2023 Best Online Certificates in Business

Well-known for its online programming that caters to working professionals, the University of Phoenix (UP) is a private for-profit institution offering an online Undergraduate Certificate in Business Analytics. The curriculum is designed to improve skills in researching, interpreting, and communicating data. This online certificate program includes nine core courses — 27 credits — each lasting five weeks. It takes about 11 months to finish this online certificate program. UP accepts all applicants due to its open admission policy.

UP delivers its online curriculum via Blackboard, including online business analytics courses such as Data Analytics and Modeling, Change Management and Implementation, Introduction to Computer Applications and Systems, and Data Ethics and Security. These courses can help students prepare for entry-level business analysis careers.

Similarly, UP offers an online Undergraduate Certificate in Small Business Management & Entrepreneurship that students can earn in about seven months for those interested in starting and running their own businesses.

West Virginia’s American Public University System (APUS) is a private, for-profit institution with an online Undergraduate Certificate in E Commerce providing students with an overview of ecommerce architecture, tools, and technologies. This is an 18-credit program that students can finish in less than a year. APUS accepts up to nine transfer credits for this program. APUS accepts all applicants.

APUS uses Brightspace to deliver distance learning. Online ecommerce certificate students take courses including Advanced Web Analytics, Web eCommerce Development, Search Engine Optimization, and Web 2.0 Fundamentals. The curriculum in this online program can help prepare students for careers, such as SEO specialists, content strategists, and digital marketers.

Students with a bachelor’s degree who work in public safety and want to gain business skills may be interested in a Graduate Certificate in Business Essentials for the Security Executive to help build their skills in personnel management, budgeting, and business operations.

Front Range Community College (FRCC) in suburban Westminster, Colorado, is a public institution offering an online Certificate in Foundations of Business. This online certificate provides a broad overview of business principles, such as business writing, management, and marketing. It is a 12-credit undergraduate certificate program that students can finish in just one semester. FRCC has a 100% acceptance rate.

MyCourses is FRCC’s learning management system for its online programming. The four courses in the online foundations of business certificate program include Introduction to Business, Intro to Financial Accounting, Business Communications and Report Writing, and one of six pre-selected electives. Students with their certificates may pursue careers in administrative and executive support, employee supervision, and entrepreneurship.

Additionally, FRCC offers an online Certificate in Small Business Ownership and an online Certificate in Small Business Operations for students interested in entrepreneurship.

Wake Technical Community College (WTCC) in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a public institution offering an online Certificate in Business Analyst that undergraduate students can finish in two semesters. It requires completing five courses (15 credits). However, it does require completing the online Certificate in Business Intelligence as a prerequisite. WTCC accepts all applicants due to its open admission policy.

WTCC delivers its online program content to distance learners via Blackboard. The online business analyst certificate courses include Intro to Predictive Analytics, Applied Predictive Modeling, Data Structures for Analytics, Analytical Tools and Methods, and Advanced Analytical Tools and Methods. Completing this online certificate program may lead to an entry-level business analytics position or serve as the foundation to pursue an advanced certificate or degree in this field.

Wisconsin’s Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is a public institution offering an online Certificate in Business Management Trainee to help students develop fundamental knowledge in accounting, management, and insurance concepts for job market entry into the business world. Students can complete this 12-credit, online undergraduate certificate program in one term. MATC has a 100% acceptance rate.

MATC’s distance learners access Blackboard to participate in their classes. Online Certificate in Business Management Trainee courses include Financial Accounting, MS Office for Business Applications, Business Organization and Management, and Risk Management and Insurance. Potential careers for graduates include administrative and executive support, staff supervision, entry-level management, and small business ownership.

Business owners may opt to earn an online Technical Diploma in Business Management that helps build skills in business communications, office technologies, and risk management.

Albany Technical College (ATC) in Georgia is a public, predominantly Black institution with an online Diploma in Business Management. Specializations include general management, small business management, service sector management, operations management, and human resources management. Graduating requires 49 credits, taking full-time students a little over a year. ATC accepts all applicants.

ATC uses Blackboard for online coursework and instruction delivery. Depending on the speciality, online business management diploma students take courses such as Employee Training and Development, Labor Management Relations, Management Communication Techniques, and Service Sector Management. This online certificate can provide a solid foundation that can lead to entry-level management positions or help students prepare for associate and bachelor’s degrees in business management administration.

Alternatively, an online Diploma in Business Logistics Management is also available at ATC.