Schmidthorst College of Business breaks new ground with industry-recognized certifications

Transforming education, elevating careers: A pioneering initiative supported by Michael and Mary Lee McGranaghan 

The Schmidthorst College of Business successfully launched a new pilot program in the fall to enable students to earn industry-recognized certifications. The pilot program, led by Assistant Teaching Professor Michael Good, enhances the relevance of our academic programs, elevates the student experience and bolsters their future career prospects.  

The goal is to seamlessly integrate certifications into the curriculum and to offer students both academic credit and industry-recognized credentials. 

The pilot program is part of the college’s strategic priority and sets the stage for a future where academic achievement seamlessly aligns with professional success. 

Thanks to the generous support of Michael and Mary Lee McGranaghan, the college converted one of its teaching labs into a certified testing center during the final exam period. Students enrolled in IS 2000 – the introductory management information systems course – were able to take the Microsoft MO-200 Excel certification exam for free. The exam normally costs $100. 

The pilot program exceeded expectations. An impressive 128 students took the certification exam. Students from a variety of student organizations and classes seized the opportunity, emphasizing the broad appeal of industry-recognized certifications.  

A remarkable 79 students successfully completed the certification, despite the fact that just half of the exam content was formally taught in IS 2000 and the exam was offered during an already busy final exam period.  

This success marks a triumph for our students and also provides valuable insights for faculty. Student feedback and performance data will guide the refinement and improvement of programs and course activities, reflecting the college's commitment to continuous enhancement. 

Charting the course forward: integration, expansion and academic recognition 

Looking ahead, we plan to invite students who obtain the entry-level certification to pursue the advanced certificate in the upcoming semester. This approach – seamlessly integrating certifications into the curriculum – mirrors the successful integration of Bloomberg Market Concepts certification in the finance curriculum. 

The Schmidthorst College of Business remains dedicated to preparing graduates for the technology-driven business landscape. We are actively exploring opportunities to integrate additional industry-recognized certifications throughout the curriculum and give our students the practical skills demanded by employers. 

As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to reach out to discover how you can support the Schmidthorst College of Business as we pioneer a new era in education – one in which academic achievement converges with industry needs.