Testimonials

"The MSOE Mini-MBA has given me practical, immediately usable tools that strengthened my confidence as a leader and elevated the way I approach complex projects. Each module pushed me to think more strategically, communicate more clearly, and create real impact in my role. I’m grateful for how this program has supported my growth."  Nicole Vrabel, Senior IT & ERP Recruiter, GlobalSource IT

"The MSOE Mini-MBA certificate program was one of the best investments I have made for my career growth. The curriculum was clear, relevant, and delivered in a way I could apply to my job immediately. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable, making the entire experience engaging and enjoyable."  Dominika Piwowarczyk, Senior Investment Operations Specialist, Northwestern Mutual

"The MSOE Mini-MBA program provided a structured overview of essential business principles, offering practical knowledge in areas like finance and strategic management. The format effectively delivered relevant content that I have been able to apply in my current role. Overall, the program delivered a solid return on the time invested by providing a functional business foundation."  Matt Luckow, President, B83 Testing & Engineering, Inc.

Background

The Professional Certificate in Business Essentials (also referred to as the Mini-MBA) is a short-term, noncredit, microcredential program specifically designed to equip working professionals from a variety of industries (particularly those in technical fields) with fundamental business knowledge and skills for immediate real-world application.

Dates

Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 15 through December 10, 2026.

CEUs/PDHs Available

5 CEUs / 50 PDHs.

Delivery Format/Modality

The Mini-MBA combines online live sessions (1 hour per module session, 2 module sessions every week on Tuesday and Thursday) and online self-paced classwork (approximately 1 hour per module session), and will take up to 50 hours to complete.

Subject Areas

The Mini-MBA is split into six targeted, skills-focused learning modules. The dates listed beside each module indicate the 1-hour, online synchronous sessions.

Module 1: Leadership and Strategic Thinking (Tuesdays, September 15, 22, 29, and October 6, 2026)

• Learn and apply the tools to see beyond your day-to-day responsibilities, generate actionable long-term strategies that suit your competitive landscape, and lead your team through the successful execution of your vision.
• Time: 2 - 3 p.m. CT
• Instructor: Sean Ebert

Module 2: Supervisory Management and Team Leadership (Thursdays, September 17, 24, and October 1, 8, 2026)

• Explore foundational management theories and examine how supervisory styles impact team performance, while addressing modern challenges like remote work, diversity and inclusion, and emerging workplace technologies.
• Time: 4 - 5 p.m. CT
• Instructor: Bianca Reyes

Module 3: Financial Literacy and Budgeting (Tuesdays, October 13, 20, 27, and November 3, 2026)

• Learn the basics of budgeting, financial statements, and the metrics businesses frequently use to evaluate business performance, drive decision-making, and improve the financial health of the organization.
• Time: 2 - 3 p.m. CT
• Instructor: Sean Ebert

Module 4: Organizational Behavior and Change Management (Thursdays, October 15, 22, 29, and November 5, 2026)

• Explore how people, teams, and culture drive change. This practical short module helps professionals apply change tools and navigate today’s workplace – including working with A.I. as a powerful new team member.
• Time: 4 - 5 p.m. CT
• Instructor: Ruth Barratt, Ph.D.

Module 5: Project Management and Agile Methodologies (Tuesdays, November 10, 17, and December 1, 8, 2026)

• Master project management by exploring both traditional and Agile methods. Through real-world applications and interactive exercises, you will gain essential skills to plan, communicate, and lead successful projects with confidence.
• Time: 10 - 11 a.m. CT
• Instructor: Patricia Kramer

Module 6: Data Analytics & Business Intelligence (Thursdays, November 12, 19, and December 3, 10, 2026)

• Learn how to combine A.I. with modern BI tools to extract insights, automate dashboards, and communicate stories. Master Data Visualization 3.0 with real-world use cases, Tableau, and ChatGPT.
• Time: 9 - 10 a.m. CT
• Instructor: Naveen Kankate

Audience

Employees who:

• Have been defined as high-potential and would benefit from an enhanced business acumen.
• Have advanced into management roles but lack experience in primary job functions (budgeting, supervisory management, project management, etc.).
• Aspire to become managers but have limited leadership and management training.
• Are interested in pursuing an MBA but feel they lack the foundational knowledge and/or skills required to be successful.

Program Cost

$2,999 (There is a 20% discount available for any registrations received by Tuesday, September 1, reducing the cost further to $2,399.20 per participant. Choose 'Early Bird Discount' from the drop-down menu when checking out to have the discount applied.)

Financial Assistance

A limited number of scholarships are available. To formally request scholarship support, contact Dr. George Kroeninger,  CPE Executive Director, at kroeninger@msoe.edu. The deadline for all scholarship requests is Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Register here