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Graduate Certificate in
Management Consulting

Program summary

Gain the knowledge and skills required to succeed as an independent management consultant, member of a consulting firm, or in-house advisor in a corporate or public sector setting with this online graduate certificate program in management consulting.

Application deadline

Apply by July 1 to start August 21

Credits and costs

9 Credits $1,007 per credit

Earn a Graduate Certificate in Management Consulting — Online 

Management consulting firms help organizations improve their performance by analyzing problems and developing plans for improvement, and advising on strategy, operations, finances, human resources, and technology. As a result of the rapidly changing demands of the ever-evolving business world, the management consulting market continues to see strong growth year over year. 

Penn State’s online Graduate Certificate in Management Consulting program can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this dynamic and growing field. As a management consultant, you can help clients more readily achieve their goals and objectives by identifying and defining organizational challenges, improving efficiencies, transforming business models, restructuring their workforce and processes, aligning resources, and advising on strategic issues associated with corporate growth and change.

What You Can Expect to Learn

Upon completion of this 9-credit online program, you should be able to:

  • articulate the role of a management consultant and how they create value for their clients
  • understand the lifecycle for a consulting engagement
  • apply research methods and commonly used tools and techniques for analysis and solution generation
  • develop an actionable plan for implementing change that appropriately incorporates generally accepted concepts and theories related to change management
  • identify best practice methods used to develop key client deliverables, such as business cases, cost estimations, recommendations, and final reports
  • utilize contemporary communication tools and techniques to enable the success of a management consulting engagement

The Penn State Difference 

This program is AACSB Accredited

Reputation and Faculty Expertise — This program is delivered in partnership with the internationally ranked Penn State Smeal College of Business, which holds AACSB accreditation, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. You will connect with expert faculty who are passionate about serving nontraditional students and specially trained to teach in an online environment.

Convenience of Online Learning — This graduate-level certificate is one of a small number of programs on today’s market that is delivered completely online. You complete weekly assignments at your preferred pace, giving you the flexibility to balance the demands of your current job.

Unparalleled Connections to Industry — Between our strong alumni network and corporate connections with top companies and practitioners, you will have access to a wealth of resources to help you move your career forward. 

Who Should Apply?

This online certificate is an ideal choice for professionals with a strong analytical mindset who wish to apply critical thinking and communication skills to solve complex problems across a wide range of industries. Students may seek work within an independent consulting firm or aspire to become an in-house advisor within a corporate or government setting.

Information for Military and Veterans

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.

Courses

The Graduate Certificate in Management Consulting is a 9-credit online program designed to address the key issues, concepts, tools, and techniques associated with management consulting. As a student, you will explore a variety of relevant topics, including:

  • industry best practices
  • engagement management
  • consulting agreements and contracts
  • common frameworks and analytical tools
  • client communication approaches and tools

Courses are delivered completely online and are asynchronous. This means you are not required to log in at a particular time each week. You also have the flexibility to start and complete weekly assignments when and where it’s convenient for you. Some courses may offer optional synchronous sessions throughout the semester for those students who prefer a higher level of engagement. Attendance and participation in these synchronous sessions are not required.

Students will take two required courses and then select a third course from a list of electives maintained by the college. 
 

Required Courses (6 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Provides an understanding of key issues, concepts, and methodologies associated with business transformation and management consulting; helps students identify and define organization problems, highlight pain points, map workflows, explore business models, investigate strategic alignment, develop recommendations, present business cases, and deliver prototype solutions.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores the methods and tools commonly used in the practice of management consulting and is intended for students interested in working in this field or working in organizations that hire management consultants.

Elective Courses (select 3 credits)

The list of elective courses may change over time due to student demand and/or shifting trends in the industry.

  • 3
    credits

    Delivers an overview of the difference between traditional (distributive) bargaining and interest-based (or integrative) negotiations; learn to identify their own and others' interests, to create and claim value, and to craft constructive agreements for all parties.

  • 3
    credits

    Focuses on the development and application of business architecture as a holistic discipline that produces a common understanding of the organization that is used to align strategic objectives and tactical initiatives.

  • 3
    credits

    Presents a senior executive perspective on the key opportunities and challenges faced by business leaders; includes discussions on the changing context for setting strategy and leading organizations in an evolving business environment.

  • 3
    credits

    Emphasizes identity issues that are critical to understanding individual and collective processes in organizational life.

  • 3
    credits

    Focuses on the process of launching a new venture, in a corporate setting or as a new start-up, including identifying a problem or market opportunity, developing business models, forming a team, financing, analyzing markets, assessing the competitive environment, and planning to acquire leadership talent.

  • 3
    credits

    Surveys emerging trends and disruptors in technology and industry that create new markets and influence decision-making, product development, business models, and business practices associated with innovation.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores the methods used to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in a corporate setting, with a special emphasis on how organizations foster creativity, innovation, and new venture creation.

  • 3
    credits

    Understanding, exploring, and applying innovation-related concepts, principles, and practices to corporate environments involved with new venture creation and other contexts.

  • 3
    credits

    Integrating multiple functional business areas to resolve global business problems and improve organizational performance.

