EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

Join METU’s new, ONE semester program, launched in partnership with ASU, which is available in Hungary exclusively at METU. This program provides competitive knowledge and a global perspective for anyone looking to develop their leadership and business management skills, whether as a student or an active employee.

This unique partnership gives you a direct path to a world-class graduate degree from Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, the world’s No1-ranked international trade program by QS International Trade Rankings (2023, 2024).

Thanks to the strategic partnership between METU and ASU, we offer our future students a dual opportunity.

First, we offer a certificate program that includes a series of bridge courses designed to meet the admission requirements for ASU's Thunderbird School of Global Management's world-class business programs. This certificate is ideal for students seeking to strengthen their academic foundation with current and innovative knowledge, whether they plan to continue their studies in Hungary or anywhere else in the world.

Secondly, with the certificate earned at METU, you can complete the two-year business MA program with ASU in just 1 year - depending on the competition of required courses. The 4-module-based partial knowledge course provides a final certificate on its own, but upon successful completion, you can also apply for further business master's programs at ASU.

The education is flexible, providing opportunities for international experience within an online framework, and helping you successfully navigate the global business environment in the future!

• you are still a university student and want to work in the business sector in the future,

• you are thinking about studying abroad, including in the United States, or pursuing professional internships or employment there,

• you are already working in the business sector (especially if you are in a mid-level management position) and want to further develop your existing knowledge,

• you are considering starting a business and want to expand your knowledge on how to operate effectively in the market,

• you are contemplating a career change or just want to get a taste of various areas of the business world,

• if you'd like to get a glimpse into the education at ASU, ranked No. 1 for innovation in the U.S. for 10 consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report (2016-25), from the comfort of your home,

• if you are attracted to the idea of choosing the preparatory course of the Thunderbird Global School of Management at Arizona State University, ranked as one of the best institutions for online business education in the United States for executive education

1. Program name: EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT
2. Program level: MA preparatory phase, partial knowledge course/adult education
3. Tuition fee: 3000 EUR (you can find the fee structure here)
4. Language of instruction: English

• Certificate awarded: EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE IN LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT, which is accepted by ASU as an entry requirement for certain master’s programs, worth 24 ECTS

• Location: hybrid (online and occasionally in Budapest (on-site contact hours and in-person enrollment))

• A bachelor's degree (in any field), or active status at METU with expected graduation by February of 2026.*

• At least an intermediate (B2) level of English proficiency (language certificate or equivalent proof/declaration of language knowledge – for Duolingo test, a minimum score of 95 points).

The program is offered in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and selected partner universities, allowing students to receive world-class education in a flexible and innovative way, all from the comfort of their homes. As a pioneer in Hungary, METU, as one of ASU’s academic partners is launching this training format, which is available in only a few places in Europe.

The program develops students' problem-solving and decision-making skills through real business case studies and projects, with a strong focus on developing leadership skills, strategic thinking, and innovation management.

At the end of the program you will: 

1. Understand key principles of global marketing, including digital strategies, pricing, and distribution in international contexts.
2. Learn how to prepare, interpret, and analyze financial statements under both U.S. GAAP and IFRS frameworks.
3. Gain the ability to apply quantitative tools such as NPV, cost analysis, and statistical methods to support strategic business decisions.
4. Develop proficiency in using data analytics software and techniques to evaluate complex business scenarios.
5. Strengthen ethical awareness and decision making in global and digital business environment.
6. Build collaborative and leadership skills for working effectively in cross-cultural and digitally evolving organizations.

The Executive Certificate program consists of the following 4 courses, which provide essential knowledge in the global business environment:

• Global Marketing in Digital Age

The course focuses on the quantitative analysis of complex issues related to the 4Ps (particularly pricing and distribution) through real-world business case studies, while developing critical thinking skills. Students also learn how to connect financial-accounting concepts (e.g., NPV, income statement) with marketing to make strategic decisions even with incomplete information.

