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 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:

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

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

Apply

Fall Application Deadline: April 15
Spring Application Deadline: October 15

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).

You will receive an admission decision four to six weeks after the application deadline. Learn more about the application process in the video below. If you have questions about the admission requirements, would like advice on how to put together application materials, or missed the application deadline, please contact advisor Steve Wicks.

Read transcript here.

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.

Application Checklist

Your complete application will include:

  • An online application
  • A professional statement
  • College transcripts
  • A resume or curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation (optional)
  • An application fee

Ready to take the next step?

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.

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.

Our Stories

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  • snapshots of how other students put their education to work on the job?
  • ideas about how to fund your program?
  • career-boosting tips and inspiration?
  • stories about key faculty?
  • highlights on core courses?
  • generally interesting news about the program?

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