prior coursework. You may choose to waive a course and replace it with another course in their graduate certificate program. For example, if you have taken BUAD 620 or its equivalent, then you may select another business analytics elective.
You can use up to a total of 12 credits from the certificate to waive 12 credits toward the MBA at UD but will need to apply for admission and be accepted to the MBA program. Certificate courses cannot be used to earn an MBA concentration or major. If you want to earn an MBA concentration or major, you will need to take 9 or 15 additional credits in that area.
Admissions Requirements
1. Online Application
Begin assembling your required application materials as electronic documents before completing the online graduate application. Do not mail any documents.
2. Application Fee
A $75 application fee is due when you submit your online application.
Application Fee Waiver
Application fees are waived for candidates who achieve a total score of 600+ on the GMAT Classic, 555+ on the GMAT Focus Edition or 310+ (Verbal Score + Quantitative Score) on the GRE. After receipt of official GMAT or GRE scores, the application fee will be automatically waived.
3. Bachelor’s Degree
A four-year U.S. bachelor’s degree in any academic field from an accredited college or university is required. Current undergraduate students need to show intent to complete undergraduate degree prior to enrolling in graduate level coursework, and all undergraduate coursework must be completed before starting the first graduate course.
4. Transcripts
An unofficial transcript is required with your application. You should visit the Registrar’s page of your home institution (post-high school institutions only) to print an unofficial copy to create your scan. If your home institution does not provide this service, ask for a student copy to create your scan. Do not mail official transcripts during the applicant stage.
Please visit http://grad.udel.edu/apply/transcripts/ for more detailed information.
5. Personal Statement / Essay
A personal statement of how a business fundamentals certificate can assist you in professional practice or voluntary endeavors. Additionally, you should answer the following prompt: “What are the specific attributes of this certificate program at UD that lead you to believe that this program is appropriate to help you achieve your professional objectives?” We are looking for insightful, specific and brief essays, 1-2 pages in length.
6. Resume
A resume or CV documenting your work experience, publications, honors and awards received, and educational credentials.
7. One Letter of Recommendation
You provide the name and email address for your recommender, and the recommendation form is emailed directly to them from the online application. Instructions are included as to how to return the completed form electronically.
8. GMAT/GRE Optional
If you wish to take the GMAT/GRE, application fees are waived for candidates who achieve a total score of 600+ on the GMAT Classic, 555+ on the GMAT Focus Edition or 310+ (Verbal Score + Quantitative Score) on the GRE. After receipt of official GMAT or GRE scores, the application fee will be automatically waived.
If you do not submit a GRE or GMAT score, you must provide other evidence of your quantitative ability such as good grades in statistics or advanced math courses or work experience using analytical or quantitative methods.
9. Work Experience
The typical applicant has two or more years of experience (work experience, volunteer work, community service, internships, significant academic projects, etc.) but all applicants are considered even if they have limited professional experience. Outstanding undergraduate GPAs and GMAT/GRE scores will strengthen your application if you have less than two years of experience.
10. Math Requirement
To be successful in the MBA program, you must demonstrate strong analytical and quantitative skills through prior academic work and/or recent professional experience. Applicants who are otherwise qualified for admission but lacking successful coursework in non-introductory statistics, calculus, linear math classes or work experience, may be asked to complete at their expense an MBA Math course in order to be admitted to the program. This will be communicated upon the completion of the Admissions Committee’s review of the full application.