Global Leadership Certificate

Combine your interests in global affairs, gain essential leadership skills and develop cross-cultural insights.

The Global Leadership Certificate is an interdisciplinary program open to College of Charleston students across all majors. Through coursework exploring leadership, diplomacy, international affairs and global challenges, students gain a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives while developing skills applicable across disciplines and career paths.

Whether your interests lie in business, political science, communication, public health or another field, the certificate offers an opportunity to complement your academic studies with a broader understanding of the interconnected world.

What Will I Learn?

The 15-credit-hour Global Leadership Certificate combines interdisciplinary coursework with an experiential capstone requirement, allowing students to explore leadership from a variety of academic perspectives.

In addition to the three-credit-hour course Introduction to Global Leadership (GLST 200)*, you will complete coursework in three areas:

  • Policy (3 credit hours): Explore public policy, administration and issues affecting communities and societies.
  • Global Studies (3 credit hours): Examine international affairs, global cultures and the connections between countries and regions.
  • Civic Discourses (3 credit hours): Develop an understanding of communication, ethics and civic engagement.

*Note: Introduction to Global Leadership is offered exclusively in the fall semester. Please build this into your fall course plan to begin the program.

Capstone Experience
The certificate concludes with a capstone experience that allows students to apply their knowledge of global leadership through an approved independent study, bachelor's essay, service-learning course, internship course or study abroad experience. Students develop a proposal for their capstone experience, which must be approved by the program director before beginning the project. The capstone is typically three credit hours, although this may vary depending on the student's course of study and the type of experience.

 

View Global Leadership Curriculum

Certificate Highlights

Through your learning experience, you'll gain a better understanding of global cultures while developing your leadership skills and global profile:
  • Hands-On Learning

    The Global Leadership Certificate emphasizes experiential learning, offering students opportunities to connect classroom knowledge with real-world issues and experiences.

    Through eligible coursework, students may participate in simulations, undergraduate research and internships that encourage them to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

    Located in the heart of downtown Charleston, the College of Charleston offers a distinctive setting for students to study and explore global leadership. The city's rich history and continued growth provide a dynamic backdrop for learning. 

  • Interdisciplinary Faculty & Leadership Perspectives

    Students benefit from an interdisciplinary approach to global leadership, drawing on the expertise of faculty in international studies, business, communication, political science, philosophy, sociology, sustainability and cultural studies.

    The program also seeks to connect students with experienced leaders and professionals from a variety of fields, including business, athletics, public service and international affairs. These interactions offer opportunities to explore different career paths, ask questions and gain insight into the skills and experiences that shape effective leadership.

    Program Director David A. Merkel

    Professor Merkel brings extensive experience in diplomacy and international affairs to the Global Leadership Certificate. Appointed by President George W. Bush as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, he also served on the National Security Council in the White House.

    He is an Associate with LSE IDEAS and has held leadership and advisory positions with international organizations and academic institutions around the world. At the College of Charleston, he is a faculty member in the Department of International Studies.

Skills & Outcomes

The Global Leadership Certificate helps students develop skills that are valuable across a variety of academic disciplines and professional fields, including:

  • Leadership: Develop your leadership style to inspire and motivate others.
  • Communication: Strengthen your ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Explore complex issues and develop collaborative approaches to addressing challenges.
  • Cultural Awareness: Build an understanding and appreciation of different cultures and perspectives.
  • Ethical Decision-Making: Consider the ethical implications of decisions and their impact on others.
  • Global Engagement: Explore opportunities to engage with issues affecting communities around the world.

These skills can complement career interests in international business, diplomacy and international relations, nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, communication and media, education, and other fields.

Getting Started

You may already be on your way to earning the certificate. Explore the Global Leadership Certificate curriculum to see how your coursework may align with program requirements.

For questions, contact program director David Merkel.