Leadership | Online

Program Type
Certificate of Graduate Study (Online)
Credential
Certificate of Graduate Study
Modes of Study
Blended;Online

Tuition per credit hour

Online mode of study:
$460 for in-state &
$494 for out-of-state residents. Blended mode of study: cost varies. See details and other costs

Credit hours

12 required credit hours. Most courses are equal to 3 credit hours. Browse course list

Program duration

Finish in as little as 1 year. Explore program requirements

Admissions

Apply for fall, spring, or summer term. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

  • Choose a mode of study that is blended (a mix of online and in-person courses) or fully online.
  • Save money with reduced e-tuition for out-of-state students who choose to study fully online.
  • Make progress toward a future degree: Apply course credits from your certificate toward a USM master’s degree.
  • Study with faculty who are scholars and practitioners in the fields of leadership, organizational studies, organizational behavior, and organizational development.
  • Gain an advanced grounding in leadership theory and research and acquire the skill sets required to work effectively in multiple contexts.
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Program requirements

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Leadership draws professionals from non-profit, corporate, and civic sectors. It is a favorite option for those seeking additional education in leadership skills but who are currently unable to commit to a full graduate degree program.

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Career opportunities

Our graduates are prepared to lead change, drive innovation, and enhance diversity in organizations and communities. They have learned the skills for successful careers in a variety of fields, from human resources and business to nonprofits and government.

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Dedicated to student success

Our highly experienced faculty have diverse areas of expertise and are deeply invested in the success of our graduate students. They actively participate in and present research at international academic conferences and publish in some of the most prestigious academic journals.

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Future degree planning

Interested in earning your Master’s Degree in Leadership Studies in the future? The credits you earn through this certificate program can be applied to our Leadership Studies MA program. Some restrictions may apply.

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Next steps

Our graduate admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services.

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Admission information: Certificate of Graduate Study in Leadership

Application deadlines

We accept applications on a rolling basis and review them continuously.

Application deadlineFall term startSpring term startSummer term start
FinalAugust 1December 15April 15
All materials must be submitted by the deadline. 

Applicants are required to provide the following materials:

General requirements

  • Application: Online application
  • Application fee:
    • In-state, out-of-state, and Canadian applicants: Free to apply
    • International applicants: Submit US $50 fee to apply
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine System (UMS transcripts are accessible to USM). A transcript is official when sent directly from the institution.
  • Resume: Submit a resume or CV that outlines professional, volunteer, and community experience.
  • Students whose first language is not English may be required to take one of the following: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Duolingo. Applicants must submit official scores as part of the application process. See additional information regarding test scores and requirements.

Additional requirements

  • Personal statement discussing your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals.

English proficiency test scores

View test requirements

Where to send application materials

Get our mailing address and email address