This graduate certificate is stackable, meaning you can transfer the 12 credits of this program into our Online Master’s in Organizational Leadership or Online Master’s in Communication and Leadership Studies.
Program Details
- 12 Credits
- 4 Classes
- Fully Online
- 5 Start Dates a Year
Classes
ORGL 600: Foundations of Leadership – 3 Credits
This course is a foundation for learning and developing the practice of leadership. It includes investigating various theories of leadership and communication strategies leaders use in their practice. Students explore the self through multiple assessments and reflections, in relationship to individuals, groups and organizations. Students explore personal and relational dimensions of leadership in the context of multiple perspectives and develop a personal leadership growth plan including a personal leadership philosophy. Knowledge of the use of different types of written communication and scholarship is fostered in the leadership discipline. The paradoxes and ambiguities of leadership are examined in various contexts.
ORGL 515: Leadership and Human Potential - 3 Credits
Explore emergent and dialogic change leadership - an approach that harnesses the collective wisdom, creativity, and energy of people throughout an organization to drive meaningful, collaborative change. Learn how to facilitate authentic engagement and leverage diverse perspectives to spark hope and transformation. Using methods such as appreciative inquiry, design thinking, and other human-centered approaches, you will develop practical skills to co-create solutions for today’s complex challenges. Leave with a customized blueprint to help your organization cultivate a culture where everyone feels empowered to ask, “How might we…?” and work together to create lasting, positive impact.
ORGL 516: Relational Dynamics & Organizational Development - 3 Credits
Learn how to become an effective change agent through the principles and practices of Organization Development (OD). This course equips you with the mindset and knowledge to design, lead, and sustain positive change in any organizational setting. Explore the full cycle of OD—from diagnosing challenges and developing strategies to implementing solutions and measuring impact. Strengthen your leadership identity, apply a strengths-based approach, and build the skills to engage people, foster collaboration, and drive human-centered, transformative change. Leave with your own customized change agent strategy, supported by reflective practices and professional networks.
ORGL 517: Organizational Change & Transformation - 3 Credits
Examine how to lead organizational transformation with a systemic, human-centered approach when changes need to be rolled out or scaled up. Study foundational models of planned change and learn to navigate power dynamics and readiness for change. Build skills to align strategy, structure, and people through empathy, engagement, and empowerment. Develop a practical action plan to guide transformation in your own organization—whether implementing new technologies, improving processes, or driving innovation—so you can help create resilient, adaptable, and thriving workplaces.
Questions?
Contact:
Heather Schmitt
Call or Text (509) 313-6240 or (866) 380-5323
Email: schmitth@gonzaga.edu