Often leaders in business, government and nonprofit organizations get to the top without passing”Go”and without collecting the necessary management background.

Now, a new seven-week, non-credit program on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at West Virginia University will provide business leaders and others with a practical foundation in current theory and practices.

“This program is for those who need to broaden their understanding of how areas within a business interrelate,”said Maria Yester, director of executive education at the College of Business and Economics.”Executives and business school graduates who need to update their skills and those moving into management positions will also benefit.”

The course, called MBA Essentials, is also designed for professionals such as doctors, dentists, engineers and attorneys, who manage their own practices.

Topics to be covered include financial management, leadership, negotiation skills, strategic management, human resources law and contract law, among others.

The course begins Sept. 18. More information is available atwww.be.wvu.eduor by calling 304-293-7963.