“MBA” Business Certificate
IDCMBA

Hands-on Training from Experts Live Online

Build a strong foundation in business strategy, marketing, and finance while gaining hands-on skills in Excel, data analytics, and presentation tools. You’ll explore real-world case studies and complete projects to apply concepts in budgeting, forecasting, and business problem-solving.

This program includes

  • 132 hours of live, project-based training from experts
  • Access to class recordings (30 days)
  • Verified digital certificate of completion
  • Learn at an accredited institution

Special Promotion: Receive up to 60 hours of free electives when you register for this certificate program. See curriculum below for more details, and contact us after enrolling to select your classes.

Become a well-rounded business professional with this hands-on program. Developed by graduates of top business schools, it equips professionals with essential tools and concepts needed to excel in today’s competitive business environment, including skills often taught in MBA programs. (Note: this certificate is an “MBA-style” course, not an MBA degree.)

This comprehensive curriculum spans critical topics such as project management, key financial processes, marketing strategies, and data analysis using Microsoft Excel. By mastering these areas, you’ll gain a solid understanding of financial accounting, corporate finance fundamentals, and the skills required to effectively manage projects and market your business.

The program also explores practical applications of generative AI to boost workplace productivity. In addition to live classes, it includes a self-paced course covering the basics of business law, employment law, and business insurance. With elective options tailored to your interests, you can further refine your expertise and expand your business acumen. This program is ideal for professionals aiming to advance their careers and drive success in their organizations.

Read more

Courses in this Certificate Program

This is the recommended order, but some courses may be taken in a different order.

Download Syllabus PDF

Unit 1 6 Hours

Project Management Level I
  • Learn about the five phases of project management, focusing on the first two: Initiation and Planning
  • Understand important foundational concepts and project management terms
  • Learn about selecting projects, defining/planning/scheduling activities, managing resources, and much more
  • Become familiar with the various duties and qualities of a Project Manager

Unit 2 6 Hours

Project Management Level II
  • Continue learning about the five phases of project management, focusing on the last three: Execution, Monitoring, and Closing
  • Understand project costs and budgeting
  • Learn how to manage resources
  • Manage risk, changes, and uncertainty
  • Get an overview of Agile Project Management frameworks: Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP)

Unit 3 6 Hours

Intro to Financial Accounting & Financial Statements
  • Financial accounting fundamentals, including cash versus accrual accounting and GAAP
  • Income statement line items and financial metrics
  • Balance sheet: Assets = Liabilities + Shareholders' Equity
  • Cash Flow Statement: Cash flows from operating, investing, and financial activities
  • How the financial statements tie together

Unit 4 6 Hours

Intermediate Financial Accounting

This Intermediate Financial Accounting class will deepen your knowledge of complex accounting principles and prepare you for the challenges of navigating advanced financial reporting scenarios. Build your knowledge of investments, securities, debt accounting, and other complex financial accounting concepts in this class.

  • Prepare for complex accounting tasks
  • Learn advanced income statement processes
  • Handle unusual items and EPs
  • Work with deferred taxes and tax journal entries
  • Manage intercompany investments
  • Understand how debt accounting works

Unit 5 6 Hours

Excel Level I: Fundamentals

In this beginner Excel course, you will learn the essentials of Microsoft Excel, including calculators, basic functions, graphs, formatting, and printing.

  • Become familiar with the interface and data entry
  • Learn essential formulas and functions
  • Format and print your work
  • Create charts, including line, column, and pie charts
  • Learn tips and tricks for easy workbook management
  • Review key concepts in a final project

Unit 6 6 Hours

Excel Level II: Intermediate

Learn intermediate Excel functions like VLOOKUP and SUMIFS, and how to summarize data with Pivot Tables, Sort and Filter databases, and split and join text.

  • Learn to split and join text, add data validation, and use named ranges
  • Use database functions such as VLOOKUP and HLOOKUP
  • Add logical statements, including AND, OR, and IF statements
  • Create PivotTables to quickly summarize large databases
  • Use statistical functions such as RANK, COUNTIFS, and SUMIFS
  • Create advanced combo charts from multiple charts
  • Review key concepts by creating a final project

Unit 7 6 Hours

Excel Level III: Advanced

Learn all of the most complex features of Microsoft Excel in this advanced training course.

