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Total Courses7 required, 1 elective
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CEUs | Contact Hours4.8 CEUs | 48 contact hours
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Cost$3,600–$3,650
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FormatPrimarily online
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Time to CompleteAs little as 3–4 months
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Funding Resources
Unlock Your Leadership Potential
Leadership is about effectively guiding and inspiring others—not about having all the answers. A good leader can articulate a compelling vision, chart a clear course, and motivate their team to achieve shared goals. They are skilled communicators who build trusting and authentic relationships.
Build Confidence and Credibility as a Leader
Today's organizations seek leaders who are strong collaborators, critical thinkers, and adept at time management and conflict resolution. Whether you're aspiring to a leadership role or looking to excel in your current position, this program will equip you with the confidence and credibility to thrive in any environment.
In the University of Minnesota Leadership Essentials Certificate program, you'll:
- develop strong interpersonal skills to build positive professional relationships.
- sharpen your ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple demands.
- refine your problem-solving skills to identify and implement solutions.
- learn to influence strategically with or without formal authority.
- become adept at motivating and engaging your team through clear communication and prioritization.
By honing your core leadership skills, you'll be well-positioned to make a significant impact in your organization. Enroll today!
Leadership Essentials Certificate Core Courses
To earn this Leadership Certificate, you'll take 7 required courses (42 contact hours) and choose one elective (6 hours) from the options in the section below this one.
Electives
Select one course for 6 contact hours.
Career Outlook
Funding and Discounts
The U's professional development programs are affordable because they can be completed in relatively short order—sometimes within a few months—which can save you both time and money. What's more, there are other opportunities you can explore to potentially bring the cost down even further.
Funding
- CCAPS offers scholarships of $500 to $2,500 to Minnesota residents who meet eligibility requirements.
- If you're not employed, you may be able to take advantage of federal or state funding. Contact your CareerForce center to inquire.
- Your organization may have funds set aside for employee education. Read about the benefits of employer investment in career development.
Discounts
- When you register and pay for all courses in the certificate at once, you'll receive up to a 10% discount.
- University of Minnesota Alumni Association members receive a 10% discount.
- U of M staff get 50% off most professional development programs.
See Discounts, Scholarships, and Other Funding for more information and possible exclusions to discounts.
Enroll
The cost of the Leadership Essentials Certificate is $3,600–$3,650, depending on which elective you choose. But if you register and pay for all the courses at once, we'll give you up to a 10% discount! (Discount may vary based on your course selection.)
If you have questions about the registration process or payment options, or you need to transfer or cancel your registration, contact the registration team:
Option 1
Enroll, Register, and Pay for All Courses Now
- Earn up to a 10% discount
- Enroll for free
- Register and pay now, make needed changes later
- Get program updates
Option 2
Enroll in Certificate Now, Register and Pay for Courses Individually
- Enroll for free
- Register and pay for courses at your convenience
- Get program updates
- U of M employees: choose this option to receive your discount
Your Enrollment Advisor
Shanta Bhoelai
I can help you choose which professional development programs are the best fit to meet your career goals. I am here to answer your questions regarding specific programs, courses, or other career topics you have on your mind.
Don’t hesitate to send me an email or schedule an online appointment. I'm here for YOU!
Meet Shanta in person at these upcoming events
Stories from the Field
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Leadership Essentials Certificate?
The Leadership Essentials Certificate program offers training in the skills that leaders need to be successful, such as the ability to influence others and develop a collaborative and productive team.
To get a Leadership Essentials Certificate, learners complete seven required courses, including Foundations in Business Writing to improve communication skills, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving to manage complex issues, and Intentional Influence for practical leadership skills. Other required courses are Emotional Intelligence; Team Communications; and Managing Your Priorities, Time, and Energy.
In addition, students choose an elective to further their leadership training and enhance their capabilities. Elective options include Project Management Foundations, Presenting with Impact, Communicating Across Cultures, and Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace. These courses can help professionals develop skills essential for their roles and improve their overall leadership abilities.
What are leadership skills?
Anyone can manage people, but it takes specific skills to be a leader. Although some people are born with personality traits that make them effective in that role, anyone can develop leadership skills with proper training. Leadership often tops the list of skills employers look for when hiring staff. This skill is critical for those looking to get ahead in their current position and to advance in their careers. Regardless of the company, successful leaders possess these leadership skills:
Effective Communication. Both oral and written communication skills are important for leaders. Leaders know how to engage with people and promote inclusion and support diversity.
Critical Thinking. Leaders are able to identify problems and potential challenges, and cultivate an innovative solution. That requires effective problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Leaders look at the big picture and then break it down into smaller parts to work through problems. They analyze each solution to see how it will impact the whole.
The Ability to Motivate. There is little skill involved in just telling people what to do. Instead, true leaders influence the actions of others to motivate them to succeed. Leadership involves identifying the best people for each task and creating actionable steps.
Emotional Intelligence. Maintaining a professional yet motivating presence is a challenge all leaders face. Leaders analyze the strengths of others and build on them to improve their performance without passing judgment. They can express themselves appropriately and communicate without bias or emotion influencing their thinking. Overly emotional interactions may lead to less than desirable outcomes.
Time Management. Poor time management distracts leaders and keeps them from managing their priorities effectively. Instead, they need to be able to stop, consider their current strategy, and refocus as necessary to make the best use of time.
Conflict Resolution. Any time people work together, there is a potential for conflict. A strong leader can analyze a situation, identify sources of conflict, and create solutions. In addition, they need to manage confrontation as it happens and control their own emotions in the process.
Why is leadership important?
People have a natural tendency to follow strong leaders. They provide guidance and minimize potential threats to productivity. They apply organizational tactics and critical thinking to improve work performance.
Leaders are vital to the functioning of an organization. They are the ones with a clear understanding of the needs of their organization and can harness each team member’s skills in a way that helps both the employees and the employer find success. Leadership is a crucial resource for organizations to help improve overall efficiency and achieve their goals.
Source
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