LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE
Next Session Begins March 31
- 3 COURSES
- 100% ONLINE
- ENROLLING MONTHLY
- 225 MILITARY CLOCK HOURS
Become an inspiring leader of tomorrow.
Equip yourself with the essential tools and knowledge to enact meaningful organizational change. Learn the principles of transformational leadership, a style that empowers others, fosters innovation and inspires a shared vision. Discover how to foster a culture of learning, diversity, equity, inclusion and innovation. You'll gain the confidence to navigate complex organizational challenges as you foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment and be well-prepared to lead your organization successfully.
LEARNED SKILLS
- Project Management
- Data Analysis
- Team Building
- Performance Management
- Vision and Strategy Building
- Ethical Leadership
- Change Management
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Relationship Building
- Negotiation Strategies
- Financial Management
WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
- Managers and supervisors looking to enhance their personal leadership skills.
- Career professionals looking to improve their organizational effectiveness through strategic thinking and team building.
- Individuals seeking to transform organizational efficiency.
- Non-profit leaders seeking to strengthen their organizational management and fundraising capabilities.
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners seeking to improve their business management abilities and grow their ventures.
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Reduces employee turnover, improving performance.
Positively impacts employee retention, providing better organizational outcomes.
Fosters a supportive and engaging work environment.
Principles + Practice Learning Model
An innovative and unique model of learning, Villanova’s Principles and Practice Model provides students the utmost flexibility.
Principles is the foundation of each course, fully asynchronous, providing students with the essential information they need to expand their skill sets and increase their expertise.
Practice is designed to build upon Principles to enhance student learning through collaboration and practical application. Weekly, faculty-led live class sessions complement the asynchronous coursework and enable students to participate in a rich learning environment that encourages open dialogue and respectful disagreement, crucial skills for personal and professional growth.
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
CERTIFICATE
PROGRAM
3 courses
6 weeks per course
12.5 hours per week
18 WEEKS
$6,285 $5,342.65
(15% program savings applied)
SINGLE
COURSE
Each single course is made up of a Principles asynchronous microcourse and a Practice live virtual microcourse. You can complete the microcourses simultaneously with the Fast Track option, or consecutively for the Flex Track option.
Fast Track
6 weeks | 12.5 hours per week
Flex Track
12 weeks | 6.25 hours per week
$2,095 $1,885.50
(10% course bundle savings applied)
MICRO
COURSE
The Principles microcourse offers the lowest cost investment and a fully asynchronous experience. You must complete the Principles microcourse if you choose to enroll in the corresponding Practice microcourse.
6 Weeks | 6.25 hours per week
Principles | $800
Practice | $1,295
Earn the full certificate by completing the required course plus two electives.
Any required or elective course can be taken as a single course.
Required: Strategic Leadership
This course empowers professionals to become visionary leaders who drive organizational success. You’ll learn to apply strategic leadership theories, analyze external factors impacting your organization, and craft data-driven strategies. Through reflection, storytelling, and strategic frameworks, you’ll develop a personalized plan to enhance your leadership style and achieve your goals. Ideal for those looking to refine their leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact in their organizations.
Principles Microcourse
Practice Microcourse
ELECTIVES
Building & Leading Highly Effective Teams
This course teaches leaders how to manage diverse teams in traditional, virtual and hybrid settings. You'll apply Tuckman’s Model for team development, develop strategies to foster trust and collaboration and use CliftonStrengths to optimize team performance. Key topics include managing conflict, creating team charters and coaching for success. Ideal for leaders seeking to enhance team dynamics, motivate members and drive high performance aligned with organizational goals.
Principles Microcourse
Practice Microcourse
Finance & Accounting for the Non-Financial Manager
Gain the financial acumen needed to make informed business decisions. This course equips non-financial managers with the skills to interpret financial statements, analyze business performance and confidently engage in strategic financial discussions. Through a hands-on approach, you'll learn key concepts such as budgeting, forecasting, capital budgeting and risk assessment—empowering you to contribute meaningfully to financial planning and business strategy.
Principles Microcourse
Practice Microcourse
Systems Thinking and Interactive Design
This course explores the intersection of systems thinking, design thinking, and interactive design to solve complex organizational problems. You will learn to analyze adaptive systems, understand interdependencies and apply human-centered design to create innovative solutions that drive change. Topics include systems thinking and design thinking methodologies, stakeholder engagement, securing buy-in and fostering cross-functional collaboration. By the end, you'll have the tools to solve complex problems, influence change and enhance your leadership in dynamic business environments.
