Business Principles Certificate

Start on the journey to a successful career in business

Earn your Business Principles Certificate and learn the guiding principles of business management in this 18-credit program. This business certificate program provides the prerequisite knowledge and language needed to pursue an advanced business degree or get started on your career in business.

You can earn your business certificate on-demand online+ format through from our Global Campus or Livestream program, or choose to attend class on one of our multiple campuses across Michigan.

Why a business certificate?

A business certificate from Davenport introduces you to the broad study and analysis of business philosophies while also providing you with career credentials along your way to a more advanced degree, like a bachelor's or master's program. It can also help you advance in your current career with the study of contemporary practices and terminology while earning a business certificate that you can show on your resume. Students who complete this program can pursue an Associate in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business, a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and, eventually, a Master of Business Administration.

Explore classes for Davenport’s Business Skills Certificate

Complete the 18 credits needed for your business certificate program in as little as one year.

See Full Course List

Courses		18 Credits
ACES100	AchieveCareer/EducationSuccess This course presents the skills needed for university success and initiates students to career planning and development. Students evaluate their abilities and interests in order to develop career goals and align these goals with an appropriate course of study. Through a career investigation project, students are introduced to research techniques. Students also improve on academic skills necessary to successfully complete university work, such as critical thinking, study techniques, and test taking strategies. In addition, students are introduced to important dynamics of interpersonal communication and conflict resolution. The course also orients students to the University, to the Davenport University Excellence System, and to other elements of the Davenport curriculum. (This course is required for all new business, health, and technology students, except those transferring with 30 or more semester credits.) Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/h	3
BUSN210	Professional Ethics This course explores applied ethics, focusing on social and professional situations especially in the fields of business, law, and technology. Students learn ethical theory as they examine the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Students also compare and contrast ethical and moral systems. In addition, students apply creative and critical thinking to ethical dilemmas involving professional and social responsibility. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3
ENGL109	Composition This course introduces students to expository and persuasive writing. Employing critical thinking and the writing process, students will compose academic essays utilizing a variety of modes. They will also analyze and respond to a variety of academic and professional readings. Students will evaluate information and audience to improve form and content. Students are also introduced to the research process, including finding, evaluating, and documenting sources, to complete a short research project using the American Psychological Association Style. Note: ENGL109L is a 0 credit hour lab utilized in the Accelerated Learning Program (ALP). Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate test scores or successful completion of ENGL021. Student must also complete a diagnostic writing sample.	3
MGMT211	Management Foundations This course provides a foundation in basic management principles with special application and focus on the supervisory level of management. The four universal functions of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) are explored. Students learn the theories and study their impact on the history of management practices. Proper case analysis process is also examined and applied through the discussion of various supervisory/managerial case situations. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3
MKTG211	Marketing Foundations This course explores the role of marketing in society and in the success of an organization. Students learn and apply the strategies, tactics and terminology used by market-oriented businesses. Through critical thinking exercises and case analysis, students become familiar with the primary tools of marketing including market segmentation, product, pricing, marketing communication, research, and marketing channel strategies. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees. Co-requisite(s): ENGL109	3
SOSC201	Diversity in Society This course introduces students to the complex issues surrounding diversity in U.S. society and to the need for understanding difference in an increasingly globalized world. Students will explore the social-historical context of multiple experiences on individual, cultural and institutional levels. They will analyze the complex interactions regarding diversity in organizations. Students will also evaluate their own thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors in order to understand their roles in a diverse society. Applicable Course Fees can be found at https://my.davenport.edu/financial-aid/how-much-does-du-cost/tuition-and-fees.	3

Which class should I take? When should I take it?

See our Recommended Program Sequences:

1:1

Smaller class sizes means you get more one-on-one time with professors.

This program requires just 18 credits to complete

Why study business at Davenport University?

While earning your business certificate, you’ll get personalized attention from professors who are experts in their fields. Multiple campus clubs give you the opportunity to gain real-world business acumen and start building future career connections.

Experience the Davenport difference:

Individual with dotted path line to destination

Easy transition to the next program

Easily move onto your associate degree or bachelor’s in business and beyond after you earn your business certificate.

Personalized attention from professors

Smaller classroom sizes mean you get one-on-one attention from expert faculty.

Flexible scheduling

Choose to complete your 18 credits in person or online––whichever suits your schedule.

Cutting edge education

Learn the most up-to-date business processes from expert faculty.

Build career connections

Participate in campus clubs like Business Professionals of America and more.

Scholarships available

Financial aid is available for Davenport business students.

Get started on your business certificate

Take the next step toward earning your business certificate at one of the best business schools in Michigan.

Talk to an admissions advisor

Davenport’s admissions team is here to answer your questions. Please call us at 800.686.1600 or email us at info@davenport.edu.

Apply now for free or request more information

Start on the road to a successful career in business. Request more information or begin your application now.

Your business certificate stackable degrees

Davenport University's Business Principles Certificate was designed as a building block for our associate, bachelor and master-level degree offerings. After finishing this stackable certificate, you'll be able to seamlessly apply the credits you earned to the degrees listed below –– all while earning resume-boosting recognition along the way.

Stack 1: Business Principles Certificate

About Davenport University

Davenport is a private, not-for-profit university with more than 150 years of experience preparing students for successful careers.

Offering over 80 degree and certificate programs, we align with top employers to design degree programs that help you gain the skills and real-world experience you need to rise above the rest. With small class sizes and campuses across Michigan or online, you’ll earn a quality education on your schedule at Davenport University.*

Some programs require a student to complete a portion of their degree plan off-campus.
View a full list of those programs and courses

Source:

Davenport University, 2023/2024 Catalog