Graduate Certificates

The certificate in entrepreneurship equips participants with the tools needed to build and grow a business. The curriculum includes coursework in entrepreneurial execution, venture finance, marketing tactics, family business management and exit strategy planning.

For additional information about this Harding graduate certificate, you may want to consult the Catalog.

The certificate in healthcare management focuses on management and leadership tools needed to grow and succeed in the industry.

For additional information about this Harding graduate certificate, you may want to consult the Catalog.

The certificate in principled leadership equips professional leaders and managers with the concepts and tools to create and foster vibrant, productive organizations and communities with personal integrity based on timeless leadership principles and classical virtue ethics.

For additional information about this Harding graduate certificate, you may want to consult the Catalog.

The certificate in data analytics bridges the gap between the technical expertise of data scientists and the operational expertise of marketing, supply chain, risk, and other frontline managers.

IS 6510 – Statistical Concepts for Data Analytics

IS 6520 – Data Visualization

IS 6530 – Data Quality and Preparation for Analytics

IS 6540 – Applied Data Analytics  

For additional information about this Harding graduate certificate, you may want to consult the Catalog.

The certificate in information assurance and security equips graduates to understand and communicate cybersecurity risks to internal teams and external clients, make sound strategic decisions related to investments in cybersecurity, and understand cybersecurity risk management and reporting framework.

IS 6610 – Cyber Security Fundamentals

IS 6620 – Information Security Policy and Governance

IS 6630 – Cyber Security Risk Management

IS 6640 – Computer Forensics

For additional information about this Harding graduate certificate, you may want to consult the Catalog.

The certificate in project management equips participants to manage information systems projects utilizing the latest agile methodologies and provides them the opportunity to be certified by the Project Management Institute.

For additional information about this Harding graduate certificate, you may want to consult the Catalog.

The Certificate in Executive and Workplace Coaching is a 12-credit hour program designed for those who possess an undergraduate degree and are seeking the expertise and insights needed to provide ethical and effective coaching. Courses are taught by International Coaching Federation (ICF) credentialed faculty, and curriculum is developed in alignment with the definition of coaching and coaching standards. As required by the ICF, the program will be evaluated for credentialing following the completion of the first cohort. When the program is approved, students in the first cohort will receive 60 hours of coach specific training required for the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential. In addition, the 12-credit hours earned through the Certificate can be applied towards the 30-credit hour Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

• Fast Paced: The program is developed with professionals in mind. Courses are 8 weeks in length and 2 classes can be taken each block. The entire certificate can be completed in just two 8-week blocks.
• Live Classes: In accordance with ICF standards, the core lectures are offered live via Zoom and are supplemented via Harding University’s Learning Management System, Canvas. All courses are offered in English.
• Convenient: Begin in the fall, spring or summer semesters.
• Credible: Earn your graduate certificate from an institution recognized for their commitment to academic excellence.

Curriculum Plan

LEAD 6201: Coaching Theory and Methodology — Coaching Theory and Methodology provides students an in-depth overview of professional coaching. Through the course, students will be introduced to key concepts that pertain to the coaching mindset including the role of emotional intelligence, positive psychology, intentional change theory, and the growth mindset in coaching. As a result of this course, students will gain greater awareness of self and learn how to utilize a coaching mindset that is curious, open, flexible, confident, and client centered. (15 Student Contact Hours & 3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6202: Coaching Application and Practice — Coaching Application and Practice explores the various models and competencies utilized by effective coaches. Students will learn how to cultivate a climate of trust and safety within their coaching conversations. In addition, students will practice the skills required to remain fully engaged with their clients and utilize an approach that is open, flexible, grounded, and confident. As a result of this course, students will learn to create and maintain a relationship of mutual respect and trust, listen actively, while also communicating directly and creating awareness that prompts growth. (15 Student Contact Hours & 3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6203: The Ethical Practice — The Ethical Practice course provides students an understanding of coaching ethics and the standards of coaching. This includes key competencies such as establishing the “rules of engagement” for coaching overall and clarifying the focus of each individual coaching session. Students will learn to maintain client confidentiality and will consider how to be sensitive to the client’s identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs. Through this course, students will practice asking power questions intended to help the client receive the maximum benefit from the coaching relationship. As a result of this course, students will apply the ethical standards of coaching in their coaching practice and will possess the ability to utilize power questioning to help their clients gain new insights and remove obstacles keeping them from moving forward. (15 Student Contact Hours & 3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6204: Coaching for Growth — Coaching for Growth is focused on planning and goal identification, designing actions for ongoing learning and progress management. Students will consider the common barriers, challenges and mindsets that keep clients from progressing towards their goals. As a result of this course, students will be able to partner with clients to develop SMART goals, keep their clients focused on what is important, and hold them accountable for their progress. (15 Student Contact Hours & 3 Credit Hours)

