A graduate certificate in leadership introduces graduate level study with essential management strategies.
Why get a graduate certificate in leadership at Northwestern?
At Northwestern, you will learn in a Christ-centered environment that challenges you to invest in others as you grow both spiritually and intellectually. You will acquire a unique perspective about how faith and leadership intersect. Our faculty teach a leadership philosophy built on biblical ethics and a Christian worldview. You will also develop a professional network and lasting friendships as you interact with professors and other students.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership is fully transferable toward the completion of the Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) or Master of Business Administration (MBA), should you want to continue your studies. Students entering the program must already have a bachelor’s degree.
If you are in a leadership position and are possibly interested in graduate level study, this is a great first step.
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Program Highlights
View highlights, career paths and courses related to the Leadership Certificate.
What will I learn?
You will have increasing levels of resource and people management responsibilities across multiple industries – both profit and nonprofit.
BUA 5620
Data Analysis and Decision Making
This course is designed to equip organizational leaders to make use of qualitative and quantitative data analysis for effective decision making within various types of organizations. Students explore and practice the use of quantitative techniques, such as simple and higher level statistics, probability, investment analysis, and financial statement trend analysis. These techniques and the presentation of results are applied in real-world business situations through business cases.
LDR 5202
Effective Communication and Leadership
Examines the dynamic role of communication in creating a productive, quality organization. The responsibility of leadership in helping to maintain an effective system of internal and external communication is considered. Subjects include these dynamics of organizational life: organizational culture and climate, internal communication to build morale, communication with the external environment, direction and effectiveness of communication flow, methods of decision making and communicating effectively in groups and teams.
BUA 5220
Human Resource Leadership
Examines the role of the human resource management as a strategic component in managing and developing today’s organizations. This course provides a strategic overview of the key concepts and principles of each human resource function, along with their practical implications for organizational effectiveness in various types of organizations. Key functions such as recruitment, selection, development, appraisal, retention, compensation, and labor relations are examined. Implications of current issues such as diversity training, total rewards, and employee engagement are analyzed.
LDR 5305
Leading in the Knowledge Economy
Students learn the importance of knowledge, information, and how businesses rely on leveraging data to thrive. The course will focus on the impact technological advancement has had on the economy and how the emergence of new technologies have increased the access to knowledge in developed and undeveloped nations. While this course will use case studies in the digital domain, the methods taught have a wide range of applicability across functions and verticals in modern business environments.
LDR 5200
Strategic Leadership
Investigates the theories related to the use of mission and vision statements using strategic planning in relation to an organization’s purposes and goals. Processes and frameworks for developing and executing strategic planning are examined as well as the problems and concerns associated with implementation of a planning process. This course helps students to understand the place and role of leadership in creating and implementing a strategic plan.
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