Frequently Asked Questions


What is a master certificate?

An online master certificate program is a comprehensive professional development series that covers today’s most in-demand business topics. Each USF master certificate consists of three individual certificate courses, which build upon one another in a step-by-step progression. 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. The Master Certificate in Internet Marketing gives marketers practical tools and techniques that empower them to maximize every interactive marketing dollar and lead successful integrated online campaigns.

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What are advanced specialized certificates?

While master certificates are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of a given discipline, advanced specialized certificates provide a more intensive exploration of a specific topic, tool or methodology within that discipline. Each advanced specialized certificate consists of a single eight-week course. There are no prerequisites to an advanced specialized certificate course; however, most students will find it helpful to have some familiarity with core concepts and tools related to the area of study, either through professional experience or completion of a related master certificate program. USF currently offers advanced specialized certificates in two disciplines: supply chain management and Internet marketing. The former includes certificates in Green Supply Chain Management and Lean Supply Chain Management. The latter offers certificates in Advanced Web Analytics and Advanced Social Media.

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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. Students can work at their own pace but should plan to spend approximately 5 to 7 hours a week on their online lectures, assignments and exams, which will enable them to complete each course within eight weeks.

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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, a Master Certificate in Sales and Sales Management, or a Master Certificate in Internet Marketing.

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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.

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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

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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, while students in the Internet Marketing program will have practical exercises that are designed to help them achieve proficiency with online marketing tools. 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!

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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 or advanced specialized 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.

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Is there any credit given for completing a master certificate or advanced specialized certificate?

Students will earn 4.5 continuing education units (CEUs) — as well as a beautifully framed certificate — upon completion of each USF online course.

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How much does each course cost? Are there any discounts for enrolling in multiple courses?

Click here for tuition and discount information.

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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.

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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.

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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 national universities for student ethnic diversity and international student enrollment.

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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.

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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 course.

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

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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.

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Will I be prepared to sit for the Google Advertising Professional exam or the Web Analytics Association certification test after completing USF’s Internet Marketing program?

The program’s second course, Search Engine Marketing & Usability, will review everything you need to know to pass the Google Advertising Professional exam and earn certification as a Qualified Individual. The third course, Advanced Interactive Marketing & Measurement, covers the component parts of the Web Analytics Association (WAA) certification test. Additional details and study materials are available on the certification pages of the Google AdWords and WAA websites.

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What are the minimum system requirements?

Click here for more information.

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