Leadership for the Public Good
At Georgia College, leadership means more. Our students are educated in the classical tradition of leadership for the public good. Beyond simply teaching students how to be successful in business or in their professions, at Georgia College, we help our students forge meaningful connections to our communities and world. The intensive leadership education we provide at Georgia College helps our students to identify what matters to them, how to make positive change in their communities and world, and how to serve as leaders for the public good.
The Georgia College Leadership Certificate Program is a nine-credit academic program. Successful completion of the program earns a baccalaureate certificate in leadership studies from Georgia College.
Program Goals
We believe in the fundamental goodness of our students and in their ability to shape the future. We believe the best way to understand leadership is to put it in a practical context. We deal with the world as it ought to be and also as it is. Beyond the theoretical or philosophical level, we consider the many ways our students will practice leadership across their lives—as scholars, professionals, and citizens.
- Civic Engagement and Public Affairs
- Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Strategic Thought
- Inclusive Leadership
- Intercultural Negotiation
- Ethics in Leadership
Why the Leadership Program?
- Holistic approach to leadership development
- Global offerings across four countries
- Signature retreats, conferences, and travel opportunities
- Networking with nationally recognized leaders, executives, and elected officials
- Dynamic and interactive opportunities to practice your leadership
- Ongoing leadership consultations, assessment, and feedback
- Distinguished, nationally recognized academic credential
Our Network
Where will Your Leadership Take You?
The Leadership Certificate Program brings together a diverse community of students and faculty, united in their commitment to leadership and finding innovative solutions to the challenges confronting society. Our students are eager to connect their learning at Georgia College with enduring questions of civic life and to forge connections in our communities and world.
Our courses are taught by leading authorities on leadership, public affairs, social entrepreneurship, and strategic thought. Frequent guest facilitators include noted authors and thought-leaders, CEOs and non-profit executives, elected officials and policymakers, diplomats and military officers.
A quick Summary
| Program Duration | 9 credit hours. Typically 2-3 semesters. | |
| Time Commitment | In addition to class, typically 2-3 hours per month. | |
| Course Options | 10+ courses offered annually | |
| Instructor/Student Ratio | 1:12; with 5 instructors | |
| Leadership Coaching Consultations | 5+ | |
| Cost | GCSU tuition applies to course enrollment with $0 additional course/program fees. |
Continue Your Leadership Journey
Intercultural Leadership in France
Our signature study-abroad program, based in the European capital of Strasbourg, provides and engaging and interactive study of leadership across cultures, as well as practical training in human rights, dispute resolution, social responsibility, peace-building, and intercultural negotiation.
Georgia Education Mentorship Program
A one-of-a-kind partnership between Georgia College and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the GEM Program prepares the next generation of Georgia's leaders for the public good. A mentorship and leadership program, GEM matches students with senior state leaders for a yearlong partnership that creates mutual benefit between Georgia College and its partners.
Affiliate Leadership Programs
Georgia College offers a range of specialized leadership-development opportunities. Through strategic partnerships across the university, we offer focused leadership experiences related to nursing, business ethics, journalism, international politics, and more.