UW-Whitewater | Online
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    School Business Management - Online Graduate Certificate

    The Business of Education Needs Proper Management.

    Financial background in accounting, budgeting, and service operations for school districts are essential skills for school administrators and other school business staff. The graduate certificate in School Business Management (SBM) focuses on those skillsets.

    Why UW-Whitewater Online?

    • Asynchronous program lets you learn day or night
    • Build connections through online assignments and discussion boards
    • Online MBA ranked #27 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report

    Fully Online

    No requirements to come to campus.

    Flexible

    Attend full-time or part-time.

    Specialized

    Enhance your knowledge base and expand your career.

    School Business Management - Online Graduate Certificate

    Carlos Barraza, turning through lecture notes with laptop next to him

    There are 13 core credits in the certificate program including three School Business Management financial courses, an Auxiliary Services course, and a one-credit capstone project course. However, individuals who already possess a master's degree and are seeking licensure can customize the certificate to include all credits required under Wisconsin DPI code 5008.

    Contact us for information on customizing the certificate, which is administered completely online. For core course list descriptions, Visit the Graduate Catalog.

    NOTE: These credits can be applied toward the Master of Science in Education in School Business Management degree.

    Claire Olsen, intently reading tablet, reviewing notes for online class

    No GMAT required.

    To qualify for admission to the certificate program, students must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and meet graduate admission criteria.

    If you do not meet the graduate admission criteria, please email us to determine if you could be admitted on a conditional basis.

    A foundational course in financial accounting is required before enrolling in school finance courses. Students with no prior academic accounting background or experience will be required to take this pre-requisite or Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) accounting course either at the graduate or undergraduate level. However, an accounting course taken for graduate credit does not count towards the 36-credit degree requirement.

    To ensure the program is compliant with Wisconsin Administrative Code PI 34 for Teacher Education Program Approval and Licensing as updated August 2018, all applicants must undergo a criminal background check (PI 34.018).

    online student, Ellen Larson, studies course materials

    This graduate program at UW-Whitewater are a superior value at $678 USD per credit for the 2023-24 academic year — whether  you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student.

    If you compare our graduate tuition to others, you will find that this per-credit price is quite reasonable. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.

    What creates this value?

    • Full-time faculty with doctoral degrees teach all classes.
    • All faculty complete specific training for online teaching.
    • Faculty lectures are recorded in a state-of-the-art media studio and included with each course.
    • An external team reviews online courses.
    • High levels of student/faculty interaction are standard.
    • Helpdesk technical staff are dedicated to assisting graduate students with online technology.

    Course materials
    Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.

    Financial aid

    Students enrolled in a graduate certificate program only are not eligible for federal aid. 

    Students completing a certificate with a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.

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    The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers an excellent opportunity to leverage your existing certificate coursework. 

    Transfer up to 12-credits of your certificate coursework towards the master's degree, saving you time and money.

    Check out our Master's programs.