Business Administration Certificate Curriculum

Build practical business skills with the Business Administration Certificate at SFSU. You will gain a strong foundation in core areas and prepare for graduate study or new career opportunities.

Curriculum

  • ACCT 101: Introduction to Managerial Accounting
  • DS 110/MATH 110: Calculus with Business Applications
  • ECON 101: Introduction to Microeconomics
  • ECON 102: Introduction to Macroeconomics
  • ISYS 263: Introduction to Information Systems
    • Prerequisite: DS 212 or GE B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning
    • Any basic quantitative reasoning course, such as college algebra, can meet the GE B4 requirement
    • CLEP Exam may be taken to waive ISYS 263

To complete the Business Administration Certificate, you must take and pass all required courses. Some courses require a background in calculus, economics, information systems and accounting. If you do not meet these prerequisites or have an equivalent, you will need to complete the courses listed below. You can take these courses at SFSU or at another college or university.

  • ACCT 100: Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • BUS 300GW: Business Communications for Professionals
  • DS 212: Business Statistics
  • DS 412: Operations Management
  • FIN 350: Business Finance
  • ISYS 363: Information Systems for Management
  • MGMT 405: Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior
  • MKTG 431: Principles of Marketing

Total certificate units required: 24
Prerequisite units: 15

This roadmap is a suggested plan of study. Your course sequence may vary based on course availability and prerequisites. Consult the certificate faculty advisor for guidance.

Student has all prerequisites | Total units: 24

Semester 1 (12 units)
ACCT 100
BUS 300
DS 212
ISYS 363

Semester 2 (12 units)
DS 412
FIN 350
MGMT 405
MKTG 431

Semester 3
Not applicable

Student has no prerequisites | Total units: 39

Semester 1 (12 units)
ACCT 100
DS 110 or MATH 110
ECON 101 or ECON 102
ISYS 263

Semester 2 (15 units)
ACCT 101
BUS 300
DS 212
ECON 101 or ECON 102
ISYS 363

Semester 3 (12 units)
DS 412
FIN 350
MGMT 405
MKTG 431

This one-unit course introduces you to the geography, history, environment, culture and politics of the Bay Area, San Francisco and San Francisco State University. You will build community, learn about campus and explore the city as you prepare for life in San Francisco.

The course includes hands-on learning and field trips throughout the city.

This optional course is offered in person or in a hybrid format at no cost. You can sign up when you complete your course preference wishlist.

Global Business Communication Skills I and II are CEU courses that help you prepare for a job or internship search. You will build the professional skills you need to succeed.

These courses are not required for the certificate, but we encourage you to take them if you plan to apply to graduate school, Optional Practical Training (OPT), an internship or a job.