About the Leadership Graduate Certificate
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Leadership Program Facts
Format
Hybrid (Providence)
Synchronous online
Schedule
Evenings meeting every other week
Credits Required
15
Time Commitment
two semesters
Cost
2026-2027 Academic Year
$780 per credit
Fees
2026-2027 Academic Year
$165 per semester (part-time students)
$145 per semester (online students)
Ways to Save
Apply By
Fall: March 1 (priority), June 15 (regular), August 1 (final)
Spring: November 1 (priority), December 15 (regular), January 6 (final)
Summer: March 1 (regular), April 1 (final)
Upcoming Events
Leadership Curriculum Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Leadership is designed for students interested in exploring principles in leadership through a short course of study. Students earn the certificate after completion of five graduate courses in Leadership.
The program is designed to prepare students to address the challenges that organizations are likely to face in the globalized, technological world of the 21st Century. Students have the opportunity to explore the following leadership skills:
- Communication skills; conflict resolution and negotiation
- Management skills; accountability and organizational performance
- Inclusive excellence
- Strategic leadership
Leadership Degree Requirements
Annual Public Service and Leadership Conference
The RWU Leadership program is a co-sponsor of the Annual Public Service and Leadership Conference in conjunction with the Master of Public Administration program and RIASPA, the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration.
Application Requirements
Employment of our Leadership Graduates
RWU Leadership graduates have gone onto successful careers at:
- Brown University
- CBS Boston WBZ TV/WSBK TV
- Citizens Bank
- College Crusade of Rhode Island
- Hopkinton (MA) Police
- Johnson & Wales University
- United Way of Rhode Island
- U.S. Navy
- Women's Fund of Rhode Island

Leadership in Action for Women's Rights
Kelly Nevins, RWU Class of 2015Kelly Nevins '15 uses her leadership skills to work toward gender equity through systemic change in Rhode Island.
Read full storyTuition Discounts for First Responders, Active Duty Military, and Veterans
If you are a first responder (police/fire/EMS), active duty U.S. service member, or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you qualify for a 20 percent tuition discount on graduate programs in the School of Justices Studies.
