New online professional management graduate certificate from KU designed to help current, future leadership executives

OVERLAND PARK — Advancing into leadership or even the executive ranks of an organization can be challenging. To help more people achieve and succeed in these vital roles, the University of Kansas School of Professional Studies has launched an online graduate certificate in professional management. The program focuses on in-demand leadership and management skills. The curriculum covers subjects including interpersonal communication, project management, financial management and team leadership.

Stuart Day, dean of the KU Edwards Campus and the professional studies school, said the professional management graduate certificate program provides useful workplace skills that complement students’ and working professionals’ industry knowledge.

“Right now, there’s an increased demand for leaders who can combine their technical and functional skill sets with executive-level leadership abilities, strong written and spoken communication, and project and financial management abilities,” Day said. “This certificate’s curriculum helps students develop into stronger leaders with a competitive professional advantage.”

The 12 credit-hour graduate certificate is conducted completely online, allowing students to easily pursue their studies from wherever is most convenient for them and quickly earn a recognized credential. The program is offered through KU’s School of Professional Studies, which is based at the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park.

“It’s important to reach our students where they are,” Day said. “This program’s online curriculum lets students complete coursework from anywhere, on a schedule that fits their needs.”

Day said the professional management graduate certificate program continues the campus’s commitment to serving the workforce needs of the Kansas City region.

“This certificate helps students and working professionals develop the multidisciplinary skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce, across a variety of industries,” Day said. “We’re proud we can offer this opportunity to help prepare the next generation of leaders.”