About the Program
Leadership effectiveness is an important factor today when organizations must simultaneously cut budgets while retaining and nurturing talent. Every organization needs skilled leaders to allocate limited resources and to create a work environment that encourages employees’ growth, involvement, commitment, and retention. All of our instructors are industry professionals that deliver expert instruction that help to create solutions that ensure relevant, continuous development that will help create future leaders. All classes are taught by practicing professionals who have prestigious certifications, subject expertise, and a wealth of real-world experience, ensuring you’ll learn important, hands-on lessons.
Certificate Requirements
A Penn State Essentials in Strategic Leadership certificate is awarded upon completion of the four required courses. Participants not wishing to take the entire sequence are welcome to take any course that interests them pending prerequisite knowledge.
- Developing Personal Leadership (BUSAD 5526)
- Leading Change in Organizations (BUSAD 5520)
- Decision Making (BUSAD 5701)
- Strategic Planning (BUSAD 5604)
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded based on a standard of one unit per ten (10) hours of classroom contact.
Career Potential
This program will be beneficial to any leader, supervisor, or manager—particularly those new to their role who are interested in achieving leadership excellence through a personal journey that explores values alignment, communication strategies, and ethical values. It will also help prepare new managers and supervisors to be more effective leaders.
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to define aspects of leadership and be able to explore its relationship to not only concepts, theories, and models they have learned in class, but also to real-life scenarios in the workplace and business community. In addition, a student will be able to connect leadership development to leadership behaviors.
Course Offerings
Registration Fee: $645 per course
Delivery: Live instruction via Zoom Classroom
Times: 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Sessions Per Course: 7
| Course Number | Course Title | Dates | Cost | Online Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUSAD 5701 | Decision Making | Thursdays, September 5 through October 17, 2024 | $645 ($50 discount if registered by August 30) | Register |
| BUSAD 5526 | Developing Personal Leadership | Thursdays, October 24 through December 19 (No class Oct. 31 and Nov. 28) | $645 | Register |
| BUSAD 5520 | Leading Change in Organizations | Thursdays, January 9 through February 20, 2025 | $645 | Register |
| BUSAD 5604 | Strategic Planning | Thursday, March 6 through April 17, 2025 | $645 | Register |
BUSAD 5701: Decision Making
This course offers a level of awareness and knowledge about the decision-making process through the lens of several tools, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment. Building on the internationally-utilized MBTI theory, students will review and apply the five core decision making processes to their professional and personal lives. This course will offer the tools needed to prepare for an ever-changing work place, leveraging on the student’s own individualized work preferences.
September 5 through October 17, 2024
Register for BUSAD 5701 »
BUSAD 5526: Developing Personal Leadership
This course covers the characteristics and key competencies of high performing leaders, helps students assess their existing skill set compared to those of an effective leader, and offers suggestions on how to implement an individualized development plan.
October 24 through December 19, 2024 (No class on Oct. 31 or Nov. 28)
Register for BUSAD 5526 »
BUSAD 5520: Leading Change in Organizations
Leading an organization through change is a critical competency of leadership. Topic areas include developing blueprints for organizational change, systems thinking, whole-scale change, communicating plans, and measuring performance against bottom line results.
January 9 through February 20, 2025
BUSAD 5604: Strategic Planning
This course focuses on the planning responsibility of senior management. Students will examine how senior management can turn business visions into realities and gain competitive advantage in a crowded market. Readings are balanced with class exercises to develop practical skills. Students will work in teams to present their recommendations on appropriate case studies.
March 6 through April 17, 2025
Note: The University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances
