Program Overview

Essentials of Leadership and Management (ELM) Program

The Essentials of Leadership and Management (ELM) program is specifically designed for mid-level leaders, managers, and supervisors seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities and drive organizational success. Taught by a diverse group of faculty and subject matter experts, this comprehensive 60-hour program focuses on developing key skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and project management.

Program Details

• Format: In-person
• Location: 8980 Villa La Jolla Drive
• Dates:
  • February 9 (orientation)
  • February 17 - May 18, 2026
• Time: Mondays, 1:00 to 5:30 PM
• Application Deadline: February 2, 2026
• Tuition: $5,995
• Units: 6

Tuition Reimbursement

Many companies sponsor employees to participate in leadership programs as a key component of their management development strategy. The skills and insights gained through these courses empower people to make more impactful contributions to the company's success.

Application and Admission

To be considered for the program, each participant is required to submit an application. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic background, professional experience, and current management responsibilities. This ensures that attendees are positioned to derive maximum value from the program, tailoring the experience to those who will benefit most.

Program Benefits

• Discover best practices in managing and leading teams
• Engaging applications that can be used in the workplace
• Learn how to get the most out of yourself and your team
• Case studies and simulations provide real-world practice
• Team exercises promote the exchange of ideas with individuals representing multiple companies and industries

Program Topics

Information, tools, and models are presented in class with an emphasis on immediate and direct application. ELM draws heavily on the collective experience of the participants, which come from a variety of companies. Participants work in teams to apply concepts, examine case studies, and project assignments.

Strategic Pillars

• Everything DiSC
• Leadership, Conflict & Resiliency
• Building and Sustaining a High-Performance Team
• Improving Emotional Intelligence
• Unconscious Bias
• Performance and Talent Management
• Team-Oriented Simulation
• Organizational Change
• Employment Law
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Effective Coaching

What Will You Earn?

Upon successful completion, you will receive a verifiable digital credential and printable certificate. The digital credential may be shared on social media, in email signatures, or with colleagues and friends in order to recognize your achievement. In addition, you will have earned 60 hours of education from UC San Diego Extended Studies (6 credit units). Official university transcripts are available by request.