Why study this program?
Learn to lead and shape meaningful policy. Immediately applicable skills. 100% online.
Championed by the Peter Lougheed School of Politics & Democracy, the Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership is the first program of its kind in Canada. Designed for professionals working across organizations and sectors, it prepares participants to confidently navigate the increasingly complex and polarized world of politics and policy. Grounded in applied, real-world learning, the program convenes scholars, practitioners, and students to challenge conventional approaches, exchange diverse perspectives and develop new ways of governing in turbulent times.
Delivered in just four courses, this graduate credential emphasizes applied learning, partnership development, stakeholder engagement and pluralistic leadership practices, preparing graduates to build consensus, influence decision-making and lead across sectors.
Why Choose Our Program?
Advance your career in policy leadership with a Top 5 institution.
- 100% Online Graduate Certificate
- First of its kind in Canada
- Learn to confidently navigate the increasingly complex and polarized world of politics and policy.
- Gain access to world-class policy leadership programming and earn a graduate credential in just four online courses
Championed by the Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy
The Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy at the University of Alberta is cultivating a new generation of leaders by equipping students, policymakers and the public with the critical skills to bridge divides, champion pluralism, and navigate the political landscape.
Flexible Delivery, Accelerated Completion
Study and engage from anywhere in a 100% online format. Designed for working professionals from all sectors. Advance your career by completing four (4) seven-week online courses. Courses have a bisynchronous delivery — a mix of asynchronous content and optional live, synchronous online sessions — providing you with flexibility through self-paced content and real-time virtual connection. Complete the certificate in as few as two (2) academic terms.
No prior background in political science required
Gain access to world-class policy leadership programming through a streamlined admission process. Welcoming learners from diverse professional and academic backgrounds, this interdisciplinary curriculum draws from multiple disciplines, including political science, business and Indigenous governance.
Who Should Apply?
This program is designed for learners looking to:
- Advance or transition into leadership, policy, or strategic roles, including opportunities as policy analysts, government relations specialists, program or policy managers, regulatory or public affairs professionals, and strategic partnership managers.
- Strengthen their ability to influence change by developing practical skills in governance, political engagement, stakeholder management and navigating complex political and organizational environments.
- Explore interdisciplinary curriculum, spanning policy studies, political science, education, Indigenous governance, business and health policy.
What You’ll Learn
- Demonstrate political acumen by identifying, interpreting and navigating formal and informal systems of power, influence and governance.
- Communicate strategically and persuasively with audiences across sectors using appropriate tools, messaging and engagement strategies.
- Analyze complex policy and leadership challenges using interdisciplinary frameworks and knowledge of Canadian political, business and Indigenous systems.
- Collaborate across differences through ethical negotiation and pluralistic engagement in complex and potentially polarized environments.
- Apply leadership and problem-solving strategies to develop evidence-based solutions for complex organizational and policy challenges.
- Reflect critically on personal values, identity and leadership style, then apply this self-awareness to professional practice and civic engagement.
Program Structure
Earn your certificate by completing the required four (4) online, asynchronous courses for a total of 12 credits. Each course has a scheduled start and end date and is seven (7) weeks in length.
Courses are fast-paced and move quickly. Students can expect to spend approximately 15 - 20 hours per week on coursework. The program can be completed in as little as two (2) academic terms, but students can take up to four (4) years to complete the credential.
Required courses:
Elective courses:
- INT D 528: Policy Leadership in Canada
- SEM 678: Managing Business-Government Relations in Canada
- NS 595: Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Development
Important Timelines
Fall 2027
Applications open: September 1, 2026
Applications close: August 31, 2027
Winter 2028
Applications open: January 1, 2027
Applications close: December 31, 2027
Spring 2028
Applications open: May 1, 2027
Applications close: April 30, 2028
Summer 2028
Applications open: July 1, 2027
Applications close: June 30, 2028
Four-year bachelor’s degree (or its academic equivalent) from an academic institution recognized by the University of Alberta.
- An admission grade point average of 3.0, based on the most recent two (2) years of full-time study (or equivalent)
OR
Applicants with exceptional, relevant prior learning or tenured work experience who have not completed a four-year bachelor’s degree may apply for special consideration, with approval granted by the College of Social Sciences + Humanities (CSSH). For information on this application pathway, please email plspd@ualberta.ca.
Where applicable, applicants must provide proof of English Language Proficiency (refer to English Language Requirement).
Program Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable): $135.00
Estimated Total Program Tuition (2026-27): $9,916.32 plus non-instructional fees
Tuition is calculated per course and applies equally to domestic and international students. Additional fees may apply.
For general information, please visit the Tuition and Fees page on the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies site.The Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies administers over $35 million each year in scholarships, awards, and financial support for graduate students. Opportunities vary by faculty.
Please note: there are limited funding opportunities available to students pursuing part-time graduate studies or those completing a certificate program.
Please email plspd@ualberta.ca.
General inquiriesPlease check out some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQS) to see if your question has been answered, or contact the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS) during our office hours.
Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS)
Killam Centre for Advanced Studies
2-29 Triffo Hall
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E1