Leadership programs often combine communication studies, business, management, intercultural relations, team building and other techniques and theories to helps students develop their natural leadership abilities. Leadership students are often preparing to take on management positions after graduation, to enter the human resources industry, succeed in a global marketplace, or to start their own business. Through organizational theory, group dynamics, and psychology, students sharpen their critical thinking, decision-making, analytical and conflict resolution skills, all of which help them motivate and lead a team. Other skills learned include more scientific business techniques, the ability to use technology and an understanding of labor laws, employee performance and more.

Leadership graduates are expected to be able to plan for, organize and execute various business plans and projects in an effective manner. Communication courses are key, as managers need to be able to understand and motivate diverse groups of individuals in their companies as well as in other businesses and partnerships. This collection of courses can help professionals who want to become eligible for a promotion of who want to learn about the new methods that will help them manage an office. College students graduating with a degree or certificate in leadership can find jobs in any number of organizations, including non-profit groups, government, and the private sector. These courses are offered by MIT and the University of California – Berkeley, giving nontraditional and traditional students access to well-respected, leading-edge business programs.

• Practical Leadership [MIT] – This interactive seminar develops each student’s leadership abilities.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership [MIT] – In this research seminar, students discover the appropriate leadership techniques and strategies for cross-cultural situations.
• Dynamic Leadership: Using Improvisation in Business [MIT] – Students learn real-life skills that teach them to be leaders in unexpected situations.
• Organizational Leadership and Teamwork [UC - Berkeley] – Topics covered in this course include labor productivity, employee satisfaction, job attitudes, worker motivation and more.
• Building and Leading Effective Teams [MIT] – This one-week class gives students the tools and resources to become effective leaders of business teams.