Graduate Certificate in Leadership — Boston
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership offers an overview of every aspect of leadership dynamics and provides students with experience in the development of strategic leadership techniques.
Take a Quick Look
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.
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Customize your plan
We work with you to map your path to your goal.
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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.
F-1 students must be full-time students during their first term and can take a reduced course load in their final academic term, as long as there are no other degree requirements. Students are not eligible for OPT, as they have not completed one academic year (2 quarters having been completed rather than the 3 quarters that is the academic year).
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 Organizational Leadership, and MS in Project Management
- Allows working professionals to enhance leadership experience with exposure to relevant and up-to-date leadership strategies
Get Set With a Custom Course Plan
Please note: The following is a sample curriculum and is subject to change. Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.
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
- The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
- 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.
Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.
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 2024-2025 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. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
Application Deadlines
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:
Domestic Application Guidelines
International Application Guidelines*
*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.
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.