# “MBA” Business Certificate Canonical URL: ## Overview 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. 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. ## What you'll learn - Master the critical tools and concepts to succeed in the business world - Build skills in project management - Learn key financial processes, including financial accounting and corporate finance fundamentals - Develop marketing strategies to promote your business - Use Microsoft Excel to manage and analyze data - Leverage generative AI to become more productive in the workplace - Take your business acumen to the next level with electives in your area of focus. ## Curriculum 1. **Project Management Level I Course** 2. **Project Management Level II Course** 3. **Intro to Financial Accounting & Financial Statements Course** 4. **Intermediate Financial Accounting Course** 5. **Beginner Excel Course** 6. **Intermediate Excel Course** 7. **Advanced Excel Course** 8. **Data Analytics Foundations Course** 9. **Marketing Strategy Course** 10. **Generative AI with ChatGPT** 11. **AI for Workplace Productivity with Microsoft Copilot Course** 12. **Applied Leadership & Management Skills** 13. **Python for Data Science Bootcamp** 14. **Financial Modeling Bootcamp** 15. **AI for Marketing Bootcamp Course** 16. **Business Writing Bootcamp** 17. **Tableau Bootcamp** 18. **Power BI Bootcamp** 19. **Figma Bootcamp** 20. **SEO Bootcamp** 21. **Google Analytics Bootcamp** 22. **Stock Market Investing Course** 23. **Intro to Corporate Finance Course** 24. **ChatGPT Level 2 Course** ## Instructors ### Bruce Gay — Instructor Bruce is an engaging trainer and program manager who brings 25+ years of practical experience to deliver effective and experiential training to students. Able to engage adult learners with a range of backgrounds and professional experiences. Successful at building effective stakeholder relationships and coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for solution delivery. Bruce has over 25 years of project and program management experience across multiple industries. He has a master's degree from The George Washington University and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Bruce currently runs his own freelance training and consulting business, helping project managers and team leaders improve their business skills, become better leaders, and achieve professional greatness. Bruce is a well-received speaker in the areas of design thinking, project management, cross-team collaboration, and AI tools for projects, and has presented at regional and international conferences. ### Natalya H. Bah — Instructor Natalya Bah has been a part-time instructor at the Graduate School USA for over fifteen years. Natalya teaches across multiple curricula, including Leadership and Management, Project Management, and Human Resources. She has created a curriculum for the school, including Change Management Workshops and project management courses. She has served as an action learning coach, instructor, and facilitator for government leadership programs in the Center for Leadership and Management. Natalya also provides self-assessments and dynamic team-building sessions on behalf of the Graduate School USA. Outside of Graduate School USA, Ms. Bah is a self-employed business owner providing executive coaching, training, and consulting services to the public and private sectors. She created the Define and Achieve Your Goals Process™ and is a certified Birkman Method© Consultant. She received her Master of Science degree in Project Management from George Washington University’s School of Business, where she served as a teaching assistant and received the Project Management Award. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). ### Willie Morris — Instructor Willie Morris is a seasoned Project and Program Management professional with over 30 years of experience, specializing in both Traditional and Agile delivery methodologies. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Willie has served as a Registered Educational Provider (R.E.P.) with the Project Management Institute (PMI) and an Authorized Training Partner (A.T.P.) with Rita Mulcahy (RMC) Learning Solutions, where he taught PMP® Exam Prep Certification Courses. His extensive career includes leadership roles in the U.S. Air Force, Department of Homeland Security, Delta Air Lines, and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), where he excelled in project and portfolio management. A retired U.S. Air Force veteran, Willie served as an Air Mission Planner, Project Manager, and Program Manager, focusing on South American and Caribbean Joint Special Operations. He also worked as a formal courseware developer, instructor, and flight examiner for the Air Education and Training Command. After retiring from the Air Force, Willie transitioned to roles in asset management and project management within the Department of Homeland Security and later in the private sector. His passion for education led him to teach aspiring project managers at Kennesaw State University and Graduate School USA, where he continues to share his expertise. Willie holds advanced degrees in Aeronautical Science and Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, along with multiple certifications in project management and aviation safety. ### Deanne Larson — Instructor Dr. Deanne M. Larson is a distinguished leader in data science and analytics with over 20 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies, international enterprises, and Fintech organizations through her firm, Larson & Associates, LLC. She specializes in AI-driven strategies, machine learning implementation, customer data platforms, and enterprise data architecture. Among her notable achievements are developing fraud detection models that reduced risk by 30%, managing a global personalization platform for a CPG