Values-Based Leadership

Values are a compass for leaders during changing times.

Through the Graduate Certificate in Values-Based Leadership you'll learn how to align your decisions and actions with your values. This six-month, three-course program is designed for mid- to senior-level professionals, who want to lead better. 

Values-based leadership will help you to become a confident mentor and authentic leader. Your skills will help you to strengthen an organizational culture that engages employees — and improves productivity and the bottom line. Good leadership, in turn, will help your organization respond to some of the great challenges of our time.

Work while you study with online courses and a short, immersive on-campus residency.

This is program open to multisectoral leaders within public, private or civil sectors.

You can build from here

You can take this as a standalone program or apply credits toward one of following degree programs: 

• Master of Arts in Leadership (Executive Leadership specialization)
• Master of Arts in Leadership
• Master of Arts in Global Leadership
• Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
• Master of Business Administration in Executive Management

Program outcomes

Once you have completed this program, you'll have the skills to:

• lead with courage and confidence
• establish trust through transparency and authenticity
• foster engagement toward a positive organizational culture
• model effective and collaborative relationships
• lead values-driven teams

While students in this program are already mid-level to senior leaders, this degree can help you enhance your capabilities in your current role or advance to other senior leadership positions. It is specifically designed for leaders in the public, private and civil sectors, serving in roles such as     deputy minister, assistant deputy minister or director general in government; president, CEO, VP, CFO, director in business, education or social services; administrator or manager in healthcare; commissioner, assistant superintendent or chief in military or policing.

Standard admission

• Four-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, with a minimum GPA of B+ (3.33/4.33).
• Normally a minimum of five years of leadership* experience, including at least three years as a designated organizational leader with responsibilities to lead others in delivering a common product or outcome with explicit values.
• Applicants who meet the degree requirement, but not the GPA, or have been away from academic writing for more than 10 years, will normally be required to take the “Academic Writing and Critical Thinking” course offered through Continuing Studies at Royal Roads University, and obtain a minimum B+ (77%) prior to commencing the program. (This course must end a minimum of five weeks prior to your program start date.)

Flexible admission

Applicants who do not meet the standard admission Requirements will be considered for flexible admission and assessed as follows:

• At least seven years of organizational experience, with at least three years of positional leadership or designated leadership experience.
• Flexible admission applicants will normally be required to take “Academic Writing and Critical Thinking” and obtain a minimum B+ (77%) prior to commencing the program. (This course must end a minimum of five weeks prior to your program start date.)

English language proficiency

• If English is not your primary language, please review our English language requirements.

All applications to this program require submission of the following information and supporting documents before your file can be assessed for admission:

Application form

In order to apply online, you will be required to create a log-in account using your email address. You will be required to list all credit courses and/or programs you have completed or are currently enrolled in. An application fee will be required. If your application fees are being paid by a third party, review sponsored student information. Once submitted, you may check the status of your application at any time.

Official transcripts

Applicants are responsible for arranging for the submission of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary (higher education) institutions currently or previously attended, for all credit courses and/or programs. Transcripts are not required for non-credit programs or courses, though some programs may require proof of professional certifications or designations.

Transcripts are considered official only if submitted directly by the Registrar or other recognized authority of the providing institution in the institution's original, sealed envelope. If the envelope has been opened, the transcripts are no longer official and new (official) transcripts will be required to complete your application.

All international transcripts or credentials are subject to an international transcript and/or credential evaluation.

Personal statement

The statement's purpose is to assess applicants' writing skills, as well as their interest and ability to complete the program. Your personal statement should be written as a three to four page narrative and must address each of the following questions using each question as a separate heading) 

• Why do you wish to enroll in the conflict analysis and management program?
• What academic courses and/or training do you have in the area of conflict management?
• What work experience do you have in the area of conflict management?
• What experience have you had with distance education and self-directed study?
• What special strengths do you bring to the program?

Letters of reference

Two letters of reference are required and may be provided by current or past employer(s) or by those who have known the applicant in an academic or volunteer setting.

Reference letters must attest to the applicant's suitability to this program, and particularly the applicant's ability to complete a demanding graduate program, including graduate level writing and research. The referee should indicate the length of time and context in which they have known the applicant, and should also consider the ability of the applicant to model appropriate behavior in the field as well as the personal attributes of the applicant.

In the case of an employer's reference, the letter should also attest to the applicant's performance in the context of current or previous employment. The letter should address such areas as work in the field of conflict analysis and management, as well as leadership potential.

Structured resume

Applicant's resume must include the following:

• Post secondary education: List all post-secondary education, degrees, diplomas, and certificates you have achieved.
• Training and professional development in the area of conflict analysis: List career related training and professional development programs. Include the source of training, and the duration and year completed. List other training and personal development programs not already identified.
• Volunteer work experience: List and describe any voluntary employment and/or community service experience. Please include name of organization, length of service and a brief description of duties. Highlight experience related to alternative dispute resolution.
• Full-time work experience: Please include name of organization, position, length of service and brief description of duties. Highlight experience related to alternative dispute resolution.
• Professional memberships/affiliations: List memberships and positions you hold/have held in professional associations, service clubs, community/volunteer sector.
• Other relevant information: Provide any other information which you believe is relevant to your application and will be of assistance to the review committee.

If applicable:

• Applicants declaring permanent resident or Convention Refugee status in Canada, must submit a copy of their Permanent Resident Card (PR card) along with their application.
• Transcript evaluation fee or credential evaluation report, if submitting international transcripts.
• An official English language proficiency score report or other evidence of proficiency if English is not your primary language.
• Other information or documents as may be requested to determine your eligibility.

For information on how and where to send your supporting documents, please refer to the document submission guidelines.