Leadership Certificate Program
Develop the skills you need to manage effectively and implement change with a leadership certification from Northwestern University. Whether you’re a current people leader or strive to become one, this online leadership training program builds your strengths in practical areas such as strategic thinking, influence building, and team development.
Grounded in proven methodologies, Northwestern’s leadership certificate program focuses on three core topics—people, strategy, and change—to provide a thorough understanding of leadership as it applies to the individual and the broader organization. Using the strategies and frameworks discussed in each course, students work through real workplace or career challenges, while gaining perspective from professionals in a variety of industries. Students enrolled in the online leadership program will complete three industry-recognized self-assessments (DiSC, TKI, and CliftonStrengths) for deeper personal awareness of their own impact and effectiveness as leaders. All on-campus and online leadership courses are taught by experienced corporate leaders, executive coaches, and industry consultants who provide personalized insights and guidance to help students in the program further their own development goals.
Upcoming Sessions
| Spring 2025 | Registration opens: |
|---|---|
| LEAD_ART 200-0 Strategic Thinking and Leading (Remote) | February 24, 2025 |
| LEAD_ART 202-0 Leaders as Change Agents (Remote) | February 24, 2025 |
| LEAD_ART 204-0 Developing People and Teams (Remote) | February 24, 2025 |
About the Leadership Certificate Program
- Leadership Program Goals
- Audience for Leadership Program
- Leadership Certificate Requirements
- Tuition and Financial Aid for the Leadership Certificate Program
- Career Options in Leadership
- Related Professional Development Programs at SPS
- Find out more about Northwestern's Leadership Certificate
- Contact an Enrollment Advisor
- Leadership Certificate Program Courses
Leadership Program Goals
During this program, students will:
- Define their personal leadership style through targeted assessments and group mentoring
- Learn how to lead and influence direct reports, peers, stakeholders, and executives
- Assemble a personalized strategic development plan
- Learn the skills and behaviors to lead successful change
- Engage and align others through storytelling techniques
- Learn how to anticipate and address dysfunctions within a team
- Improve strategic thinking skills through interactive simulations
- Practice delivering feedback and coaching confidently and effectively
Audience for Leadership Program
The Northwestern University School of Professional Studies Leadership Certificate program is designed for professionals seeking to propel their career forward and elevate themselves as leaders. It is applicable to any individual who wants to better demonstrate their leadership skills on a daily basis, and especially those who are seeking or have received a promotion to an expanded or more advanced professional role in their organization.
Participation in the Leadership Certificate program is a prime opportunity to hone skills that are essential to excel professionally, and to network with professionals from other companies and industries. Each class is designed to be highly interactive using best practices in online teaching and adult learning. Participants address real work issues and gain insights from fellow classmates and from seasoned experts with decades of practical experience. This approach provides the tools and the real world strategies needed for leaders to excel in their organizations.
Northwestern's leadership training is a highly cost-effective option for middle managers, supervisors, owners, and leaders of small- to medium-sized businesses and nonprofit organizations, and anyone looking to develop a customized plan for leadership within their organization.
Leadership Certificate Requirements
Completion of three courses is required for the leadership certification:
- Strategic Thinking and Leading (LEAD_ART 200-0)
- Leaders as Change Agents (LEAD_ART 202-0)
- Developing People and Teams (LEAD_ART 204-0)
Visit the Leadership Program Courses page for course descriptions and schedule information.
Tuition and Financial Aid for the Leadership Certificate Program
The tuition for each course required for the Leadership certificate is $1,200. The total cost of the leadership training program is $3,600. Complete details can be found on the Leadership Certificate Tuition and Financial Aid page.
Career Options in Leadership
Skilled managers are essential across all industries including sales, training and development, public relations, marketing and real estate. Management positions often require a bachelor’s degree with two to five years of experience. Top executives may need to also earn a master’s degree and typically need extensive managerial experience. Many top executives advance within their own company, moving up from lower level managerial or supervisory positions. Read more on the Career Options in Leadership page.
Related Professional Development Programs at SPS
Learn more about related certificate programs:
Find out more about Northwestern's Leadership Certificate
Contact an Enrollment Adviser
An Enrollment Adviser at Northwestern University School of Professional Studies can help with any inquiries regarding our certificate programs.