East Tower Toronto Dominion Centre 
416-360-8850 
Schulich School of Business at York University 
416-736-5079 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.
Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership
April 15, 2026
- Location:
- Online
Masters Certificate in Public Sector Leadership
- Programs
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- 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.
Get Training in Marketable Skills
Leadership Skills
Critical Thinking
Organizing Teams & Resources
Strategic Thinking
Political Acuity
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.
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.
What Difference Will You Make?
Program Overview
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Character-based leadership has arisen as one of the primary principles motivating leader behavior, motivation and practice in Canada’s public sector. Culminate preceding modules by presenting an in-depth and scientifically validated model of character-based leadership intended to best poise public sector leaders for the challenges presented by today’s volatile marketplace.
Explore topics like:
- Character-based leadership
- Creation of a personal development plan (Capstone Project)
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A strategic outlook stands as among the most important capacities for Public Sector leaders, especially in today’s ever-changing environment. Dive into aspects of strategy most relevant in our uncertain world: leadership agility and strategic thought, leading with innovation, and advanced stakeholder relations.
Touch on topics like:
- The difference between strategic planning and strategic thinking
- The concepts of complicated and complex problems
- Frameworks that move through a development process
- Approaches to using your enhanced stakeholder relationships in functions related to issues or crisis management
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The modern marketplace is surrounded and challenged by numerous and compelling technological and operational disruptions. Explore how Public Sector Leaders can best adapt to and confront these marketplace evolutions.
Dive into topics like:
- Entrepreneurial leadership in government
- Systems thinking and a “whole of Government” approach
- Technological disruption and its implications for Canada’s public service
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Summer 2025
Cultivating Character in Public Sector Leadership
Course Dates Time The Leaders' Challenge I 6/9/2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm The Leaders' Challenge II 6/10/2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm The Leaders' Challenge III 6/11/2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Cultivating Strategy in Public Sector Leadership
Course Dates Time Advanced Stakeholder Relations 2/23/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Leading with Innovation 2/24/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Leadership Agility and Strategic Thought 2/25/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Cultivating Disruption in Public Sector Leadership
Course Dates Time Entrepreneurial Leadership in Government 4/13/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Systems Thinking and "Whole of Government" Approach 4/14/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Technological Disruption & It's Implications for the Public Sector 4/15/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Faculty
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.
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