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Business Fundamentals (Graduate Certificate)

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Program Description

Develop a strong foundation in the core principles of business with a graduate certificate in business fundamentals from the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.

Designed to complement your current skillset by adding a fundamental understanding of effective business practices in key areas of business: accounting, finance, management, and marketing. 

George Mason University’s graduate certificate in business fundamentals is designed for graduate students in other non-business disciplines or those looking to quickly upskill in foundational business knowledge.

Develop both your soft skills (such as leadership, collaboration, and communication) and hard skills (such as analysis, management, and implementation). Aid your decision-making by learning how to develop tools for understanding individual and group behaviors, make and implement effective marketing decisions, analyze financial statements, and apply financial theory to investments.

Students who complete at least two business fundamentals certificate courses with grades of B or better will have their application requirements for the master’s in management program reduced should they choose to apply. Courses taken for the business fundamentals certificate can be applied to the MBA or master’s in management program upon acceptance into the program.

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Program Summary

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Program: Business Fundamentals (Graduate Certificate)

Degree: Graduate Certificate

College/School: Costello College of Business

Credits: 12 total

The Costello College of Business at George Mason University offers a variety of graduate programs that help students stand out in today’s job market while fulfilling their educational and professional aspirations. 

Thank you for choosing to apply for graduate studies in the Costello College of Business at George Mason University. In order to be successful in the application process, it is important that you follow the steps below and submit all required supporting documents.

The College of Business takes a holistic approach to admissions. No portion of the applicant’s portfolio is weighted more than another; the admissions committee considers the entire application to ensure that they have a complete profile of a candidate’s professional and academic qualifications.

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Where to Start

Each of our graduate programs has specific eligibility and application requirements in addition to the university’s general admissions requirements. For more detailed information, review your specific program’s requirements below. Some items take several weeks or even months to complete, so it’s best to look ahead to help you plan out your application.

Program-Specific Application Requirements

Certificate Requirements

Total credits: 12

This certificate may be pursued on a full-or part-time basis.

 

GBUS 613 Financial Reporting and Decision Making 3
GBUS 623 Marketing Management 3
GBUS 643 Managerial Finance 3
GBUS 653 Organizational Behavior 3
Total Credits 12

Tuition and Fee Structure

  • Tuition: Tuition is billed per credit hour with additional fees as appropriate. If a student is a resident of Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., in-state rates will apply. For all other students, out-of-state rates will apply. Rates and fees are subject to change.
  • Fees:
    • Mandatory Student Fee: This is a mandatory fee based on credit enrollment. The Mandatory Student Fee supports the maintenance of facilities and buildings, auxiliary services, intercollegiate athletics, campus shuttle, academic services, student activities, and health services.
    • Enrollment Deposit: All new masters and certificate students must pay a $500 non-refundable enrollment deposit, which is used to reserve your seat for the term to which you applied and is applied toward your tuition. All applicants under the following categories will automatically have their enrollment deposits waived: Bachelor’s/Accelerated Masters (BAM), George Mason Employees, Refugees, Student/Athletes, and US Military Active Duty & Veterans.
    • Graduate New Student Fee: This is a mandatory, non-refundable, one-time $60 fee. The fee is charged to the account of every newly admitted, degree-seeking student at the time of registration, regardless of orientation attendance or enrollment status.
  • Potential Additional Costs: 
    • Books: average is $150 per course
    • Airfare to and from the country of your global residency (depends on graduate program)
  • Health Insurance: George Mason University makes health insurance available to eligible students through Aetna Student Health. George Mason University requires J-1 and F-1 visa status students to have health insurance coverage under University Policy. The Insurance Office will automatically enroll F-1 and J-1 visa students into the school selected health plan. Visit the Student Health Services webpage for more information.

For more information on current tuition rates and fees, visit the Student Accounts website.

 

FAFSA

To apply for need-based federal assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application. Learn more about applying for FAFSA.

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 sbusgrad@gmu.edu. For those interested in our PhD in business program, please email us at busphd@gmu.edu.

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