Nexford programs are flexibly paced—not self-paced. Study when it works for you, and stay on track with weekly deadlines. Live sessions are optional. Expect to be challenged: and plan to invest at least 10 hours per week. That’s what it takes to build real skills that deliver real career value.
Skills you will learn - and add to your résumé
The Mini-MBA certificate develops foundational business skills in strategy, marketing, finance, and operations. Completing it counts toward a full MBA.
Communicate to Influence
Use clear, persuasive communication to build alignment and drive action across teams.
Interpret Financial Statements
Use income statements, budgets, and cash flows to make sense of business performance.
Develop Global Strategy
Assess international markets, risks, and structures to shape global business plans.
Create a Marketing Strategy
Build digital and traditional strategies to attract, convert, and retain customers.
Lead Organizational Change
Apply leadership tools to motivate people and implement strategic change.
Drive Decision Making
Combine insight, data, and risk analysis to lead smart, timely business decisions.
Communicate to Influence
Use clear, persuasive communication to build alignment and drive action across teams.
Interpret Financial Statements
Use income statements, budgets, and cash flows to make sense of business performance.
Develop Global Strategy
Assess international markets, risks, and structures to shape global business plans.
Create a Marketing Strategy
Build digital and traditional strategies to attract, convert, and retain customers.
Lead Organizational Change
Apply leadership tools to motivate people and implement strategic change.
Drive Decision Making
Combine insight, data, and risk analysis to lead smart, timely business decisions.
Courses in the Mini-MBA
The Mini-MBA consists of five required courses. Each course is designed to take two months, but you can finish in just one and graduate faster. You will gain 13 graduate credits upon completing this certificate.
Program Courses
Program Structure
You need 5 courses to complete your Mini-MBA
5 core courses
Core Courses (5 required)
Global Business
Global Business provides learners with an expansive understanding of international markets and how to manage cross-border transactions in order to effectively operate and compete in global, local, and emerging markets. The course focuses on the complexities, strategies, risk, and rewards that arise due to liquid borders, technology, cross-cultural and political issues, international organizations (WTO, IMF, World Bank), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), trade agreements, foreign direct investment (FDI) in emerging markets, currency risks, challenges and sustainability. Learners develop a market entry strategy analysis for a business operating in the global or local environment.
Marketing Strategy
Marketing Strategy focuses on the advanced marketing and leadership skills required in today’s fast-paced technology driven global economy. Learners prepare for roles within the field of marketing and gain a solid understanding of the role of marketing, both in traditional and digital platforms, in defining and maintaining a brand and in meeting business objectives. Learners examine how technology and transformational approaches are critical to developing future-forward marketing strategies. Topics include leadership, strategic partnerships, and negotiating skills that are key contributors to successful business growth and company culture.
Essential Power Skills for Leaders & Entrepreneurs
This seminar aims to provide leaders and entrepreneurs with soft skills essential for excelling in the dynamic and diverse modern business environment. The program focuses on developing communication, leadership, problem- solving, and adaptability competencies. By the end of the course, participants will have improved their ability to lead their businesses, manage teams effectively, and make informed strategic decisions.
Accounting and Financial Reporting
Accounting and Financial Reporting engages learners in applying the principles of corporate finance and accounting to business decision making. Course topics include financial statements and other reports, the basics of financial forecasting and budgeting, accounting analytics, and the communications and vocabulary related to financial statements. Learners reconcile financial transactions and accounting records and examine the implications of international differences in accounting frameworks and financial reporting requirements.
Leadership and Organizational Development
Leadership and Organizational Development examines individual and group interaction and helps learners gain a deeper understanding of how human behavior drives organizational behavior and development. Drawing from neuroscience and cognitive science perspectives, learners transition from manager to leader through the lens of managing self, others, teams, and relationships. Learners examine principles of motivation, communication, leadership, organizational development and change relevant to contemporary issues.
You need 5 courses to complete your Mini-MBA
5 core courses
Global Business
Global Business provides learners with an expansive understanding of international markets and how to manage cross-border transactions in order to effectively operate and compete in global, local, and emerging markets. The course focuses on the complexities, strategies, risk, and rewards that arise due to liquid borders, technology, cross-cultural and political issues, international organizations (WTO, IMF, World Bank), nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), trade agreements, foreign direct investment (FDI) in emerging markets, currency risks, challenges and sustainability. Learners develop a market entry strategy analysis for a business operating in the global or local environment.
Marketing Strategy
Marketing Strategy focuses on the advanced marketing and leadership skills required in today’s fast-paced technology driven global economy. Learners prepare for roles within the field of marketing and gain a solid understanding of the role of marketing, both in traditional and digital platforms, in defining and maintaining a brand and in meeting business objectives. Learners examine how technology and transformational approaches are critical to developing future-forward marketing strategies. Topics include leadership, strategic partnerships, and negotiating skills that are key contributors to successful business growth and company culture.
Essential Power Skills for Leaders & Entrepreneurs
This seminar aims to provide leaders and entrepreneurs with soft skills essential for excelling in the dynamic and diverse modern business environment. The program focuses on developing communication, leadership, problem- solving, and adaptability competencies. By the end of the course, participants will have improved their ability to lead their businesses, manage teams effectively, and make informed strategic decisions.
