
Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Social Justice
100% Online Program
The Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Social Justice program at NDNU offers an academically rigorous foundation in the theories and practices of equity and social justice. Designed to meet the growing demand for leaders adept at managing social justice initiatives, this program provides a rich blend of scholarly study and practical application.
Through courses grounded in research and industry best practices, participants will gain expertise in leadership strategies, program design, and social justice literacy. The program
emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and hands-on engagement, equipping graduates to lead transformative change in business, government, education, industry, and
community organizations.
This Certificate also serves as a pathway for academic advancement. Completed courses are eligible for credit toward NDNU’s Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership and Social Justice program, offering students a seamless progression to further their expertise
and career impact.
Distinctions of the Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Social Justice
- Candidates in this program engage with theory, practice, and diversity opportunities that enable them to design and deploy sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies that lead to institutional and organizational change.
- The program culminates in a capstone project that allows students the opportunity to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to resolve real needs across multiple sectors including community-based organizations, education, research and policy, business, non-profits, nongovernmental organizations, and communities.
- Asynchronous classes, attend anytime, on-demand.

Certificate Requirements
The program curriculum consists of any nine units (three courses) of courses being offered in the MA Strategic Leadership and Social Justice program other than the Capstone and in consultation with the Program Director to match student goals. These courses can be taken in any order when they are being offered in the MA Strategic Leadership and Social Justice program giving students flexibility to start at any point in the academic year.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Engage knowledgeably with Strategic Leadership and Social Justice concepts and recognize underlying assumptions.
- Audit and assess the Strategic Leadership and Social Justice needs of an organization.
- Communicate professionally and effectively with internal and external audiences in support of Strategic Leadership and Social Justice interventions and initiatives.
- Design, lead, and implement a Strategic Leadership and Social Justice initiative.
CORE COURSES (9 Units)
- SLSJ 4401 Foundations of Strategic Leadership and Social Justice (3)
- SLSJ 4402 Race and Ethnicity (3)
- SLSJ 4403 Identity Safety (3)
- SLSJ 4404 Interpersonal Communication (3)
- SLSJ 4405 Policy and Law (3)
- SLSJ 4406 Change Management and Intervention (3)
- SLSJ 4407 Practicum (3)
- SLSJ 4408 Capstone (3)
- BUS 4522 Cultural Competencies in Public Administration (3)
- EDU 4706 Social Justice, Diversity, and Equity (3)
Streamlined Admissions
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Fully admitted students will need to meet the following requirements:
- A four- year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- A cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better
- Two academic and/or professional recommendations
- A personal interview with the Program Director is required.
- International students refer to admission requirements in the current catalog.
When you are ready to take that next step in advancing your career, contact us to learn how we can be the catalyst to make it happen sooner. Accepting applications year-round.
State Authorization for Online Programs
The Department of Education requires that institutions offering online or distance learning programs outside of their home states must seek authorization to operate from regulatory bodies in those states. Each state has a different set of requirements when it comes to allowing out-of-state colleges and universities to offer online degree programs to its residents.