Please note: We are not currently accepting applications for fall 2025 as we work through program and curriculum updates. If you're interested in taking a science leadership course, email enrollment advisor Steve Wicks at [email protected].

Step into a Leadership Role

If you are a professional in the sciences, at some point you may be asked to bridge the gap between scientific data and the people who need to understand and act on it–which requires leadership and management training you may not get in a traditional science degree.

That’s why an online leadership certificate is a credential that can help you stand out, whether you work in government, a nonprofit agency, an international organization, or a corporation.

You’ll learn how to:

  • communicate effectively,
  • manage a budget,
  • lead a project or team, and
  • navigate legal and ethical issues.

Why Choose Our Leadership Certificate?

The Leadership for Science Professionals certificate features:

  • faculty who are professional experts working in the field.
  • just four fully online leadership courses that can be completed in one to two years.
  • final projects that let you apply your learning in the real world.
  • the option to stack the certificate with another graduate certificate to complete the Master of Professional Studies in Applied Sciences Leadership. 

Stack Your Credentials

The Leadership for Science Professionals can be stacked with another graduate-level certificate to earn the Applied Sciences Leadership master's. You can earn one, two, or all three credentials. Watch the video to learn more.

Core Certificate plus

 

Leadership for Science Professionals

Elective Certificate plus

 

Regulatory Affairs for Food Professionals Certificate, Poultry Health Certificate, or Self-Designed Track

Six Elective Credits equals

 

Six Synthesizing Credits

Graduation Cap and Scroll

 

Master of Professional Studies in Applied Sciences Leadership

Career Outlook

  • $69K
    Median income*
  • 22%
    Employment growth in Minnesota in the science and research fields between 2019-29*

Some positions of our graduates could include:*

  • Researcher or Research Associate
  • Scientist
  • Clinical Research Coordinator
  • Natural Science Research Manager
  • Food and Agriculture Scientist
  • Food and Agriculture Technologist
  • Scientific Technician

* Burning Glass Technologies: Labor Insights™, accessed 08/13/21

Leadership Courses

Even though we are not currently accepting applications, you can still register for a course! Email enrollment advisor Steve Wicks at [email protected].

The Leadership for Science Professionals certificate consists of 12 credits, 9 required and 3 elective. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA for all degree coursework to remain in good standing.

Required

Elective (Choose one)

Faculty

Leadership for Science Professionals faculty are experienced professionals working in scientific and management fields.

Meet the Faculty

Admissions Advising

Program advisor Steve Wicks is happy to answer your questions about the Leadership for Science Professionals program and the application process.

Or you can give Steve a call at 612-301-6127.

Do you have a more detailed question or want to tell us a little bit about yourself before the meeting? Fill out this brief questionnaire.

Apply

Please note: We are not currently accepting applications for fall 2025 as we work through program and curriculum updates.

We strive to be fair in the admissions process. Our program thrives when we have students from different backgrounds and cultural experiences. The admissions committee completes a holistic review of all required application materials to ensure that you will be successful in the program. We do not require standardized test scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

If you have any questions, please contact advisor Steve Wicks.

Admission Requirements

We welcome applications from students who have:

  • bachelor's degree from an accredited post-secondary US institution or its international equivalent
  • an undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.00*

* If you have a GPA lower than 3.00, please include an explanation in the extenuating circumstances part of your professional statement.

International Students

Visit our Graduate Admissions page for details on English proficiency requirements.

Please note that because this program is delivered online, the University of Minnesota cannot grant Leadership for Science Professionals students a student visa. International students should contact the International Student and Scholar Services for further information.

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