Business Fundamentals (Graduate Certificate)
Program Summary
100% Online
Credits: 12 total
Degree: Graduate Certificate
College/School: Costello College of Business
Start Date: 8/24/2026
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Program Description
The Online Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals provides students with opportunities to gain broad business knowledge while offering choice in courses that best suit their career needs. Students will augment their skillsets from their own academic and professional disciplines with a fundamental understanding of effective business practices.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals Concentration in General Business provides students with foundational knowledge in six key business areas of their choice while adding a fundamental understanding of effective business practices in key areas of business: accounting, finance, management, and marketing.
The Graduate Certificate in Business Fundamentals Concentration in Government Contract Management features a blend of required and elective courses tailored to government contracting professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in public procurement.
Career Opportunities
The Business Fundamentals Graduate Certificate prepares students for a wide range of roles by building essential business knowledge applicable across industries, including:
- Business or Operations Analyst
- Project or Program Coordinator
- Management or Administrative Professional
- Marketing or Sales Support Specialist
- Financial or Budget Analyst (entry‑level)
- Human Resources or Talent Operations Coordinator
- Entrepreneurial or Small Business Roles
- Leadership and Management Roles for Non‑Business Professionals
This certificate is especially valuable for professionals in STEM, healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit sectors who want to strengthen their business, management, and decision‑making skills. It also serves as a strong foundation for advanced graduate study in business or management.
To learn more about the Impact of the Costello College of Business graduate programs on recent alumni, click here.
The Costello Career Services team offers lifetime services to all current Costello College of Business students and alumni, including resume and cover letter reviews, salary negotiation, navigating online job boards, networking, mock interviews, etc. Contact the Costello Career Services Team today.
Courses
Program requirements are subject to change; please refer to the George Mason Course Catalog for the most up-to-date requirements.
New to online learning? Visit our Online Learning Tips and Strategies page to learn more about what to expect and how to succeed in an online course at George Mason.
Details
For the most current application requirements and deadlines, please visit our Costello College of Business Application Requirements page.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the most accurate and up-to-date tuition rates, fees, and financial aid options, please visit our College of Business Graduate Tuition & Financial Aid page.
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Contact
The Graduate Admissions Team at the Costello College of Business at George Mason University is here to support you through every step of your admissions journey.
Reach out to us with your questions. If you have worked with any of our staff members previously, please contact them directly.
General Inquiries can always be directed to 703-993-8006 or [email protected]. For those interested in our PhD in business program, please email us at [email protected].
