Leadership Certification
Scholarship, Leadership, Service & Fellowship

Leadership Certification
Phi Theta Kappa’s Leadership Development Studies program has empowered students for over two decades. Originally created in collaboration with leadership educators, this curriculum was one of the first of its kind designed specifically for community college students. It emphasizes dialogue-based learning, drawing on classic leadership case studies, influential TED Talks, film analysis, podcasts, and real-world application through experiential exercises.
Recognized for its impact, the program has received national acclaim—including awards from the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and the National Council for Continuing Education and Training (NCCET)—for its innovation and relevance in leadership instruction.
Today, the program continues to evolve. Its interdisciplinary approach makes leadership development accessible to students from all backgrounds, equipping them with critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills that transfer far beyond the classroom.
To teach this curriculum, instructors must be certified. Join our 3-day virtual certification event to become part of this powerful tradition of leadership education. You'll gain not just a credential, but the confidence and framework to guide students on their own leadership journey
Is This Training Right for You?
If you're looking to bring leadership development to your students, staff, or campus community, this certification is for you. Whether your role is academic, administrative, or student-facing, you'll gain tools to foster personal growth and purposeful leadership in any setting.
This training is ideal for:.
- Honors program directors and honors faculty interested in adding an academically rigorous approach to leadership development to their programs
- Student affairs professionals and student group advisors
- Faculty interested in leadership development (any disciplinary background)
- Administrators interested in providing leadership development for faculty, staff and students
- Leadership development professionals
- PTK Alumni who graduated five or more years ago
What You'll Gain from Certification
- Master a research-based framework that uses five proven learning methodologies to develop leadership skills in diverse student populations
- Engage in meaningful dialogues centered on nontraditional leadership texts drawn from the Humanities, promoting deeper reflection and critical thinking
- Practice hands-on facilitation techniques that help you lead with confidence in classroom or co-curricular settings
- Explore your own leadership style, gaining insight into your philosophy, strengths, and areas for growth as a facilitator
- Learn practical strategies for integrating the curriculum into honors programs, leadership academies, or campuswide initiatives
Our next session in JUNE 16-18, 2025