Rockhurst Leadership Institute

Long known for its business and management degree programs, Rockhurst is now extending more targeted offerings to Kansas City companies looking to bring practical, focused development to their managerial staff from team lead to executive.

Communication Focus Management Focus Leadership Focus Instructors & Staff

For over 40 years the Rockhurst University Executive MBA program has taught over a thousand professionals, many now leaders in our community. The Leadership Institute seeks to reach many more managers and leaders for development.

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What Is the Rockhurst Leadership Institute?

A set of targeted communication, management, and leadership courses to grow capacity to get results. We have created three options for study that will provide meaningful development opportunities across three focus areas.

Who Can Benefit?

Those experienced and high-potential early-career professionals seeking development to make them more effective leaders and/or contributors.

How Does It Work?

By employing the RU Helzberg School of Business’s proven business program faculty to deliver courses that are practical and contextualized with real-world application takeaways and convenient delivery for participants.

Leadership Institute Target Audiences

Experienced and High-Potential Managers

These are people in charge of units. High potential refers to inexperienced managers that the company has identified as having high potential to continue in the role and, perhaps, advance to more senior roles.

Team Leads and Supervisors

These are people with additional responsibilities in an area or sub-unit, but aren’t involved in any significant planning. They do, however, tend to influence team or individual performance.

Leadership Institute Offerings

We offer both credit and non-credit programs. Credit offerings can be applied (stacked) towards either a certificate or a degree program. The table below describes the three main types of programs.

Program Options	Details
Advanced Leadership Certificate – Open Enrollment	Individual participants are enrolled as students in a cohort of peers from multiple organizations. 10-credit hour program. Lock step schedule is determined by Rockhurst. Classes are held at Rockhurst Bill can be paid by the individual using employer tuition reimbursement policy or the organizational sponsor. Participant earns a credits-bearing certificate that can be stacked toward an MBA.
Advanced Leadership Certificate – Company	Exclusive cohort group (minimum of 10 students). Flexibility in the schedule and location of class meetings Participant earns a credits-bearing certificate that can be stacked toward an MBA. Negotiated agreement terms would be established by mutual execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Leadership Custom Program	Either credit-bearing or non-credit content delivered by Rockhurst faculty according to client specifications Negotiated agreement terms would be established by mutual execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can these courses count toward a Rockhurst certificate or degree?

Yes. Credit-based courses apply as graduate credit toward a Rockhurst MBA. Completing 10 credit hours qualifies for the Advanced Leadership Certificate.

What is the Advanced Leadership Certificate?

The Advanced Leadership Certificate (ALC) is part of the Leadership Institute and serves as a focused alternative to the EMBA. It emphasizes practical leadership and management skills that professionals can apply immediately in the workplace.

Is this program valuable if I already have a master’s degree?

Yes. These programs are designed to strengthen applied leadership, communication, and organizational skills—areas not typically covered in depth in traditional graduate programs.

How is this different from the EMBA?

The Leadership Institute's offerings are more targeted and flexible. They focus specifically on leadership and management development, while the EMBA provides a broader business curriculum including finance, strategy, and marketing.

Can I take individual courses toward a certificate?

No. Certificate programs follow a cohort model to enhance peer learning and networking. Organizations may request customized programs tailored to their needs.

Where are classes held?

Open enrollment courses are held in Kansas City, Missouri, on campus at Rockhurst University in the Executive MBA classroom (Conway 204). Company-sponsored programs may be delivered onsite or on campus.

Are remote options available?

Programs are designed for in-person delivery but can accommodate remote participants with appropriate technology. Some experiential elements may differ slightly for virtual attendees.

Who should enroll?

Programs are designed for mid-level to executive leaders, as well as high-potential supervisors and team leads. Participants gain practical tools they can apply immediately to improve performance and lead effectively.

Is coaching included?

Coaching is not included, but participants are encouraged to work with a coach. Referrals to experienced executive coaches are available.

Are customized executive education programs available?

Yes. Rockhurst can design tailored leadership development programs to meet specific organizational goals, with flexible delivery formats and content.