Courses & Careers in Business
Business offers a variety of career opportunities. Learn about the different business pathways and how Advance can prepare you for the path you want to pursue.
Business Foundations
Learn the basics of work in a business environment, supporting the organization and fulfilling basic administrative functions.
Who is this pathway for?
Individuals entering the workforce, career changers, and professionals seeking versatile, transferable business skills.
Business Problem Solving
Career Pathways: This course prepares learners for entry-level administrative and operations roles that support day-to-day business functions, with opportunities to grow into operations, analytics, or entrepreneurship-focused roles.
Potential Salary Range: $45,000–$65,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Business Operations, Analytics, or Entrepreneurship specializations.
Skill Level: Foundational
Business Communication
Career Pathways: This course prepares learners for entry-level administrative and operations roles that support day-to-day business functions, with opportunities to grow into operations, analytics, or entrepreneurship-focused roles.
Potential Salary Range: $40,000–$55,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Business Operations, Analytics, or Entrepreneurship specializations.
Skill Level: Foundational
Foundations of Management
Career Pathways: This course prepares learners for advancement into operations, analytics, or entrepreneurship-focused roles.
Potential Salary Range: $45,000–$65,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can develop their skills along a pathway to leadership roles within an organization.
*Salary figures are estimates based on data; see below for industry sources.
Business Process Improvement
Learn to improve workflows, solve business problems, and support operational efficiency.
Who is this pathway for?
Learners interested in operations, systems thinking, and continuous improvement.
Business Problem Solving
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for operations and continuous improvement roles focused on streamlining processes and increasing organizational efficiency, with strong potential for career advancement.
Potential Salary Range: $55,000–$65,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Process Improvement, Lean, or Analytics.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Microsoft Business Analyst
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for process and operations roles that analyze workflows, implement improvements, and support consulting or operational leadership tracks.
Potential Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Lean, Agile, or Consulting specializations.
Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Six Sigma Yellow Belt Specialization
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for agile and continuous improvement roles that support process change and lean initiatives.
Potential Salary Range: $70,000–$85,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Consulting pathways or develop their skills through additional Six Sigma training levels.
*Salary figures are estimates based on data; see below for industry sources.
Accounting Systems Support & ERP Platforms
These roles support accounting operations, financial reporting, and enterprise systems.
Who is this pathway for?
Detail-oriented learners interested in accounting, finance, and business systems.
Intuit QuickBooks Certified User
Career Pathways: This course prepares learners for accounting support roles managing financial records and payroll, with opportunities to advance into higher-level accounting or financial analysis positions.
Potential Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this foundational credential and progress into Accounting or Financial Analysis.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Fundamentals (Finance & Operations)
Career Pathways: This certificate prepares learners for entry-level ERP and financial systems roles that support enterprise finance and operations platforms.
Potential Salary Range: $65,000–$85,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: After mastering this course, learners can advance to ERP & Financial Systems pathways.
*Salary figures are estimates based on data; see below for industry sources.
Financial Analysis for Business
Learn to use data, financial models, and reporting tools to support business decisions.
Who is this pathway for?
Analytical thinkers, Excel users, and professionals seeking advancement into analyst or strategy roles.
Microsoft Office Specialist (Excel 365)
Career Pathways: This course prepares learners for early-career analyst and reporting roles that build a strong foundation for advancement into business, financial, or data analysis.
Potential Salary Range: $50,000–$70,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress to Advanced Excel or Financial Management.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Microsoft Office Specialist: Microsoft Excel Expert (Microsoft 365 Apps)
Career Pathways: This certificate prepares learners for business and data analyst roles and includes a voucher for the MOS Exam.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners in this pathway can progress into Business Intelligence or Applied Analytics specializations.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Financial Management Specialization
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for financial analysis and management.
Potential Salary Range: $70,000–$85,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Business Intelligence.
*Salary figures are estimates based on data; see below for industry sources.
Business Analytics & Intelligence
(Also Available in Spanish)
Learn to use data to solve business problems and develop solutions.
Who is this pathway for?
Analytical thinkers, Excel users, and professionals seeking advancement into analyst or strategy roles.
Business Intelligence Fundamentals
Also Available in Spanish / Contenido en Español
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for analyst and strategy-focused roles that translate business data into insights to support operational and strategic decision-making.
Potential Salary Range: $70,000–$90,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Applied Business Analytics or Strategy specializations.
Skill Level: Advanced
Business Analytics
Also Available in Spanish / Contenido en Español
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for advanced analytics roles that evaluate performance, uncover trends, and support high-impact business decisions.
Potential Salary Range: $75,000–$95,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Advanced Analytics or Consulting specializations.
*Salary figures are estimates based on data; see below for industry sources.
Project Management
Project management professionals coordinate people, timelines, and resources to deliver business outcomes.
Who is this pathway for?
Organized, detail-oriented learners interested in managing projects and cross-functional initiatives.
PMI Project Management Ready
Career Pathways: Project coordination roles supporting timelines and stakeholders, with growth into project or program management.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners interested in project management should start with this foundational offering.
Skill Level: Foundational-Intermediate
Project Management and Planning
Career Pathways: Emerging project managers supporting timelines, deliverables, and results, with growth program management.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can develop their skills and knowledge in project management to take the lead in project work
Skill Level: Advanced
Microsoft Project Management Professional
Career Pathways: Prepare for the Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam, the recognized standard in this field.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$80,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners prepare for an industry-recognized certification exam in Project Management.
*Salary figures are estimates based on data; see below for industry sources.
Entrepreneurship & Consulting
These pathways support individuals interested in launching, managing, or advising businesses.
Who is this pathway for?
Aspiring entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals seeking flexible or client-facing roles.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business
Career Pathways: This certificate prepares learners for business ownership and self-directed career paths focused on launching and growing small businesses.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$100,000+ *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can begin with this pathway and progress into Business Ownership or Consulting specializations.
Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
Generative AI for Business Leaders
Career Pathways: This certificate prepares learners to leverage emerging AI platforms for consulting and business leadership.
Potential Salary Range: $60,000–$100,000+ *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can grow into consulting and management roles by leveraging emerging technologies.
Skill Level: Advanced
Financial Management Specialization
Career Pathways: This pathway prepares learners for consulting and fractional leadership roles that support financial strategy.
Potential Salary Range: $70,000–$120,000 *
Potential Stackable Pathway: Learners can leverage financial knowledge to grow their own business or help others through consulting.
*Salary figures are estimates based on data; see below for industry sources.
* Salary ranges are U.S. averages for early- to mid-career professionals, based on data from the BLS, Lightcast™, Glassdoor, and Indeed. Actual pay varies by location, experience, and employer.