Take the Lead

Exemplary managers, supervisors, and others in leadership positions have distinct and complementary competencies in their toolbelt. The University of Minnesota offers programs for professionals to develop key leadership skills that will set you apart.

Complete a full certificate or take an individual course to reach your professional goals.

Certificates in the Area of Study

  • AI for Business Operations Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    AI for Business Operations Certificate

    Develop frameworks to lead AI adoption. Learn to identify high-impact opportunities, strengthen workflows and apply governance for operational efficiency.

    Upcoming courses:
    • AI for Productivity | Aug. 31-Oct. 11, 2026 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm
    • AI for Operational Efficiency | Oct. 26-Dec. 13, 2026 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm
    • Enterprise AI: Governance, Integration and Scaling | Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm
    $3,735 | 9 CEUs | 90 Contact Hours
  • Budget and Financial Management Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Budget and Financial Management Certificate

    Enhance your budgeting and financial planning skills with a program designed for managers, business professionals, and entrepreneurs looking to drive success.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Budget Management | July 20-Aug. 16, 2026 | Mon. 6:00-7:30 pm
    • Finance Fundamentals | Sept. 14-Oct. 11, 2026 | Tues. 12:00-1:30 pm
    • Financial Forecasting and Modeling | Sept. 14-Oct. 11, 2026 | Mon. 6:00-7:30 pm
    $2,580 | 6.0 CEUs | 60 Contact Hours
  • Change Management Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Change Management Certificate

    Develop skills to lead change initiatives, manage resistance, apply frameworks and use AI to support organizational transformation. 

    Upcoming courses:
    • Change Leadership | Oct. 26-Dec. 13, 2026 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm
    • Change Management Toolkit | Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm
    • Executing and Sustaining Change | March 8-April 18, 2027 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm
    $3,735 | 9 CEUs | 90 Contact Hours
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Cross-Functional Collaboration Certificate

    Learn strategies to foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and improve communication to achieve organizational success and create a more engaged workplace.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | July 14-15, 2026
    • Emotional Intelligence | July 22-23, 2026
    • Conflict Resolution | Aug. 5-6, 2026
    $3,600 | 4.8 CEUs | 48 Contact Hours
  • Leadership Essentials Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Leadership Essentials Certificate

    Build a strong foundation of in-demand leadership skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, conflict management, and time management.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | July 14-15, 2026
    • Emotional Intelligence | July 22-23, 2026
    • Foundations in Business Writing | July 28-29, 2026
    $3,600–$3,650 | 4.8 CEUs | 48 contact hours
  • Marketing Management Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Marketing Management Certificate

    Develop marketing strategy, optimize digital campaigns, and use analytics to drive results. Online courses focused on real-world skills and career growth.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Brand Management and Content Strategy | July 13-Aug. 23, 2026 | Wed. 6:00–7:00 pm
    • Marketing Strategy Management and Execution | Sept. 7-Oct. 18, 2026 | Tues. 6:00–7:00 pm
    • Marketing Operations Management | Nov. 2-Dec. 20, 2026 | Tues. 6:00-7:00 pm
    $4,500 | 12 CEUs | 120 Contact Hours
  • Program Management Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Program Management Certificate

    Build program leadership skills, strengthen change management, and learn strategies to plan, align and deliver organizational impact.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Data and Evaluation for Program Management | Aug. 10-Sept. 20, 2026 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm
    • Program Leadership | Oct. 5-Nov. 15, 2026 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm
    • Financial Stewardship and Resource Management | Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm
    $4,500 | 12 CEUs | 120 Contact Hours
  • Supervision Certificate - Professional Development tile
    Certificate

    Supervision Certificate

    Enhance the productivity and progress of those who report directly to you through teamwork, commitment, and effective delegation.

    Upcoming courses:
    • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving | July 14-15, 2026
    • Principles of Supervision | July 21-23, 2026
    • Emotional Intelligence | July 22-23, 2026
    $4,400–$4,620 | 6.0 CEUs | 60 contact hours

Courses in this Area of Study

  • AI for Operational Efficiency - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    AI for Operational Efficiency

    Build skills to map workflows, identify inefficiencies and evaluate where AI can improve business operations while supporting implementation and measuring impact.
    Next start date:
    • Oct. 26-Dec. 13, 2026 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1245.00 | 30.0 hours
  • AI for Productivity - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    AI for Productivity

    Build your own AI-enhanced productivity system tailored to your professional goals.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 31-Oct. 11, 2026 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • Jan. 25-Mar. 7, 2027 | Wed. 12:00-1:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • April 12-May 23, 2027 | Wed. 12:00-1:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1245.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Allyship: Creating an Inclusive Workplace

    Learn how to promote a workplace culture of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance.
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 17-18, 2026 | Online
    • May 18-19, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Brand Management and Content Strategy - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Brand Management and Content Strategy

    Craft content and presentations that clearly communicate brand value and influence key decision-makers.
    Next start dates:
    • July 13-Aug. 23, 2026 | Wed. 6:00–7:00 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • June 28-Aug. 8, 2027 | Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1125.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Budget Management - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Budget Management

