Joy Nolan

"I went back to school in order to make a career change. I found exactly what I needed at Plymouth State University. I'm getting my Master in Education Counseling/Human Relations with a post baccalaureate certificate in Organizational Communications. Having my M.Ed. with an MBA concentration will help to make me more marketable."

Small Business and Entrepreneurship

The Small Business and Entrepreneurship certificate program is ideal for individuals planning to consult for small businesses, or to open a small business. This intensive introduction to business planning includes defining the primary vision through market size assessment and strategic operations planning; how to finance, staff, and implement the new venture; and how to manage growth. The Small Business Institute® consistently wins national recognition in the annual Case of the Year competitions. The primary report, prepared by an MBA student consulting team for a client small business (under the direction of a faculty advisor), provides a unique, real-life learning experience for the students and a bankable business plan for the client. For students interested in earning an MBA, the four Small Business and Entrepreneurship courses plus an additional six graduate business courses can be applied towards a full MBA degree.

Required Courses for a Certificate

BU 5850 New Ventures and Entrepreneurship - 3 credits
BU 5500 Small Business: Problems and Strategy (SBI I) - 3 credits
BU 5501 Small Business Analysis (SBI II) - 3 credits

Choose one from:
BU 5110 Managing Organizational Behavior - 3 credits
BU 5190 Accounting for Managers - 3 credits
BU 5220 Legal Environment of Business - 3 credits
BU 5700 Marketing Techniques - 3 credits

Total for Small Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate - 12 credits

Small Business Institute® (SBI) Students may also earn three or six credits by joining an SBI consulting team. The SBI at Plymouth State University gives MBA students a chance to serve local small businesses as members of consulting teams, earning elective course credits in the process. Please visit the SBI Web site for more information.

For an MBA Degree, add 6 of following excluding your choice from above:

BU 5110 Managing Organizational Behavior - 3 credits
BU 5120 Financial Analysis and Decision Making - 3 credits
BU 5190 Accounting for Managers - 3 credits
BU 5210 Economic Analysis - 3 credits
BU 5220 The Legal Environment of Business - 3 credits
BU 5510 Operations Management - 3 credits
BU 5700 Marketing Techniques - 3 credits

Total for MBA - 30 credits