  • 3
    credits

    Aims to provide students with a toolkit that will allow them to diagnose individual and organizational source of power and influence as well as an array of tactics by which power and influence are wielded.

  • 3
    credits

    Addresses the managerial challenge of strategy implementation, particularly by examining the organizational elements that must be drawn into line to support a strategy, as well as the immense difficulties of changing an organization. Relies on two overarching frameworks: a model of organizational alignment and a model for managing the change process.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2022–23 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,007 per credit
12 or more $12,082 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your certificate application must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Fall DeadlineApply by July 1 to start August 21
  • Spring DeadlineApply by November 1 to start January 8
  • Summer DeadlineApply by March 30, 2024, to start May 13, 2024

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact our admissions counselors.

Admission Requirements 

For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

GPA —  GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the final two years of undergraduate studies or in your most recent graduate degree is required. 

GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

Vita or Résumé — A one- to two-page listing of your professional experience and education.

Statement of Purpose — Describe how your professional experience and goals align with the Certificate in Management Consulting. Please do not exceed 500 words.

Start Your Application

You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

Begin the Graduate School application

  • Choose "Certificate Admission" as the enrollment type
  • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
  • Choose "Management Consulting" as the certificate

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.

Technical Requirements 

Review the general technical requirements for this program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 1 to start August 21. How to Apply

Start or Advance Your Career

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree

A figure standing halfway up a set of stairs leading towards a graduation cap

The Graduate Certificate in Management Consulting is part of our innovative integrated portfolio of online graduate programs. Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Programs Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree programs (a separate application and acceptance are required for each program):

Learn to strategically manage high-performance teams and solve complex, real-world business challenges. With more than 25 concentrations to choose from, you can customize this highly ranked online MBA to suit your unique career goals.

Learn more about the Master of Business Administration  

Learn to strategically manage corporate innovation; develop new products, services, and business models for companies; and launch startups. With multiple concentrations to choose from, you can customize this online degree program to suit your individual and organization needs and support your goals.

Learn more about the Master's in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship  

Prepare to lead organizations at the highest level. This program focuses on strategic thinking and leadership and is designed to help you master organizational strategies that drive effectiveness and performance.

Learn more about the Master's in Strategic Management and Executive Leadership  

Contact Us

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Management Consulting, or for questions regarding the program curriculum or your application status, contact:

Penn State Smeal College of Business
Professional Graduate Programs Office
814-865-5290
[email protected]

For general questions about Penn State World Campus or how to apply, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
814-863-5386
[email protected]

Penn State Smeal Advantage

More options, greater flexibility and a commitment to lifelong learning

The desire for knowledge and professional growth spans a lifetime. That is why the Penn State Smeal College of Business offers a portfolio of professional graduate programs for all stages of your career. In partnership with Penn State World Campus, Smeal makes it easy to customize a learning plan to your unique career aspirations and busy schedule. Penn State Smeal offers you a lifetime of learning with more concentrations and one of the most integrated, flexible offerings of online and residential programs in the United States.

Penn State Business building

An entire team dedicated to your success

Personal advising – Our experts will explain the many options that Penn State Smeal offers and will help you refine your career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to your interests. It all starts with a simple, but critical question: “What are your goals?” 

Career coaching* – Our Alumni Career Services team will support you across all career stages with professional advancement opportunities and coaching to help you stay focused on achieving your goals.

Delivering the best of online and in-person learning for a rich educational experience

We understand that today’s professional learners want meaningful discussion and interaction with faculty and classmates along with the technologies and flexible approaches of contemporary online learning. By aligning the best of both worlds, we bring richness, depth, and diversity to the overall educational experience.

Courses designed to engage and motivate the professional student

Creative Teams consisting of a lead faculty member, a Teaching Support Specialist (TSS), and an Instructional Designer use advanced analytics to develop and deliver contemporary graduate courses that promote application and engagement. We strive to innovate in ways that others don’t. 

A real-world perspective

  • Industry professionals inside the virtual classroom – Many of Penn State Smeal’s courses feature industry professionals who have been in the trenches and work hard to make an impact every day. These individuals, most of whom hold a Smeal graduate degree, partner with our renowned faculty to provide a rich academic context with real-world application.
  • Global immersion* – This unique, optional experience will enhance your ability to communicate cross-culturally, adapt to evolving business environments, and manage the risks and benefits of operating on a global scale. Any student pursing a full degree from Smeal may participate in this optional, faculty-led experience for elective credit. Previous destinations have included Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Prague, Czech Republic; Santiago, Chile; and Zagreb, Croatia.

One of the largest and most influential networks in the country

At Penn State, you are part of a worldwide community of instructors, learners, and more than 750,000 alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact. 

More than 90,000 Smeal alumni benefit from connections around the globe as well as networking events, podcasts, webinars, a powerful LinkedIn community, and opportunities for volunteerism.

* Services are available only to students and alumni of Penn State Smeal’s degree programs and online degrees led by Smeal and delivered through the World Campus. Students and alumni of online graduate certificates are not eligible to receive these benefits unless they are also enrolled in a degree program.


Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by July 1 to start August 21. How to Apply