Principles Microcourse
Practice Microcourse
Change Management
This course equips leaders and professionals with the tools to drive successful change initiatives using ADKAR and Kotter's 8-Step Model. You’ll gain practical skills in managing change, analyzing stakeholders and developing communication strategies to foster buy-in and minimize resistance. Key topics include strategic change analysis, stakeholder engagement, cultural considerations, resistance management and resource planning. By the end, you’ll be able to lead through complex transformations, promote collaboration and ensure smooth execution of change efforts. Ideal for current and aspiring leaders and change agents.
Principles Microcourse
Practice Microcourse
Choose the model that is right for you:
- 15% discount over single microcourse
- Unlock access to Career Management services, including two 60-minute personalized advising sessions
- A mix of asynchronous online coursework and assessments with weekly live virtual class sessions led by faculty
- Increased interaction between you, faculty and peer professionals during the course
- Digital Badge for each course completed
- Certificate upon program completion
- 10% discount over single microcourse
- Unlock access to Career Management services, including one 60-minute personalized advising session
- A mix of asynchronous online coursework and assessments with weekly live virtual class sessions led by faculty
- Increased interaction between you, faculty and peer professionals during the course
- Digital Badge
- Maximum flexibility with no live class sessions
- 100% online asynchronous coursework and assessments
- 1:1 faculty support throughout coursework
CREDENTIALS
Earn Badges. Get Noticed.
Earn a digital badge for every completed course. You'll also earn a program certificate and program digital badge upon completion of the required courses. Showcase your new skills and gain a competitive edge by adding badges backed by Villanova University to your resume, LinkedIn profile, or email signature.
THE VILLANOVA DIFFERENCE
The College of Professional Studies has cultivated a distinguished reputation for delivering the hallmark Villanova experience — academically rigorous, top-quality and innovative programs within a supportive community — to students who are pursuing higher education amidst busy professional and personal lives. As an internationally recognized institution, Villanova is proud of its vibrant community of alumni, faculty, students and staff who are dedicated to driving meaningful impact and transformative change within their communities.
FACULTY
Michael O'Neill, JD
Since October 2020, Michael O'Neill has been the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of MLB Players Association, which is located in New York City and he has more than 25 years of Human Resources and Administration experience in a variety of industries.
Prior to his current position, Michael was the CHRO of Wilson Elser, a national law firm for two years and was a Senior Managing Director and Head of Global Corporate Services and Global Administration at Guggenheim Partners for twelve years. Michael joined Guggenheim in 2006 and prior to that was a Director of Human Resources and Administration in the Technology, Private Equity and Legal industries for over 10 years.
Michael also teaches human resources and finance related classes as an online adjunct professor at Villanova University, Penn State, the University of Maryland.
Michael received a Bachelor of Science in accounting from St. John's University and a JD from New York Law School. Michael is admitted to the New York and New Jersey Bar Associations and was a practicing attorney prior to starting his career in Human Resources.
Michael Deldon, MSA, CPA, CMA
holds both CPA and CMA licenses and has several years of experience in accounting and finance operations, having served in executive roles in various industries over the course of his career. Currently he is an adjunct faculty member in Villanova’s College of Professional Studies. Mike earned a bachelor of arts degree at Westfield State University and later received his MSA from the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University.
Patrick Schaffer, MS, CFA
is a Senior Investor in J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank and responsible for advising, crafting and implementing investment strategy for high net worth families, individuals, foundations and privately held businesses. He previously served as a member of the US Portfolio Construction Team and Opportunity Calls Team which are responsible for the Private Bank’s strategic and tactical asset allocation decisions and idea generation. With twenty years of financial markets experience including time in J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank, Investment Bank, and as an equity analyst at two hedge funds, Patrick is a frequent guest in the media, appearing on CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Street.com, Cheddar TV and is often quoted in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Reuters, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, and the Los Angeles Business Journal.
Patrick holds a bachelor of arts degree from Johns Hopkins University, an master’s degree from Villanova University, and has earned the CFA designation from the CFA Institute. Patrick is a member of the CFA Society of Los Angeles, actively volunteers with LA Alliance for College Ready Public Schools, is a board member for the Kathy and Frank Baxter Family foundation.
