Certificate Programs FAQs

An online master, advanced master or management certificate is a comprehensive non-credit professional development series that covers today’s most in-demand business topics. Each Michigan State University certificate consists of multiple courses that build upon one another in a step-by-step progression. This helps individuals develop and refine specific skills for their chosen profession that they can put into practice right away.

The total estimated completion time for each certificate program is approximately 25 to 30 hours, including 12 to 16 hours of streaming video presentation plus independent exercises and mastery exams. Students can work at their own pace but should plan to spend approximately 5 to 7 hours a week on their online lectures, assignments and exams, which will enable them to complete each course within eight weeks.

Yes. You have eight weeks to complete each certificate course.

For your convenience, courses offer downloadable study guides and lectures as part of the program.

The online faculty support format is an excellent way to meet, collaborate and network with professionals from across the nation and around the world. Online faculty support offers extended interaction with program faculty and classmates through virtual office hours, faculty-monitored chat rooms, discussion boards and email, ensuring an engaging and rewarding educational experience. In fact, many students will find that they are actually learning, participating and enjoying themselves more in this online program than they ever did in a traditional classroom.

In order to receive your certificate, there will be an “open book” set of questions you must answer online. Students may also be required to participate in simulation or practical exercises that are designed to help them achieve a better understanding of the core competencies.

Earning a professional certificate sets those with the credentials apart from – or above – those without it. For many, gaining new skills becomes a personal professional goal. A certificate from a highly respected, accredited university also adds prestige to your resume. Furthermore, a professional certificate can be an aid to career advancement and help you earn a higher salary.

Upon enrolling in the program, we encourage you to add the certificate with the estimated date of completion onto your resume and LinkedIn profile if you have one. Adding this credential shows your network connections, your current employer as well as potential employers that you are committed to your career and serious about advancement opportunities.

Unless a certificate or course is designated as “for-credit”, you will not receive any credits towards a degree program. You will earn continuing education units (CEUs) for all courses, so you may be eligible for tuition assistance from your company. Contact your company’s human resources department to confirm whether their tuition assistance policy covers continuing education programs.

Students can usually begin classes within 2 months following the month they register.

Once you have completed and paid for a course – including all lectures, assignments and tests – you will be awarded a course certificate and continuing education units from Michigan State University.

Founded in 1855 on the ideals of democratization of knowledge, Michigan State University is the nation’s pioneer land-grant university. Michigan State University began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. Today, it is one of the top research universities in the world – home to a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.

Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Broad College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), representing the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide..

Michigan State University is collaborating with Bisk Education to provide renowned education from outstanding Broad College faculty through state-of-the-art online technology. Bisk Education, a worldwide leader in interactive professional education, provides the e-learning system powering the online classroom rich with dynamic features such as streaming video lectures, discussion boards, online chat rooms and much more. In addition to providing the interactive online technology, Bisk Education works with the University to provide registration support, assisting you in the enrollment process, providing class materials upon request, as well as providing superior technical and customer service support for our online programs. The curriculum and content is provided by the same faculty who teach in our ground-based programs at Michigan State University.

You can register anytime and begin as soon as the next program is available. You then have eight weeks to finish each course. Call Toll Free at 855-300-1310 or International +1 813-612-4295 today for more information!

State agency contact information for student complaints/concerns: Click here to see a list of state agency contact information sorted by geographic location.

Follow the instructions from the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/services/register.