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How to ApplyRequest Info
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Graduate Certificate inPsychology of Leadership Foundations

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

This 9-credit online certificate program examines the foundations of leadership psychology. The courses can help students prepare for leadership promotions, analyze and enhance their leadership styles, and motivate and influence others in the workplace.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by April 15 to start May 19

9 Credits$1,027 per credit

Stackable Credentials

This program is embedded within the Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership credential.

Gain Skills to Improve Your Leadership

  • Explain relevant theories related to the psychology of effective leadership.

  • Apply psychological concepts and perspectives to analyze and address leadership challenges.

  • Create your own leadership development plan.

  • Evaluate leadership scenarios to predict their effectiveness.

  • Refine your self-awareness and leadership styles to excel in organizational leadership.

Learn essential skills for effective leadership in the workplace with courses that examine the foundations of leadership psychology. The courses in this certificate were designed for early- to mid-career professionals aspiring to compete for leadership promotions, analyze and enhance their leadership styles, and motivate and influence others in the workplace.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Students will examine the social and psychological processes underlying leadership in organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Students will examine the psychological and social processes underlying behavior, motivation, and attitudes in work settings.

  • 3
    credits

    Students will examine a variety of assessments used for assessing leadership capabilities, take those assessments themselves, and reflect on their results to reach personal insights they can use in creating their own leadership development plan.

    • Prerequisite

      PSY 532 and PSY 539

Using Certificate Credits toward a Stackable Credentials Degree Pathway

As part of the stackable pathway, the courses required for this 9-credit certificate can also be applied to a Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership if you apply and are accepted into the program. If you have been accepted into this certificate program, you will not be charged an additional fee to apply for the Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership program.

Courses may also apply to other degree programs. Students should contact their adviser to discuss transfer credit policies and application fees and details.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Learn more about this program

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by April 15 to start May 19. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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This certificate can serve as a stand-alone credential as well as a step on your journey toward a Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership. Stackable credentials recognize your new skills and knowledge while you work toward your master's degree — with no additional application fees.

Earning graduate certificates from Penn State World Campus is a great way to gain new skills and quickly add valuable credentials to your résumé.

This graduate certificate’s courses satisfy requirements toward the following degree(s):

The online psychology of leadership master's degree program is intended for working professionals seeking advanced education in leadership. You can learn how to apply psychological theories and research to solve practical leadership problems in organizations.

Learn more

Set Your Own Pace

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

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Apply by April 15 to start May 19

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by April 15 to start May 19

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 31 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 30, 2025, to start January 12, 2026

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

    GPA and Work Experience — Students who do not have a GPA of at least 3.0 will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the quality of their overall application. Applicants who are still completing their baccalaureate requirements at the time of application may be admitted to the Fox Graduate School conditional on the awarding of the baccalaureate degree. Students are also expected to have a minimum of two years of full-time, paid work experience prior to admission.

  2. Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    GRE and Test Scores — No GRE or GMAT scores are required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Résumé — Upload a one- to two-page résumé highlighting your full-time employment and/or military experience to the online application.

    Statement of Purpose — Upload an essay 1–2 pages long, articulating career and educational goals that demonstrate the student’s written communication skills.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. If you have been previously accepted to a program with stackable credentials, you will not be charged an additional application fee for any associated programs.

    Associated programs in the psychology of leadership stack:

      Certificates

      • Graduate Certificate in Psychology of Ethical Leadership
      • Graduate Certificate in Psychology of Leadership Foundations
      • Graduate Certificate in Psychology of Team Leadership

      Degree

      • Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership

      If you begin with a certificate and are interested in pursuing the Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership, work with your adviser while completing your first certificate to determine which program to apply to next.

      Up to 15 credits earned in any of these certificate programs may be transferred to the Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit.

    • You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

      • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
      • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    • 6. Complete the application.

      Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

    Admissions Help

    If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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    Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

    For general questions about the program: 
    Greg Loviscky
    Program Director
    140 Moore Building
    The Pennsylvania State University
    University Park, PA 16802
    Phone: 814-863-1116
    [email protected]

    For general questions about Penn State World Campus:
    World Campus Admissions Counselors
    Phone: 814-863-5386
    [email protected]

    The Graduate Certificate in Psychology of Leadership Foundations is offered in partnership with the Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies.

    Faculty

    • Richard Bakken

      • Ph.D., Leadership Studies, University of San Diego
      • M.A.Ed., University of Phoenix
      • B.A., Wisconsin Lutheran College

      Dr. Richard Bakken is a member of the faculty in the psychology of leadership program. An experienced educator, he also serves as chief information officer for the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. His leadership research focuses on higher education administration in a global setting, exploring the impact of native students attending western universities in Doha, Qatar. His research interests include applied leadership informing administrators how students describe their learning experiences in Western university environments and ways that technology can impact those processes.

