Certificate in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies (CILS)
Ready to lead with purpose and impact? Step up, stand out and shape what's next with a Certificate in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies (CILS).
Eligibility
The Certificate in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies is an embedded certificate, meaning the requirements of the certificate can be met by students during the completion of their regular degree program. There is no additional cost to apply for or to complete the certificate.
Requirements
Students may pursue the Certificate in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies by fulfilling existing requirements for completion in their respective disciplines, and by completing the following:
- INT D 101 (3 units) OR LEAD 3300 (3 units)
- Indigenous Perspectives co-requisite UofA Indigenous Canada MOOC OR NS 201 OR NS 202 (3 units)*
- INT D 207 (3 units) AND INT D 307 (3 units) for a total of 6 units OR 6 units from the pre-approved list of academic courses endorsed by the PLSL at the 200- to 300-level as noted below. Only 200-level courses on the PLSL list can substitute for INT D 207. Any 300- or 400-level non-capstone course on the PLSL list can substitute for INT D 307.
- INT D 407 (3 units) OR 3 units in an alternate 400-level** course from the pre-approved list of academic capstone courses endorsed by the PLSL as noted below.
*Completion Certificate must be presented as proof of Completion of Indigenous Canada MOOC. The MOOC is available through Coursera for a fee of $80.00 CAD. Students are encouraged to complete the Indigenous Perspective co-requisite by year two of their program. Students who can provide proof of completing one of the following courses are also considered to have satisfied this co-requisite:
- Aboriginal Studies 30 (high school transcript)
- B.C. First Peoples 12 (formerly B.C. First Nations Studies 12, high school transcript)
- Indigenous Studies I (Norquest College)
- EDU 211 (cannot be used as a substitute course for both the Indigenous Canada co-requisite and as a substitute course for INT D 207)
**If the alternate course does not include an experiential component and/or capstone project/activity then the student must complete an experiential component and/or capstone project/activity in addition to the course requirements.
If there is a course a student wishes to take that is not on this list of pre-approved courses, they may request a course to be considered in lieu. If so, there must be a clear reason as to why the student is unable to take one of the pre-approved courses listed below, and they would need to submit a course syllabus that clearly outlines how leadership training and development are core components of the course.
For more information, see CILS listed in the University Calendar.
Enrollment
Undergraduate students who are interested in completing CILS can fill out the form below once they have:
- Completed INT D 101 (or pre-approved alternative)
- Completed INT D 207 (or pre-approved alternative)
- Enrolled or Completed INT D 307 (or pre-approved alternative)
Completing this form will only indicate your intent to complete the certificate, however it will NOT officially enroll you in the certificate program. Upon nearing graduation, we will reach out to you directly to confirm that you have completed all the certificate requirements and that it will be reflected on your transcript.
Pre-Approved List of Faculty-Delivered Courses
Alberta School of Business
- INT D 207 - Inspired to Lead: Skills You Need
- INT D 307 - Inspired to Lead: Your Leadership Canvas
- SEM 301 - Behavior in Organizations
- SEM 322 - Theory of Organizational Behaviour
- SEM 330 – Introduction to Entrepreneurship (may be used for the CILS when taken by the student up to and including Winter term 2024, but not thereafter)
- SEM 402 - Leadership Skills
- SEM 470 – Leadership Lecture Series
ALES
- ALES 204 - Communication Fundamentals for Professionals
- HECOL 301 - Program Planning and Evaluation
- R SOC 375 - Public Participation and Conflict Resolution
Arts
Augustana
- AUIDS 206/306 – Student Leadership: Theory and Practice
- AUPSY 240 - Social Psychology
- AUPED 286 - Outdoor Education and Leadership
- AUPED 290 - Studies in Leadership Theory
- AUSOC 393 - Political Sociology
Education
- EDU 211 - Aboriginal Education and Contexts for Professional and Personal Engagement
- EDPS 410 - Ethics and Law in Teaching
Engineering
Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation
NAIT
Native Studies
- NS 345 - Governance in Indigenous Nations
- NS 420 - Partnership Strategies
- NS 445 - Community Development Process
Nursing
- NURS 205 - Innovation, Leadership, Policy, and Health Care Organizations
- SC INF 205 - L'innovation, le leadership, les politiques et les organisations de soins de santé
Peter Lougheed School of Politics & Democracy
Science
Capstone Courses**
- AUIDS 406 – Capstone Course in Leadership
- INT D 407 -- Inspired to Lead: Time to Practice
- INT D 440 – Learning to Lead in Teaching
- INT D 441 - Individual Leadership Practicum
- ENGG 490 – Engineering Leadership Lab
- NURS 425 – Nursing Leadership in a Focus Area (also offered in French by Campus Saint-Jean as SC INF 425)
- PHARM 413 - Behavioural, Administrative, Social and Evidence-based Pharmacy 6
- PHARM 495 – Leadership in Healthcare Decision Making
- SEM 471 – Leadership Seminar
- EDPS 410 - Ethics and Law in Teaching**
*The INT D 227 course can only be counted towards the Certificate in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies (CILS) OR the Certificate in Politics & Democracy (CPD). It cannot be counted towards both certificates.
**If the capstone course from this list does not include a leadership experience activity then one must be completed outside the course as directed and approved by the PLSL.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Certificate in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies has been one of the most rewarding parts of my undergraduate degree. It has helped me in many scenarios, such as my involvement in the University of Alberta School of Business student clubs, where I applied CILS skills to real leadership roles. The program pushed me to think critically about leadership and collaboration while connecting with peers from different faculties. Completing CILS has strengthened my confidence to take initiative, guide teams, and create meaningful change. I would recommend this program to any student eager to grow as a leader and community member.
Nour Hegazy, 2025 CILS Graduate,