Leadership Certificate Program
Older notions of leadership, such as one leader bravely leading their followers, no longer serve the needs of our complex and rapidly changing society. Today, we need a more fluid concept of leadership, recognizing that leaders need to emerge in many different tiers of an organization. Designed for those who seek to expand their leadership potential, this certificate will help professionals in all walks of life learn theories and best practices of leadership, from understanding how organizations work to learning how to develop consensus among competing factions to achieve shared goals.
Fully online certificate completion is available—choose from online courses in the program.
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About the Leadership Certificate Program
Leadership Goals and Courses
Program Goals
Leadership post-baccalaureate certificate students will:
- Explain and evaluate various models of leadership
- Examine the relationship between leadership and organization effectiveness
- Acquire a leadership skill set that can be applied to the workplace
- Develop a conceptual framework for understanding organizations and the challenges of change management
- Apply communication skills for conflict management and resolution, to motivate individuals and teams, and to lead change and innovation initiatives
Required Courses
Four courses are required
Two of the following:
- COMM ST 250 Team Leadership & Decision Making*
- ORG BEH 307 Leadership Principles & Practices
- ORG BEH 391 Topics in Management: Global Leadership*
Two of the following:
- ORG BEH 301 Organization Behavior*
- ORG BEH 310 Organizational Change
- ORG BEH 311 Conflict Resolution*
- ORG BEH 367 Strategic Planning & Management*
- ORG BEH 371 Innovation Management
*offered online
View Leadership Certificate Program Courses
Complete This Certificate Online
Complete the Leadership Certificate fully online with four of the following courses:
- COMM ST 250-DL Team Leadership & Decision Making
- ORG BEH 391-DL Topics in Management: Global Leadership
Two of the following:
- ORG BEH 301-DL Organization Behavior
- ORG BEH 311-DL Conflict Resolution
- ORG BEH 367-DL Strategic Planning & Management
View Leadership Certificate Program Courses
Leadership Tuition
Post-baccalaureate students at Northwestern's School of Professional Studies pay per course. For more information about financial obligations and tuition, please visit the Tuition page.
Admission for the Leadership Certificate Program
In addition to completing an online application, you'll also need to submit a few supplemental materials. A list of requirements for admission including application deadlines and tips on how to apply can be found on the Admission page.
Leadership Registration Information
Whether you're a first-time registrant or current and returning student, all students register using our online student registration and records systems. Important information about registering for courses at SPS, including registration timelines and adding or dropping courses in which you are already enrolled, can be found on the Registration Information page.
Find out more about the Leadership Certificate Program
