LDR08 - Professional Certificate in Business Essentials (Mini-MBA)
Program Description
The Professional Certificate in Business Essentials (referred to as the Mini-MBA) is a short-term, noncredit microcredential program designed to equip working professionals with fundamental business knowledge and skills for immediate real-world application. The certificate program will be specifically designed to prepare individuals with essential business competencies through targeted, skills-focused learning modules. The program will also incorporate input from industry partners to ensure skills are transferable across sectors and will address defined competency gaps within the regional workforce by offering flexible, accessible, and industry-relevant learning experiences.
The professional certificate will feature 6 subject-specific, modules covering core business domains such as marketing, supervisory management, finance/budgeting, business operations, leadership, and strategic management. Learning objectives will combine traditional and competency-based approaches to ensure mastery of essential business skills. Each module will culminate in an authentic assessment, enabling participants to earn a skill-specific digital badge (i.e., a verifiable credential which can be viewed by current or potential employers on the participants LinkedIn profile), upon successful demonstration of mastery.
Details
Program Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 17 through May 14, 2026
Modules: The Mini-MBA is split into six targeted, skills-focused learning modules. The dates listed beside each module indicate the 1-hour, online synchronous sessions.
Delivery Format/Modality: The Mini-MBA combines virtual live sessions (1 hour per module session, 2 module sessions every week on Tuesday and Thursday) and online asynchronous classwork (approximately 1 hour per module session) and will take up to 50 hours to complete. All live sessions are recorded and posted in Canvas.
CEUs/PDHs available: 5 CEUs / 50 PDHs
Financial Assistance
A limited number of scholarships are available. To formally request scholarship support, contact Dr. George Kroeninger, CPE Executive Director at kroeninger@msoe.edu. Deadline for all scholarship requests has been extended to Friday, February 13, 2026 at 12:00pm CT.
Required Programs
| Module | Instructor | Description | Live Meeting Dates | Live Meeting Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1: Leadership & Strategic Thinking | Sean Ebert | Learn and apply the tools to see beyond your day-to-day responsibilities, generate actionable long-term strategies that suit your competitive landscape, and lead your team through the successful execution of your vision. | Tuesdays, February 17, 24, March 3, 10 | 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. CT |
| Module 2: Supervisory Management & Team Leadership | Bianca Reyes | Explore foundational management theories and examine how supervisory styles impact team performance, while addressing modern challenges like remote work, diversity and inclusion, and emerging workplace technologies. | Thursdays, February 19, 26, March 5, 12 | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. CT |
| Module 3: Financial Literacy & Budgeting | Sean Ebert | Learn the basics of budgeting, financial statements, and the metrics businesses frequently use to evaluate business performance, drive decision-making, and improve the financial health of the organization. | Tuesdays, March 24, 31, April 7, 14 | 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. CT |
| Module 4: Organizational Behavior & Change Management | Dr. Ruth Barratt | Explore how people, teams, and culture drive change. This practical short module helps professionals apply change tools and navigate today’s workplace – including working with AI as a powerful new team member. | Thursdays, March 26, April 2, 9, 16 | 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. CT |
| Module 5: Project Management & Agile Methodologies | Patricia Kramer | Master project management by exploring both traditional and Agile methods. Through real-world applications and interactive exercises, you will gain essential skills to plan, communicate, and lead successful projects with confidence. | Tuesdays, April 21, 28, May 5, 12 | 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. CT |
| Module 6: Data Analytics and Business Intelligence | Naveen Kankate | Learn how to combine AI with modern BI tools to extract insights, automate dashboards, and communicate stories. Master Data Visualization 3.0 with real-world use cases, Tableau, and ChatGPT. | Thursdays, April 23, 30, May 7, 14 | 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. CT |
Dr. Ruth Barratt is chair of the Rader School of Business at MSOE. Previously, she was a key player in the development of Arizona State University's online MBA program, which went on to achieve a number one ranking in the United States. Barratt came to MSOE in 2015 to lead the MBA in Education Leadership program. Under her leadership, enrollment in that program increased from 14 to 70 students. Originally a national initiative funded by the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, the program combines business and education course work to better prepare up-and-coming school leaders for the challenges of leading an academic system. Character formation and education leadership are the tenants that guide the program. The MBA in Education Leadership has since evolved from a fellowship- to tuition-based program run solely by the Rader School of Business. It is the first of its kind in the United States.
Sean Ebert is a former President and senior executive from the Madison Industries portfolio, one of the largest privately held companies in the world. He has held leadership positions spanning many facets of business, including sales and marketing, engineering, and operations. Sean is passionate about continuous learning as a competitive advantage and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with learners through interactive courses and workshops.
Naveen Lalit Kankate is a problem solver and seasoned tech professional with over a decade of experience in data analytics, product management, and computer engineering. He leads a dynamic team in crafting innovative SaaS solutions, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world business needs. With a global perspective rooted in his international ventures, including building a successful short-term rental facility in India, Naveen is dedicated to empowering small business owners and shaping the future of sustainable, tech-driven ecosystems.
Dr. Bianca Reyes is an Assistant Professor of Business and Organizational Leadership at MSOE with over nine years of experience in project management, human resources, and learning and development. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Adler University, an MBA from MSOE, and is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work. Dr. Reyes has designed and delivered training for industry leaders, taught a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, leadership, and business, and has served as a dissertation chair and faculty mentor. Her teaching approach integrates adult learning theory, Bloom’s taxonomy, and real-world applications to prepare students for leadership in dynamic organizational settings.