Business Foundations

Accelerate Your Business Career—Without the Full MBA Commitment

From finance to conflict resolution, master the skills today’s professionals need to succeed in any industry.

Concordia University Wisconsin’s Business Foundations Gateway Program serves as your strategic entry point to a graduate-level business education, offering a more manageable time and financial commitment compared to a full MBA. Designed for working professionals and emerging leaders, this 52-week, 8-course online program delivers essential business knowledge you can apply immediately in your career.

 Think of it as: Your “test drive” MBA — practical, fast, and low-risk.

Why Start Here?

Faster, Flexible, and Affordable

Complete the program in just 12 months—entirely online with no required live sessions.

Transferable Progress

Get a head start: Transfer up to 9 credits into CUW’s MBA program—or add just one more elective to earn a Graduate Certificate in Management.

No GRE/GMAT or admissions hurdles

Immediate ROI: Skills apply directly to the current job

Business Foundations Stack

 

What You’ll Learn


Gain immediately applicable skills that drive results in any organization. Whether you lead a team, manage projects, or aspire to higher leadership roles, this program delivers essential tools to help you perform and lead more effectively. Each course is built for real-world impact, no fluff, just actionable insight.

You’ll complete eight micro-courses that cover the most critical areas of modern business leadership:

Inventory of Current Business Operations
Assess your organization’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.
Conflict Resolution

Learn how to de-escalate workplace tensions and foster collaborative problem-solving.


 

Managing People & Teams
Develop effective leadership habits, communication techniques, and performance strategies.
Social Media Strategies
Understand how to use digital platforms to promote growth, engagement, and brand awareness.
Financial Management

Build confidence in budgeting, forecasting, and financial decision-making.


 

Raising Capital & Fundraising
Explore strategies for securing funding through traditional and innovative channels.
Strategy & Change Management
Learn how to align organizational goals with market trends and lead through transformation.
Business Plan Development

Put it all together by creating a detailed, actionable business plan that reflects your new skills.


 

By the end of the program, you’ll not only understand core business principles—you’ll be able to apply them directly to your job or entrepreneurial efforts. It’s practical, strategic learning with a clear path forward to an MBA or Graduate Certificate.

Who Should Enroll?

Early- to mid-career professionals

Those who want to build a strong foundation in business without committing to a full MBA, yet.

Current managers or team leads

Looking to sharpen their leadership, finance, and strategy skills to better manage people and performance.

Career changers

Those interested in transitioning into the business world and seeking a structured, accessible way to build relevant knowledge.

Entrepreneurs or nonprofit leaders

Those who need core business skills to grow and sustain their organization.

Future MBA students

Those who want to test the waters before fully committing—while earning up to 9 transferrable credits toward CUW’s MBA.

 

Program Details

Format: 100% Online
Learn on your terms with a fully online format designed for working professionals. There are no required live sessions, giving you the flexibility to study when and where it works best for your schedule. Whether you're balancing work, family, or both, you can move through the material at a pace that fits your lifestyle.

Length: 52 Weeks (Self-Paced)Complete the program in just one year—or move faster if your schedule allows. The structured timeline keeps you on track, but the self-paced delivery gives you the control to progress according to your personal and professional demands.

Cost-Effective: Lower Tuition Investment Than a Full MBA
Get high-impact business training without the high cost. This program costs $1,900 and is a smart financial decision for professionals who want a strong return on investment. Plus, your progress can count toward future credentials, helping you save even more if you choose to pursue a Graduate Certificate or MBA later.

 

You're never alone in your learning journey. Gain direct access to Concordia’s experienced business faculty who bring real-world expertise to the virtual classroom. Our support team is also here to assist you every step of the way—from enrollment through course completion.

Pathways After Completion

That is 1/3 of the way to an MBA at Concordia University Wisconsin!

Upon successful completion of this program: 


Transfer up to 9 Credits into CUW’s MBA Program.     
or 
Take one more MBA elective course and receive a Graduate Certificate in Management
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Discover Business Foundations 2025 Details 

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