  • Understand cell management, including cell locking, auditing, and hotkeys
  • Learn special formatting for calculating dates
  • Use advanced functions, such as nested IF statements
  • Learn advanced analytical tools for data consolidation, conditions to exclude data, and PivotCharts
  • Use advanced database functions, such as MATCH, VLOOKUP-MATCH, and INDEX-Double MATCH
  • Record macros and relative reference macros for ad-hoc reporting
  • Create a project that applies key concepts from the class

Unit 8 12 Hours

Data Analytics Foundations

Build a strong analytical foundation through hands-on training in statistical concepts, forecasting techniques, and data modeling methods used across industries for smarter decision-making.

  • Understand core statistical concepts such as measures of central tendency, data dispersion, and the normal distribution
  • Explore descriptive and inferential statistics, including probability distributions such as binomial and Poisson
  • Learn to analyze and forecast data using correlation, linear regression, and multiple regression models
  • Apply predictive analytics using tools such as trendlines, moving averages, and scenario modeling
  • Create clear data visualizations with charts, histograms, icon sets, color scales, sparklines, and pivot tables
  • Discover prescriptive analytics methods like Solver and linear programming to support optimized decision-making

Unit 9 12 Hours

Marketing Strategy

Learn the fundamentals of successful marketing to help you achieve your business goals. Whether you're a small business owner, an aspiring marketer, or someone looking to enhance their skill set, this class will provide you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to create and execute effective marketing strategies.

  • Understand the foundational principles of marketing
  • Learn how to conduct market research to identify target audiences, understand customer needs, and analyze market trends
  • Discover how to create an effective marketing plan, including setting objectives, defining strategies, and outlining actionable steps
  • Gain an introduction to digital marketing channels and how to leverage them in your strategy
  • Learn how to track and measure the success of your marketing efforts using key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytics tools

Unit 10 6 Hours

Generative AI with ChatGPT
  • Explore generative AI and ChatGPT to understand what’s possible and how you can use it
  • Learn how to write prompts that generate useful responses
  • Discover real-world applications of ChatGPT

Unit 11 6 Hours

AI for Workplace Productivity with Microsoft Copilot

Discover how to boost efficiency and creativity with Microsoft Copilot, the AI assistant integrated into Microsoft 365. This course provides practical, hands-on training to help you apply Copilot across workplace tools and tasks.

  • Understand the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and how large language models (LLMs) like Copilot work
  • Learn how to write effective prompts and refine Copilot responses across different workplace scenarios
  • Explore how to use Copilot in Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive
  • Automate and enhance everyday tasks such as email writing, meeting notes, data analysis, and document summarization
  • Create AI-generated images and graphics, and understand the limitations and best practices of generative AI
  • Compare Copilot with ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot, and identify when to use each for maximum productivity
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest AI tools and mobile apps to extend your workflow beyond the desktop

Unit 12 6 Hours

Intro to Corporate Finance

Learn the essentials of corporate finance, from capital allocation to corporate valuation, initial public offerings, financial instruments, and mergers and acquisitions. Throughout the class, we will use real-world case studies of recent deals and examine live pricing of various securities.


  • Corporate finance fundamentals, including NPV and IRR
  • Roles of corporate finance professionals and investment bankers
  • Financial instruments: stocks, bonds, and options
  • Initial Public Offerings
  • Bonds, yields, and credit ratings
  • Dividends versus share buybacks
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • How leverage increases risk and returns
  • Corporate valuation

Unit 13 12 Hours

Applied Leadership & Management Skills

Learn how to become an effective leader and manager in a business setting. This class covers different leadership and communication styles and techniques for managing a team with confidence.

  • Explore different leadership styles and when to apply them effectively
  • Learn techniques for clear, persuasive, and motivational communication
  • Understand how to build, manage, and motivate high-performing teams
  • Gain strategies for resolving conflicts and fostering a collaborative environment

Attend up to 60 hours of electives based on your chosen focus. Choose your classes & dates after you register for the program.

