Program Overview

Introduction to the Applied Leadership Certificate

The Applied Leadership Certificate is a dynamic post-baccalaureate program designed to equip students with the essential skills to inspire, influence, and drive meaningful change. This program provides a comprehensive foundation to help students become transformational leaders, whether they aspire to lead in the military, non-profit sector, government, or corporate world.

Program Overview

The Applied Leadership Certificate enhances career prospects and prepares students for leadership roles such as military officer, non-profit director, religious leader, project manager, educational consultant, public administrator, or corporate executive.

Learning Outcomes

• Master the strategy of having effective, conflict-free hard conversations.
• Learn how to modulate leadership behaviors to maintain balance and effectiveness.
• Become a more effective communicator to foster alignment and harmony within any team.
• Identify and implement strategies to create a positive cultural shift in an organization.
• Understand the role of accountability in leadership and how to leverage it to maximize team success.
• Develop a unique approach to building and nurturing professional relationships.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition per credit hour is $581.00, and the Instructional Support Fee per credit hour is $25.00. Tuition and fees are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply.

Program Structure

The program consists of the following courses: | Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | | --- | --- | --- | | PCS 6343 | Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 3 | | PCS 6333 | Principles of Effective Leadership | 3 | | PCS 6313 | Organizational Culture | 3 | | PCS 6323 | Effective Organizational Discourse | 3 | Total Hours | | 12 |

Admissions Process

Applications for the certificate program are reviewed three times a year, with deadlines as follows:

• Fall Semester: August 1
• Spring Semester: December 1
• Summer Semester: May 15

Graduate Admissions Requirements

1. Pay a $60 non-refundable application processing fee ($80 for International Students).
2. Submit an online application, choosing Applied Leadership Certificate as the program of interest and Online Education as the campus.
3. Provide a resume.
4. Submit a Statement of Purpose.
5. International students must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
6. Submit one official transcript showing a bachelor's degree or progress toward a degree.
7. Submit one official transcript showing all work after the bachelor's degree.

Academic Advising

After gaining admission, students must contact their assigned advisor to determine the most appropriate courses to take. Advisors will send course recommendations via MSU email before the upcoming semester.

Faculty and Staff

• Dr. Kenna Vowell: Academic Advisor and Assistant Professor
• Samantha Clardy: Enrollment & Onboarding Coach
• Anusha Rijal: Retention & Engagement Coach

Accreditation and Equal Opportunity

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution, and discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs, or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status protected by applicable law.