Minerva Cruz, Ed.D.
is a Lieutenant and a thirty-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department. For more than fifteen years, she has instructed police recruits at the Philadelphia Police Department Academy. She brings to the classroom a collection of skills that include crisis management, counterterrorism, private investigations, public safety, budgeting, statistical analysis of labor laws and ethical and behavioral leadership. Dr. Cruz uses her teaching experience and law enforcement background to help students reach their educational and personal goals. She received her bachelor’s degree from Penn State University, her master’s degree from Philadelphia University and her Doctor of Education degree from Delaware State University.
Roberta Dillon, MS
is a communication and conflict management specialist who works as a facilitator, trainer and coach to leaders and teams in higher education, healthcare, not-for-profit and governmental agencies. Professor Dillon provides facilitation to improve group communication and develop short- and long-range plans; teaches communication, conflict management, and self and team leadership; and coaches leaders and their teams to improve communication and manage conflict. She received her bachelor’s degree from St. John Fisher College and a Master of Science from Nova Southeastern University Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Erin Jewell Gerst, MBA, PCC
drives strategic and tactical implementation for a rare disease portfolio at CSL Behring. Her background includes over twenty-four years in the Healthcare Sector with a variety of roles in sales, marketing, business management, training and start-ups. She previously worked for Pfizer Inc., Boston Scientific Corp., and Medtronic PLC. Erin is the previous owner of a certified women-owned business in the healthcare sector with a focus on physician practice development and is a professional certified coach with the International Coaching Federation. Besides serving as an adjunct professor in the College of Professional Studies, Erin is a leadership coach for the College of Nursing as well as a faculty member at the Ann McNulty Institute for the Women’s Leadership Development Program. Erin received both her bachelor’s degree and MBA in Systems Thinking from Villanova University. She is currently the Vice President of the Alumnae Board at Mount Saint Joseph’s High School and an active member of multiple local non-profits, fueling her passion for women’s health and female leadership development.
Jeffrey Giacoponello, MS
is a distinguished human resources leader, educator, and consultant known for his transformative contributions to talent and employee experience. Jeff architected Lincoln Financial Group’s Top 100 Internship Program, which was celebrated for its excellence in early career development. He also designed the award-winning Get Career Fit program, which earned a 2023 Brandon Hall Gold Award for advancing individual development planning.
As the founder of Talent Advisory Services, Jeff partners with organizations to drive best-in-class strategies for leadership development, culture and employee engagement. His expertise encompasses leadership development, diversity and inclusion, and large-scale upskilling initiatives. Jeff is also deeply committed to giving back and supporting children with disabilities through his charity, Mister Sprinkle.
His teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning that bridges theory and practice, equipping the next generation of leaders to address real-world challenges with strategic insight and a commitment to inclusivity. Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Saint Joseph’s University and a master’s degree in leadership development from Penn State University.
Ed Hayes, MBA, LSSBB
is a seasoned professional with over forty years of experience in business operations and process improvement. A United States Army veteran, he possesses a strong foundation in leadership and a proven ability to drive organizational success.
Following his military service, Ed earned undergraduate and master’s degrees in business administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. In the aftermath of “The Great Recession” in 2008, and recognizing the evolving business landscape, he furthered his education by obtaining a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from Villanova University. This credential was an addition to his previous Professional in Business Intelligence certificate, which he also earned through Villanova. Supplementing his online studies, Ed became a Certified Change Management Practitioner through Prosci® and using Prosci’s ADKAR framework.
Ed’s career includes a significant tenure as a support manager in a large law firm, where he developed expertise in client accounting, new business intake, data management, and process improvement. Currently, Ed serves as the Finance Data Manager for a prominent international law firm in Richmond, Virginia, which allows him to apply his financial acumen and data analysis skills to strategic initiatives such as revenue forecasting and budgeting. His collaborative approach and expertise in change management have been instrumental in driving successful organizational transformations.
Since 2017, Ed has shared his vast knowledge and experience as an Adjunct Instructor at Villanova University’s College of Professional Studies (CPS). Ed’s leadership style is deeply influenced by his military background and his lifelong commitment to professional development.
Sally Slook, MPA, ICMA-CM
is a high-performing government professional with an extensive record of strategic growth and senior leadership. Over the course of her career, Professor Slook has worked in different townships and municipalities, holding positions including Township Manager and Town Manager, and is currently the Director of Building and Housing for the Borough of West Chester. Her expertise includes government relations and administration, public policy, regulatory relations, strategic planning and policy analysis. She received her bachelor’s degree from Wesley College and holds a Master of Public Administration from Villanova University.
GET IN TOUCH
Our enrollment counselors are happy to answer any questions you have about our certificate programs.
Call 610-519-7655