The quality business education Smeal students receive will be extended to all Penn State students, regardless of major, as the college launches its Business Fundamentals Certificate this summer. This five-course, 15-credit certificate program will educate students on the basics of business, from finance to marketing, and leave them equipped to navigate any career path with a business-minded approach.

The new program is a complement to President Barron’s $30 million investment in student entrepreneurship and career success, giving students the set of business skills and knowledge to ensure the success of their startups.

The certificate program consists of four required courses, with students having the choice of one of two electives. Students must meet course prerequisites before taking the certificate classes, which include accounting, economics, and statistics courses. Applicants must also have third-semester standing to participate.

The certificate program is a unique way to make business knowledge available to all students at Penn State. Though the College of the Liberal Arts offers a “Business in the Liberal Arts” minor, the program is a full 24-25 credits and includes non-Smeal courses in philosophy, labor and employment relations, and communications. Smeal’s certificate program consists strictly of business classes that cover all major critical business areas and giving students a Smeal-specific designation on their transcript upon completion of the certificate, carrying with it the clout of the Smeal name.

Students can begin taking classes to complete the certificate this summer from May 18 to July 10, and can choose to take the entire 15-credit courseload during the summer, or take fewer and complete the program in the fall and spring semesters.