ICF Accreditation

All faculty teaching in the Center’s Certificate in Executive and Workplace Coaching are ICF credentialed. The curriculum is designed for the certificate has been written in alignment with ICF standards and will be submitted for ICF approval following the completion of the first certificate program.

For more information, contact the Center for Organizational Leadership at HUCOL@harding.edu.

The Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management is a 12-credit hour program designed specifically for students seeking to grow as leaders. Courses are taught by faculty recruited for the program based upon their academic credentials and practical life experience. Through this program, students are provided access to the understanding required for career advancement. This is the ideal program for people who care deeply about people and have a sincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. In addition to earning a Graduate Certificate, students are able to apply the 12-credit hours earned through the Certificate towards the 30-credit hour Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

• Fast Paced: The program is developed with professionals in mind. Courses are 8 weeks in length and 2 classes can be taken each block.  The entire certificate can be completed in just two 8-week blocks.
• Convenient: Begin in the fall, spring or summer semesters. 
• Credible: Earn your graduate certificate from an institution recognized for their commitment to academic excellence. 
• Affordable: You do not have to compromise to get the quality you want. Harding provides students access to incredible faculty at an affordable price. 

Curriculum Plan

LEAD 6301: Human Resource Management — Human Resource Management acquaints the student with the problems of management from a personnel perspective. These are problems that deal directly with departmental organization, methods of testing, occupational descriptions, job analysis, pay, safety, health and recreation, and employee relations. (3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6302: Talent Acquisition, Management & Retention — Talent Acquisition, Management and Retention reviews the personnel process of human resource planning. Students consider the application process (internal and external), analyze qualifications and consider relevant selection and evaluation methods. In addition, students will explore interview methods and best practices for retention.  (3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6303: Compensation Management — Compensation Management considers the theories and best practices pertaining to the alignment of benefits and compensation with an organization's larger strategic objectives. Students will review the process required to develop and administer compensation and benefit policies.  (3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6304: Human Resources and the Law — Human Resources and the Law reviews current employment laws and ethical issues. Key legal concepts include the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991, FLSA, ADA, FMLA, ERISA, affirmative action, immigration law, sexual harassment, and other laws pertaining to gender, race and ethnicity. (3 Credit Hours)

For more information, contact the Center for Organizational Leadership at HUCOL@harding.edu.

The Graduate Certificate in Learning and Development is a 12-credit hour program designed for professionals who are passionate about developing leaders. Each course is taught by highly experienced faculty who possess both the academic credentials and the practical life experience to be reliable guides. If you want to learn how to design and deliver effective training and development programs, this program will provide the competency needed to succeed. In addition to earning the Certificate in Learning and Developments, students are able to apply the 12-credit hours earned through the Certificate towards the 30-credit hour Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

• Fast Paced:The program is developed with professionals in mind. Courses are 8 weeks in length and 2 classes can be taken each block.  The entire certificate can be completed in just two 8-week blocks.
• Convenient:Begin in the fall, spring or summer semesters. 
• Credible:Earn your graduate certificate from an institution recognized for its commitment to academic excellence. 
• Affordable:You do not have to compromise to get the quality you want. Harding provides students access to incredible faculty at an affordable price. 

Curriculum Plan

LEAD 6401: Foundations in Training and Development — Foundation in Training and Development introduces students to the key learning theories that have influenced the growth of the training and development industry. Students will learn the history of the field and review the current trends that are guiding the profession. (3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6402: Training Design Theory & Application — Training Design Theory and Application reviews the current literature pertaining to the adult learner and will explore how sound training design leads to better outcomes. Students will review current trends in the industry and the key phases of the training and development process. (3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6403: Evaluating Training Transfer & Effectiveness — Evaluating Training Transfer and Effectiveness introduces students to the strategies and process for evaluating program effectiveness. The class considers the use of evaluation plans to study the outcomes and process of training programs. Students will review the design of evaluation methodology, data collection and analysis. (3 Credit Hours)

LEAD 6404: Learning and Development Practicum — Prerequisites - 6401, 6402 | The Learning and Development Practicum provides students an opportunity to further develop their learning and development competencies with clients. Through the practicum, students identify an opportunity to provide pro bono services to clients. In addition to providing L&D services, students will also provide recordings (as applicable) and summaries of their progress through written reports and provide an overall summary of their experience through a final paper. (3 Credit Hours)

For more information, contact the Center for Organizational Leadership at HUCOL@harding.edu.

