The 12-credit Graduate Certificate in Innovation prepares professionals to apply creative
problem-solving, innovation, digital strategy, and emerging technologies within organizational
settings. The program focuses on helping students identify organizational challenges,
evaluate opportunities for improvement, develop innovative solutions, and pursue strategies
that strengthen organizational effectiveness and long-term competitiveness.
The certificate is designed for early- to mid-career professionals working in business,
healthcare, government, nonprofit organizations, and other innovation-driven environments.
It is particularly relevant for project managers, operations managers, marketing professionals,
business analysts, program coordinators, innovation specialists, and others whose
work involves strategic decision-making, organizational improvement, digital transformation,
or creative problem-solving.
The certificate also provides a valuable option for current Radford University graduate
students, including MBA students and students in related graduate programs, who want
to add focused coursework in innovation, creativity, artificial intelligence for managers,
and digital strategy to their broader graduate education.
Graduates will be prepared to recognize organizational shortcomings, assess opportunities
for change, generate novel approaches to complex problems.
Time to Complete
The certificate program is available to both degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking
students. Degree-seeking students may complete certificate coursework in conjunction
with their
regular graduate course load.
Degree-seeking students attending full time are expected to complete the certificate
in approximately one full academic year (3 semesters), depending on course availability
and sequencing. Degree-seeking students attending part time are expected to complete
the certificate in approximately one full academic year (3 semesters).
Non-degree-seeking students may complete the certificate on a part-time basis. Courses
in the certificate program are offered on a rotating basis. Non-degree-seeking students
maintaining a part-time course load are expected to complete the certificate in approximately
one full academic year (3 semesters).
Admission
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Innovation must meet the following requirements:
Current Radford University graduate students:
Current matriculated graduate students in the MBA program may apply to the certificate
program by submitting an approved Graduate Certificate Form to the Graduate Admissions
Office.
Current matriculated graduate students in other related Radford University graduate
programs may also apply to the certificate program. Degree-seeking students must demonstrate
foundational knowledge in statistics. This requirement may be satisfied through equivalent
coursework completed at an accredited institution, successful completion of an approved
online preparation course through the Radford University College of Business and Economics,
or sufficient demonstration of knowledge through relevant work experience.
All other applicants must:
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency consistent with Radford University graduate
admission requirements (TOEFL score of 79 or IELTS score of 6.5).
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge in statistics. This requirement may be satisfied
through equivalent coursework completed at an accredited institution, successful completion
of an approved online preparation course through the Radford University Davis College
of Business and Economics, or sufficient demonstration of knowledge through relevant
work experience.
Applicants for regular admission must:
- Have earned an undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 or higher; or
- Have earned an undergraduate grade point average between 2.75 and 3.0 and have at
least five years of substantial work experience.
Applicants for conditional admission may:
- Have earned an undergraduate grade point average between 2.75 and 3.0 without five
years of substantial work experience.
Curriculum Requirements
The curriculum will prepare students to foster and manage innovation and creativity
in business organizations. Students will gain an understanding of the theory and practice
of business innovation. Students will be educated in managing process and product
innovations that add value to the organization and support strategic objectives. Students
will develop skills in managing innovation processes and applying creative problem
solving in a competitive business environment. Coursework will focus on creativity
and problem solving, strategic innovation for businesses, and innovative technologies
used in organizational settings. The certificate program does not include an internship,
practicum, or other experiential learning requirements.