Bonus 30 Hours

Python for Data Science Bootcamp
  • Learn Python fundamentals, including variables, data types, functions, loops, and control flow, for building robust programs
  • Work with complex data structures such as dictionaries and lists to efficiently organize and access data
  • Use NumPy and Pandas to import, clean, and manipulate datasets for analysis and exploration
  • Generate descriptive statistics and apply filtering, grouping, and pivoting techniques to gain deeper insights
  • Visualize data using Matplotlib and create clear, customized charts, including bar graphs, histograms, and scatter plots
  • Gain the practical skills needed to transition into machine learning with a solid understanding of data science workflows

Bonus 18 Hours

Financial Modeling Bootcamp

Join our financial modeling class to learn essential finance and accounting concepts, build a discounted cash flow (DCF) model in Excel, acquire advanced Excel skills, explore corporate finance and valuation, and create a financial model on a real company.

  • Financial concepts, market capitalization, and enterprise value
  • Financial accounting, including accrual versus cash accounting
  • Discounted cash flow (DCF) modeling: assumptions, projecting cash flows, sensitivities, auditing
  • Excel techniques, including Data Validation, CHOOSE, Data Tables, and Goal Seek
  • Leveraged buyout (LBO) modeling
  • Real company analysis
  • Setting up the financial model and model projections
  • Corporate valuation and how to derive a value per share
  • How to analyze the model output

Bonus 18 Hours

AI for Marketing Bootcamp

Learn how to incorporate AI in your marketing strategy with this in-depth course. Explore how to use AI-driven tools to help your SEO, SEM, social media marketing, analytics tracking, paid advertising, and more.

  • Leverage AI-driven strategy in your marketing campaigns
  • Integrate AI into SEO, SEM, content, advertising, and analytics
  • Meaure the real-world impact of your AI marketing efforts
  • Complete a capstone project to showcase your work

Bonus 18 Hours

Business Writing Bootcamp

This bootcamp helps improve your business writing skills. Learn grammar essentials, effective business writing skills, and advanced communication techniques. Gain practical strategies to create complex business documents confidently.

  • Practical strategies to sharpen your writing skills from idea to final draft
  • Essential grammar rules
  • How to prepare complex multi-page business documents

Bonus 12 Hours

Tableau Bootcamp

Develop the skills to turn raw data into compelling visual stories with Tableau, the industry-leading data visualization platform.

  • Connect to datasets in various formats and clean, filter, and structure the data for visual storytelling
  • Create a variety of visualizations, including bar charts, line charts, treemaps, heat maps, and dual-axis charts
  • Use Tableau's calculation tools to build custom fields, apply aggregates, and enhance data analysis
  • Format charts with labels, tooltips, colors, and axes to improve clarity and visual impact
  • Work with geographic data to build interactive map visualizations, including choropleths and proportional-symbol maps
  • Customize dashboards and stories for different audiences and devices using Tableau's interactivity tools
  • Integrate external map services and use advanced visualization types such as spider maps and alluvial diagrams
  • Publish your work to Tableau Online and export dashboards for professional sharing and collaboration

Bonus 12 Hours

Power BI Bootcamp
  • Import and clean data from multiple sources, including Excel, CSV, and online databases, using Power Query
  • Create interactive visualizations, such as charts, maps, cards, and slicers, to explore trends and patterns
  • Use DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) to build measures, calculated columns, and custom aggregations
  • Design visually engaging reports by adding titles, logos, and formatting options for a professional finish
  • Understand and manage relationships between tables to create dynamic, filterable reports
  • Share and collaborate on reports via the Power BI Service, including exporting, commenting, and app integration
  • Set up dashboards and explore the differences between dashboards and reports for business presentations
  • Schedule data refreshes and manage reusable datasets to keep reports up-to-date and scalable

Bonus 12 Hours

Figma Bootcamp

    Learn how to design and prototype user interfaces with Figma, the industry-leading tool for UX/UI design.