Harding University Graduate School of Business is participating in the Business Centralized Application Service (BusinessCAS).

Apply Now

Technical Information

• Preferred browsers are Google Chrome or Firefox
• Online application customer service: 617-926-0504 or BusinessCAS@liaisoncas.com.

Application Requirements

• Complete and submit the BusinessCAS application and applicable fees
• Request official transcripts be sent to BusinessCAS*
  (not required of Harding University alumni OR current Harding University students.)
• Request one letters of recommendation in BusinessCAS
• Upload one writing sample in BusinessCAS 
• Upload a current resume/CV in BusinessCAS
• Request GMAT or GRE scores, as applicable. (See Admissions Requirements below.)

Additional Requirement for International Students

• TOEFL scores, as applicable. TOEFL CODE: B888 (See additional information below.)

*Transcripts should be sent directly to:

BusinessCAS Transcript Processing Center
P.O. Box 9221
Watertown, MA 02471

Admission Requirements 

Admission to the Harding University Graduate School of Business is determined on an individual basis. Requirements include:

• A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale). Persons with less than a 3.0 GPA may be considered for provisional admission.
  
  
• GMAT (target score of 500) or GRE (target score of 300)
  
  
• WAIVERS: The GMAT/GRE entrance exam is waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.5 with less than 5 years’ professional experience or with a GPA of 3.0 with a minimum of 5 years’ professional experience. Additional waivers for the entrance exam may be possible (e.g., previous graduate work, analytical responsibilities including P&L, CPA licensure).

Provisional standing due to academic reasons

Not all candidates meet the criteria for regular admission but may demonstrate the ability to succeed in graduate level work. Students entering the Graduate School of Business with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5-2.99 or with entrance exams below the required target scores may be granted provisional admission with the condition that the student maintains a GPA of no less than 3.0 on the first 9 hours of graduate work completed. Upon satisfying this condition, the student will be granted full matriculation.

About additional documents for international students

Harding University requires all international applicants for whom English is not their first language or who have not graduated from an American university to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). TOEFL results for international students should be 550 PBT, 213 CBT or 80 iBT minimum score (no older than five years) or demonstrated performance at a U.S. institution of higher learning.

TOEFL CODE: B888

Apply for Graduate Certificate sessions by the following dates:

Spring 2021 Block 1:  December 18, 2020

Spring 2021 Block 2: March 5, 2021

Summer 2021: May 28, 2021

Fall 2021 Block 1: August 13, 2021

Fall 2021 Block 2: October 8, 2021

Certificate Fees:

Certificate in Principled Leadership: $599/hour

Certificate in Healthcare Management: $599/hour

Certificate in Entrepreneurship: $599/hour

Certificate in Data Analytics: $635/hour

Certificate in Information Assurance & Security: $635/hour

Certificate in Project Management: $635/hour

Other fees:

Technology fee: $27/hour

Graduation fee (Master's): $175

For more information visit the catalog

Students who complete a certificate can apply 12 semester credit hours of "advanced standing" credit toward the Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS).  

Students will pace themselves through the program. A student can earn their certificate in as few as two semesters. We use a Master Schedule and a student can take up to two years to complete the certificate.

The Graduate School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) which is a leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating, and rewarding teaching excellence.

The association embraces the virtues of teaching excellence and emphasizes to students that it is essential to learn how to learn. ACBSP accredits business, accounting, and business-related programs at the associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctorate degree levels worldwide. Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in 2001 and again in 2011, ACBSP was the first to offer specialized business accreditation at all degree levels.

**Currently, only the MBA program is approved under the accreditation. As the other GSB programs are new to the College of Business, they have not yet gone through the accreditation process by ACBSP but will be forthcoming. As a new program to the College of Business Administration, the MAOL will be submitted for review for the HLC and the ACBSP.