Why earn a graduate certificate in managing and leading people?

Great leaders aren't born—they're developed. This certificate bridges the gap between being a high performer and becoming an effective leader. You’ll build expertise in team dynamics, coaching, and change management and confidence and credibility—skills that translate across industries and unlock higher-level roles with greater influence and earning potential.

Why get your graduate certificate in managing and leading people at UNH?

Our flexible, online program is led by experienced UNH Paul College faculty who bring real-world insight to the classroom. Join a supportive community as you tackle real workplace challenges and build core leadership capabilities in areas like strategic HR, performance management, and communication. Whether you're leading in business, government, or the nonprofit world, you’ll develop the confidence, clarity, and credibility to lead with impact. If an MBA is in your future, certificate credits apply toward our online-hybrid degree, program.

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Managing and Leading People Graduate Certificate equips current and aspiring professionals with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to effectively manage human capital, lead teams, and drive meaningful change in organizations. Drawing on evidence-based insights, this certificate program lays a robust foundation in the art and science of people management. By the end of the certificate program, students will have developed a practical, research-backed skill set that prepares them for leadership roles in business, government, non-profit, and entrepreneurial settings. Whether aiming to manage teams more effectively, oversee strategic functions, or spearhead transformational change initiatives, graduates will be well-equipped to excel in people-centered leadership positions.

Requirements for the Program

Students complete the four graduate-level courses outlined below (12 credits) for the certificate.

While there are no formal prerequisites beyond a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent), relevant work experience or a foundation in management principles is recommended to maximize the learning experience.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required Courses
ADMN 847	Human Resource Management	3
ADMN 856	Leading Organizational Change	3
ADMN 866	Negotiating in Business	3
ADMN 912	Managing Yourself & Leading Others	3
Total Credits		12

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Performance Management: Apply behavioral science principles to diagnose and improve individual and team performance.
Leadership that Influences: Demonstrate effective leadership skills by leveraging self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and influence strategies.
Strategic Human Resources: Develop strategic HR practices that align human capital initiatives with overarching business objectives.
Negotiation: Utilize negotiation frameworks and analytical tools to navigate complex bargaining situations, resolve conflicts, and create mutual gains.
Change Management: Implement sustainable organizational change strategies that address workforce needs, drive innovation, and maintain ethical standards.
Technology Application: Assess the role of emerging technologies (e.g., AI) in shaping HR practices and organizational structures.

Application Requirements & Deadlines

Apply now

Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

Fall: Rolling Admissions. Final Deadline October 24
Spring: Rolling Admissions. Final Deadline March 20
Summer: Rolling Admissions. Final Deadline May 23
Special: N/A

Application fee: $25

Campus: Durham, Online

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters Eligible: No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC.

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.

Managing and Leading People, Graduate Certificate - Post Bacc - PAUL, UNH