Greetings from the American University, School of Public Affairs, Certificate Program in Advanced Leadership Studies! Created in 1990 this Program offers students the opportunity to learn leadership theory, practice, and prepare them for leadership roles. After a competitive application process students complete a 15-credit course of study to achieve their Certificate. We encourage you to stay curious in your leadership journey, and please let us know if you have any questions.

Jessica Waters, Assistant Professor, Department of Justice, Law & Criminology and Director SPA Leadership Program, waters@american.edu.

James Helms, SPA Leadership Program Coordinator & Administrative Assistant, SPA, Department of Government, helms@american.edu, 202-885-6203

Program Overview

We look forward to a wonderful academic year with our current students in the program.

All members of the Leadership Program complete two leadership projects designed to build social capital. These projects help each student understand how individual leadership functions to make society a better place.
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