For Students

Professional Certificate in Business & Entrepreneurship

A transformative, 24-month certificate for launching success in the world of business. Our comprehensive, accelerated business education is optimized for professional growth at any point in life, whether just out of high school, ready for a mid-career pivot, or at the start a new venture. 

An education in perfect sync with business

Dr. Scott Baker, chief academic officer and vice president for academic affairs, explains what makes learning at Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship perfect for anyone who wants to make it in business.

Courses by quarter

Download the Professional Certificate in Business & Entrepreneurship course grid to view the course offerings by quarter.

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Two students in conversation with a woman who is out of focus and in the foreground.

Is this program right for you?

Students come to Golisano Institute along many different paths. Whether just starting out, looking to build new skills, or ready to build your dream business, the business and entrepreneurship program offers anyone regardless of background an accelerated business education that delivers real career results.

Class Schedule

A simple, reliable weekly timetable

Monday/Tuesday

Class

8:45 am – 10:30 am

Break

10:30 am – 11:15 am

Class

11:15 am – 1:00 pm

Wednesday

Speaking from Experience & networking

Starts at 8:45 am

Thursday/Friday

Class

8:45 am – 10:30 am

Break

10:30 am – 11:15 am

Class

11:15 am – 1:00 pm

Individualized learning

Instructors commit 40 percent of their time to mentoring, so students always have support inside the classroom and out.
Students speaking with a business leader with his back facing the camera.

CAREER GROWTH & SUCCESS

An education driven by experience

Real career experiences with businesses and nonprofits are embedded into the business and entrepreneurship program. Most quarters include a class dedicated to career development. Learning from Experience, a series of three classes, is dedicated to immersive field experiences that begin with job shadowing and evolve into full-time internships or mentored startup incubation.

GRADUATE PATHWAYS

Where can you go?

Student posing in a manufacturing facility.

Launch a business.

Our program can help aspiring entrepreneurs turn their startup passion into reality, going from ideation and seed funding to ready-to-launch success.

Two men having a conversation in front of a window.

Move ahead in a career.

Employer partners and dedicated expert mentors support career-focused students to define and then take on the next phase of their professional journies.

Syracuse University campus

Enroll in a four-year degree program.

The program provides many students with a foundation of learning that they take into a joint bachelor’s degree at one of our partner colleges.

Speaking from Experience

Every Wednesday, accomplished business leaders and entrepreneurs share expert knowledge and experiences with our community.

Featuring

9

1

speakers since 2023

Some of Our Past Speakers

Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow

Founder, Tim Tebow Foundation; College Football Analyst, ESPN and SEC Network; Former NFL Quarterback

June 18, 2025
Erin Tolefree

Erin Tolefree

President & CEO

Baldwin Richardson Foods

February 8, 2025
Anthony Scaramucci

Anthony Scaramucci

Founder & Managing Partner, Founder & Chairman

Skybridge Capital, SALT

July 2, 2025

Tim Shriver

Chairman

Special Olympics

June 5, 2024
Colleen Matteson

Colleen Matteson

President

Bank of America

November 29, 2023
Tom Monaghan

Tom Monaghan

Founder

Domino’s Pizza

October 4, 2023
Nate Gibbons

Nate Gibbons

Founder & CEO

QuickFi

April 9, 2025
Caroline Yap

Caroline Yap

Former Managing Director for Global AI Business

Google

August 6, 2025
Lindy Ruff

Lindy Ruff

Head Coach

Buffalo Sabres

June 18, 2025
Kevin Surace

Kevin Surace

Futurist, Keynote Speaker, Inventor, TED Speaker, “Father” of the AI Virtual Assistant

June 25, 2025

Academic calendar

Our academic year is comprised of four quarters, each with 2-3 weeks in between. We also recognize a number of holidays and observances throughout the year—see our full calendar to learn more.

View the calendar

What does college-level mean?

The American Council on Education (ACE) is the national assessment organization for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). In their most review of Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship courses they equate 96% of Institute courses to either lower-division baccalaureate (100 or 200 level) or upper-level division baccalaureate (300 or 400 level) college-level courses. Thus, in addition to our degree articulation partner pathways, Institute credits are transferable.

Apply Now.

Enrollment for Spring 2026 at Golisano Institute is now open for those ready to take the next step.

Get started

Connect with admissions.

Interested in learning more but have questions? Get in touch with our admissions team—they’re happy to help.

Get in touch