Strategic Management Graduate Certificate

Advanced technology, the speed of communication and pace of change are transforming the way organizations do business. Managers need advanced skills to develop and execute organizational strategies that maximize performance in today’s competitive landscape. MSU’s Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management provides you with proven tools and frameworks to make sound business decisions that drive results today and maximize profitability well into the future. Enhance your strategic acumen through this for-credit graduate certificate consisting of only five courses (9 credits). All five courses are included in MSU’s Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership, so the credits you earn may be applied toward a master’s degree if you decide to pursue one in the future.*

Strategic leaders have the ability to influence the professionals around them through a shared vision to achieve common organizational objectives. Organizations value those professionals who can create and execute strategies to improve efficiency, effectiveness and productivity to successfully sustain their competitive advantage. This curriculum was designed by some of the top researchers in management. What this means for you as a student, is that much of what you learn in the interactive classroom is based on timely and relevant research findings, not the latest fad in management. In fact, the Broad College Management Department faculty has been recognized for more than six years as the most productive researchers in top management journals.

This graduate certificate, offered exclusively online, was designed specifically for self-directed professionals like you looking to gain the skills needed for an organizational leadership role. This credential leverages the convenience of anytime, anywhere interactive, video-based e-learning, opening doors to career advancement opportunities while fitting into the constraints of your busy schedule. Breaking the mold of traditional online graduate courses, 5 week courses allow you to gain more skills and knowledge within an accelerated schedule. The length of time it takes to complete the graduate certificate is dependent on course availability.

*Students must be accepted into the master’s program for the credits to be applied. 

Who Should Enroll

The For-Credit Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management is designed for professionals who have earned a bachelor’s degree and have at least three years of full time managerial experience in a supervisory role. Ideal candidates will have earned a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA.

This program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals from a variety of industries looking to enhance their strategic leadership and management competencies to drive organizational success. Those who might be interested in the graduate certificate include aspiring and current managers, directors, consultants and organizational leaders across position levels.

About MSU's Broad College of Business

Founded in 1855 on the ideals of democratization of knowledge, Michigan State University (MSU) is an inclusive, internationally recognized university with a mission of advancing knowledge and transforming lives. Michigan State University Online is the home to online programs from MSU's Eli Broad College of Business. These flexible programs are offered in a variety of structures and formats and designed for working professionals. Through the convenience of online, video-based e-learning with the added value of face-to-face networking in select programs, you can gain applicable industry knowledge and learn from the faculty thought leaders at one of the top research universities in the world.

Admission Requirements

• At least three years full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role strongly preferred
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college
• 3.0 cumulative undergraduate grade point average (GPA)
• A high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role
• Important personal and managerial attributes, such as intellectual curiosity, strong communication skills, maturity, openness to new ideas and change, leadership qualities, analytical thinking ability, perseverance, and an ability to lead and work in teams
• Background knowledge of and exposure to word processing, spreadsheets and presentations

Applicants must submit the following items:

• A completed application
• A one-time, nonrefundable $100 application fee
• Official undergraduate transcripts from a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university and official transcripts of other programs or courses of study from any accredited college or university attended prior to Michigan State University. Transcripts from Michigan State are not required.
• If an applicant selects they are a Service member or a Veteran of the military an official military transcript will be required
• Current resume detailing professional work experience, academic credentials and related accomplishments, and pertinent biographical information
• Three letters of recommendation from professional, work-related references, preferably supervisors. Letters that attest to your ability to work within and lead teams, as well as to your contribution to a professional business environment, are strongly recommended.
• A statement of intention essay, no more than two pages, including details of your direct supervisory and/or project/program management experience, as well as a statement on how you intend to leverage the degree in your career
• GMAT scores may be submitted if your bachelor’s degree GPA was below 3.0 in your last two years of undergraduate work*

Transfer Credit Policy

• At the sole discretion of Michigan State University, up to 9 graduate credit hours (excluding research and thesis credits) may be transferred from other postsecondary accredited institutions of comparable academic quality. Only courses in which at least a 3.0 grade or its equivalent was received will be considered for transfer. Transfer credit can only be used towards a master’s degree of 30 credits minimum; not towards a Graduate Certificate.

*Qualified applicants with 3 or more years’ full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher are typically not required to submit GMAT scores for admissions consideration. Admissions decisions are determined by several factors, including: quantity and quality of professional and/or military experience; academic degrees (including graduate degrees) and grade point averages; institution(s) where credits were earned; Letters of Recommendation; and the Statement of intention. Applicants may be requested to submit GMAT scores based on these criteria. Applicants who have earned below a cumulative 3.0 GPA, especially from non-regionally accredited institutions, are encouraged to provide a strong GMAT score along with their application. Applicants with cumulative GPAs above 3.0 from non-regionally accredited institutions or for-profit institutions may be asked to take a GMAT depending upon the quality of their overall application. Submitted GMAT scores must not be more than five years old.

What You’ll Learn

• Best practices for utilizing resources, creating a competitive advantage and improving your strategic position in the market
• Techniques for strategic decision making and long-term planning
• How to analyze industry life cycles and evaluate the market landscape
• The characteristics of and differences between business unit and corporate strategy
• Types of change and different processes to manage and measure it successfully
• The key industry drivers, global strategy levers and organizational factors that drive success in the global marketplace
• How to create readiness and a vision for change in your organization