    Learn how to build, manage, and adjust budgets that keep financial goals on track
    Next start dates:
    • July 20-Aug. 16, 2026 | Mon. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • Oct. 26-Nov. 22, 2026 | Fri. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • March 15-April 11, 2027 | Mon. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $860.00 | 20.0 hours
  • Build Teamwork and Commitment - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Build Teamwork and Commitment

    Help your team live up to its potential.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 12-13, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 25-26, 2027 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Change Leadership - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Change Leadership

    Build change management skills to support organizational readiness and implementation planning.
    Next start date:
    • Oct. 26-Dec. 13, 2026 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1245.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Change Management Foundations - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Change Management Foundations

    Explore the critical role of change management in driving business outcomes, aligning initiatives with strategic goals, and fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 9-10, 2026 | Online
    • May 20-21, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Change Management Toolkit - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Change Management Toolkit

    Apply change management frameworks to guide organizations through structured business transformation.
    Next start date:
    • Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1245.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Coaching for Excellence - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Coaching for Excellence

    Increase performance and develop effective employees.
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 5-6, 2026 | Online
    • April 22-23, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Communicating Across Cultures - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Communicating Across Cultures

    Communicate effectively on cross-cultural teams.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 10-11, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 13-14, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 10-11, 2026 | Online
    • Mar. 9-10, 2027 | Online
    • June 8-9, 2027 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Conflict Resolution - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Conflict Resolution

    Become a confident and effective conflict manager by learning the basic strategies for resolving interpersonal conflict.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 5-6, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 27-28, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 24-25, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 25-26, 2027 | Online
    • May 19-20, 2027 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
    Next start dates:
    • July 14-15, 2026 | Online
    • Sept. 17-18, 2026 | Online
    • Nov. 19-20, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 2-3, 2027 | Online
    • April 1-2, 2027 | Online
    • June 1-2, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Data and Evaluation for Program Management - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Data and Evaluation for Program Management

    Strengthen data literacy and apply program evaluation findings to improve program management and performance.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 10-Sept. 20, 2026 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • March 8-April 18, 2027 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • June 14-July 25, 2027 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1125.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Delegate to Enhance Job Performance - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Delegate to Enhance Job Performance

    Learn what, when, and how to delegate.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 19-20, 2026 | Online
    • March 16-17, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Effective Meetings - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Effective Meetings

    Transform the way you use meetings to engage meaningfully with colleagues and produce excellent work. 
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 20-21, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 4-5, 2027 | Online
    • June 15-16, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Emotional Intelligence - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Emotional Intelligence

    Use emotional intelligence to increase your professional and personal success.
    Next start dates:
    • July 22-23, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 8-9, 2026 | Online
    • Jan. 21-22, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 4-5, 2027 | Online
    • May 27-28, 2027 | Online
    $480.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Enterprise AI: Governance, Integration and Scaling - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Enterprise AI: Governance, Integration and Scaling

    Develop strategies for governing, piloting and scaling AI across teams. Learn risk management, guardrails and change leadership for responsible organizational adoption.
    Next start date:
    • Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1245.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Executing and Sustaining Change - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Executing and Sustaining Change

    Apply change resistance strategies and measurement tools to track adoption and business impact.
    Next start date:
    • March 8-April 18, 2027 | Wed. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1245.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Finance Fundamentals - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Finance Fundamentals

    Build the financial fluency needed to contribute confidently to strategy, budgeting, and business planning.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 14-Oct. 11, 2026 | Tues. 12:00-1:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • Jan. 11-Feb. 7, 2027 | Tues. 12:00-1:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • May 3-30, 2027 | Tues. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $860.00 | 20.0 hours
  • Financial Forecasting and Modeling - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Financial Forecasting and Modeling

    Build the practical skills and tools needed to confidently forecast financial performance and support smart, strategic planning.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 14-Oct. 11, 2026 | Mon. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • Jan. 11-Feb. 7, 2027 | Mon. 12:00-1:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • May 3-30, 2027 | Mon. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $860.00 | 20.0 hours
  • Financial Stewardship and Resource Management - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Financial Stewardship and Resource Management

    Learn budgeting, forecasting, and resource-allocation skills to enhance program management and support long-term sustainability.
    Next start dates:
    • Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • June 28-August 8, 2027 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1125.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Foundations in Business Writing - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Foundations in Business Writing

    Use organization and format to improve your business writing clarity and consistency.
    Next start dates:
    • July 28-29, 2026 | Online
    • Sept. 17-18, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 22-23, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 3-4, 2026 | Online
    • Jan. 12-13, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 9-10, 2027 | Online
    • May 11-12, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • In-Depth Coaching: Lead Individual Change Interventions - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    In-Depth Coaching: Lead Individual Change Interventions

    Coach individuals to peak performance.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 22-24, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 2-4, 2026 | Online
    • April 21-23, 2027 | Online
    $880.00 | 12.0 hours
  • Intentional Influence - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Intentional Influence

    Influence others effectively, without formal authority.

