Higher Education Leadership & Decision-Making

The Learning and Leadership (LEAD) Programs offer the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership & Decision-Making. The certificate program is offered for professionals who wish to increase their knowledge and application of leadership and decision-making skills as relate to Higher Education. The program equips students with knowledge and skills for efficient, effective, and ethical leadership and decision-making in a variety of Higher Education contexts.

To earn the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership & Decision-Making, students complete five 3-credit hour courses. Three specific courses are required.

Required Certificate Courses

• LEAD 7830 – Higher Education: Administration and Leadership (offered every Fall semester) 
• LEAD 7840 – Higher Education: Strategy and Decision-Making (offered every Spring semester) 
• LEAD 7850 – Higher Education: Planning and Resources (offered every Summer semester) 

Additional Certificate Courses

• Two approved 3-credit hour courses in higher education and/or decision-making with approval from the Program Director/Advisor

= 15 Total Credit Hours Required

Admission Requirements

This certificate program is available to degree-seeking (e.g. PhD, EdD) students as well as non-degree seeking individuals. Applications are accepted year-round (Fall, Spring, and Summer). 

Applicants for the Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Leadership & Decision-Making must:

• Hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Have 3-5 years related experience 
• Submit a statement of purpose (essay questions) for pursuing the certificate 

How to Apply

• Complete the Graduate Application 
  • Graduate Application (link: Apply Now)  
    • Essay questions 
    • Current resume/CV 
    • Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions, even if a degree was not awarded
    • Non-refundable application fee (first time UTC graduate students only) 
  • For assistance with the Graduate Application, please contact Graduate School Program Liaison, Mr. Mark Fairchild, at [email protected] or 423-425-1780. 

Individuals will be admitted to the Certificate Program in Higher Education Leadership & Decision-Making if they meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School as stated in the Graduate Catalog.

Advisement

Following admission to the Higher Education Leadership & Decision-Making certificate program, please contact the LEAD Program Office at [email protected] for advisement and registration information.