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 specifically designed to equip working professionals from a variety of industries (particularly those in technical fields) with fundamental business knowledge and skills for immediate real-world application.
The Mini-MBA is designed for working professionals who:
- Have been defined as high-potential and would benefit from an enhanced business acumen.
- Have advanced into management roles but lack experience in primary job functions (budgeting, supervisory management, project management, etc.).
- Aspire to become managers but have limited leadership and management training.
- Are interested in pursuing an MBA but feel they lack the foundational knowledge and/or skills required to be successful.
Details
- Program Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays, September 15 through December 10, 2026
- Modules: The Mini-MBA is split into six targeted, skills-focused learning modules. Refer back to the Mini-MBA website for program schedule details.
- 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
- Flexible Payment Option: Choose the invoice option at checkout to pay the program cost in two equal installments of $1,199.60 each (or $1,499.50 without the early bird discount). Payments are due September 14, 2026 and October 12, 2026.

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, MBA 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.