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Out of state students get in state tuition through the Western Regional Graduate Program. Find out which Educational Leadership programs qualify.Higher Education Leadership, Graduate Certificate
The Higher Education Leadership Certificate prepares students from all academic disciplines, professions and career levels to work in a rapidly changing and diverse higher education environment. The certificate helps to prepare students for opportunities ranging from entry level administrators such as Coordinators, Assistant Directors to mid-level administrators such as an Assistant Vice President, Department Chair, or an Associate Dean in community colleges, colleges, universities or affiliated business/industries, institutes, governmental agencies and private organizations. Students will gain an overview and understanding of common leadership and assessment theories, principles, and skills involved in the development of higher education administrators through online coursework and either an approved on-site internship or through an online internship which involves the use of case studies.
Certificate completers will have an understanding of common leadership and assessment higher education theories, principles, and skills to identify academic, workforce, and social needs; formulate ideas and action through reflection and collaboration; and be able to assess their leadership role and impact when leading diverse individuals and groups through new initiatives and institutional change.
Requirements Accordion Open
- Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 or 4 units) may be used on a certificate program.
No more than 25% of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.
- Please be aware that federal financial aid is not available for some certificates, if the certificate is pursued and completed as a stand-alone certificate (i.e., not completed concurrently with a degree program). See the “Details” tab for additional information.
Overview Accordion Closed
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Please note that students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 12 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required. |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Fieldwork Experience/Internship is required. |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
Purpose Statement
The Higher Education Leadership Certificate prepares students from all academic disciplines, professions and career levels to work in a rapidly changing and diverse higher education environment. The certificate helps to prepare students for opportunities ranging from entry level administrators such as Coordinators, Assistant Directors to mid-level administrators such as an Assistant Vice President, Department Chair, or an Associate Dean in community colleges, colleges, universities or affiliated business/industries, institutes, governmental agencies and private organizations. Students will gain an overview and understanding of common leadership and assessment theories, principles, and skills involved in the development of higher education administrators through online coursework and either an approved on-site internship or through an online internship which involves the use of case studies.
Certificate completers will have an understanding of common leadership and assessment higher education theories, principles, and skills to identify academic, workforce, and social needs; formulate ideas and action through reflection and collaboration; and be able to assess their leadership role and impact when leading diverse individuals and groups through new initiatives and institutional change.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Synthesize current literature on leadership theories, principles, and skills and apply concepts to higher education policies and practices.
- Document and share measures of institutional accountability and effectiveness used to meet program reviews, accreditation standards, and institutional initiatives.
- Design and lead inclusive programs and environments that facilitate intergroup understanding and respect for people to self-identify, express lived and professional experiences and histories, and offer diverse perspectives in order to advance change.
- Recognize and advocate individual, group, and organizational opportunities to transform the academic community through the identification and resolution of pressing institutional and social challenges.
- Develop the contexts and conditions that provide accessible post-secondary education to broad populations, communities and the workforce.
Details Accordion Closed
Additional Admission Requirements
- Admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
- NAU Graduate Online application is required for all programs. Details on admission requirements are included in the online application.
- Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A"), or the equivalent.
- Admission to many graduate programs is on a competitive basis, and programs may have higher standards than those established by the Graduate College.
- Transcripts
- For details on graduate admission policies, please visit the Graduate Admissions Policy
- International applicants have additional admission requirements. Please see the International Graduate Admissions Policy
Individual program admission requirements include:
- There are no individual admission requirements.
This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate. Federal financial aid cannot be used if the certificate is completed as a stand-alone certificate.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.