Psychology of Effective Leadership Certificate

The Certificate in Psychology of Effective Leadership at Fort Hays State University provides specialized training in leadership and organizational psychology. It explores core psychological principles related to organizational structure, decision-making, and human behavior in both social and work environments. Students develop a deeper understanding of how individuals interpret experiences and how small-group and team dynamics function.

This certificate emphasizes practical leadership skills for use in diverse and cross-cultural environments. Coursework is designed to strengthen leadership effectiveness, foster collaboration, and improve team communication. Upon completion, students are prepared to lead in various professional settings, with the ability to motivate others and navigate the complexities of human interaction and organizational behavior.

Why pursue a Certificate in Psychology of Effective Leadership at FHSU?

The Certificate in Psychology of Effective Leadership offers a flexible and comprehensive curriculum designed to help students lead confidently in both social and organizational settings. Available both online and on campus, the certificate focuses on key psychological principles related to organizational dynamics, decision-making, and human behavior.

Through applied coursework, students gain hands-on experience in small group and team dynamics, along with strategies for effective leadership in diverse and cross-cultural environments. FHSU’s experienced faculty bring real-world expertise to the classroom, supporting students in developing leadership skills that translate directly to professional contexts.

Designed for those seeking to strengthen their leadership presence, the certificate equips students to navigate complex human interactions, foster collaboration, motivate teams, and make thoughtful, informed decisions across various professional fields.

Who is this program for?

This certificate is designed for students and professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership abilities through a deeper understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics. Whether building on a foundation in psychology or preparing for leadership roles in diverse settings, the certificate provides individuals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to lead effectively and make a meaningful impact. It is especially suited for:

Individuals looking to strengthen their leadership skills and increase their impact in organizational or social settings
Psychology students seeking to deepen their understanding of organizational behavior and human decision-making in leadership
Those looking to lead teams in diverse and cross-cultural settings
Students interested in learning small group and team dynamics to enhance their effectiveness as collaborators and decision-makers
Professionals seeking practical leadership skills to advance their careers

Which courses will you take?

Students will complete two courses from each major.

Courses	Credit Hours
PSY 315 Industrial Psychology OR PSY 350 Psychology of Leadership	3
PSY 340 Social Psychology OR PSY 452 Judgment & Decision Making	3
LDRS 306 Leadership and Team Dynamics	3
LDRS 450 Advanced Leadership Behavior OR LDRS 660 Global Leadership	3
Total Credit Hours Needed	12 Credit Hours

LDRS 450 Advanced Leadership Behavior - Pre-req: LDRS 302 Intro to Leadership Behavior
LDRS 660 Global Leadership - Pre-req: PSY 100 or LDRS 300 Intro to Leadership Concepts

Recommendations for students completing the certificate:

No grade lower than a “C” is acceptable for the classes taken to complete the certificate.
PSY100 is a pre-requisite for all psych courses.
Recommended course completion sequence for psychology students: For your successful completion of this certificate program, we recommend that you take psychology courses first, followed by LDRS 306 and LDRS 450 or LDRS 660 to finish this certificate.
Recommended course completion sequence for organizational leadership students: For your successful completion of this certificate program, we recommend that you take leadership courses first, followed by PSY 315/PSY 350 and PSY 340/PSY 452 to finish this certificate.

Interested in this Certificate?

Watch this short video (9 minutes) featuring faculty members from our department. They’ll walk you through the certificates we offer and how they can benefit you:

Certificate Overview Video

If you're a current FHSU student, follow these steps to add a certificate to your program of study or request your printed certificate once you've completed the requirements.

1. Intent to Complete a Certificate - Form Link

Use this form to officially add a certificate to your advisory program in Workday.

2. Completion of a Certificate - Form Link

Once you've successfully completed all required coursework, submit this form to receive your printed certificate. Note: All students must submit the completion form to receive a printed certificate—even if all requirements have been met.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Certificate in Psychology of Effective Leadership entirely online?

Students can complete the certificate online, with the option to attend on-campus classes as well.

Does the Certificate in Psychology of Effective Leadership qualify as a degree in psychology or leadership?

This certificate does not qualify as a degree or professional credential in psychology. It is an advisory certificate designed to complement a student’s pursuit of a B.A. or B.S. in Psychology or a B.A. or B.S. in Organizational Leadership. Completion of the certificate alone does not meet the credentialing or licensure requirements for positions that require a full bachelor's or master's degree. To maximize its professional value, students are encouraged to complete the certificate alongside a full bachelor’s degree to be eligible for advanced professional opportunities.

Can I complete the Certificate in Psychology of Effective Leadership alongside my major?

Yes, our Certificate in Psychology of Effective Leadership is designed to complement any major. It offers flexibility in coursework, allowing students from all disciplines, whether in the arts, sciences, business, or other fields, to integrate this valuable credential into their academic path.

We're Here to Help!

For any other questions, please contact the Department of Psychology at psecreta@fhsu.edu or call us at 785-628-4405.

This is an FHSU advisory certificate. The certificates are designed by FHSU faculty to provide students a guide to choosing courses that introduce and develop a subject knowledge and/or skills. These certificates may be used to select a focus within a major, to develop additional knowledge and skills to complement a major, or to pursuing a topic of interest with open elective hours.

Courses taken as part of an advisory certificate are listed on the student's transcript, however the advisory certificate is not listed on the transcript. Many FHSU departments provide a completion certificate that students may use to show they completed the advised coursework, and talk about what it added to their degree. Non-degree students may complete the classes outlined in an advisory certificate and receive a completion certificate if offered by the department, however they are not enrolled in a degree plan or eligible for student aid.