Interested in this program of study? Learn more about South Florida’s employment picture and explore career options when you pursue additional studies in this area.
$79.28 Hourly Wage
750 Annual job openings
Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
8,792 Chief Executives are currently employed in a 50 mile radius from Miami. This number is expected to increase by 4.6% over the next four years.
$22.00 Hourly Wage
3,208 Annual job openings
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of retail sales workers in an establishment or department. Duties may include management functions, such as purchasing, budgeting, accounting, and personnel work, in addition to supervisory duties.
31,351 Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers are currently employed in a 50 mile radius from Miami. This number is expected to increase by 0.2% over the next four years.
$15.87 Hourly Wage
15,401 Annual job openings
Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.
104,170 Retail Salespersons are currently employed in a 50 mile radius from Miami. This number is expected to increase by 0.2% over the next four years.
$18.67 Hourly Wage
9,803 Annual job openings
Interact with customers to provide basic or scripted information in response to routine inquiries about products and services. May handle and resolve general complaints. Excludes individuals whose duties are primarily installation, sales, repair, and technical support.
72,491 Customer Service Representatives are currently employed in a 50 mile radius from Miami. This number is expected to decrease by 1.8% over the next four years.
The Business Specialist – Small Business certificate is a short-term 12-credit program that teaches the fundamentals of running a small business. You will learn core skills in areas like marketing, finance, and operations, helping you understand how businesses work in real-world settings.
Because this is a 12-credit certificate (only 4 courses), most students finish it in one 16-week semester if they go full-time. If you’re balancing it with work and taking two classes at a time, you’ll wrap it up in two semesters.
You will develop practical skills such as budgeting, customer service, marketing strategies, and business planning. These skills can help you manage daily business tasks and make informed decisions, whether you are working for a company or starting your own venture.
No prior business experience is required to enroll in this program. It is designed for beginners and provides a clear introduction to business concepts, making it a good starting point for students who are new to entrepreneurship or business management.
Yes, the program is designed to support students who want to start a small business. You will learn how to plan, organize, and manage business operations, giving you a strong foundation to turn your ideas into a working business.
This certificate can prepare you for entry-level roles in business environments, such as customer service, retail supervision, or administrative support. It can also support roles that involve helping small businesses manage daily operations and customer interactions.
Yes, the program is available fully online through MDC Online. This allows you to study from anywhere and complete coursework on your schedule, making it easier to balance school with work or other personal responsibilities.
Florida residents pay $130.22 per credit hour. If you’re living outside of Florida, you can take advantage of a discounted rate of $290.00 per credit hour through MDC Online. Since this is a 12-credit certificate, your total tuition would be roughly $1,563 (In-State) or $3,480 (Out-of-State), excluding books and small fees.
Yes. This is a “stackable” certificate, meaning all 12 credits flow directly into the 60-credit Associate in Science (AS) in Business Administration, allowing you to keep learning without ever starting over.
You aren’t alone online. MDC provides a full support ecosystem. You have access to dedicated academic advisors for course mapping, 24/7 tech support, and online tutoring. You’ll also access career services, ensuring you have the same resources as on-campus students to reach your goals.
Miami Dade College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution which does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran’s status, ethnicity, pregnancy, sexual orientation or genetic information. To obtain more information about the College’s equal access and equal opportunity policies, procedures and practices, please contact the College’s Civil Rights Compliance Officer: Cindy Lau Evans, Director, Equal Opportunity Programs/ ADA Coordinator/ Title IX Coordinator, at (305) 237-2577 (Voice) or 711 (Relay Service). 11011 SW 104 St., Room 1102-01; Miami, FL 33176. [email protected]
