Seattle University quad and fountain looking north

Executive Leadership, Certificate

Available in on campus or online format, this top leadership program is more than a business certificate. We’ll push you to examine yourself in the context of your work life and your personal life, and you’ll get the opportunity to put your leadership into action on an issue of importance to you. 

  1. Academics
  2. All Programs
  3. Executive Leadership, Certificate

More Information

Loading...

About this Program

A Program that Works for You 

The ELP is available in either an on campus or online format and includes a residential retreat, advanced experiential learning, team projects and the opportunity to work one-on-one with some of the area’s top executive coaches. Classes meet once a month in two- to three-day modules.  

A History of Launching Great Leaders

In keeping with the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person, Seattle University created the Executive Leadership Certificate Program more than 20 years ago. This seven-month business certificate program was designed to address what C-suite and senior level executives found lacking in their organizations -- wise and thoughtful leadership and insightful, well-informed, discerning leaders.  

Highly regarded as a stand-alone executive certificate program, it also serves as the first two quarters of the Leadership Executive MBA program and has become the top leadership training of its kind for future leaders in many of the region’s largest companies.

What Makes Us Stand Out?

Great leadership is more than the successful execution of managerial competencies. It involves deep self-awareness, insight into others, empathy, and humility. Developing those qualities requires introspection and reflection, two cornerstones of the education you get at Seattle University.  

Learning Outcomes   

The outcome is a deeper knowledge of leadership with:

  • Greater self-awareness, insight and confidence in yourself.
  • A keen understanding of how ethics and values guide executive decisions.
  • A stronger sense of how your actions can effect positive change.
  • Increased appreciation of the complex needs of a global community.

In small class settings and with one-on-one executive coaching, you’ll have the opportunity to discover how you’re perceived, who you want to be as a leader, and what leadership means in your life. Graduates consistently tell us that the program was a defining personal and professional experience, and one of the most transformative of their careers and even their lives.  

Application and Admission Requirements

We evaluate each leadership certificate application and make decisions based on the criteria outlined below. The cohort model of this executive certificate program requires significant group work, so we also look for evidence of effective participation in team environments.

Four-year undergraduate or baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited institution or U.S. equivalent. Exceptions considered on an individual basis by the dean.

Official transcripts from all post-secondary educational institutions attended, including graduate programs. Transcripts from international institutions (including Canada) may require additional evaluation; see your recruiter for more information. Requirements and guidelines for international applicants.

Because of our experiential approach to education, applicants for this executive certificate program must have at least ten years of progressively responsible professional work experience, seven of which should be managerial in nature but can include management of people, products, programs, or projects.

Two recommendations from current or former supervisors using online evaluation forms supplied to recommenders by the university. Applicants without supervisors (i.e. entrepreneurs, business owners, CEOs) should consult with the recruiter for recommendation options.

Two- to four-page, double-spaced essay addressing prompts supplied in the application which, in addition to an explanation of the applicant’s interest in a certificate in Leadership, also serves as a writing sample.

While an initial interview is not required to submit an application, we strongly recommend scheduling a meeting with the recruiter before beginning an application to ensure the program meets your professional and educational goals (schedule interview). Applicants who have submitted an application but haven't yet met with the recruiter will be invited to do so before the application deadline.

A group interview for candidates that reach the final screening will be held following the application deadline. The group interview provides members of the admission committee the opportunity to meet applicants, and gives applicants an opportunity to meet potential classmates.

What You’ll Learn

Learn about the classes you’ll take.

Graduate student Bowen Chen, from Shanghai China, studies in the library on campus for his finals in the Albers Master of Science in Finance (MSF) program

Top 5% World Business Schools

Albers is among top AACSB-accredited schools.

#21

In the Nation

Seattle University’s Leadership Executive MBA degree —U.S. News & World Report, 2024

#4

Best Undergraduate Business Program

On the West Coast —U.S. News & World Report, 2023

Top Training for Leaders

Gina Hall
Click to play the video

Transformational

Great leadership isn’t about what you know, it’s about who you are. Our Executive Leadership Certificate program will help you cultivate the internal qualities of great leaders—insight, self-awareness, confidence, and humility. Gina Hall, CEO of Uplift Northwest and Executive Leadership Certificate ’19, looked around and chose Seattle University.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The cost of the Executive Leadership Certificate program, which takes place over two academic quarters, is $33,400 ($18,200/quarter) for 2023. Tuition for this certificate in leadership is locked for the duration of the program and includes tuition, fees, textbooks and course materials, meals and lodging at residential sessions, continental breakfast and lunches on class days, and food and refreshments at various hosted events.

Financial Aid and Loans

There are two sources for loans for the Executive Leadership Certificate program which are not based on need, income, or credit:

In order to qualify for a loan, you must be a permanent U.S. resident, must not be in default on a prior federal student loan, and must have registered for the draft if required by law to do so.

To apply for a Federal Stafford Direct Loan, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. If you are offered admission to the Leadership Executive MBA program and your FAFSA is approved, the University will send you a financial aid eligibility letter.

For more information on Financial Aid options, please contact Student Financial Services at financialservices@nexustaiwan.com or 206-220-8020.

