MBA Transition Certificate Program
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Transition certificate program?

MBA degree programs are open to students without an undergraduate degree in business. However, their program of student assumes that incoming students have had business courses. The Transition certificate program prepares students who do not have an undergraduate degree in business to take MBA-level courses.

How can I apply for the online MBA Transition Certificate Program?

Complete the application for the graduate certificate. There is both an online version and a printed version. To apply online, do the following:

1. Create the account you will use for the online application. To do that, go here.
2. Click on Create Your Account and fill in the requested information.
3. Once you have an online account, go here.
4. In the Graduate Certificate Application section, click on Online Application. Enter the ID and password you created above and then complete the application.

Additionally, you need to:

• Submit your non-refundable $50 processing fee.
• Request that official transcripts for your baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution be sent to the Admissions Office as well as official transcripts from each institution attended.

In addition to the above, international students must:

• Provide official TOEFL scores if English is not native language. The University requires a score of 550 on the paper based test, 213-computer based score, or 79-internet based score.
• For degrees not completed in the United States, SPSU reserves the right to request a transcript evaluation from a credible evaluation agency (SPSU approved agencies: WES or Silny & Associates.)

How many courses are in the program?

The program is made up of eight courses:

1. MGNT 5000: Survey of Management. Broad analysis of the many facets of management; including the fundamentals of management and organization, managing people and production, marketing management and strategies, contemporary business and their responsibility, and management careers.
2. MGNT 5002: Survey of Financial Accounting. A study of the underlying theory and application of financial accounting concepts.
3. MGNT 5004: Survey of Managerial Accounting. A study of the underlying theory and application of managerial accounting concepts.
4. MGNT 5006: Survey of Corporate Finance. This course provides an introduction to financial analysis, budgeting, sources and uses of funds, management of assets, short and long run financial strategy and interpretation of financial data as these relate to the process of business decision-making.
5. MGNT 5008: Survey of Marketing. A study of the theory and principles of marketing. Emphasis will be placed upon the concept of customer satisfaction. Topics to be covered include total quality management (TQM), innovation, product distribution, cooperative associations, advertising and salesmanship, and the development of brands and trademarks.
6. MGNT 5010: Survey of Business Law. An introduction to the legal system as it applies to commercial transactions and a study of the law of contracts and torts. Ethical issues in business will also be addressed.
7. MGNT 5012: Survey of Economics. Provides and introduction to current issues in American society buttressed by reference to economic theories that assist in explaining and understanding macro and micro economic policy.
8. QA 5000: Statistical Concepts. 
   Note:The Business Administration Department will no longer be offering MGNT 5014 Survey of Statistics. MGNT 5014 is being replaced by Statistical Concepts for QA.

How long is each course?

Each course is a 1.5 hour course.

How do I take each course?

Each course is an online course that is taken online via WebCT. Accommodations can be made for students with visa issues that prevent them prevent them from taking online courses. Check with the Business Administration Department for details.

Do I have to come to campus for any part of the online certificate program?

No. If you are only enrolled in the certificate program, then courses will be offered fully online and you will not need to come to campus for classes. Students accepted into the MBA degree program may have some on campus classes as part of their degree.

International students who are enrolled in the MBA program should contact the Business Administration about residency requirements. Accommodations can be made for students with visa issues that prevent them prevent them from taking online courses. Check with the Business Administration Department for details.

Does each course last an entire semester?

No. These classes are only eight weeks long. In fall and spring, each class goes for one half the semester. Some will start at the beginning of the semester and end half way through while others will start half way through and end at the end of the semester. Summer semester is only ten weeks long so all the classes start at the beginning of summer semester and end eight weeks later.

How much do the courses cost?

It depends. The answer here will be brief. For more details, check the current catalog here. The exact fee depends on how many classes you take and if you only take online courses or if you also take classroom courses.

When can I start?

Classes are held every semester so you can start the semester after your application is processed. The official deadline for each semester is:

Term	Deadline for Admission
Fall	July 1
Spring	November 1
Summer	April 1

However we can often get you admitted even if you apply after the deadline. Contact the Business Administration Department for details.

In addition, some classes are scheduled to start at the mid-point of fall and spring semesters. Students can usually be processed for these classes well after the deadlines shown above.

When can I register for classes?

Applications and all required credentials must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions prior to registration. Students will not be allowed to register for classes until they have been officially admitted to the Professional Certificate Program.

Once you are admitted to the certificate program or to the MBA program, you are eligible to enroll as long as registration is in progress. Registration is through Banner, our online registration system. The Business Administration Department will assist newly admitted students.

Where can I learn more about Distance Learning, Orientation, and support?

The Distance Learning web site provides information about online courses, self-assessment, orientation, where to log in for classes, and support.
http://www.spsu.edu/onlinelearning

Who should I contact for help with admissions?

Graduate Admissions: 678-915-4988 or gradstudies@spsu.edu.

Who should I contact for help with registration? 

Business Administration Department: 678-915-7440 or BusinessAdministration@spsu.edu.

Do I have to log in at a particular time each week?

In general, there is not a set time each week when you have to log in. The classes are set up for you to work independently, but your professor will set deadlines for completing assignments and participating in online discussions. You should plan to log in to your online class about five days per week to make sure you stay up to date.