Track: Business Leader
| Focus | Entrepreneurship, Business Development, Sales, Management |
| Est. Cost | ~$1,100 |
| Time to Complete | ~9-12 Months |
| Target Degree | B.A. in Liberal Arts, Business Administration |
Why: This track builds comprehensive business acumen through CLEP exams, Saylor courses, and industry certifications. The Business Administration concentration provides the framework for leadership, sales, operations, and entrepreneurship roles.
Specialty Core (45 Credits)
Strategy: Foundation in business operations + Google PM certificate. Project management and sales operations skills are in high demand across all industries.
| Course / Certification | Provider | Est. Cost | Credits | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principles of Management | Modern States (CLEP) | $0 | 3 | Management foundations |
| Principles of Marketing | Modern States (CLEP) | $0 | 3 | Marketing fundamentals |
| Financial Accounting | Modern States (CLEP) | $0 | 3 | Financial literacy |
| Introductory Business Law | Modern States (CLEP) | $0 | 3 | Legal foundations |
| Information Systems | Modern States (CLEP) | $0 | 3 | Technology context |
| BUS200: Business Ethics | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Ethical decision-making |
| BUS209: Organizational Behavior | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Team dynamics |
| BUS210: Business Communications | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Professional communication |
| BUS300: Operations Management | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Process optimization |
| BUS402: Project Management | Saylor | $5 | 3 | PM fundamentals |
| Google Project Management Certificate | Coursera | ~$150 | 9 | Industry certification |
| Salesforce Sales Operations | Coursera | Included | 1 | CRM proficiency |
| BUS204: Business Statistics | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Data analysis |
General Electives (30 Credits)
Strategy: Fill remaining transfer credits with low-cost Saylor courses. Mix of business depth and general education.
| Course Name | Provider | Cost | Credits | Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUS107: Customer Service | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Client relations |
| BUS205: Business Law | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Legal foundations |
| BUS206: Management Information Systems | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Data management |
| BUS301: Human Resource Management | Saylor | $5 | 3 | People management |
| BUS305: Small Business Management | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Entrepreneurship |
| BUS401: Management Leadership | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Leadership skills |
| ECON101: Principles of Microeconomics | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Economic foundations |
| ECON102: Principles of Macroeconomics | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Economic context |
| PSYCH101: Introduction to Psychology | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Human behavior |
| COMM001: Principles of Human Communication | Saylor | $5 | 3 | Communication skills |
Credit Summary
| Category | Credits | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts Core (CLEP) | 15 | $0 |
| Business Foundations (CLEP) | 15 | $0 |
| Business Depth (Saylor) | 15 | $25 |
| Professional Certs (Coursera) | 15 | ~$150 |
| General Electives (Saylor) | 30 | $50 |
| Transfer Total | 90 | ~$225 |
| Newlane Residency | 30 | ~$750 |
| Degree Total | 120 | ~$975-$1,100 |
Capstone Certification
Note: Capstone certifications are not ACE credit eligible and do not transfer as college credit. They are included as career-focused credentials that build your “Shield”—backing up your academic credentials with industry-recognized proof of technical competence that employers trust.
Business Leader
Recommended Capstone: Wharton Business Foundations Specialization
| Provider | University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) |
| Cost | ~$49/month (2 months = ~$98) |
| ACE Credit | ❌ Not Eligible |
Why this certification? The Wharton Business Foundations Specialization is taught by faculty from the #1-ranked business school in the world. Six courses covering Marketing, Financial Accounting, Operations Management, Corporate Finance, and Human Capital—with a capstone project applying skills to real business challenges from companies like Shazam and SnapDeal. An Ivy League credential on your resume for under $100. This is your Shield—the proof that your degree is backed by world-class business education.
Recommended Association
| Organization | Wharton Online Alumni Network |
| Cost | FREE (upon completion) |
| Website | online.wharton.upenn.edu |
Why join? Completing Wharton programs gives you access to the Wharton Online community. Network with fellow learners, access career resources, and leverage the Penn brand on LinkedIn. Adds Ivy League credibility at zero additional cost.
Go Further. Pursue a Masters Degree at a fraction of the cost of traditional school. Save more money and time if you can speak spanish
Business Leader Track
| School | Program | Target Cost | High End Cost | Accreditation | NACES Eval? | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENEB/Universidad Isabel I | MBA + Master in Project Management | $300 | $600 | Universidad Isabel I (Spain) - Titulo Propio, ECTS credits | Yes - ECE or WES as Graduate Credits | Dual degree; evaluated as graduate credits (not Master’s equivalent) |
| Hellenic American University | MBA | $3,500 | $3,500 | NECHE (US Regional) | No - US Regionally Accredited | Limited-time offer; 100% online |
| Western Governors University | MBA / MS in Management and Leadership | $4,805 | $9,610 | NWCCU (US Regional) | No - US Regionally Accredited | Competency-based; includes certifications |
| Signum Magnum College | Executive MBA | $2,000 | $2,000 | MFHEA (Malta/EU) - EQF Level 7, ECTS | Yes - NACES as Master’s equivalent | 18 months self-paced |
| UNED | Master in Business Administration | €1,200 | €2,500 | Spanish Public University - Official Master | Yes - WES or ECE | Spanish language |