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College of Professional Studies

Organizational Leadership

Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership offers an overview of every aspect of leadership dynamics and provides students with experience in the development of strategic leadership techniques.

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Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
6 - 12 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No

Program overview

Become a more strategic leader

Today’s cross-functional teams and organizations require leaders who capitalize on the collective expertise 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.

The Graduate Certificate in Organizational 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 the development of strategic leadership techniques. Coursework provides 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.

Stackable Certificate
Credits earned in this certificate program can be applied toward Northeastern’s MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication, MS in Organizational Leadership, or MS in Project Management, giving you the flexibility to further enhance your expertise and credentials.

Leadership Development for Working Professionals
Designed with working professionals in mind, this certificate provides you with the opportunity to deepen your leadership experience while gaining exposure to the latest leadership strategies and tools. You’ll be equipped to take on new challenges and lead with confidence in any organization.

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.

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.


  • Online application

  • 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

  • Other materials may be required

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Gain strategic leadership skills that can help you advance your career and move your organization forward, no matter your industry.

In-demand skills

Enhance your leadership experience with exposure to relevant and up-to-date leadership strategies.

Develop your style

Using real-world examples and experiences, build a personal model of leadership that you can put to immediate use in your workplace.

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.

Market outlook
Industry at a glance
Here's a look at current market trends and the career landscape.

Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $16,542
    Tuition 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 aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)

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. 

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