Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?

This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.

Can I just enroll in a single course?

Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Can I take the course for free?

No, you cannot take this course for free. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.

Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?

This Specialization doesn't carry university credit, but some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit. Check with your institution to learn more.

Women in Leadership: Intensive Learning for Emerging Leaders Specialization

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Women in Leadership: Intensive Learning for Emerging Leaders Specialization

Lead with Confidence, Influence & Vision.

Develop your leadership presence through communication, advocacy, and strategic vision.

Instructor: Katie Jolicoeur, Ph.D.

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3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Advanced level

Recommended experience

16 weeks to complete

at 3 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 course series

Get in-depth knowledge of a subject

Advanced level

Recommended experience

16 weeks to complete

at 3 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Build executive presence through confident communication, strategic storytelling, and stakeholder influence across workplace contexts.
Negotiate and advocate effectively by navigating bias, building support, and advancing ideas, opportunities, and resources.
Develop a strategic leadership vision by aligning teams, setting goals, and translating priorities into measurable action.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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Advance your subject-matter expertise

Learn in-demand skills from university and industry experts
Master a subject or tool with hands-on projects
Develop a deep understanding of key concepts
Earn a career certificate from Minnesota State University, Mankato

Specialization - 3 course series

This 3-course Specialization equips women professionals and emerging leaders with the skills to communicate with confidence, advocate effectively, and lead strategically in today’s workplace. You will strengthen your leadership presence, navigate workplace challenges, manage difficult conversations, and apply research-backed strategies to influence stakeholders, negotiate opportunities, and advance your goals.

Through practical frameworks, exercises, and real-world applications, you will develop the ability to define a leadership vision, align teams around shared priorities, and translate ideas into measurable action. By the end of the Specialization, you will have personalized strategies to support your continued growth and create meaningful outcomes for yourself, your organization, and the people you lead.

Applied Learning Project

You will complete practical projects that help you apply communication, negotiation, advocacy, and strategic leadership concepts to real workplace situations. You will develop a personalized leadership communication plan, practice influencing and negotiation strategies for key professional conversations, and create a strategic leadership vision with actionable goals and success measures. These projects are designed to help you reflect on your leadership strengths, address growth opportunities, build confidence in advocating for yourself and others, and translate your learning into meaningful actions that support your continued leadership development.

Strategic Leadership & Vision for Women

Course 1, 16 hours

What you'll learn

Assess your strengths, values, and leadership style to build strategic confidence and navigate workplace bias effectively.
Create and communicate an inclusive strategic vision by analyzing stakeholders, opportunities, and organizational priorities.
Execute strategy with influence, KPIs, and a personalized leadership development plan for sustained career growth.

Communication & Influence for Women in Leadership

Course 2, 13 hours

What you'll learn

Build executive presence through confident communication, effective body language, and audience-focused message framing.
Influence stakeholders with strategic storytelling, advocacy, and communication tailored across teams, cultures, and leadership levels.
Handle workplace challenges by addressing bias, leading difficult conversations, and creating a communication growth plan.

Negotiation & Organizational Advocacy for Female Leaders

Course 3, 14 hours

What you'll learn

Apply structured negotiation strategies by evaluating alternatives, stakeholder interests, and influence to achieve better outcomes.
Advocate effectively by navigating gender bias, tailoring messages, and building support across organizational levels and cultures.
Negotiate with confidence on roles, resources, and compensation while creating long-term advocacy and leadership action plans.

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.

Instructor

Katie Jolicoeur, Ph.D.

Minnesota State University, Mankato

0 Courses0 learners

Offered by

Minnesota State University, Mankato

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Frequently asked questions

The Specialization will take 14 weeks to complete (3-4 hours per week).

This Specialization is for women professionals aspiring to leadership roles, developing leadership confidence and skills, or seeking to reskill and upskill for career growth. No prior leadership experience is required.

Yes, the courses are suggested to be taken in this order, but it is not required:

Strategic Leadership & Vision for Women
Communication & Influence for Women in Leadership
Negotiation & Organizational Advocacy for Female Leaders

Upon completing this Specialization, you will be able to communicate with confidence, build executive presence, negotiate and advocate strategically, and influence stakeholders across organizational levels. You will develop the skills to create a compelling leadership vision, align teams around shared goals, and translate strategy into measurable action while building a personalized plan for continued leadership growth.