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Leadership and Professional Development Graduate Certificate

The Leadership and Professional Development (LEAD) certificate is designed to provide students with opportunities to master leadership and professional development competencies. The dynamic nature of today’s society and economy requires us all to think critically, communicate effectively, and transfer skills into multiple environments. LEAD facilitates learning and competencies required for academic, career, and personal success.

Why Leadership and Professional Development?

The dynamic and global nature of academia, business, healthcare, and other employment sectors require leaders who are able to develop solution-oriented teams that are able to produce high quality outcomes. Now more than ever are industries seeking ethical and competent leaders who can navigate uncertainty while fostering productivity. LEAD requires students to master the skills industry leaders articulate as most important for career success and advancement.

Who will benefit from LEAD courses?

  • Anyone interested in improving upon their leadership skills.
  • Employees seeking career advancement, or transferable skills to maximize employment mobility in today’s dynamic economy.
  • Students preparing for admissions to graduate or professional school programs where leadership and team-work skills are expected.
  • Students preparing for entry into the workforce who want to stand out among their peers as the candidate with the most promise.
  • Professionals considering a graduate degree who want to gain practical skills associated with career advancement and quality of life.
  • Current UAB employees who are satisfied with their environment and wish to apply an institutional benefit that supports continued academic learning.

Questions?

  • Course Details
    LEAD Advising Sheet: Fall
    LEAD Advising Sheet: Spring

    The LEAD graduate certificate can be completed within five semesters when students complete one, 3-credit hour course per semester.

    Required Course (15 credit hours) Name Credit Hours Offered
    LEAD 500 Introduction to Leadership Theories & Behaviors 3 CH Fall, Spring & Summer
    LEAD 520 Ethics in the Workplace 3 CH Spring
    LEAD 540 Team Development and Dynamics 3 CH Summer:
    LEAD 580 Initiating Transformational Change 3 CH Fall
    LEAD 590 Addressing Leadership Challenges 3 CH Summer
    *RECM 707, GRD 713, and GRD 735 may substitute for one, 3 credit-hour requirement. 3 CH
    Total Credit Hours: 15 CH

     

    Course Planning
    Term Fall Start Spring Start Summer Start
    Fall Lead 500
    Spring Lead 520 Lead 500
    Summer Lead 540 Lead 540 Lead 540 or 590
    Fall Lead 580 Lead 580 Lead 500 or 580
    Spring Lead 590 Lead 520 Lead 500 or 520
    Summer Lead 590 Lead 540 or 590
    Fall Lead 500 or 580

    Schedules subject to change. Please check with program director for options during a specific semester.

  • Credit Towards Master's Degrees

    This graduate certificate may be incorporated into the MS or MA in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies (IGS). Learn more about IGS.

  • Admission Requirements
    • IGPS certificates are open to any graduate student, postdoctoral fellow, or UAB employee with a bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA from an accredited institution).  
    • Current graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in good academic standing may enroll in IGPS courses without prior approval.  
    • Current undergraduate UAB students must have at least 60 earned hours with a 3.0 GPA to enroll in IGPS courses.  
  • Application Checklist

    Admission to the Leadership and Professional Development graduate certificate (LEAD) is based on previous academic work and your personal statement. To apply, you will need: 

    • An updated resume and/or CV. 
    • A personal statement (300-500 words) that outlines your interest in the certificate. For LEAD, discuss how this program will contribute to achieving your professional, academic, and personal goals, and elaborate on your interest in leader development, teamwork, and organizational change. Use the personal statement to explain your motivations and aspirations for pursuing this certificate. 
    • Official copies of academic transcripts to include in your application; you may submit copies with your application and submit official transcript later.  
    • Completed online application and the required fee.  

    Existing graduate students pursuing a master's degree or higher may add the certificate to their program using the Change/Update Program Form. 

  • You're Admitted - Next Steps
    • New students: Visit the New Students to UAB page. 
    • Current students: Reach out to your program director to determine which classes to take and upcoming orientation. 
    • Questions: Email igps@uab.edu or the program contact.  
  • Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the admissions requirements for LEAD?

    An earned bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.5 GPA) from a regionally accredited college or university, a resume/CV, personal statement, and transcripts. See the Application Checklist for full details of requirements.

    Students currently enrolled in a master’s degree or above may add the certificate to their current degree program. 

    Is the LEAD certificate an academic credential? 

    Yes. The certificate is an academic credential that will appear on your academic transcript.  Courses can be used for the IGS Master’s degree. 

    Can undergraduate students take LEAD courses?

    Yes, with permission of the program director and your academic advisor. LEAD courses also meet the requirements for Honors College elective credits.

    Can a student take LEAD courses if not enrolled in the LEAD certificate program?

    Yes. You do not need to be admitted to the certificate to take courses. Anyone in the following groups may enroll:

    • Undergraduate Jr. & Sr.
    • Non-degree seeking, postbaccalaureate 
    • Graduate students enrolled in other programs
    • Postdoctoral fellows
    • UAB employees
    • UAB faculty
    • Community members

    If you are not a current degree-seeking student, you will need to apply to as a non-degree seeking graduate student to enroll in courses. 

    Can UAB employees use the tuition benefit to pay for LEAD courses?

    Yes. Current UAB employees may use the tuition benefits to take courses. Current UAB employees may take individual classes based on their interest and professional goals.  They may also apply to complete the certificate.Contact benefits@uab.edu for more information on educational benefits.

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