Leadership, Professional Certificate
This is the first version of the 2026–27 General Catalog. Please check back regularly for changes. The final edition and the historical PDF will be published during the fall semester.
The professional Certificate in Leadership requires 15 s.h. of credit. Students must earn a cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.75 in certificate coursework.
The certificate is open to individuals with a desire to build their leadership knowledge and skills. It is also open to current Iowa MBA Program students. Students in the Iowa MBA Program may complete the certificate as they work toward their degree; the certificate is designed to fit into the MBA curriculum allowing students to earn the MBA and the certificate without additional coursework.
Modern-day leadership is about facilitating change, maximizing team and employee performance, influencing others, and leading companies and people to greatness. Students who pursue the leadership certificate learn the skills to effectively lead others. The certificate is appropriate for working professionals in all business functions and industries.
Certificate courses are offered online and select courses may occasionally be offered in Des Moines at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center (JMPEC).
Not all courses listed are regularly offered. Students should consult MyUI for course availability and/or discuss course offerings with their advisor.
The Certificate in Leadership requires the following coursework.
| Course # | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Both of these: | ||
| MBA:8120 | Management in Organizations | 3 |
| MGMT:9120 | Leadership and Personal Development | 3 |
| Three of these: | ||
| MBA:9130 | Leadership Communication and Story | 3 |
| MGMT:9090 | Influence and Constructive Persuasion | 3 |
| MGMT:9091 | Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability | 3 |
| MGMT:9092 | Effective Managerial Communication | 3 |
| MGMT:9110 | Dynamics of Negotiations | 3 |
| MGMT:9130 | Strategic Management of Change | 3 |
| MGMT:9170 | Human Resources Analytics | 3 |
| MGMT:9185 | Project Management | 3 |
| MGMT:9210 | Law and Ethics | 3 |
| MGMT:9220 | Maximizing Team Performance | 3 |
| MGMT:9230 | Managing and Preventing Conflict | 3 |
| MGMT:9240 | Inclusive Leadership | 3 |
| MGMT:9250 | Managing Employee Performance | 3 |
| MGMT:9260 | Strategic Employee Development | 3 |
| MGMT:9270 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| MGMT:9290 | Global Business Management | 3 |
If MBA:8120 Management in Organizations is waived, it must be replaced with another approved course from the preceding list.
Certificate/Graduate Degrees
Students can pursue this professional certificate concurrently with their graduate degree. A separate application to each degree program is required for students not already admitted to a Tippie College of Business graduate or professional program.
For students in graduate programs outside of the Tippie College of Business:
- With graduate program approval, students may count up to 9 s.h. from the professional certificate toward their graduate degree.
- With approval from the professional certificate program, students may count up to 3 s.h. from any graduate degree program toward their certificate.
Students should contact their degree program and the certificate program to work out combined program details.
Admission decisions are based upon completed application materials, including academic performance along with quality and quantity of work experience. For specific guidelines, see Certificate-Only Admissions on the Tippie College of Business website.
English language requirements are mandatory for applicants whose first language is not English. Information on these requirements and test options can be found on the Iowa MBA International Admissions website.
Admission decisions are made before registration begins for completed applications received by the priority application deadline. Admitted applicants who have met the priority application deadline may request registration for classes on the first registration date. See the Certificate-Only Admissions website for priority and final application deadlines.
Applications are accepted throughout the year; admission is for summer, fall, or spring entry.