Online Graduate Leadership Certificate

Advanced Graduate Certificate in Leadership

Offered By: College of Doctoral Studies

Examine Leadership Concepts Used To Navigate Management Roles

The graduate-level leadership certificate at Grand Canyon University provides instruction that is designed to teach you advanced leadership theories and concepts. Offered by the College of Doctoral Studies, this certificate program may be ideal for those looking to prepare for potential leadership roles in their field for a variety of organizations. Those who complete the graduate certificate in leadership and want to further explore complex theories of leadership can transfer to all EdD organizational leadership programs at GCU.

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Investing in Your Professional Development From GCU

The online leadership certificate is designed to help you fill certain gaps in skills or deepen your knowledge of best leadership practices. GCU offers the nine-credit certificate program fully online to allow working professionals the opportunity to gain advanced leadership acumen on a more flexible schedule.

Those who may benefit from earning an advanced graduate certificate in leadership include:1 

  • Recent graduates from a relevant master’s program
  • New employees in a leadership or administrative role
  • Career changers or those seeking to position themselves for possible career advancement into a leadership or administrative position

 

The online courses are conveniently delivered through a digital learning platform. Throughout the certificate program, you will have access to faculty who are knowledgeable in the leadership arena. You will also have the opportunity to network with peers in the program.

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 9
Online: 8 weeks
[More Info]
TRANSFER CREDITS:
The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.
TUITION RATE:
Online: $740 per credit
[Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid]

Cost of Attendance

Study Corporate Theories for Executing Business Strategies

As a student in the graduate certificate program, you will be taught key competencies through three leadership-focused courses.

Topics covered in these courses include:

  • Multiple ethical frameworks, principles and theories as they apply to the study and practice of leadership, with a focus on corporate social responsibility.
  • The opportunities and challenges facing leaders in the global environment, with a focus on leading global and diverse workforces.
  • The impact of leadership and the effects of behaviors on the formulation and execution of strategy within an organization, focusing on the importance of resilience and change.
Women in leadership standing in a power pose

Evolve Your Skills With a Certificate in Leadership

Developed for existing managers, directors and executives, you will be taught an array of advanced skills related to effective leadership and management. These skills include:

  • Strategic planning and change management
  • Ethical decision making
  • Global and diverse workforce leadership
  • Effective communication

Career Paths With an Advanced Graduate Leadership Certificate

Leaders can benefit from a pursuit of lifelong learning — both personally and for the people they lead. While the knowledge gained from this program may be useful in various fields and positions, there are many areas of opportunity within the education sector that can be viewed as an example. Graduates may choose to pursue positions such as that of an education and childcare administrator, helping manage the academic and nonacademic activities of children from preschool through secondary level.

Earn Your Certificate From an Accredited University

Earning an advanced leadership graduate certificate from an accredited university can present you with an opportunity to enhance your education and skills. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968, further solidifying our commitment to providing quality education to all our students.

Frequently Asked Questions

For those interested in building advanced skills in academic leadership, read through our answers to these frequently asked questions.

Earning a graduate certificate in leadership can help you complete specific advanced courses in less time than other degree programs. In a certificate program, you will be given the tools to advance your knowledge and fill gaps in your skill set to help prepare you to position yourself for possible career advancement or to meet the admission requirements for advanced education in academic leadership and administration.

At GCU, the three-course certificate in leadership program requires nine credits to completion. All courses are offered online so you can complete them on your schedule. You will receive support from knowledgeable faculty throughout the program. 

Courses in GCU’s certificate in leadership provide students with the opportunity to enhance skills in strategic planning, resiliency, corporate social responsibility and ethical leadership. Graduates of this certificate program may transfer the credits directly to GCU’s EdD in Organizational Leadership programs.

This certificate can instill you with advanced knowledge that may prove useful in your current position, or one you aspire to achieve. The leadership skills you can gain from completing this program can be directly applicable to a variety of positions throughout diverse industries, such as education and business. You may also find it useful when looking to transition from one career to the next — seeking a potential leadership position in a new environment.

Women in leadership very happy at work
Expand Your Leadership Skills

This program is for leaders who want to enhance their skills and make a meaningful impact in their organizations.

1 Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, Feb. 16). Q&A: Are Graduate Certificates Worth It? Indeed. Retrieved on June 5, 2023.

Course List

Major:
9 credits
Degree Requirements:
9 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course examines multiple ethical frameworks, principles, and theories as they apply to the study and practice of leadership. Corporate social responsibility will be addressed from the perspective of ethical decision making. Prerequisite: RES-815.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the impact of leadership and the effects of behaviors on the formulation and execution of strategy within an organization. Topics include the increasing importance of resilience and change in today’s global and turbulent economy.

Course Description

This course explores the opportunities and challenges facing leaders in the global environment. The course topics focus on aspects of leading global and diverse workforces, and on theories of leadership and leadership development in diverse and global cultures.

  • GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
  • Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
  • Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.