A new certificate program offered by the Penn State Smeal College of Business will allow nonbusiness undergraduates at Penn State to develop fundamental business skills in areas such as finance, management, marketing and supply chain management.

The 15-credit Smeal College Business Fundamentals Certificate will be offered over an eight-week period in Summer 2015 (May 18 – July 10). Students may complete the entire certificate in summer, or take fewer than 15 credits and complete the certificate during the upcoming fall and spring semesters.

“Corporate recruiters are seeking well-rounded prospects—regardless of major—who possess a deeper understanding of key business concepts, said Charles H. Whiteman, John and Becky Surma Dean of Smeal. “The Smeal Business Fundamentals Certificate will be valuable as students from across the University prepare for their future careers and work to make themselves even more marketable to potential employers.”

The certificate, which upon completion will result in a Smeal-specific transcript designation, is comprised of four required courses: BA 301 Finance, BA 302 Supply Chains, BA 303 Marketing, and BA 304 Management and Organization. Students pursuing the certificate also will choose between one of two electives: BLAW 243 Legal Environment of Business or IB 303 International Business Operations. Students must meet curriculum prerequisites prior to enrolling.

“Beyond more traditional corporate career paths, any student with entrepreneurial goals and plans to bring intellectual property to the marketplace will find this certificate to be beneficial,” Whiteman said. “The program will help students to view the world through a business lens.”

Learn more about the Smeal College of Business Fundamentals Certificate.