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Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials

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Take charge with a Business Essentials certificate program

Business is everywhere — powering industries, driving innovation, and shaping the way we work. Whether you’re looking to gain foundational business skills, enhance your career potential, or set the stage for future education, a Business Essentials certificate program gives you the tools to make an impact.

With a focus on real-world applications, our Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials program here at DeVry helps you develop practical knowledge in business strategy, management, and digital tools — all in a flexible online format:

  • Industry-relevant skills development: Build a foundation in business strategy, digital tools, and problem-solving to support your professional growth.

  • Job-ready AI skills: Build hands-on experience working with AI applications across Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint — essential fluencies in today’s workforce.

  • Certificate-to-degree pathway: Start with a certificate that supports your current career goals and lays the groundwork for what’s next — qualifying credits can be applied toward a related associate or bachelor’s degree when you’re ready.1

Classes start every 8 weeks

Step up to your future in business. Get started today.

Request info
Call 866.338.7934
  • 01 Curriculum
  • 02 Accreditation
  • 03 Ways to save
  • 04 Careers
  • 05 FAQs

What you’ll learn in our online business certificate program

Business runs on strategy, communication, and data-driven decisions. Our Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials helps you build the foundational skills needed to succeed in dynamic workplaces — from startups to large corporations. Through hands-on learning, you'll gain knowledge in business operations, decision-making, and the digital tools that drive companies forward.

Business and management fundamentals

Learn how to apply core business principles to solve challenges, support decision-making, and improve processes in various industries.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Work confidently with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to organize data, create presentations, and enhance workplace productivity.

Industry insights and market analysis

Gain an understanding of business functions across different industries and develop the ability to analyze market trends and identify opportunities.

Data analysis for business decision-making

Strengthen your ability to evaluate financial reports, track key business metrics, and interpret data to support organizational growth.

Business Essentials certificate courses and credits

Classes

8

Credits

25

Semesters

22

Explore business concepts, digital tools, and management strategies in classes such as:
COMP121
Computer Applications with AI for Business
BIS155
Data Analysis with Spreadsheets
ACCT212
Financial Accounting
BUSN115
Introduction to Business & Technology
BUSN219
Marketing Fundamentals

View our program guide to explore courses, career paths, and how this online business certificate program can support your professional growth.

 

View program guide
Your program perks
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Flexible elective options: Customize your learning experience with elective credit hours that let you explore topics like healthcare, analytics, finance, and project management.

24/7 academic support: Access on-demand tutoring resources and an online library of textbooks and research materials — anytime, anywhere.

Mobile app convenience: Manage coursework and submit assignments on the go.
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Virtual peer community: Connect with classmates across the country for support and networking.

Learn today. Lead tomorrow.

Earn a credential that builds your knowledge now — and supports your education in the future. Qualifying credits from our Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials may be applied toward the following degrees here at DeVry:1

By stacking your credentials, you can strengthen your resume, expand your knowledge, and keep moving forward — one step at a time.

 

DeVry Stackable Programs

Accreditation matters

Being accredited means we’ve met rigorous quality standards and are committed to giving you the education you deserve. Our accreditations and recognitions include:

  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): Our Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials is accredited by ACBSP, acbsp.org, demonstrating it has met standards of business education that promote teaching excellence. Learn more about program outcomes and student achievement.3

  • The Higher Learning Commission (HLC): Institutionally, DeVry University is accredited by HLC, www.hlcommission.org. Our Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation.

Learn more about our
accreditations
ACBSP logo

What jobs can you get with a business certificate?

An online business certificate program can open doors to a wide range of entry-level opportunities in administration, customer relations, and business operations. Earning an Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials here at DeVry can help you prepare to pursue roles such as:

  • Administrative services manager

  • Customer service representative

  • Office manager

At DeVry, our Career Services team is here to support you from day one, offering personalized resume guidance, interview coaching, and job search resources to help you confidently step into the workforce.

Ways to save

Discover options that can help make your education more affordable.

Scholarships and grants

Save money with a variety of scholarship and grant opportunities.4

Browse scholarships

Transfer credits

Your hard work matters: Learn how to transfer your qualifying credit hours.

Review transfer credits 

Employer reimbursement

Find out if your employer offers tuition savings or reimbursement.

Find your employer

Military and veteran benefits

Learn about savings for veterans, active-duty U.S. military members, and their spouses.

View benefits

Get started with your online business certificate

Your future in business starts now. Contact us to enroll.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Business Essentials certificate?

A Business Essentials certificate is an undergraduate credential you can pursue after earning a high school diploma or GED that helps you build foundational skills in key business areas such as management, marketing, accounting, and business technology.

Whether you’re new to the field or looking to strengthen your business knowledge, an Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials here at DeVry immerses you in practical business skills that can be applied across industries.

What can you do with a business certificate?

Earning a business certificate can help you develop skills that are applicable in many industries and prepare you to pursue entry-level roles in finance, retail, healthcare, and corporate administration.

Additionally, our Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials can be a steppingstone toward a related bachelor’s degree here at DeVry,1 allowing you to continue your education while gaining real-world business knowledge at each step.

What are good entry-level business jobs?

A Business Essentials certificate can help you prepare to pursue entry-level roles in administration, customer service, sales, or marketing. Positions include administrative services manager, customer service representative, and office manager, and these roles can be opportunities to apply business skills and gain experience as you grow in your career.

Is it worth getting a business certificate?

Earning a business certificate can be helpful if you are looking to gain workplace-relevant knowledge, enhance your resume, or start a new career path. Here at DeVry, our Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials focuses on practical skills that can be applied immediately in professional settings.

While actual local growth may vary, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nationwide employment in business and financial occupations to grow faster than average from 2024 to 2034, with about 942,500 jobs expected on average each year.

What is the best business certificate to get?

The best business certificate depends on your career goals and interests. Our Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials provides a well-rounded foundation in business strategy, financial principles, and digital tools, making it a versatile option for those looking to enter the business world or advance in their careers.

How do I apply to DeVry?

Applying is quick and easy:

  1. Talk to an Admissions representative: Fill out a brief form, and we’ll reach out to walk you through the process.
  2. Submit your application: We’ll take you through the application over the phone. If you prefer, you can apply online. It only takes 5-10 minutes.
  3. Enroll in your first courses: Once you have applied and are accepted, we’ll help you build your schedule.

Learn more about admissions.

1At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit occurs, and the most beneficial outcome is applied. Future programmatic changes could impact the application of credits to a future program at DeVry. Refer to the academic catalog for details.

2Program length of 2 semesters assumes enrollment in 12-13 credit hours per semester.

3Conferral and assessment data is available for all DeVry and Keller ACBSP-accredited programs. For a full list of our ACBSP-accredited programs, visit our Accreditation page.

4Scholarships are available to those who apply and qualify. Visit our scholarships page to learn about requirements and restrictions. Scholarship and grant terms and eligibility are subject to change.