Certificate in Inclusive Leadership

The Certificate in Inclusive Leadership consists of five (5) fully online courses designed to empower both current and aspiring leaders. It focuses on developing cognitive clarity and emotional intelligence within an inclusive framework. This unique program goes beyond traditional leadership approaches by addressing how cognitive mastery can illuminate biases and challenge inner critics. It also reveals the subtle yet profound impacts of power, privilege, and marginalization on decision-making and team dynamics.

These five courses are designed as an intentional journey that transforms leadership from inner awareness to outward impact. Beginning with Mind Matter: Being and Self-Awareness, learners explore how the brain, bias, and motivated cognition shape perception and behaviour. Cognitive Mastery and Emotional Insight builds on this foundation, cultivating empathy, resilience, and psychological safety. Equity-Centred Leadership extends that awareness into systems, embedding inclusion and accountability in practice. Decision-Making and Logic strengthens judgment, trust, and collaboration for ethical, evidence-based leadership. Finally, Action for Future Sustainability integrates all learnings, empowering leaders to navigate complexity with clarity, compassion, and the courage to create lasting, equitable change.

Through advanced techniques in cognitive insight, affective resilience, and inclusive strategies, participants learn to make courageous and inclusive decisions that build trust and transform team dynamics. In today’s evolving work environments, understanding how biases and privilege influence leadership choices is essential for fostering inclusivity and driving positive change. With a focus on creating inclusive leaders at all levels of an institution, this certificate equips participants to navigate complex decisions and foster a culture of courage. It empowers them to make impactful, inclusive choices that extend beyond personal reflection and into the communities they serve.

Courses

Each course in the certificate is three (3) weeks in length and consists of 20 learning hours, including 6 hours of live sessions. Learners can expect to spend a minimum of 7 hours per week on their studies.

Learners are required to complete the courses in order.

Click on each course name for more details and specific learning outcomes:

• OLCD-IDEA0008 Mind Matter: Being and Self-Awareness
• OLCD-IDEA0009 Cognitive Mastery and Emotional Insight
• OLCD-IDEA0010 Equity-Centred Leadership 
• OLCD-IDEA0011 Decision-Making and Logic 
• OLCD-IDEA0012 Action for Future Sustainability

Please note:  The Certificate requires a passing grade of 70% in each course. See each course for applicable tuition fees and schedule. These courses fill up quickly, and registration in one course does not guarantee your spot in another.  You must register for each course individually to reserve your spot.

Students may occasionally wish to take multiple certificates which share the same courses. For additional certificates that use cross-over courses from those the student has completed / will complete, at least 50% NEW courses must be taken. If the student has no option to meet the 50% new course threshold with those posted on the certificate plan, administration will recommend elective courses closely related to the certificate objectives. For more information, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.

Learning Outcomes

With the courses in this certificate, you will learn to:

• formulate a personal and actionable definition of leadership that acknowledges complexity, promotes inclusion, and inspires meaningful change in today’s dynamic environments;
• utilize insights from neuroscience to improve clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence, facilitating better decision-making and inclusive leadership practices;
• identify and dismantle unconscious biases, emotional triggers, and self-limiting beliefs to unlock resilience and achieve greater personal and professional performance in emotional intelligence;
• devise and execute equity-driven strategies that confront systemic injustices, promote empowerment, and cultivate environments of belonging and inclusion;
• cultivate self-awareness, empathy, and social acumen to foster trust, resolve conflicts, and create cohesive, high-performing teams;
• use innovative tools and frameworks to lead diverse teams effectively, navigate complex dynamics, and drive innovation through collaboration;
• employ creative problem-solving and strategic thinking to transform uncertainty into opportunity, flourishing in volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environments; and
• develop and implement practical strategies to address contemporary leadership challenges, ensuring the creation of meaningful, sustainable impacts within organizations and communities.

Prerequisites

Language Requirement: University-level English language proficiency required in writing, speaking and reading comprehension. It is recommended that students have an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall or a TOEFL-IBT score of 90 overall for this program. Please see the following guidelines from Dalhousie University for more information: English Language Requirements For Undergraduate Admissions - Admissions - Dalhousie University.

Program Delivery

The program is delivered through the flexibility and convenience of Dalhousie's enriched and engaging online learning platform (OpenDal). Courses include weekly group activities, live streaming lectures and project work. Course delivery is designed to provide maximum benefit and flexibility through online study. All course materials are made available through the OpenDal learning platform and are included in the course fees.

Who Should Take This Certificate?

• Those interested in leadership training that prioritizes a lens of understanding diversity, fostering belonging, and practicing inclusive communication and practices

Career Opportunities

The Certificate in Inclusive Leadership can help participants:

• understand the value of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in design, promotion, recruitment, delivery, and application.
• improve their competencies, develop skills, and apply them in real-world settings.

Recognition of Prior Learning

It may be possible to receive advanced standing in this certificate based on your prior learning from work or life experience. We provide two types of recognition of prior learning:

• Prior Certified Learning: Assessment of prior coursework or training through a provider, that is neither a university or college, for the purpose of advanced standing. Examples of certified learning may include military courses, accredited certificates, workplace training programs, etc.
• Prior Experiential Learning: Assessment of previous work and life learning that may be equivalent to learning outcomes of university courses / programs, for the purpose of advanced standing. Relevant prior learning may come from work or volunteer experience, participation on committees or boards, independent study, etc.

To discuss how to use your prior learning to apply for advanced standing, please contact rpl@dal.ca.