Graduate Certificate in Leadership Development
Maximize Your Leadership Impact
This graduate certificate program in leadership development equips students with a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art leadership development, introducing key tools and approaches grounded in leadership, adult learning and organizational change. Designed for working professionals, the program emphasizes applied and experiential learning, enabling students to connect theory to practice as they design learning experiences, facilitate groups, diagnose leadership challenges, strengthen leader-as-coach communication, and apply consulting strategies in real-world settings.
This certificate provides students with a realistic preview of the master's degree program in Organizational Leadership and Learning. If accepted, all 15 credits will apply toward the 30-credit Master's degree program.
Lead With a Sense of Responsibility
A unique one-of-a-kind certificate program, it offers an evidence-based, responsible, and proactive approach to effectively leading change within organizations.
A Stepping Stone to a Master's Degree
Students can complete the program as a stand-alone certificate or apply the credit hours to the 30-credit Master’s in Organizational Leadership & Learning.*
*If accepted and all requirements met
The GW Advantage
Take advantage of our unique location in the heart of the nation’s capital that offers unparalleled access to research, internship, and employment opportunities with prestigious private and government organizations. The program’s hands-on learning experiences expand your ability to lead responsibly amid change and complexity.
Degree Awarded:
Graduate Certificate in Leadership Development
Department:
Human and Organizational Learning
Course Delivery:
-Foggy Bottom Campus
-Online
Program Entry:
Spring, Fall
- Curriculum
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 15 credits, including 6 credits in required courses, and 9 credits in elective courses.
Code Title Required HOL 6700 Human Behavior and Learning in Organizations or HOL 6701 Adult Learning HOL 6704 Leadership in Organizations Electives 9 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the advisor.
Apply Now
GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >
To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at education
gwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.
| Apply Now | Schedule Consultation with Admissions Counselor |
To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.
- Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree
- Resume
- Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities
- Statement of Purpose
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.
We are now accepting applications for Spring and Fall 2026. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.
Application Timeline Spring Fall Priority Deadline Sept 1 Nov 1 Round 1 Deadline Oct 1 Dec 1 Round 2 Deadline Nov 1 Jan 15 Round 3 Deadline - March 1 Round 4 Deadline - May 1 Round 5 Deadline - June 15 Program Deadline Dec 1 Aug 1 For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at education
gwu [dot] edu (education[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-9283.
Tuition & Financial Aid
We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.
Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.
The tuition rate* for the Graduate Certificate in Literacy Education program is $1,905 per credit hour.
This program requires 15 credits.
Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.
*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025
Career Outlook
A certificate in Leadership Development is suitable for leaders, consultants, and managers across a wide range of sectors (e.g., government, corporate, nonprofit, education, military, international development, healthcare, IT, financial). It is designed for anyone interested in enhancing their leadership impact.
- Career Opportunities
Typical roles that could benefit from the Leadership Development Certificate include:
- Consulting
- Change Management and Organizational Effectiveness Professionals
- Training, Learning, and Development Professional or Chief Learning Officer
- Human Resources, Talent Management, or People Strategy Managers
- Leadership and Executive Coaches
- Strategic Planning
- Project or Program Manager
- Entrepreneur or Business Leader
Department Chair and Professor, Human and Organizational Learning
Associate Professor, Human and Organizational Learning
