Operations, Professional Certificate
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The professional Certificate in Operations requires 12 s.h. of credit. Students must earn a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 in certificate coursework.
The certificate is open to individuals seeking specialized knowledge and expertise to analyze and improve organizational efficiency from a managerial perspective. It is also open to current students in and alumni of the Iowa MBA Program, business analytics (professional) MS, and finance MS. Students may complete the certificate as they work toward their degree; the certificate is designed to fit into the MBA or business analytics curriculum, allowing students to earn their degree and certificate without additional coursework.
Certificate courses are offered online and select courses may occasionally be offered in Des Moines at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center (JMPEC).
Not all courses listed are regularly offered. Students should consult MyUI for course availability and/or discuss course offerings with their advisor.
The Certificate in Operations requires the following coursework.
Required Courses
If any required courses are waived, they must be replaced with another approved course from the electives course list.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these: | ||
| MBA:8150 | Data and Decisions | 3 |
| MBA:8240 | Operations and Supply Chain | 3 |
Electives
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Two of these (6 s.h.): | ||
| ACCT:9020 | Strategic Cost Analysis | 3 |
| BAIS:6130 | Applied Optimization | 3 |
| BAIS:9120 | Managing the Supply Chain | 3 |
| BAIS:9130 | Lean Process Improvement | 3 |
| BAIS:9140 | Agile Project Management | 3 |
| or MGMT:9185 | Project Management | |
| BAIS:9160 | Supply Chain Analytics | 3 |
| ISE:5350 | Logistics Engineering and Management | 3 |
Certificate/Graduate Degrees
Students can pursue this professional certificate concurrently with their graduate degree. A separate application to each degree program is required for students not already admitted to a Tippie College of Business graduate or professional programs.
For students in graduate programs outside of the Tippie College of Business:
- With graduate program approval, students may count up to 9 s.h. from the professional certificate toward their graduate degree.
- With approval from the professional certificate program, students may count up to 3 s.h. from any graduate degree program toward their certificate.
Students should contact their degree program and the certificate program to work out combined program details.
Admission decisions are based upon completed application materials, including academic performance along with quality and quantity of work experience. For specific guidelines, see Certificate-Only Admissions on the Tippie College of Business website.
English language requirements are mandatory for applicants whose first language is not English. Information on these requirements and test options can be found on the Iowa MBA International Admissions website.
Admission decisions are made before registration begins for completed applications received by the priority application deadline. Admitted applicants who have met the priority application deadline may request registration for classes on the first registration date. See the Certificate-Only Admissions website for priority and final application deadlines.
Applications are accepted throughout the year; admission is for summer, fall, or spring entry.