Build the leadership communication skills organizations demand. Michigan State University's Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership Communication prepares professionals to lead teams, drive change, and navigate workplace dynamics with strategic communication expertise. Complete this specialized three-course certificate (9 credits) in less than one year while working full-time—100% online and asynchronously.
The program combines organizational communication theory with practical leadership application, equipping you to manage conflict, build consensus, facilitate performance conversations, and lead change initiatives. You'll learn frameworks used by Fortune 500 companies to build high-performing teams and collaborative work cultures.
What makes this certificate valuable? Communication and leadership are consistently ranked as the most critical skills for career advancement. This certificate gives you the competencies managers need to succeed in senior leadership roles.
Who is this for? Mid-career professionals transitioning into management, current managers seeking to strengthen leadership communication, HR professionals, team leads, and aspiring executives. Credits earned can be applied toward MSU’s online M.A. in Strategic Communication if you decide to continue.
What will you learn in the Organizational Leadership Communication Certificate? Leadership communication skills are essential for career advancement into management and executive roles. With your Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership Communication from Michigan State, you will be prepared to:
Graduates leverage this certificate to transition from individual contributor to management roles, advance from supervisor to director-level positions, or pivot into organizational development and HR leadership. Employers specifically seek professionals who combine technical expertise with strong leadership communication skills—this certificate provides both.
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.
You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.
As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.
MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.
MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.
MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.
MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.
MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.
Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.
We recruit cohorts of around 20 for fall, spring and summer semesters.