WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT CERTIFICATE
Whether you aspire to be a leader in your career, in your community or on the board of an organization you're passionate about—develop your leadership potential through Villanova University's Women's Leadership Development Certificate.
Over the past several decades, women have made significant progress in academic achievements as well as their representation in the paid workforce. Despite this progress, women are vastly underrepresented in the top leadership positions across all industries and organizations, and a persistent earnings gap exists.
In keeping with its mission to foster women’s advancement, The Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women's Leadership created a leadership development certificate geared towards “women in the middle.” The program builds on the participants’ experiences and interests to develop their leadership skills and form their own unique path to leadership.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
- The Leadership Development Certificate program includes a combination of three in-person residencies at The Inn at Villanova, as well as asynchronous online work. Participants will spend approximately 39 hours (3.9 Continuing Education Units) in residence at The Inn at Villanova over the course of the program.
- The three residencies will meet on a Friday and Saturday for 13 hours in total length across the two days. Exact times are to be determined, but Friday will be a full day of study, and the Saturday sessions will conclude after lunch.
- The online components of the program, completed in the weeks prior to and between the residency experiences, focus on identifying individual strengths and talents, reinforcing theoretical content and participating in peer group coaching.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The curriculum and program format foster networking opportunities and cross-industry connections and collaboration for women seeking to develop their leadership skills and advance their careers.
The Leadership Development Certificate includes a combination of three in-person residences at The Inn at Villanova, as well as online work. The residency —a critical component of the certificate— fosters an environment that promotes deep discussion, reflection and collaboration.
WHO SHOULD ENROLL?
- This program is ideal for women seeking career advancement, a career change or those returning to the workforce—the Women's Leadership Development Certificate will help individuals build new skills, gain an awareness of systemic issues related to gender inequality and explore ways to influence change.
SPRING 2026 RESIDENCY THEMES
Exploring Your Unique Context
Building Knowledge & Leadership Skills
Designing Your Path
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.
At Villanova, we believe where you've been is just the beginning.
Pursue the Next You.™
The Anne Welsh McNulty Institute for Women’s Leadership fosters women’s advancement through education, advocacy, community-building and the collaborative creation of new knowledge.