company serving over 225 million consumers, and delivering innovative data governance solutions in cloud and blockchain environments. Her expertise spans predictive analytics, data integration, and agile project delivery in complex, high-stakes environments. In academia, Dr. Larson serves as Principal Adjunct Faculty at City University of Seattle, where she mentors doctoral students and develops curricula in data and business analytics. She is passionate about bridging academic research with real-world applications, authoring peer-reviewed publications on MLOps, agile analytics, and data science acceleration. With doctorates in Computer Science (AI), International Management, and Management, as well as a master’s in Business Analytics from NYU, Dr. Larson is a frequent speaker at TDWI conferences and a thought leader in data science, analytics education, and digital transformation. ### Bascom Destrehan “Dit” Talley — Instructor Bascom Destrehan “Dit” Talley, III is a seasoned educator and consultant with more than four decades of experience in leadership development, executive training, and organizational consulting. Since 1993, he has been an instructor with Graduate School USA, designing and delivering courses in leadership, management, and executive development for federal and international clients. He also teaches Global Leadership in the International Teaching and Global Learning Program at Johns Hopkins University and has instructed in the Police Executive Leadership Program, supporting both undergraduate and graduate cohorts, including law enforcement professionals from the U.S. Secret Service and ICE. In addition to his teaching career, Dit founded and led Corporate and Government Consulting, a Washington, DC–based firm that specialized in leadership development, team building, strategic planning, and organizational assessments. His work has supported federal agencies, state offices, and private-sector organizations across the United States and internationally. He has coordinated national conferences, authored training manuals and guides, and published on workplace issues such as team building and preventing sexual harassment. Dit holds degrees from the University of the South, St. Paul School of Theology, and Boston University, with advanced studies in social ethics and public policy. ### Brian Simms — Instructor Brian Simms is a seasoned educator and training leader with extensive experience developing and delivering innovative learning programs in project management and emerging technologies. Over the course of his career, he has designed adaptive learning models that combine instructor-led sessions, live online experiences, and self-paced study, ensuring professionals can access training in flexible and effective ways. His work has emphasized the integration of artificial intelligence into professional development, helping organizations and individuals understand how AI can be applied to solve real-world challenges in leadership, project execution, and decision-making. In addition to his instructional expertise, Brian has guided curriculum development, led large training initiatives, and advanced the use of collaboration tools that improve learner engagement and retention. His depth of experience and forward-looking perspective make him uniquely equipped to prepare federal professionals to navigate the complexities of data, project management, and the transformative potential of AI. ### Henry Gonzalez — Instructor Henry Gonzalez has been a part-time instructor with the Graduate School USA since retiring in 2015 with more than 30 years of federal government service as an engineer, manager, and executive focused on program management and acquisition of advanced technology systems for national missions in naval warfare, air traffic management, and homeland security. Upon retirement, he started providing freelance training in project and program management, leadership, and strategic planning to a variety of global clients in the private and public sectors, bringing his practitioner’s insights and lessons learned to the classroom. Mr. Gonzalez obtained the highest levels of federal government certification in acquisition program management and in systems engineering. He is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and served on the initial core group that led an update to the Project Management Institute’s Standard for Program Management. Henry is also a certified Balanced Scorecard Professional (BSP) in strategic planning, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University, as well as Master of Science degrees in Ocean Engineering and in Ocean Systems Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Outside of his professional life, Henry has been very active with non-profit volunteer organizations. He is the President of a national historic lighthouse preservation organization, and he and his wife started a charitable non-profit to support the primary, secondary, and university education of students in a remote area of Haiti. ### Joe Mlakar — Instructor Joe has over 27 years of Federal Government and military service and has been a part-time instructor with Graduate School USA since 2023. He enjoys using his technical knowledge in Operations Research to teach his students to provide organization and structure to complex processes, and apply advanced analytical techniques to help leaders make better decisions. Joe is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. ### Clarissa J. Corbin — Instructor Clarissa J. Corbin is an accomplished corporate trainer, project manager, and business consultant with over 25 years of experience designing and delivering impactful learning experiences. As President and CEO of Projections Training Solutions, she partners with federal agencies, private corporations, and international organizations to provide results-driven training in