    • James M. Dobbs

      • Ph.D., Leadership Studies, University of San Diego
      • M.A., Counseling and Leadership, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
      • M.S., Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
      • B.B.A., Business Management, University of New Mexico

      Dr. James M. Dobbs is an instructor of organizational management, psychology, and leadership. He has been a behavioral change agent for approximately 15 years, coaching and mentoring high-potential leaders who are thriving and successful, as well as those who are struggling and derailing. His research and writing involve leadership development and self-awareness, toxic leadership, cynicism, and assessment of leadership programs. He understands that the pace of change facing organizations requires multiple approaches to leadership development and requires more adaptive, flexible leadership.

    • Keith Gatto

      • Ph.D., Organizational Leadership, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
      • M.Ed., Psychology, Cambridge College
      • B.S., Business Administration and Marketing, Villanova University

      Dr. Keith Gatto has more than 25 years of experience in both industry and academics and has taught professionals domestically and internationally. His research and teaching focus is on the intersection of innovation, leadership, and positive psychology. He works extensively with Silicon Valley industry leaders on the development of positive employee mindsets that impact the culture and productivity of organizations. Before working in academics, Dr. Gatto worked in various organizations, including Vanguard, CIGNA, and MFS Investment Management.

    • Andrew D. Katayama

      • Ph.D., Educational Psychology, Mississippi State University
      • M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, Freed-Hardeman University
      • B.S.E., Secondary Education and Psychology, Freed-Hardeman University

      Dr. Andrew D. Katayama’s research and teaching foci have been in the areas of learning and cognition. He has taught courses in behavioral and cognitive psychology, educational psychology, research methods and statistics, and marriage and family. Dr. Katayama’s publications have been in the areas of learning strategies, team efficacy, assistive technology in special education, and sports psychology, among other areas of scholarship.

    • George Mastroianni

      • Ph.D., Experimental Psychology, University of New Hampshire
      • M.A., Experimental Psychology, University of New Hampshire
      • M.A., International Relations, San Francisco State University
      • B.S., Psychology, Georgetown University

      Dr. George Mastroianni teaches courses in the psychology of leadership. Having served in the U.S. Army as a research psychologist, Dr. Mastroianni has considerable experience conducting applied psychological research to solve problems, evaluate new equipment, and measure and improve human performance. He has also published extensively on obedience, ethics, and leadership. His current research and scholarship focus on the psychology of the Holocaust.

    • Paul Obidinski

      • J.D., University at Buffalo, School of Law
      • B.S., Psychology, Penn State

      Professor Obidinski teaches several courses, including Ethics and Leadership and the Psychology of Leading Work Groups and Teams. Over the course of his career, he has served as an attorney in private practice and has held executive leadership roles in ethics, compliance, and human resources at several Fortune 100 companies. He works closely with professional athletes on career management initiatives and with small businesses on employee and business development projects.

    • Peter Reiley

      • Ph.D., Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Penn State
      • M.A., Organizational Leadership, Chapman University
      • B.B.A., Management, Leadership, & Administration, University of Texas at San Antonio

      Dr. Peter Reiley has taught university-level courses in leadership, psychology, and management for more than a decade. He has more than 20 years of leadership experience ranging from leading a national nonprofit to service in the United States Air Force as a program manager for the multibillion-dollar U.S. space launch program, leading blended teams of military personnel, government civilians, and contractors from Fortune 500 companies. He is an international scholar with more than 50 publications and presentations on leadership, power, influence, and military veteran transition, and he has consulted for organizations across the government and private sectors.

    • Eileen Schiffer

      • Ph.D., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of South Florida
      • M.A., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, University of South Florida
      • B.A., Psychology, University of South Florida

      Dr. Eileen Schiffer is an industrial organizational psychologist who has had a wide range of opportunities to support students and clients in their pursuits of their professional goals. Those experiences have included individual counseling, comprehensive project management, program development and evaluation, and training and support of others who shared a commitment to facilitating academic and professional growth of students and clients. Dr. Schiffer is an advocate and driver for high-quality online adult education.

    • Jill K. Wheeler

      • Ph.D., Industrial-Organizational Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park
      • M.A., Industrial-Organizational Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park
      • B.A., Psychology (Honors), Wayne State University

      Dr. Jill K. Wheeler is an instructor in the MPS in Psychology of Leadership program. In addition to teaching, she is a consultant with expertise in developing practical business solutions to help organizations succeed by selecting, developing, engaging, and retaining outstanding talent. She possesses a broad experience base, having worked for 20 years in Fortune 500 and privately held companies in a variety of industries. Dr. Wheeler has also authored or delivered more than 20 publications and presentations on topics including employee selection, job satisfaction, performance management, and leadership.

    We Are Penn State Online

    This is the real Penn State. You will take courses with curriculum developed by the same professors who teach on campus. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State.

    Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

    Apply by April 15 to start May 19. How to Apply 

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