Influence. Motivate. Lead.

If you still think leadership is about motivational speeches or pop-culture books, think again.

Modern-day leadership is about facilitating change, maximizing your team’s performance, influencing others, and managing conflict. And that’s precisely what this certificate covers. At Tippie, you’ll learn evidence-based leadership.

The Leadership Certificate is made up of five MBA-level courses—some of the most popular topics taught at the Tippie College of Business. Credits you earn can count toward the Iowa MBA.

At a glance

Delivery

All courses are offered online. One or more courses are offered in-person in Cedar Rapids or Des Moines annually. 

Curriculum

Complete five courses (two required courses + three electives)

Format

Primarily 8-week courses, meeting one night a week, no Fridays or weekends.

Time to complete

As little as 1 year

Cost

$11,250 (Five courses at $2,250 each) 

Admission

No entrance exam required. 

Certificate courses

This course list is valid for Leadership Certificate students pursuing the certificate on its own or as part of the Iowa MBA Program.

Required course

  • Leadership and Personal Development—MGMT:9120
  • Management in Organizations—MBA:8120

Elective courses (select three)

  • Business Communication—MBA:8130
  • Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability—MGMT:9091
  • Dynamics of Negotiations—MGMT:9110
  • Inclusive Leadership—MGMT:9240 (Prerequisite: MBA:8120)
  • Law and Ethics—MGMT:9210
  • Managing and Preventing Conflict—MGMT:9230
  • Managing Employee Performance—MGMT:9250 (Prerequisite: MBA:8120)
  • Maximizing Team Performance—MGMT:9220
  • Project Management—MGMT:9185
  • Strategic Management of Change—MGMT:9130 (Prerequisite: MBA:8120)

Note: If you waive MBA:8120 Management in Organizations based on prior undergraduate or graduate management coursework, you'll need to complete an additional elective in its place to earn the certificate. Students admitted to the Leadership Certificate may enroll in the courses listed above and do not have access to other courses offered through the MBA Program. 

Take the next step

You can start the Leadership Certificate in any semester. No business prerequisites are needed, and there's no entrance exam. See application deadlines and minimum requirements on the Admission page.

Go to admissions