• Global Accounting: Managing with Numbers

The course focuses on teaching how various transactions and elements (such as assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, and expenses) are reported in financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement) both in the U.S. and internationally (IFRS). It covers company accounting for cash, accounts receivable, inventory, long-term assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, cost of goods sold, depreciation, and other expenses, enhancing practical financial reporting skills.

• Data Analytics and Digital Transformation in a Global World

The goal of the course is to develop students' analytical thinking and statistical skills necessary for management decision-making in a global business environment. It also emphasizes ethical decision-making, effective communication, and adaptability to dynamically changing international situations.

• Global Leadership and Personal Development

This module aims to expand your ability to collaborate with unfamiliar individuals, groups, organizations, and systems, while strengthening the leadership skills needed for success in a global environment.

When you successfully complete the Executive Certificate Program, you will earn a Microcredential Certificate, an accredited short-term program education certificate in Hungary. It provides the possibility of credit transfer to METU’s relevant business programs.

Fast-Track Your Master’s Degree at ASU

Take advantage of our seamless pathway to two prestigious Master’s programs at ASU:

After completing this so-called "bridge" course, students may have the opportunity to apply for an accelerated master's program at Arizona State University (ASU), and within 3 years from graduation – and upon successful admission - students can earn an ASU master's degree in just 1 year.

• Master of Leadership and Management (MLM) – Complete this program 100% online

• Master of Global Management (MGM) – Complete this program on-campus at ASU

*Enrollment in ASU’s business programs (MLM, MGM) is possible after graduating from the Executive Certificate Program.*

●      For MGM: Proof of English proficiency: TOEFL>100 iBT, IELTS>7.5, Pearson Test of English>68, Duolingo>125, all taken within the last two years from start date OR successful completion of ASU Global Launch.

●      For MLM: Proof of English proficiency: (TOEFL>80 iBT, IELTS>6.5, Pearson Test of English>60, Duolingo>105), all taken within the last two years from start date

Important note: ASU reserves the right to conduct a separate language proficiency test for applicants planning to continue their studies at ASU.

After successfully completing the modules with at least a "good" grade (US: B; <80%), students can individually apply for the master's programs at ASU. In this case, the entire admission process is handled by ASU according to its own regulations.

Student loans are available for the programs offered at ASU, and you can read more about the details here and here.

Dr. Balázs Gyenge, Associate Professor, Head of the Program:

„Getting to know a preparatory program from an American university without having to travel, in a flexible format – is a unique opportunity for both professionals working in the business sector and university students. Our partial knowledge course brings the preparatory, bridge course of the world-class Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University to our students, in a hybrid training format.

If you are an active employee, this program will enrich you with up-to-date knowledge, by mastering elements of an American training program and obtaining a certificate that is unique in the Hungarian higher education market.

If you are a student and are attracted to the idea of further study in the United States, achieving at least a "good" (4) grade upon completion of the program will allow you to continue your studies in Arizona without an entrance exam, at ASU’s business master's programs.

We will help you with this in this program, where continuous faculty consultations and mentoring will support our students in their home studies. Join the Executive Certificate in Management and Leadership partial knowledge course to have the opportunity to pursue innovative business studies! The key is in your hands to continue your studies in Arizona after METU.”

Dr. Gyenge Balázs (https://www.metubudapest.hu/munkatarsak/gyenge-balazs) 

Dr. Adrienn Czárl (https://www.metubudapest.hu/munkatarsak/czarl-adrienn) 

Dr. Katalin Monostori (https://www.metubudapest.hu/munkatarsak/monostori-katalin) 

Dr. Szilvia Erdeiné Dr. Késmárki-Gally (https://www.metubudapest.hu/munkatarsak/erdeine-dr-kesmarki-gally-szilvia)

THOUGHTS OF ASU

More about Thunderbird page: https://thunderbird.asu.edu/

To apply: click here

CONTACT

Email: bridgecourse@metropolitan.hu