Accounting and Financial Reporting
Accounting and Financial Reporting engages learners in applying the principles of corporate finance and accounting to business decision making. Course topics include financial statements and other reports, the basics of financial forecasting and budgeting, accounting analytics, and the communications and vocabulary related to financial statements. Learners reconcile financial transactions and accounting records and examine the implications of international differences in accounting frameworks and financial reporting requirements.
Leadership and Organizational Development
Leadership and Organizational Development examines individual and group interaction and helps learners gain a deeper understanding of how human behavior drives organizational behavior and development. Drawing from neuroscience and cognitive science perspectives, learners transition from manager to leader through the lens of managing self, others, teams, and relationships. Learners examine principles of motivation, communication, leadership, organizational development and change relevant to contemporary issues.
What’s it like to learn at Nexford?
Real-world projects
Real-world projects
Build skills by doing. Every course includes hands-on projects that mirror real workplace challenges like building financial models plans, data dashboards, or marketing strategies. You won’t just learn about it - you’ll practice doing it. And projects are often curated from the world's largest organizations.
Flexible
Flexible
Collaborative learning
Collaborative learning
Work with peers from around the world on discussions that reflect global workplace dynamics. You won’t learn in a vacuum. Share ideas, get feedback, build a network - and be part of a global community that sharpens how you think.
Rewarding learning
Rewarding learning
Earn certificates and digital badges for the skills you build - long before you finish your degree. Every project moves you forward and every milestone counts. Progress isn’t hidden, its rewarded and you get to share that progress as you grow.
Personalized support
Personalized support
You’re online but never alone. Book 1:1 time with faculty or advisors, join group sessions, or reach out anytime by chat, email, or online calls. Whether it’s academics or career advice, real humans are here - or bots if you prefer.
Technology enabled
Technology enabled
Expect a modern, fully online experience that just works - including on mobile. All required tools are included, and you’ll never pay extra for textbooks or software. No clunky systems or boring PDFs. Just online learning, made simple.
Mini-MBA Admission requirements
You can upload your documents 100% online today
Proof of Identity
Proof of Identity
As part of the admissions process, applicants are asked to provide a photo or scan of a government-issued form of identification and a passport-style photo or selfie.
Undergraduate degree transcript
Undergraduate degree transcript
Graduate level applicants will need to have completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution in business or a business-related field.
Proof of English Proficiency
Proof of English Proficiency
If your previous education was in English, your transcript will serve as proof of English proficiency. You can also provide scores from an approved qualification exam.
Where our learners work
Join us for a free virtual tour
Join us live to see how learning at Nexford works, hear from alumni, and get your questions answered by current learners, faculty, and staff.
Free online webinar
Get a live preview of Nexford courses and the tools our learners use. Hear from our team dedicated to your success.
Free online webinar
Get a live preview of Nexford courses and the tools our learners use. Hear from our team dedicated to your success.
Your dedicated career success platform
Your dedicated career success platform
Personalized Career Recommendations
Discover your strengths and uncover your personalized career paths with AI-powered personality and job-fit assessments.
Smart Resume & Interview Tools
Build standout resumes and get real-time interview feedback to ace your next interview.
1:1 Career Coaching
Book time with expert coaches for personalized guidance on job searches, networking, and long-term planning.
Access thousands of additional courses
Access thousands of additional optional courses & certifications to help you level-up at no additional cost.
Real projects you'll complete
Accenture: Optimize Grant Process
BGC: Client Advisory Basics
PwC: Client Needs & Strategy
Accenture: Optimize Grant Process
BGC: Client Advisory Basics
PwC: Client Needs & Strategy
Your career outlook as an Mini MBA graduate
Every industry values problem-solving leaders with critical and strategic thinking skills, now also powered by AI skills. These are real examples of roles held by our 6,000+ graduates.
Strategy & Management
- Strategy Analyst
- Project Manager
- Change Management Specialist
- Business Analyst
Marketing & Sales
- Marketing Coordinator
- Sales Associate
- Marketing Assistant
- Business Development Associate
Operations & Quality Management
- Operations Analyst
- Operations Coordinator
- Business Analyst
- Quality Assurance Coordinator
50%
Of professionals reporting improved leadership skills after completing Mini MBA programs
60%
Companies valuing Mini MBA certifications when considering internal promotions
40%
Increase in career advancement opportunities cited by Mini MBA graduates
Sources: Earnest, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), LinkedIn Insights / Emerging Jobs Report, World Economic Forum, Deloitte Insights, PwC CEO Survey, Gartner, IDC (International Data Corporation), Statista, eMarketer, Kauffman Foundation, Crunchbase, OECD, World Bank, UNESCO Graduate Outcomes Survey, IBM Research, Harvard Business Review, National Association of Colleges and Employers, International Labour Organization, HubSpot & LinkedIn Marketing Report, Glassdoor Salary Insights
Hear from our alumni and their employers
Nexford is accredited.
Accredited by DEAC
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Accredited by DEAC
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)