leadership, project management, business analysis, and emerging technologies. Clarissa has trained more than 10,000 professionals worldwide, serving clients such as the DoD, NASA, FEMA, Microsoft, Citibank, PNC Bank, Del Monte, and Symantec. Her expertise has taken her across the globe, leading initiatives in Singapore, China, Japan, South Korea, Africa, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and St. Thomas, USVI. Known for her ability to engage diverse audiences and create interactive, high-impact sessions, Clarissa equips participants with practical solutions they can apply immediately. At Graduate School USA (GSUSA), Clarissa is regarded as one of the most versatile and trusted instructors. She teaches across multiple programs. She played a pivotal role in redesigning the flagship “Managing for Results” course, while also contributing to the development and review of numerous others. Her contributions have earned her two GSUSA Customer Excellence Awards and a two-year appointment to the GSUSA Instructor Advisory Council, underscoring her commitment to innovation, quality, and learner success. ### Shamika Minisee — Instructor Shamika M. Minisee is a federal acquisition professional, instructor, and leadership facilitator with more than 20 years of experience across government and industry. A former U.S. Army warranted Contracting Officer, she has supported complex federal acquisition programs and negotiated with some of the nation’s largest defense contractors. She brings that experience directly into the classroom. She has developed and delivered acquisition and professional development training for federal professionals across multiple agencies. Shamika holds a Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Acquisition and Contract Management from Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Alabama A&M University. Beyond acquisition, she is a six-time national and international bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and leadership coach who is passionate about helping professionals grow, lead confidently, and turn knowledge into impact. ### Christophe Drayton — Instructor Christophe is the instructor for the UX & UI Design Certificate, Figma Advanced, and Generative AI courses, and the founder and Chief Design Officer of Kaaiind, which specializes in Applied Artificial Intelligence in the Creative field. With over 20 years in Branding, UX Design, and Accessibility across Europe and the US, Christophe has positively impacted the digital experience of a large spectrum of companies, ranging from big data to startups, government entities to nonprofits, both in the private and public sectors. As an Educator, Christophe has led transformative and award-winning UX programs at Thinkful, the City University of New York (CUNY), and the Brooklyn Public Library, which have opened doors for underrepresented groups in tech who have secured roles at top companies like Google, Uber, Citi, and IBM. Most recently, he has developed innovative curricula about AI in the workplace for the University of Phoenix, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera. Today, he focuses on developing Allie, one of the first AI-powered, patent-pending color-blind safe and WCAG-compliant design systems generators, while concluding his 5-year fundamental research on color vision deficiencies in digital environments. Christophe believes in hands-on, practical application of human-centered strategy and ethical and inclusive design. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge to inspire and empower the next generation of designers, especially those entering the field through nontraditional paths. ### Eugenio Solis de Ovando — Senior Instructor Eugenio Solis de Ovando is a Senior Instructor in New York City, specializing in graphic design, web design, and visual communication. With over 20 years of experience in the creative industry, Eugenio is passionate about helping students develop strong technical skills and a solid design foundation across print, digital, and web platforms. Eugenio teaches a wide range of courses, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma, WordPress, UI Design, and Artificial Intelligence for Graphic Design. His classes are known for their clear, hands-on approach, blending technical mastery with creative exploration to help students bring their ideas to life with confidence and precision. He holds a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence with a specialization in Human Performance Technology, where his research focused on integrating emerging AI technologies into adult education and training. As an Adobe Certified Design Master and Licensed Private Career School Teacher in New York State, Eugenio is dedicated to delivering high-quality instruction and sharing best practices in digital design workflows. He brings real-world insights into the classroom, guiding students through professional techniques in layout design, typography, color theory, image editing, and responsive web design. ### Dan Rodney — Instructor & Senior Course Developer Dan Rodney has been a designer and web developer for over 20 years, creating coursework and leading innovative training initiatives. He teaches courses covering Figma, HTML & CSS, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Power BI. Dan has also been at the forefront of integrating AI into design and business workflows, spearheading the latest AI course offerings. In addition to teaching and curriculum development, he writes custom scripts for InDesign (Make Book Jacket, Proper Fraction Pro, and more) and works with automation and AI-driven tools in his free time. You can find Dan on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, and at danrodney.com. ## Pricing **Tuition:** $3495 Payment options: Student financing available; see the current application terms and pay-as-you-go installments.