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Undergraduate Certificate in Leadership Studies

Learn leadership skills that help you succeed in business, organizations, and communities. In this 12-month online program, you will learn the foundations of leadership and how to apply them in diverse environments. Our program will teach you to communicate effectively, think critically, and lead successfully!

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At a Glance

Fall 2025

Application Due Date:
08/01/2025
Start Date:
08/25/2025

Spring 2025

Application Due Date:
11/15/2024
Start Date:
01/13/2025

Credits and Tuition Cost (2024-2025)

Credits Required: 18
Cost Per Credit: $624.00

Format

Fully Online

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Undergraduate Certificate in Leadership Studies overview

Program format
Format
Fully Online
Total credits
Total Credits
18
Degree awarded
Degree Awarded

What You'll Learn

Explore the four pillars of leadership. These include Leadership Foundations; Organizational Change; Community Leadership and Relationships; and Ethics, Diversity, and International Understanding.

After completing this undergraduate certificate, you will be able to:

  • Apply core concepts of leadership in a variety of work and personal settings.
  • Foster teamwork and organizational cohesiveness.
  • Communicate effectively with audiences and individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.

Course Examples

  • EDL 402 / CLD 402 Principles of Leadership
  • CLD 230 / EDL 230 Intrapersonal Leadership
  • EDL 571 Design Thinking in Education
  • CLD 530 Fundamentals of Organizational Leadership
  • CLD 430 Leading in Communities Vision, Action & Change
  • CLD 404 / EDL 404 Contemporary Leadership Applications
  • CLD 260 Community Portraits
  • CLD 330 Interpersonal Skills for Tomorrow’s Leaders
  • CLD 470 Leadership Power, Ethics & Impact
  • CLD 403 / EDL 403 Leadership and Communication

How to Apply

Application Requirements

Admissions Criteria

Standard undergraduate admission requirements apply.

Admissions Note

Undergraduate Admissions may accept applications beyond the published application date.

Program Contact

Krisitina Hains
Program Director

Deadlines

Fall 2025

Application Due Date:
08/01/2025
Start Date:
08/25/2025

Spring 2025

Application Due Date:
11/15/2024
Start Date:
01/13/2025

Distance Learning

Licensure & Authorization

Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa. 

AUTHORIZATION & LICENSURE INFO
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University of Kentucky has been approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Student Support

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.

Why UK Online

One tuition rate

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Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.

Flexible schedule

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Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.

Be Supported

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Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.

Testimonial

Getting the Leadership Certificate took me to the next level – it gives you an edge. The courses were very self-reflective and interpersonally focused which complemented my undergraduate degree really well. Let’s be honest – leadership is everywhere, and this certificate is applicable in a variety of ways. In the process of obtaining this certificate I realized the distinct impact you can make through effective leadership. I would highly recommend it!
Caroline Ellis
UK Leadership Studies undergraduate certificate, Class of 2023
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