5:29 p.m., Sept. 23, 2008----The University of Delaware's Certificate of Business Essentials is now available completely online, offered through Professional and Continuing Studies via UD Online, the University's distance learning system. Designed to provide a solid foundation in business for either undergraduates or professionals from nonbusiness fields, the certificate covers the primary principles, concepts and functions of modern business.

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To earn the certificate, four specific University of Delaware undergraduate credit courses must be completed: Introduction to Business, Economic Issues and Policies, Survey of Accounting and Fundamentals of Finance. The four courses each can be completed online or in the classroom. At least one course in the certificate will be scheduled each semester, including summer and winter sessions. Classroom sections are held on the Newark campus.

Stewart Shapiro, associate professor of marketing, teaches Introduction to Business. "This program offers a valuable introduction to the world of business: leadership and management issues, marketing, operations research, finance, business terminology, ethics and social responsibility and career opportunities," Shapiro says.

This certificate will be of interest to UD students with majors outside the Lerner College of Business and Economics who would like to earn a business-related credential to complement their bachelor's degree, as well as returning adult students or working professionals who have earned a degree (or taken coursework) in a nonbusiness field and are interested in building their credentials.

"I majored in computer science with a minor in management information systems," says Certificate of Business Essentials graduate Chris Fahey, AS '06. "I knew that no matter what career I jumped into, business knowledge would help me support my clients. As a software developer at Vanguard, I quickly develop applications because I understand why the clients are asking for specific requirements."

"Adding the Certificate of Business Essentials made me more marketable and helped expand my job possibilities following graduation," says Peter Hinckley, AS '07. "I was able to promote myself by displaying the writing and communication skills learned from my English major, combined with the fact that I had taken the initiative to learn the business world, as well. I landed at Fidelity Investments as a retirement specialist; a career path that was a direct result of my enrollment in the Certificate of Business Essentials."

The program is open to current students with at least sophomore standing, or returning adult students with the equivalent number of college credits. University of Delaware students whose major is within the Lerner College of Business and Economics are not eligible. Admission to the certificate is competitive and on a space available basis.

The University of Delaware has been offering distance-learning courses since 1988 and is a national leader in the use of educational technology. Numerous awards recognize the University's electronic campus and its achievements in technology and distance learning. UD Online distance learning courses capitalize on the University's campus technology network to support and enhance learning, enabling students to connect ideas, people and information from around the world.

For more information about the Certificate of Business Essentials, contact Continuing Studies Information at [continuing-ed@udel.edu] or (302) 831-7600, or visit [www.pcs.udel.edu/essentials].