Program description
Values are a compass for leaders during changing times.
Through the Graduate Certificate in Values-Based Leadership you'll learn how to align your decisions and actions with your values. This six-month, three-course program is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals, who want to lead better.
Values-based leadership will help you to become a confident mentor and authentic leader. Your skills will help you to strengthen an organizational culture that engages employees — and improves productivity and the bottom line. Good leadership, in turn, will help your organization respond to some of the great challenges of our time.
Work while you study with online courses and a short, immersive on-campus residency.
This is program open to multisectoral leaders within public, private or civil sectors.
You can build from here
You can take this as a standalone program or apply credits toward one of following degree programs:
- Master of Arts in Leadership (Executive Leadership specialization)
- Master of Arts in Leadership
- Master of Arts in Global Leadership
- Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Master of Business Administration in Executive Management
Program outcomes
Once you have completed this program, you'll have the skills to:
- lead with courage and confidence
- establish trust through transparency and authenticity
- foster engagement toward a positive organizational culture
- model effective and collaborative relationships
- lead values-driven teams
While students in this program are already mid-level to senior leaders, this degree can help you enhance your capabilities in your current role or advance to other senior leadership positions. It is specifically designed for leaders in the public, private and civil sectors, serving in roles such as deputy minister, assistant deputy minister or director general in government; president, CEO, VP, CFO, director in business, education or social services; administrator or manager in healthcare; commissioner, assistant superintendent or chief in military or policing.
Program delivery
The Graduate Certificate in Values-Based Leadership is a three-course program offered over six months. The program is delivered through a blend of online learning and a one-week on-campus residency.
Courses
The program includes the following three courses (9 credits):
- Values-Based Leadership: Being the best for the world
- Values-Based Collaboration and Partnership
- Leadership, Culture and Sustainability
Schedule
This program includes the following two parts:
- Two blended delivery courses — The courses include online learning and a one-week residency on campus.
- Online course with experiential learning — The third course is delivered online, and includes a field project and five-day virtual conference.
The Graduate Certificate in Values-Based Leadership takes place at the same time as the Master of Arts in Leadership (Executive Leadership specialization) and serves as its first residency term.
Online courses
Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous dialogues, interactive discussions, reflective journaling, guest speakers, and individual and team assignments.
You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.
The two blended delivery courses are taken at the same time for a period of 10 weeks. The third course is 12 weeks. Each online course requires 15 to 20 hours of work per week.
Residency
This blended program has a one-week residency. Blended programs include online courses and on-campus residencies.
Residencies are intensive and highly relational. Many students say this time together is the highlight of their program.
During your residency, you can expect to:
- attend classes full time (e.g., Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- complete homework and individual and team assignments outside of class hours
- take part in extracurricular activities
Courses
Faculty
Transfer agreements
Refine results
Standard admission
- Four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, with a minimum GPA of B+ (3.33/4.33).
- Normally a minimum of five years of leadership* experience, including at least three years as a designated organizational leader with responsibilities to lead others in delivering a common product or outcome with explicit values.
- Applicants who meet the degree requirement, but not the GPA, or have been away from academic writing for more than 10 years, will normally be required to take the “Academic Writing and Critical Thinking” course offered through Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University, and obtain a minimum B+ (77%) prior to commencing the program. (This course must end a minimum of five weeks prior to your program start date.)
Flexible admission
Applicants who do not meet the standard admission Requirements will be considered for flexible admission and assessed as follows:
- At least seven years of organizational experience, with at least three years of positional leadership or designated leadership experience.
- Flexible admission applicants will normally be required to take “Academic Writing and Critical Thinking” and obtain a minimum B+ (77%) prior to commencing the program. (This course must end a minimum of five weeks prior to your program start date.)
English language proficiency
- If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.
All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:
Application form
In order to apply online, you will be required to create a login account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.
Missed your application deadline? While we can’t make any guarantees, we may be able to accommodate late applications if there's still space and enough time to process. If you're interested in an intake that is now closed to applications, apply for the next available intake and email Admissions with your preferred start date. Make sure you’re prepared to submit your program's required documents right away. We can't make an admissions decision without them.
Official transcripts
Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.
Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.
All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript evaluation.
Statement of intent
You are asked to submit a letter of intent that includes the following:
- Your learning interests and your reasons for selecting this particular graduate program;
- Your professional background including the nature of your experience(s) as a designated organizational leader and other professional experiences and accomplishments;
- A value that is particularly important to you and how it shows up in your work and life;
- Current thoughts about what you hope to achieve in your leadership practice going forward.
Letters of reference
Two letters of reference should consist of the following:
- Two professional references: These reference letters should focus on your work-related achievements and contributions, your leadership abilities and approach, your character, special and outstanding features of your career, and values exemplified in your practice.
Structured résumé
Your professional résumé should include the following:
- Post-Secondary education: List all degrees, diplomas, certificates, and professional development programs that you have completed, or if applicable, which match the flexible admissions criteria above.
- Work experience - designated leadership experience: List and briefly describe leadership positions held, nature of the work, and duration.
- Voluntary/unpaid work experience: List and describe any voluntary or community service experience. Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties.
- Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
- Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.
If applicable:
- Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
- Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
- An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.
For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.