Veterans

Veterans planning to use GI Bill benefits can find information on our Veterans Education Benefits page. For details and additional information, please contact our VA School Certifying Official at 206-296-5833 or va@nexustaiwan.com.

From Our Alumni

Nancy Sutherland, ELP '17

“I took those eight months in the Executive Leadership Certificate program to reflect on who I was, what I'm about, where I've come from, and where I want go from here. It was one of the most valuable things I’ve done in my career.”

Director of Portfolio Management Office, Expeditors International

Application Deadlines

Application Period Deadline Decision Date
*Early Decision* December 1 December 31
Second March 1 March 31
Final May 15 June 15

Submissions after June 15 will be evaluated space permitting.

Featured Faculty

All Faculty & Staff

Related Programs

Discover more programs to explore.

  • Arts Leadership, MFA

    Master's

    The first of its kind on the West Coast, the MFA in arts leadership provides the essential entrepreneurship, social innovation, management, and advocacy skills vital to create change as a leader.

    • Master of Fine Arts

  • Business Administration, Certificate

    Professional

    The graduate certificates in business are designed to allow working professionals to develop expertise and acquire a credential beyond their undergraduate degree.

    • Certificate

  • Crime Analysis, Certificate

    Professional

    With a Certificate in Crime Analysis, you’ll be prepared to meet the growing demand for criminal justice professionals.

    • Certificate

  • Criminal Justice, BA & BS

    Major

    As a criminal justice major, you’ll study crime and society’s responses to it. Through courses in arts and sciences you'll learn the technical and professional skills to develop your career.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

  • Criminal Justice, Joint MA & JD

    Juris Doctor (JD), Master's

    In the Criminal Justice dual degree program, you can earn both the master’s in criminal justice and JD degrees concurrently.

    • Master of Arts, Juris Doctorate

  • Criminal Justice, MA

    Master's

    In a top-rated master’s in criminal justice program, you’ll advance your career through a comprehensive, rigorous and analytic study of crime.

    • Master of Arts

  • Early Career, MBA

    Master's

    New graduate or young professional with a non-business degree and limited work experience? Our one-year Early Career MBA helps you change careers, start a business, or advance into leadership roles.

    • Master of Business Administration

  • Educational Administration, MEd

    Master's

    The educational administration program prepares you to become a principal, executive director, administrator or leader.

    • Master in Education

  • Executive Leadership, Certificate

    Executive, Professional

    This top executive leadership program is more than a certificate. You’ll be challenged to examine your own practices and immediately apply your new leadership acuity to key issues—on campus or online.

    • Certificate

  • Fundraising Leadership, Certificate

    Professional

    Ready to move up in your development department or interested in exploring fundraising as a career? The certificate in fundraising leadership helps you hone the essential skills needed to succeed.

    • Certificate

  • Global Business, Certificate

    Professional

    Explore the nuances of international business and global strategy with the advanced education the Global Business Certificate provides.

    • Certificate

  • Interdisciplinary Arts, Arts Leadership, BA

    Major, Minor

    With an interdisciplinary arts major in arts leadership, you’ll gain the essential entrepreneurship, social justice, and advocacy skills necessary to create change as a global leader.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Kinesiology, BS

    Major

    As a kinesiology major, you’ll help people improve their health through exercise. You’ll explore the theory and practice of exercise physiology, biomechanics, motor control and exercise psychology.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Leadership Executive, MBA

    Executive, Master's

    Our Leadership Executive MBA helps seasoned professionals make a profound impact on organizations.

    • Master of Business Administration

  • Leadership Formation, Certificate

    Professional

    Take the next step in your career with a customized Certificate of Leadership Formation, where you can study essential business skills from negotiating to managing diversity.

    • Certificate

  • Criminal Justice, Online, MA

    Master's

    In a top-rated online master’s in criminal justice program, you’ll advance your career through a comprehensive, rigorous and analytic study of crime.

    • Master of Arts

  • Management, BABA

    Major, Minor

    Lead people and manage company resources for the good of all. As a management major, you’ll learn how to become an effective and forward-thinking business leader.

    • BA in Business Administration

  • Nonprofit Leadership, MNPL

    Master's

    In the Master of Nonprofit Leadership, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of nonprofit organizations, and drive sustainable social impact.

    • Master of Nonprofit Leadership

  • Public Administration, MPA

    Master's

    In the Master of Public Administration, you’ll gain critical thinking, analysis, administration, management, policy and research knowledge and skills to advance your public service career.

    • Master of Public Administration

  • Online Professional, MBA

    Master's

    Designed with flexibility in mind, the online MBA helps you take your career to the next level. You’ll develop vital business leadership skills while shaping business for the good of all.

    • Master of Business Administration

  • Professional, MBA

    Master's

    Designed for working professionals in the Seattle area, this in-person, evening MBA is affordable and improves your earning potential.

    • Master of Business Administration

  • Public Affairs, BA

    Major, Minor

    In the public affairs major, you will build a solid base in leadership, economics, public policy, management and finance to prepare you to take action for social change.

    • Bachelor of Arts

  • Sport & Entertainment Management, MBA

    Master's

    Advance your career in Seattle’s sports and entertainment industry. With our specialized MBA, you’ll develop strategic business leadership skills with equity and inclusion in mind.

    • Master of Business Administration

Contact Us

Judy Yu

Associate Director