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We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
01
Customize your plan
We work with you to map your path to your goal.
02
Learn from experience
From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.
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Choose your focus
Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find the classes to sharpen your specialty.
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Study anywhere, on your time
Part-time or full-time, we move at your speed, to get you where you’re going.
Overview
Today's cross-functional teams and organizations require a leadership style that capitalizes on the collective expertise and capabilities of the group. The development and mastery of collaborative leadership skills are not typically part of one's focused discipline preparation, hence leadership requires deliberate development by those who assume leadership roles.
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership starts with the premise that everyone is capable of leadership. The program studies every aspect of leadership dynamics, from the leader as an individual, to working in teams, and from the organization itself to the development of strategic leadership techniques. Coursework exposes participants to a series of alternative perspectives of leadership including collaborative models. Using the course's action-learning methods, participants build a personal model of leadership that they can put to immediate use in their workplace.
More Details
Unique Features
- Boston location on flagship campus—a hub for healthcare, education, finance, business, biotechnology, and the life sciences
- Credits earned in this certificate program can be applied to Northeastern's MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication, MS in Leadership, and MS in Project Management
- Allows working professionals to enhance leadership experience with exposure to relevant and up-to-date leadership strategies
Experiential / Co-op opportunities
Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace.

This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.
Get Set with a Custom Course Plan
General Requirements
Required Courses
3.00 | ||
3.00 | ||
3.00 | ||
3.00 |
Leadership Electives
Complete two of the following:
3.00 | ||
3.00 | ||
3.00 | ||
3.00 |
Now Let's Talk Admissions
You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.
Application Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the university's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resumé
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
- English language proficiency proof: Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores
International Requirements
Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.
Global Engagement Learn how our teaching and research benefit from a worldwide network of students, faculty, and industry partners.
Financing Requirements
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
Cost and Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2020-2021 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.
Spring 2021
Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
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International out-of-country application complete (start date: April 12, 2021) | February 8, 2021 |
International in-country application complete (start date: April 12, 2021) | March 8, 2021 |
Domestic application complete (first half start: April 12, 2021) | April 2, 2021 |
Domestic application complete (second half start: May 24, 2021) | May 14, 2021 |
Summer 2021
Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
---|---|
International out-of-country application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | May 10, 2021 |
International in-country application complete (start date: July 12, 2021) | June 14, 2021 |
Domestic application complete (first half start: July 12, 2021) | June 28, 2021 |
Domestic application complete (second half start: August 9, 2021) | July 26, 2021 |
Fall 2021
Recommended Admissions Deadline: | |
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International out-of-country application complete (start date: September 20, 2021) | July 19, 2021 |
International in-country application complete (start date: September 20, 2021) | August 23, 2021 |
Domestic application complete (first half start: September 20, 2021) | September 7, 2021 |
Domestic application complete (second half start: November 1, 2021) | October 18, 2021 |
Winter 2022
Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
---|---|
International out-of-country application complete (start date: January 10, 2022) | November 8, 2021 |
International in-country application complete (start date: January 10, 2022) | December 13, 2021 |
Domestic application complete (first half start: January 10, 2022) | December 20, 2021 |
Domestic application complete (second half start: February 22, 2022) | February 8, 2022 |
Spring 2022
Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
---|---|
International out-of-country application complete (start date: April 11, 2022) | February 7, 2022 |
International in-country application complete (start date: April 11, 2022) | March 14, 2022 |
Domestic application complete (first half start: April 11, 2022) | March 28, 2022 |
Domestic application complete (second half start: May 23, 2022) | May 9, 2022 |
Summer 2022
Recommended Admissions Deadline | |
---|---|
International out-of-country application complete (start date: July 11, 2022) | May 9, 2022 |
International in-country application complete (start date: July 11, 2022) | June 13, 2022 |
Domestic application complete (first half start: July 11, 2022) | June 27, 2022 |
Domestic application complete (second half start: August 8, 2022) | July 25, 2022 |
Student Body Profile
Below is a look at where our Leadership alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Boston Public Schools
- State Street
- Raytheon
- United States Air Force
- Massachusetts General Hospital
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What They Do
- Education
- Business Development
- Community and Social Services
- Operations
- Human Resources
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What They're Skilled At
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Management
- Teaching
- Strategic Planning
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.