Distance Learning

U North Carolina Business School Teams with 2U for Online Graduate Certificates

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 04/13/16

The University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School is expanding its graduate certificate program with the launch of four new online certificates, including one in data analytics and decision-making:

• Data Analytics and Decision Making;
• Leadership Development;
• Finance; and
• Entrepreneurship and Strategy.

The new programs, which are starting in July, will be co-developed with U North Carolina's long-time development partner, 2U. 2U works with schools to help them create, produce and market new online degree and certificate programs, particularly at the master's degree level. Currently, 2U also works with the business school on its online master of accounting and online master of business administration.

Coursework in the certificate programs will include case studies, team projects, on-demand videos, simulations and other content that students will finish on their own schedules. Participants will also meet weekly with faculty for live online class sessions. They'll attend courses virtually alongside students who are in the university's online MBA program.

The certificates will require successful completion of 10 credits within 18 months, encompassing between three and five courses. Students who choose to continue to pursue a full master's degree will be able to apply and transfer the credits they've earned. In the 2016-2017 academic year, tuition will be $1,585.82 per credit hour.

According to the university, the programs were created for executive education and designed for professionals who aren't seeking a degree but who want to increase their knowledge in specific areas.

"Our UNC Executive Development clients and prospective clients had asked frequently about sending their executives through individual MBA@UNC courses to develop specific skill sets in a shorter period of time than is possible in a degree program," said Douglas Shackelford, dean of the business school and a professor of taxation, in a prepared statement. "Our approach to these certificates allows us to meet that market need while maintaining our high standards for our students in the small virtual classrooms."