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Graduate Certificate in General Management - 100% Online

Earn Your General Management Certificate at Governors State University

Governors State University's Certificate in General Management prepares students to lead teams, manage resources, and drive consistent, high-level performance across a variety of organizational settings. The program focuses on the fundamentals of effective management, including strategy execution, resource allocation, and operational excellence.

Coursework develops competencies in managing self, structure, people, processes, and deliverables for competitive advantage. Students also gain insight into the role of marketing and information technology in supporting an organization's mission.

The certificate is open to employees in any sector, including private, nonprofit, and public organizations.

As a stackable credential, graduates may apply their certificate credits toward an MBA degree through GovState's AACSB-accredited College of Business.

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Curriculum

The Certificate in General Management requires 16 credit hours of required coursework. Depending on prior academic preparation, students may also need to complete up to 6 credit hours of prerequisite courses. The curriculum develops the skills, knowledge, and competencies needed for early to middle management roles.

For full program details, including application requirements, prerequisites, and a complete list of required courses, visit the Certificate in General Management section of the GovState academic catalog.

Certificate Program Prerequisites

WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONUndergraduate course in written composition (English Composition and Speech Communication) or business communication.

Required Courses (16 Hours)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR (1)Learn and practice the Seven Habits of Effective People. Prepare for coveted Franklin Covey certification exam.
STRATEGIC MARKETING (3)
*Prerequisites: Economics 6100 and Management 6700		Recognition and analysis of marketing problems, generation and evaluation of alternative solutions and development of plans and strategies for implementing solutions.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
AND TECHNOLOGY
(3)		Prepare to participate in information systems and technology decisions. Study the strategic value of information resources. Study the relationship between IT, performance and process improvement and business strategy.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES (3)Examine organizational contexts and human resource management practices. Review human resource management principles across functional specializations.
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT: STRATEGIES & TECHNIQUES (3)
*Prerequisites: Management 6700		Focus on the logic and techniques of supply chain management and process improvement including product/service design, process design, quality management, inventory management, scheduling, purchasing and logistics and operations strategy.
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT (3)Appraise behavior in organizations and critically examine theories and practices for explaining and managing organizational behavior for competitive advantage.


 

What You'll Study

The Graduate Certificate in General Management prepares students to lead people, manage operations, and make strategic decisions across a wide range of industries. The curriculum builds skills in marketing, human resources, information systems, operations management, organizational behavior, and process improvement, while developing the ability to manage teams, allocate resources, improve performance, and support organizational goals.

The program is designed for early- and mid-level professionals who want to strengthen their leadership abilities and broaden their understanding of how organizations operate. Students also gain practical knowledge in supply chain management, logistics, technology, and organizational strategy, developing an understanding of how different parts of a business work together to drive results.

As a stackable credential, the coursework may be applied toward an MBA or a Master of Science in Human Resource Management through Governors State University's AACSB-accredited College of Business, allowing graduates to continue building their credentials over time.

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How to Apply

To apply for the Certificate in General Management, submit the following materials:

  • Official transcripts confirming completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants who have completed a master's degree or other post-baccalaureate certificate from a regionally accredited institution may be eligible for a GPA waiver.
  • Documentation confirming a minimum of two years of work experience in a supervisory role
  • A one-page, double-spaced statement of intent addressing personal goals, reasons for pursuing the Certificate in General Management, and how the certificate supports those goals
  • A current resume outlining academic and professional background
  • One letter of recommendation
  • A completed online application
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Financial Aid and Scholarships

Governors State University (GovState) offers a range of financial aid options to help students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.

Grants and Loans

Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.

Scholarships

GovState offers merit-based and institutional scholarships for students at every stage of their academic journey. Incoming students may qualify for highly competitive awards, including the Presidential, Provost, and Dean's Scholarships. Current students can explore additional opportunities through Scholarship Universe and specialized awards such as the Earthrise Scholarship and others administered through the GovState Foundation.

Office of Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid is available year-round to help students navigate applications, review award offers, and plan financial support that aligns with their academic goals.

Learn More about Financial Aid

Get Involved

The College of Business offers academic credit internships approved by the Division Chair and supported by College of Business faculty. Internships provide hands-on, on-the-job learning where students apply field-specific technology skills and professional terminology while adapting to real workplace environments.

Practical experience gained through an internship strengthens a resume and gives students a competitive edge in the job market. For many students, an internship is one of the most effective paths to a full-time position in their chosen career field.

Accreditations

AACSB accreditation is known, worldwide, as the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn. Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process that includes a rigorous external review of a school's mission, faculty qualifications, curricula, and ability to provide the highest-quality programs. AACSB's accreditation processes are ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Highlighted Faculty

Contact Us

  • Karen Blackman
  • Manager of Recruitment, Marketing, and External Relations, College of Business
  • Office: G Building 277
  • 708-235-7485 ext. 7485
  • kwilliams10@govst.edu
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