Frequently Asked Questions

What is a master certificate?

Each online master certificate program is a comprehensive professional development series that covers today’s most in-demand business topics. Through information-packed lectures and hands-on simulations, the Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management program teaches participants how to transform the supply chain into a strategic advantage. The Master Certificate in Sales and Sales Management program helps sales professionals acquire an arsenal of advanced sales tactics and critical management skills, enabling them to achieve new heights of success.

back to top

How long does it take to complete each course?

The total estimated completion time for each certificate program is approximately 25 to 30 hours, including 12 to 16 hours of streaming video presentation plus independent exercises and mastery exams.

back to top

Is there a time limit that I must complete a course within?

Yes. You have eight weeks to complete each certificate course. Students who complete all three courses in a program will receive a Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management or a Master Certificate in Sales and Sales Management.

back to top

What kind of materials will I receive?

You will receive a set of video CD-ROMs and a study guide to complement the lecture materials. The video CDs are provided to ensure that you will be able to enjoy the streaming video lectures regardless of your internet connection speed. If you have a broadband connection, please try the streaming video option first. If your connection speed is under 56K, or if you wish to view the videos offline, you may use the CD option.

back to top

What type of interaction can I expect from this program?

The online faculty support format is an excellent way to meet, collaborate and network with professionals from across the nation and around the world. Online faculty support offers extended interaction with program faculty and classmates through virtual office hours, faculty-monitored chat rooms, message boards and email, ensuring an engaging and rewarding educational experience.

In fact, many students will find that they are actually learning, participating and enjoying themselves more in this online program than they ever did in a traditional classroom

back to top

Will I have assignments or exams?

In order to receive your certificate, there will be an “open book” set of questions you must answer online. Students enrolled in the Supply Chain Management program will also be required to participate in simulation exercises. Move at your own pace and review the lectures and study guide materials as many times as you want — the materials are yours, so take your time!

back to top

Why should I consider earning a professional certificate?

Earning a professional certificate sets those with the credentials apart — or above — those without it. For many, gaining new skills becomes a personal professional goal. A master certificate from a highly respected, accredited university also adds prestige to your résumé. Furthermore, a professional certificate can be an aid to career advancement and help you earn a higher salary.

back to top

Is there any credit given for completing a master certificate?

Students who complete all three eight-week courses of either program will earn 4.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per class and receive a total of four certificates – three course certificates plus a Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management or Sales and Sales Management – from the University of San Francisco’s School of Business and Management.

back to top

How much does a master certificate program cost?

Click here for tuition and discount information.

back to top

When does your next session begin?

Classes start on the first of each month. Because there is no lengthy application process for these professional development programs, students can usually begin the month immediately following the month they register.

back to top

How does earning a course certificate work?

Once you complete a course — including all lectures, assignments and tests — you will be awarded a course certificate and Continuing Education Units from the University of San Francisco’s School of Business and Management.

back to top

Who is the University of San Francisco?

Founded by the Jesuit Fathers in 1855, the University of San Francisco was established as the City of San Francisco’s first institution of higher education. USF is committed to becoming internationally recognized as a premier Jesuit Catholic, urban university with a global perspective and a mission of educating leaders who will fashion a more humane and just world.

The university’s School of Business and Management — which includes the Masagung Graduate School of Management and the McLaren Undergraduate College of Business — prepares men and women for leadership positions in the public and private sectors.

USF is home to more than 8,500 students with diverse ethnic, religious, social and economic backgrounds, representing virtually every state and more than 65 foreign countries. It is listed as one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, which ranks it among the top 20 national universities for student ethnic diversity and international student enrollment.

back to top

Are the University of San Francisco and the School of Business and Management accredited?

The University of San Francisco is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and was a founding member of WASC’s antecedent, the Western College Association (WCA), which granted USF accreditation in 1950.

The McLaren Undergraduate College of Business is accredited by AACSB International (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) — a distinction it has held since 1953. In 1981, the Masagung Graduate School of Management’s MBA program also achieved accreditation from AACSB International, which is the premier accrediting body for business schools.

back to top

When do I have to register for the program?

You can register anytime and begin the program on the first of the month. You then have eight weeks to finish each program.

Call 800-436-1713 or +1 813-620-1096 today for more information!

back to top

Will I be prepared to sit for an industry certification exam after completing USF’s Supply Chain Management program?

USF’s Master Certificate in Supply Chain Management is designed to help you master the knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to be an effective leader in the field of supply chain management. This comprehensive program bridges the operations focus of APICS and the procurement focus of ISM, giving students a broad-based perspective that encompasses all of the supply chain disciplines rather than targeting a single area. While the program will provide a solid foundation for professionals who plan to undertake a certification exam, it is imperative that you review the study materials issued by the certifying body, as the terminology and framework may vary from one organization to the next.

Refer to the APICS and ISM websites for details on their respective certifications.

back to top