In a complex and increasingly polarized political climate, the University of Alberta is launching a new Online Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership to help working professionals across organizations and sectors navigate the world of politics and shape meaningful policy.
The first program of its kind in Canada will prepare participants to strategically engage with diverse audiences, applying interdisciplinary frameworks that include policy studies, political science, education, Indigenous governance, business and health policy.
Applying a strong analysis of formal and informal systems of power, influence and governance, graduates will acquire the critical skills to challenge convention, exchange diverse perspectives and develop new ways of leading in turbulent times, says Gitane De Silva, executive director of the Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy.
“From Alberta’s referendum to Canada’s evolving relationship with the United States to AI data centres and local development issues, we are all faced with complexity and polarization at every turn,” says De Silva.
“The ability to navigate these challenges and work across divides are skills that not only set you apart, but help build a stronger democracy. And that is something we need more of.”
Participants will learn alongside other professionals from diverse backgrounds, and will be encouraged to critically reflect on personal values, identity and leadership style, integrating this self-awareness into professional practice and civic engagement. Course content is grounded in real-world problems, convening both scholars and practitioners along with students.
The fully online program features four seven-week courses combining self-paced asynchronous content with scheduled and recorded synchronous sessions amounting to about 15 to 20 hours per week.
The Online Graduate Certificate in Policy Leadership — created by political science professor Dr. Jared Wesley in the Faculty of Arts and Dr. Moin Yaya of the Faculty of Law — is championed by the Peter Lougheed School of Politics and Democracy, which is housed in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.