Leading People and Organizations
Certificate
Great leaders build great teams. Learn how to shape company culture, inspire performance, and lead with purpose.
Program overview
Lead with power, inspire success
In today’s fast-paced business world, the ability to lead effectively is more crucial than ever. Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Leading People & Organizations equips you with strategic tools and best practices to develop and lead high-performing teams.
Through four or five master’s-level courses, you’ll learn how to create a positive company culture, manage stakeholder relationships, and drive your organization toward its goals. Choose electives tailored to your career aspirations, from negotiations to workforce analytics, while learning from experienced practitioners in a real-world context.
In today’s fast-paced business world, the ability to lead effectively is more crucial than ever. Northeastern’s Graduate Certificate in Leading People & Organizations equips you with strategic tools and best practices to develop and lead high-performing teams.
Through four or five master’s-level courses, you’ll learn how to create a positive company culture, manage stakeholder relationships, and drive your organization toward its goals. Choose electives tailored to your career aspirations, from negotiations to workforce analytics, while learning from experienced practitioners in a real-world context.
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International—the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide.
- Customize your curriculum with electives aligned with your career goals.
- Gain hands-on experience through applied projects and real-world case studies.
- Study on our vibrant Boston campus—a global business hub filled with opportunities.
- Receive support from the D’Amore-McKim Graduate Career Center.
- Explore experiential opportunities like the 360 Huntington Fund and Bloomberg Business Lab.
- Lay the groundwork for an MBA—credits earned may be applied toward an eligible master’s degree at Northeastern.
In an era of rapid change, effective leadership skills are more valuable than ever. This certificate empowers you to become a more insightful manager and leader, equipped to navigate complex business environments. Enhance your career prospects, positioning yourself for roles that require strategic decision-making and team development.
Northeastern’s experiential learning model ensures you don’t just learn about leadership—you practice it. Collaborate with real companies, participate in case studies, and immerse yourself in applied project work. Outside the classroom, gain further insight through unique opportunities like the 360 Huntington Fund, Bloomberg Business Lab, and IDEA—Northeastern’s student-led venture accelerator.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, and we recommend that you complete your application early to maximize your chances of securing enrollment.
*Final deadline for international applicants needing a new F-1 or J-1 visa
Spring Term: Full-Time
| Application Deadline: | Decision Notification: |
| Oct. 1, 2025* | Rolling Basis |
| Dec. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
Spring Term: Part-Time
| Application Deadline: | Decision Notification: |
| Oct. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
| Dec. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
Fall Term: Full-Time
| Application Deadline: | Decision Notification: |
| Nov. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
| Jan. 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
| May 1, 2026* | Rolling Basis |
| Aug. 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
Fall Term: Part-Time
| Application Deadline: | Decision Notification: |
| Nov. 1, 2025 | Rolling Basis |
| Jan. 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
| May 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
| Aug. 1, 2026 | Rolling Basis |
To apply, log in—or create an account—on our application portal, choose your program, and answer a few questions. You’ll need to submit:
Application form
A personal statement (<=500 words)
Resumé
One letter of recommendation
Academic transcript(s) from all undergraduate and graduate schools attended
Kira online interview (by invitation, access provided after submitting your application)
Optional GMAT/GRE test scores
TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
Passport or permanent residency card (if applicable)
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Develop the skills to lead teams effectively and shape a positive, high-performance workplace culture.
Learn strategies for managing teams and inspiring individuals to reach their full potential, creating a competitive edge for your company.
Tailor your studies with electives that match your career ambitions, from negotiations to global team leadership, gaining practical insights that you can apply right away.
Degree building
Stack your certificate
Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.
Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:
Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.
Occupations
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$22,608 - $28,260Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 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.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidTotal Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.
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Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.