Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership

Make an impact as a public sector leader.

The decisions made in the public sector today can impact governance frameworks for years to come—and it all starts with a powerful leader. In this Masters Certificate, you’ll gain insights on the three leadership mindsets that every public sector professional needs to deliver effective services: strategic leadership, results leadership and executive leadership.

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Fees: $9,850
Length: 9 days of study
Next Session: February 22, 2027 to
June 23, 2027

Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership

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  • Programs
  • Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership

The Ultimate Program For Government and Public Sector

Today’s public sector leaders face a string of uncertainties in a rapidly changing cultural, economic and political climate. To make a difference and succeed in your role, you need a reliable professional network, dynamic leadership skills, and confidence—especially in moments of crisis.

Taught by accomplished faculty from Canada’s government and public sector, this comprehensive Masters Certificate gives you the practical tools and knowledge to design and deliver effective services in the public sector.

Develop the necessary political acuity to manage stakeholder relations, create strategic partnerships, and achieve public management goals. Establish frameworks of governance with leadership techniques that encourage innovation in new public sector projects. Address major leadership issues in today’s public sector with up-to-date materials on public management trends, topics and cutting-edge best practices.

Though most participants take the modules in order, you can begin your program with any module. To receive the full Masters Certificate experience and qualify for tuition savings, complete all modules in 12 months of study. Participants can also take standalone modules individually.

This program is designed for mid-career and senior leaders working at the federal, provincial, or municipal levels of government who want to enhance their leadership impact and drive greater effectiveness within their department or agency.

 

Supplement In-Class Instruction

To supplement in-class instruction, participants will apply program learnings and insights to coursework and readings outside the classroom.

 

DISCLAIMER: Schulich ExecEd requires a non-refundable deposit from all students as part of the enrolment process. Domestic students are required to submit a $1,000 deposit, while international students are required to submit a 50% deposit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our advisors for assistance.

 

Convince Your Supervisor

Here’s a justification letter for you to edit and send to your supervisor to provide reasoning for attending this program. Our expert advisory team can assist with customizing the letter to suit your needs!

Program Overview

    • Building Trust and Credibility as a Leader (Hybrid)
    • Inspiring & Motivating Teams in a Unionized Environment (Online)
    • Leading Change in the Public Sector (Online)
    • Simulation: The Directionless Team (Online)

     

    This module builds the foundation of trusted, credible leadership, showing public servants how to earn buy-in even within unionized structures. Participants learn to inspire teams and lead change with confidence in politically complex environments. A live simulation challenges them to rescue a directionless team and apply their new strategic instincts under pressure.

    • Practical Innovation in Government (or Public Sector) (Hybrid)
    • Systems Thinking and “Whole of Government” Approach (Online)
    • Using AI to Improve Decisions, Services & Outcomes (Online)
    • Simulation: Fixing a Failing Digital Initiative (Online)

     

    This module equips leaders to drive practical innovation and rethink government through a “whole of system” lens. It introduces AI as a tool for sharper decisions, better services, and stronger outcomes. The module closes with a hands-on simulation to fix a failing digital initiative, testing disruptive thinking in real time.

    • Executive Presence & Working with Other Leaders (Online)
    • Relationship Intelligence in Government (Hybrid)
    • Strategic Alliances & Political Acuity (Hybrid)
    • Simulation: Gaining Alignment in a Divided System (Online)

     

    This module strengthens the personal qualities that define influential leaders: executive presence and the ability to work effectively with other leaders. Participants develop relationship intelligence and political acuity to build strategic alliances across government. A final simulation puts these character-driven skills to the test by asking leaders to gain alignment in a divided system.

  • Winter 2027

    Strategy in Public Sector Leadership

    Course Dates Time
    Building Trust and Credibility as a Leader (Hybrid) 2/22/2027 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Inspiring & Motivating Teams in a Unionized Environment (Online) 2/23/2027 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Leading Change in the Public Sector (Online) 2/23/2027 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Simulation: The Directionless Team (Online) 2/24/2027 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Disruption in Public Sector Leadership

    Course Dates Time
    Practical Innovation in Government (or Public Sector) (Hybrid) 4/19/2027 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Systems Thinking and "Whole of Government" Approach (Online) 4/20/2027 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Using AI to Improve Decisions, Services & Outcomes (Online) 4/20/2027 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Simulation: Fixing a Failing Digital Initiative (Online) 4/21/2027 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

    Character in Public Sector Leadership

    Course Dates Time
    Executive Presence & Working with Other Leaders (Online) 6/21/2027 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Relationship Intelligence in Government (Hybrid) 6/22/2027 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Strategic Alliances & Political Acuity (Hybrid) 6/22/2027 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Simulation: Gaining Alignment in a Divided System (Online) 6/23/2027 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Talk to an Advisor

Get Training in Marketable Skills

Leadership Skills
Critical Thinking
Organizing Teams & Resources
Strategic Thinking
Political Acuity

Who Will Benefit

Mid-Career Leaders

Managers and mid-career professionals working at the federal, provincial, or municipal levels of government will gain cutting-edge insights to help them advance into senior leadership roles.

Senior Leaders

Senior leaders in government will strengthen their ability to drive transformation, create lasting impact, and shape the future of public service.

6 Reasons to Enrol

Amazing Education for Busy Professionals

This program packs rich learnings for public sector leaders into 9 days of study. Take the modules in any order within 12 months and receive the full Masters Certificate.

Stand Out from the Crowd

Gain sought-after leadership skills specific to the public sector and make a meaningful difference in your role.

Learn from the Pros

Train with top-rated Schulich instructors that are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Build A Meaningful Network

Connect with and learn from experienced peers and leaders in the public sector.

Tackle Exciting Challenges

Apply your new skills and learnings in an Integrative Case Study, where you’ll analyze, prepare options and propose recommendations to the sector.

Earn Higher Pay

Schulich ExecEd students gain the confidence, skills and perspective to attain better roles, launch new ventures and lead their teams to new heights.

What Difference Will You Make?

“The experience thus far, has been amazing – really good content, the structure is superb – breakouts, the conversations are lively and the overall interaction is amazing. In all honesty, the virtual experience seems to be providing more value than any in-person learnings I have done.”

- Asher Jaffri Manager, Application Services, City of Richmond Hill

“This program taught us cutting-edge models to address sophisticated issues… I am able to put forward better policies and programs.”

- M. Pierre Director, Historic Sites Planning and Programs Branch, Parks Canada

“An excellent program for senior public officials to develop and share methods and techniques to tackle today’s changing issues in the public sector.”

- S. Hamilton Manager of Design and Construction, City of Burlington

Faculty

JP Gedeon,
PhD

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Asad Rehan,

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Lee-Anne McAlear,

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Peter Constantinou,
PhD

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Zachary Spicer,
PhD

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What You Get

After completing the Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize.

As more and more companies look for candidates with specific skills, this badge on your CV will be a credible assurance of your achievements and expertise, allowing the right roles to find you faster.

Masters Certificate

Awarded when a series of more extensive programs are completed and a greater skill set achieved.

Custom Programs for Organizations

Use this program as we designed it, or alter it to fit your company’s needs. Either way, we can help you improve your organization's talent pipeline. Get in touch with our custom programs team today.