Spring term 2 begins. Apply by Feb. 20.
Summer term 1 begins. Apply by April 24
Explore Organizational Leadership
Change management has become an important skill of leaders in every organization. Establish yourself as an effective leader, able to lead change in organizations and coaching diverse people to work toward a common goal, through a professional development with an online leadership certificate.
This graduate certificate in organizational leadership can be taken as a stand-alone program, or can be embedded in Champlain's online MBA program or online master's in organization development & human relations program.
Build Your Career Future
In today's businesses and organizations, employers are seeking leaders who can champion change, inspire teams, and cultivate a culture of emotional intelligence.
A graduate certificate in leadership is a great way to highlight leadership development and showcase subject matter expertise, as well as gain knowledge that can be applied to your workplace from day one.
Program Curriculum
Learn more about Champlain's 100% online graduate certificate in leadership, designed for working professionals.
Champlain's online leadership courses encompass the top skills needed by today's business leaders.
Explore the formal and informal communication strategies that help leaders influence beyond their formal authority. Topics will include how to have generative conversations, communication tactics for engaging stakeholders, cross cultural communications, managing conflict, building impactful narratives that engage and inspire, and the impact of technology on communication in today's organizations.
Examine how to cultivate meaningful relationships across an organizational system, from co-workers, to team members, to broader stakeholders. Attention will be given to how to leverage both formal and informal relationships to create positive impact. Topics include perceptions, motivation, emotional intelligence, building teams, and conflict management.
Explore how to accelerate organizational change by focusing on and leveraging the core strengths of individuals and the collective system. Learn how to challenge the traditional deficit mindset that pervades organizations, and how to use evidence-based appreciative practices to cultivate shared leadership across a system.
Additional Program Details
Graduates of the leadership online graduate certificate program will demonstrate the following industry-specific skills, knowledge, and competencies:
- Apply diverse communication strategies, articulate technology's role in communication, and craft narratives to manage conflicts and engage stakeholders.
- Navigate and leverage organizational relationships by identifying interpersonal dynamics, evaluating their leadership roles within teams, and adopting behaviors that enhance both personal and group interactions.
- Apply a strengths-based and collective approach to leadership, utilizing tools to identify and magnify organizational strengths, and design transformative processes that foster distributed leadership and drive change.
- Apply effective leadership approaches to foster adaptive, innovative, and collaborative organizational cultures that promote positive relationships among stakeholders.
Champlain College Online's business faculty, led by Program Director Dr. Linda Miller, are expert practitioners in the field. Their industry expertise ensures that our leadership curriculum is aligned with the needs of employers, and reflects the skills today’s business professionals need for success. Classes led by our seasoned experts will give you real-world insight into the field and create a rich community of career-focused learning.
Tuition & Costs
Graduate Tuition Fall '23 - Summer '25
*Based on a 3-credit course; cost will vary if course is a different number of credits
See the graduate cost of attendance and fees here
** Veteran rate effective Spring 2025, not retroactive
Affordability and Paying For Your Education
We provide a number of options to make your online education affordable, including preferred tuition for alumni, associate degree graduates, community college graduates, and military.
Accomplish More with a Graduate Certificate in Leadership
Business and financial occupations are expected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030 - faster than the average growth for all fields - as a result of an increasingly complex global business landscape. The median annual wage for these roles is $72,250.*
A specialized certificate can help you build new skills, differentiate your resume, and demonstrate your value as an employee in your current organization.
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 2020
Top Reasons to Earn a Graduate Certificate
- Build new skills
- Earn a recognized credential
- Differentiate your resume
- Pursue a passion
- Test a new field

Why Champlain
Champlain Community
"I hadn't attended college in 40 years, and I was afraid I couldn't use a computer well enough to do an online degree. But somebody at Champlain was always there to help - I'd just call and say, 'I don't know how to do this,' and they'd teach me."

Academic Excellence and Recognition

Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Designated as a Military Friendly School for our commitment to the military community

Ranked among the best by Tech Guide for game design and computer science

Named the among the best schools with accelerated bachelor's degrees by Intelligent.com
Meet the Program Director
Albert Orbinati, PhD
- Business (A.S., B.S., M.S., Certificates)
- Human Resource Management (B.S., Certificates)
- Leadership (M.S.)
- Management Information Systems (B.S.)
- Organization Development & Human Relations (M.S.)
About
Albert Orbinati, PhD, is Assistant Professor and Department Chair for the undergraduate and graduate business programs at Champlain College Online.
Prior to Champlain, Dr. Orbinati's roles have included Assistant Vice President of Online Learning and Continuing Education at Medaille University in Buffalo, NY; Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Education at Russell Sage College in Albany, NY; and Director of Online and Non-Traditional Programs at Utica University in Utica, NY. In addition to his career in higher education, Albert is a member of the U.S. military, and currently holds the rank of Major in the Vermont Air National Guard.
Dr. Orbinati holds a B.A. in Urban Planning from Binghamton University, an M.A. in Adult Education from Central Michigan University, an M.B.A from Champlain College, and a Ph.D. in Adult Education from Capella University.

Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the leadership graduate certificate through some of our frequently asked questions.
Yes, it can be taken as a standalone program or embedded within Champlain’s online MBA or master’s in organization development & human relations with a leadership specialization.
Graduates can pursue roles as security analysts, information security specialists, or cybersecurity consultants.
The program focuses on skills such as strategic thinking, communication, team collaboration, and change management.
Champlain College Online provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career resources, technical support, access to the virtual library, and an alumni network. If you have any questions, please contact your academic advisor.
You May Also Be Interested In
Get Your Online Experience Guide
Learn what you can expect from your online experience at Champlain College Online

Download Online Experience Guide
I acknowledge that, by clicking the "submit" button, I am giving my express written consent to Champlain College and its representatives to contact me about educational opportunities via email, text, or phone, at the phone number above, including my mobile phone, using an automatic dialer, or pre-recorded message. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for enrollment, and I may withdraw my consent at any time.