    • Create UI (user interface) and UX (user experience) designs for websites, apps, and more
    • Design finished layouts that are optimized for mobile, tablet, and desktop screens
    • Design on grids, extract image assets, share designs with clients/developers, and more
    • Build interactive prototypes
    • Make animations using Smart Animate
    • Use components (including variants) to make updating your designs easier
    • Work with Team libraries to share style and design components

    Bonus 12 Hours

    SEO Bootcamp
    • Understand how search engines work and why SEO is essential for business growth
    • Conduct effective keyword research using tools like Semrush to discover high-impact search terms
    • Conduct competitive analysis to uncover your competitors' strategies and refine your keyword targeting
    • Create SEO-friendly content tailored to the customer's buying journey and user search intent
    • Implement on-page SEO techniques, including meta tag optimization, sitemaps, and internal linking
    • Explore off-page SEO practices like backlink building and content promotion strategies
    • Design websites with SEO in mind, including structured navigation, rich snippets, and mobile optimization
    • Optimize video content for platforms like YouTube and conduct SEO audits to measure and improve performance

    Bonus 12 Hours

    Google Analytics Bootcamp

    Master Google Analytics 4 (GA4) and unlock the insights you need to refine marketing strategies, monitor performance, and drive growth. This course covers everything from account setup to advanced tracking techniques.

    • Understand the fundamentals of web analytics and the role of Google Analytics in the buyer’s journey
    • Set up and configure Google Analytics accounts, filters, goals, and ecommerce tracking
    • Navigate the GA4 dashboard and learn how to interpret audience, acquisition, behavior, and conversion reports
    • Build and interpret measurement plans to track KPIs that align with your business objectives
    • Create and customize dashboards, shortcuts, and shared reports to streamline data access
    • Implement UTM parameters to track marketing campaign performance across platforms
    • Learn retargeting strategies and build remarketing lists using Google Analytics data
    • Apply best practices for leveraging data insights to optimize marketing and user engagement

    Bonus 6 Hours

    Stock Market Investing

    Build a strong foundation in stock market principles and explore the financial and economic forces that shape today's market.

    • Learn the fundamentals of stock investing, including indices, dividends, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
    • Analyze companies using valuation techniques like P/E ratios, EV/EBITDA multiples, and DCF modeling
    • Understand key financial indicators such as market capitalization, enterprise value, and cost of capital
    • Explore the impact of earnings releases, interest rates, and Federal Reserve policy on stock movements
    • Receive an introduction to bond investing, including bond types, yields, spreads, and credit risk assessment
    • Delve into real estate investing topics like REITs, capitalization rates, and the effect of leverage
    • Examine stock options, hedging strategies, and the Black-Scholes pricing model for options trading
    • Investigate the causes and impact of the 2008 financial crisis, including mortgage-backed securities and credit default swaps

    Schedule & Enrollment: “MBA” Business Certificate

    • 132 Hours
    • Price before discounts: $4,559 Full tuition: $3,495
    • Live Online
    • Expert instructors
    • Small classes

    • Custom Schedule
      Enroll

    • September 3–October 15 Show package courses
      Enroll

    • September 3–October 15 Show package courses
      Enroll

    • November 17–December 18 Show package courses
      Enroll

    Show more
    A group of adult learners sits in a classroom, smiling and engaged in a government training session.
    A government training instructor in a suit gestures while teaching in front of a whiteboard covered with notes and diagrams.
    A person in professional attire holds a Graduate School USA folder, symbolizing participation in government training programs.

    Related Courses: Compare to the “MBA” Business Certificate

    These related courses share skills and topics with the “MBA” Business Certificate. Select up to two and tap Compare selected courses to view a side-by-side comparison.

    • Financial Modeling Bootcamp
      18 hours $995

      This intensive bootcamp combines Excel training with real-world finance and accounting principles to teach you practical financial modeling skills.

    • Excel Bootcamp
      18 hours $549

      Become proficient in Microsoft Excel and go from beginner to pro with this hands-on bootcamp. Learn functions, Pivot Tables, macros, and time-saving techniques to conquer all the key skills needed to excel in Excel.