Curriculum Structure Who Should Attend Benefits Requirements Application Deadlines Fees Contact Us Apply Online

Business Essentials Certificate Program

This program provides a top-level introduction to the foundations of management using the rich resources of one of the world's preeminent business schools.

In a program that can be completed in as little as a year, the Business Essentials Certificate teaches key skills in accounting, corporate finance, human resource management, marketing, business policy, and general management. Participants, who typically take the courses without interrupting their careers, can apply classroom theory to everyday management practice and simultaneously improve their decision-making ability.

The certificate will add to the qualifications of working professionals whose careers in, for example, science or technology may be held back by a lack of general business skills. Courses are held in the evenings in state-of-the-art teaching facilities at Jon M. Huntsman Hall on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia. During the spring and fall, classes meet one evening a week. Summer classes meet two evenings per week.

Faculty members are appointed by the Wharton departments for their subject area expertise and their ability to maximize the learning and networking opportunities that can arise from across a select, highly motivated group of professionals.

Curriculum Structure

The BECP consists of six courses that span the business disciplines:

• MGMT 411: Introduction to Management
• ACCT 411: Financial Accounting
• FNCE 412: Corporate Finance
• MGMT 422: Human Resource Management
• MKTG 411: Introduction to Marketing
• MGMT 423: Business Policy

WPWP recommends that courses be taken in the order outlined here; other sequences can be planned with a WPWP program representative. Introduction to Management must be taken in a student's first term, and Business Policy must be taken in the last term.

During the fall and spring semesters, classes meet one evening per week, and participants can take one or two courses. In the summer, classes meet two evenings per week, and participants may enroll in one class per session. All courses earn post-baccalaureate credits from the University of Pennsylvania.

Courses are taught by Wharton professors and industry executives who are appointed for their subject expertise, teaching skills, and ability to offer networking opportunities to participants.

Who Should Attend

• Those who have risen to a high level in a specific discipline such as science or technology and who need a business education to advance into senior management.
• Professionals in the early or mid-stages of their careers who have no formal business training and want an introduction to business before applying to an MBA program.
• Entrepreneurs seeking formal business training in order to enhance their own management skills.

Benefits

• Sharing the expertise of world-class faculty and students at one of the world's leading business schools.
• Applying academic knowledge to practical managerial decision making.
• Acquiring insights on management and professional development from colleagues representing a range of industries and professions.

Applicants must have:

• Completed their undergraduate degree, with a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Three or more years of work experience.

Qualified applicants must submit:

• Completed application
• Current résumé
• Entrance essays
• Official college transcripts
• $70 application fee
• Two recommendation letters

Applicants should apply online using the following link: WPWP application.

Supporting materials such as transcripts should be sent to the address listed below.