Leadership & Managing Teams Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Managing Teams, offered by Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business, equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to enhance their leadership style, foster motivation, and drive organizational performance. This program focuses on developing leadership approaches grounded in theory, research, and best practices while emphasizing team dynamics and organizational structure.

Designed for working professionals, the flexible, 100% online program helps participants connect leadership behaviors to organizational success and employee productivity.

Who Should Register

• Current Managers: Enhance leadership and motivational skills to improve team performance.
• Supervisors: Gain a deeper understanding of organizational design and team management.
• Career Advancers: Prepare for senior leadership roles through advanced leadership techniques.
• Business Leaders: Align leadership behaviors with organizational goals and outcomes.

About MSU's Broad College of Business

• Global Reputation: MSU is an internationally recognized university committed to advancing knowledge and transforming lives.
• Flexible Online Learning: Programs designed for working professionals with video-based e-learning and optional face-to-face networking opportunities.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from thought leaders in leadership and organizational management.
• Industry Relevance: Curriculum focuses on practical, real-world leadership applications to drive team and organizational success.

Prepare to lead with impact through MSU’s Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Managing Teams.

Admission Requirements

1. Education and Experience:

   • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
   • Minimum GPA of 3.0.
   • At least three years of full-time managerial experience in a supervisory role is strongly preferred.
     
     

2. Application Documents:

   • Completed application and $100 nonrefundable application fee.
   • Official undergraduate transcripts.
   • Current resume detailing professional experience and accomplishments.
   • Three professional letters of recommendation, preferably from supervisors, emphasizing teamwork and leadership abilities.
   • Statement of intention essay (maximum two pages) detailing career goals and relevant experience.
     
     

3. Optional:

   • GMAT scores may be required for applicants with a GPA below 3.0 or from non-regionally accredited institutions.

Transfer Credit Policy: Up to 9 graduate credit hours may be transferred toward master’s degree programs but not toward this Graduate Certificate.

Curriculum

The program includes 9 credit hours covering the following key areas:

• Leadership theories and personal leadership development.
• Organizational structure and its impact on team performance.
• Motivation and performance enhancement techniques.
• Negotiation tactics and overcoming challenges.
• Ethical decision-making and promoting workplace integrity.

Cost per credit hour: $1,130

Total program cost: $10,170

What You'll Learn

Graduates will:

• Develop a personal approach to leadership using trait, behavior, contingency, and path-goal models.
• Understand organizational structures and how they evolve through a company’s lifecycle.
• Foster a fair, enriched work environment to enhance team motivation and performance.
• Apply negotiation tactics to gain support for ideas and overcome obstacles.
• Promote ethics in the workplace using best practices and real-world examples.
• Connect leadership behaviors with employee motivation and organizational productivity.

Graduates will be prepared for leadership roles such as:

• Team Leader
• Project Manager
• Operations Manager
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Director of Employee Engagement

Job Outlook:
Leadership and management roles are in high demand as organizations seek to improve team productivity and foster positive workplace cultures.