If you own a small business or are thinking of starting one, the University of Mary’s Small Business Undergraduate Certificate will provide you with a solid foundation of core business skills designed to facilitate your success. The credits from this certificate can be applied towards a bachelor’s degree at the University of Mary.

If you own a small business or are thinking about starting one, this 9-credit, 15-week undergraduate certificate program taught by seasoned professionals will help take your venture to the next level.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.
We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

89%
Percentage of U.S. businesses with fewer than 20 employees

Program Length

9 credits/3 courses/15 weeks

Formats

  • Online
  • Evening classes at our locations in Bismarck, ND; Fargo, ND; Watford City, ND; and Billings, MT
  • Blended, combining online and in-person classes

Tuition per Credit

$480

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Small business owners
  • Anyone preparing to start a small business and would like to strengthen their foundational business principles
  • Students who want to take the first step to earning a bachelor's in business

Career Paths

  • Small Business Owner
  • Business Partner
  • Entrepreneur
  • Freelancer

What You’ll Learn

  • How to confidently apply accounting best practices to manage your business finances.
  • Why applying the fundamentals of human relations are a must for any small business, no matter what size.
  • How to apply the principles of finance when your business needs to seek additional capital or when seeking startup funding.
  • When and how to focus on organizational development and training.

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.

The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from regionally accredited colleges and universities and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.

    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:
        Office of Admissions
        University of Mary
        7500 University Drive
        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

Apply Online