Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certificate

The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certificate focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to create or manage a small business.

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Certificate

You will learn the leadership skills needed to succeed in starting and managing a small business. Graduates will be able to research, develop, and implement a business plan and analyze and research financial statements to determine strengths or weaknesses. Students will work on communication skills and understand the actions taken to acquire and retain customers; produce goods and services; and measure/track financial performance.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

2 Semesters

27 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 90% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
This program may be completed face-to-face.

Connections

The following program(s) have connections that can be completed alongside or applied to this program:

A group of business professionals sit at a table and chat

Associate of Science

Business Administration Career

The Business Administration Career associate degree program will prepare you to successfully enter the workforce upon graduation. The program provides a skills-based curriculum that equips graduates with the knowledge and background needed for a rewarding career in business and industry.

Dive into Accounting

Semester 1

During your first semester, you will focus on accounting, computer information systems, English, finances, and management.

Market your Business

Semester 2

This semester will take you deeper into accounting, economics, and marketing.

See the full curriculum

Have more questions?

We're here to help! Reach out to the following for support.

508.853.2300

BusinessAdmin@qcc.mass.edu

More Info

Curriculum

Course Title	Course #	Semester Offered	Credits	Prerequisites
Semester 1 Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: ENS). Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in two semesters. Meet with Academic Advisor to discuss associate degree (Program Code: BB); or create an account on the QCC job board to search for internships, co-ops and jobs.
Financial Accounting I	ACC 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
Introduction to Microcomputer Applications	CIS 111	F/S/SU	3
Composition I	ENG 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
Personal Financial Planning	FIN 111	F/S	3	Placement into college level English
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management	MGT 216	F/S	3	Placement into college level English
		Total	15
Semester 2 Apply to associate degree (Program Code: BB); or if seeking employment, meet with Career Services for career readiness preparation and to learn more about QCC’s job board. Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Computerized Accounting	ACC 231	F/S	3	ACC 101, CIS 111
Principles of Microeconomics	ECO 216	F/S/SU	3	Coreq: ENG 101
Principles of Marketing	MRK 201	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
Humanities Elective	---	F/S/SU	3
		Total	12
Total Credits Required:			27

Catalog Information

Program Goals:

The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Certificate focuses on the skills and knowledge needed to create or manage a small business.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Understand the actions taken to acquire and retain customers; produce goods and services; and measure/track financial performance.
Understand the leadership skills and personal characteristics needed to succeed in starting and managing a small business.
Research, develop, and implement a business plan.
Analyze financial statements to determine strengths or weaknesses of an existing business.
Understand the basic principles of small business marketing.
Demonstrate proficiency in computer applications.
Communicate effectively using written, oral, and non-verbal techniques, including the use of appropriate technology in the gathering and presentation of information.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 52.0703.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.