    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 18-19, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 13-14, 2026 | Online
    • April 13-14, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Lead Successful Team Intervention Strategies - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Lead Successful Team Intervention Strategies

    Select, design, and facilitate team interventions.
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 14-16, 2026 | Online
    • Jan. 13-15, 2027 | Online
    • May 19-21, 2027 | Online
    $920.00 | 12.0 hours
  • Leading Change, Transitions, and People - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Leading Change, Transitions, and People

    Lead yourself and your team through change.
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 20-21, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 11-12, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Manage Performance and Develop Talent - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Manage Performance and Develop Talent

    Enhance your employees’ talent with training and coaching.
    Next start dates:
    • Dec. 8-9, 2026 | Online
    • June 8-9, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Managing Your Priorities, Time, and Energy - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Managing Your Priorities, Time, and Energy

    Ensure you have enough time and energy for what’s really important.

    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 13-14, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 29-30, 2026 | Online
    • April 1-2, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Marketing Analytics and Strategic Applications - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Marketing Analytics and Strategic Applications

    Evaluate marketing data and campaign performance to guide decisions and explore techniques to enhance strategy.
    Next start dates:
    • Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Wed. 6:00-7:00pm | Instructor Led Online
    • March 8-April 18, 2027 | Tues. 12:00-1:00 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1125.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Marketing Operations Management - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Marketing Operations Management

    This course covers marketing operations: supply chains, budgeting, and resource management, showing how efficient execution drives customer satisfaction and organizational success.
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 2-Dec. 20, 2026 | Tues. 6:00-7:00 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • May 3-June 13, 2027 | Wed. 12:00-1:00 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1125.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Marketing Strategy Management and Execution - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Marketing Strategy Management and Execution

    Use strategic frameworks to plan, execute, and measure effective marketing initiatives.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 7-Oct. 18, 2026 | Tues. 6:00–7:00 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Tues. 12:00-1:00 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1125.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Measuring and Improving Work Processes - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Measuring and Improving Work Processes

    Uncover opportunities for improvement in your processes.
    Next start date:
    • Oct. 28-30, 2026 | Online
    $1035.00 | 12.0 hours
  • Negotiate for Agreement - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Negotiate for Agreement

    Achieve mutually satisfying agreements.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 18-19, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 13-14, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 8-9, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 9-10, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 18-19, 2027 | Online
    • June 22-23, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Presenting with Impact - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Presenting with Impact

    Deliver engaging and inspirational presentations, and discover your identity as a public speaker.
    Next start dates:
    • Nov. 3-4, 2026 | Online
    • June 8-9, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Principles of Collaboration - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Principles of Collaboration

    Explore the core principles of collaboration, including communication, conflict resolution, and cross-functional teamwork.
    Next start dates:
    • Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2026 | Online
    • April 8-9, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Principles of Supervision - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Principles of Supervision

    Effectively manage people to achieve extraordinary results.
    Next start dates:
    • July 21-23, 2026 | Online
    • Jan. 27-29, 2027 | Online
    • May 5-7, 2027 | Online
    $840.00 | 12.0 hours
  • Program Leadership - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Program Leadership

    Develop leadership, communication, and influence skills to manage stakeholders, navigate complexity, and move program work forward.
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 5-Nov. 15, 2026 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • May 3-June 13, 2027 | Thur. 12:00-1:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1125.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Program Strategy and Change Management - Professional Development course tile
    Multiweek Course

    Program Strategy and Change Management

    Guide complex initiatives and drive long-term results that advance program and organizational priorities.
    Next start dates:
    • Jan. 11-Feb. 21, 2027 | Thur. 12:00-1:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    • April 19-May 30, 2027 | Thur. 6:00-7:30 pm | Instructor Led Online
    $1125.00 | 30.0 hours
  • Project Management Foundations - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Project Management Foundations

    Learn the basics of project management.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 11-12, 2026 | Online
    • Sept. 24-25, 2026 | Online
    • Nov. 3-4, 2026 | Online
    • Dec. 17-18, 2026 | Online
    • Jan. 12-13, 2027 | Online
    • Feb. 24-25, 2027 | Online
    • June 9-10, 2027 | Online
    $490.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Successfully Lead Enterprise-Wide Change Management - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Successfully Lead Enterprise-Wide Change Management

    Manage large-scale change.
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 6-8, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 16-18, 2027 | Online
    • June 2-4, 2027 | Online
    $880.00 | 12.0 hours
  • Team Communications - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Team Communications

    Communicate effectively during team projects and meetings.
    Next start dates:
    • Aug. 20-21, 2026 | Online
    • Oct. 22-23, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 25-26, 2027 | Online
    • Mar. 30-31, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours
  • Writing Business Reports and Proposals - Professional Development course tile
    Short Course

    Writing Business Reports and Proposals

    Write concise, professional reports and proposals that inform and persuade readers.
    Next start dates:
    • Oct. 8-9, 2026 | Online
    • Feb. 17-18, 2027 | Online
    • May 20-21, 2027 | Online
    $440.00 | 6.0 hours

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