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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 themselves 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.
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
Online Learning To Fit Your Education Needs
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.
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:
Social Responsibility
Multiple ethical frameworks, principles and theories as they apply to the study and practice of leadership, with a focus on corporate social responsibility.
Global Environment
The opportunities and challenges facing leaders in the global environment, with a focus on leading global and diverse workforces.
Strategy Execution
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 seeking a potential leadership position in a new environment.
This program is for leaders who want to enhance their skills and make an impact in their organizations.
1 Indeed Editorial Team. (2023, Feb. 16). Q&A: Are Graduate Certificates Worth It? Indeed. Retrieved on June 5, 2023.
Online: $750 per credit [More Info]
The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Doctoral)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA less than 3.4 may be accepted with specifications.
** Degree must be from an institutionally accredited school. Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 - 3.39 may be accepted with specifications. Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 will not be accepted.
