Leadership Development (Graduate Certificate)

About the Program

Graduate Certificate in Leadership Development

• Six-course program (18 credits total)
• Can be completed in three to four semesters
• Provides an in-depth understanding of organizations as human systems and the practical knowledge required to improve organizational effectiveness through leadership and training.
• Students acquire knowledge and skills in the areas of adult learning, group processes, organizational diagnosis and development and consulting strategies.

Program of Study

Each course in the certificate is part of the existing curriculum for the master’s degree in Human Resource Development (HRD). Upon completion of the certificate, students may choose to continue in the master’s program and would be required to submit an application and meet entrance requirements. All coursework completed in the certificate will transfer into the master’s program. The courses required for the certificate are:

Core Courses (6 credits)

HOL 263 - Foundations of Human Resource Development
HOL 283 - Leadership in Organizations

Electives (Minimum 12 credits)

HOL 220 Special Workshop, e.g. Executive Coaching*
HOL 234 Action Learning*
HOL 239 International and Multicultural HOL*
HOL 269 Organizational Diagnosis and Development
HOL 274 Work Groups and Teams in Organizations
HOL 277 Increasing the Capacity to Learn*
HOL 281 Adult Learning
HOL 286 Issues in Human Resource Development
HOL 287 Strategic Human Performance Processes
HOL 288 The Humane Organization*
HOL 289 Consulting Skills
HOL 290 Organizational Learning
HOL 379 Practicum in Adult Learning Programs*

*Electives may vary by campus; please consult with each campus representative to determine available electives for the certificate.

Course descriptions may be found in the GW University Bulletin of graduate programs.

Program Delivery

Designed for working professionals, the program allows students to apply new skills in real world settings as well as in the classroom. The graduate certificate in Leadership Development is offered in the following locations and formats:

• GW's Foggy Bottom Campus
  • Classes meet once per week on weekday evenings
• GW's Hampton Roads Center
  • Classes meet on evenings and weekends
• GW's Alexadria Graduate Education Center
  • Classes meet on weekends
• GW's Ashburn, Virginia Campus
  • Classes meet five times per year in a format that incorporates a global emphasis in HRD. The program begins and ends at the Virginia Campus with classes alternating at affiliated sites in Asia, Europe and South America. For more information, please visit: http://www.gwu.edu/elp/certificate.html

Applications and Admission

Applications to the certificate program should include:

• Completed GW online application
• Transcript indicating completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75
• Two letters of recommendation (may be from professional and/or academic setting)
• Resume
• Statement of purpose (250-500 words)
• Fall and Spring admit available

Please visit the GSEHD Admissions website for additional information.

Contact Information

GW Foggy Bottom Campus
(202) 994-3410
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GW Hampton Roads Center
Tammy Miller, Program Representative
(757) 269-2209
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http://nearyou.gwu.edu/hrd-ld-hr/index1.html

GW Virginia Campus
Zeynep Ekmekci, Recruitment Coordinator
(703) 726-3769
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http://www.gwu.edu/elp/certificate.html

GW Alexandria Graduate Center
703-299-0294
Ronald B. Morgan, Ph.D.
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