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Online Franchise Management Certificate

The online Franchise Management Certificate is designed to help current or future franchisees embrace their full potential and succeed as a business owner. The Certificate is also ideal for those working for a franchisor, as it provides critical insights into the franchising business that will assist in building long-standing relationships.

UofL's online Franchise Management Certificate* delivers critical insights and practical knowledge around the fundamentals and core skills of franchise management. Regardless of whether you're just getting started as a franchisee, looking to expand an already growing enterprise, or position yourself for a leadership role with a franchisor, this certificate will enrich your franchising knowledge through courses in franchise law, human resources management, finance, strategic planning and more.

Offered by the College of Business at the University of Louisville and the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence.

*Bachelor’s degree required

How Much Will I Pay?

Tuition & Aid    

This certificate does not qualify for Title IV federal financial aid. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.


Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?

Because successful franchisees help the bottom line of franchisors, some students may be able to get financial support from their franchisor. You may be required to submit a request for tuition reimbursement. Download a Sample Request Letter [PDF 1] [PDF 2] to get started.

Highlights

  • Develop the skills and knowledge needed to acquire, run and grow a franchise business with courses designed in partnership with industry executives.
  • Learn from instructors with extensive experience in the industry.
  • Connect and network with other franchise professionals across the industry.
  • Finish in as little as 30 weeks with 5-week terms.
  • Learn on your own time and in your own space with 100% online classes and 24/7 access to coursework.
  • Get a jump start on your MBA—100% of credits earned in the certificate program apply to completion of your UofL MBA (you must apply separately to the MBA).
  • Receive a Credly badge upon
    program completion as a token of your skills and knowledge - add it to your signature, communications, social media, resume or personal branding materials.

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Program Outcome

Franchise ownership is a practical pathway to entrepreneurship. According to recent statistics from the International Franchise Association (IFA), the franchising industry has more than 740,000 franchise operations in the United States, employs nearly 8 million workers, and contributes more than $400 billion to the gross domestic product. The franchise industry is outpacing growth of the overall economy and is projected to grow even more in coming years.

Franchise opportunities are available across many industries including food, hospitality, automotive, education, health, home services, retail and more. By completing this program, you will develop the expertise needed to start your own franchise business, expand your current enterprise, or position yourself for a leadership role in a franchise organization.

Opportunities for career growth in franchise management are endless. Reach out for more information today to find out how UofL Online can help you take the first step.

100% ONLINE COURSES

Complete your degree on your own time through fully online coursework and learning tools.

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6 PROGRAM COURSES

The certificate program requires only 6 courses (9 credit hours), taken one at a time.

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5 WEEK TERMS

Shortened 5-week terms are designed to help you better balance your learning with your professional responsibilities.

Online learning video - Online Franchise Management Certificate

"At the College of Business, we think you can become even more successful when you are armed with the education and the knowledge you need to run your franchise business."


KATHLEEN GOSSER, PH.D.
CO-CREATOR & FACULTY
FRANCHISE MANAGEMENT CERT


Application Deadline Term Start Date
N/A Summer I N/A
June 17 Summer II July 1
August 7 Fall I August 21
September 11 Fall II September 25
October 16 Fall III October 30
December 8 Spring I January 8
January 29 Spring II February 12
March 4 Spring III March 18

For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.


Admission Requirements

  • Completed online application
  • $40 non-refundable application fee
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university*
  • Official transcript(s) certifying the undergraduate degree
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5

Send all materials to:
Graduate Admissions
University of Louisville
2211 S. Brook Street
Louisville, KY 40292
gradadm@louisville.edu

* See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.


START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION

The online Franchise Management Certificate consists of 6 courses (9 hours), delivered in 5-week terms. Courses are offered each spring and fall semester. Courses do not follow a specific sequence, and can be taken in any order.


Courses Hours
FRAN 601 Franchising Fundamentals 1.5
FRAN 610 Franchise Law 1.5
FRAN 620 Buying and Growing a Franchise 1.5
FRAN 630 Franchise HR Infrastructure 1.5
FRAN 640 Leading Franchise Teams 1.5
FRAN 650 Building a Profitable Relationship With Your Franchisor 1.5
Total Required Hours 9

START YOUR APPLICATION     REQUEST INFORMATION


Course Descriptions


    Faculty







    • What are the outcomes of this program?

      This degree will provide you with the business skills and experience needed for everyday business functions and growth in industries like dining, hospitality, automotive, education, health, home services, retail, and more. After completing this program, you will have the expertise needed to start your own franchise business, expand your current enterprise, or take on a leadership position within a franchise organization.

    • Can you tell me more about the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence Center?

      The Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence (Yum! CGFE) was established to unlock franchise opportunities for underrepresented people of color and women, providing access to education, research efforts, and resources. You can learn more about these resources and opportunities here.

    • My GPA is under 2.5, can I still be admitted?

      Currently the minimum GPA requirement for admissions is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. For more information about applying, you can visit our Apply tab, or connect with one of our Online Learning Enrollment Counselors by email at online@louisville.edu or by calling 800.871.8635.

    • Is this the same program as the Franchise Management Certificate Bootcamp offered at UofL? If not, what is the difference?

      No, this is not the same program as the Franchise Management Bootcamp. While both of these programs provide similar learning opportunities, this program is a fully online graduate certificate that can count as credit towards our MBA program.

    • I don’t have a bachelor’s degree. Can I still apply for this program?

      This program is designed for students who have graduated with a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited four-year college or university. A bachelor’s is currently required to apply. For the most up-to-date information, you can visit our Apply tab, or connect with one of our Online Learning Enrollment Counselors by email at online@louisville.edu or by calling 800.871.8635.