What is the Western Leadership Certificate, Powered by Ivey?
The Western Leadership Certificate is an initiative of Ivey Business School's Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership – a globally renowned institute within the leadership and leader character space. This certificate is open to undergraduate students of Western University, Huron University College, and King’s University College. The Certificate provides both breadth and depth in leadership knowledge and practice through three credits:
- 1.5 credits offered by Ivey Business School
- 1.5 credits from a suite of existing leadership courses across various Western faculties and Affiliates
See more about the Certificate’s required courses here.
How would I benefit from taking the Western Leadership Certificate as a part of my degree experience at Western?
As a student enrolled in the Western Leadership Certificate, you will leave this program with:
· foundational leadership competencies applicable across sectors and industries;
· a grounding in and awareness of character leadership – a critical underpinning for good judgment and decision-making – and how to develop and strengthen your own character;
· your own crafted and articulated purpose that you can put into action in service of your personal and professional goals, as well as your teams, organizations, communities, and society at large;
· a competitive advantage in leadership that will differentiate you in the job market; and,
· A special network developed through your connections to your cohort, to Ihnatowycz Leadership, and to Ivey, that will serve you for years to come.
Why will taking Ivey Business School courses be valuable to me if I am not pursuing a degree in Business?
Because leadership, and the need for good leaders, transcends sectors and industries! Ivey Business School is renowned for its focus on character leadership due to the deep scholarship generated by the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership. Character leadership focuses on who leaders are — such as your integrity, humility, courage, and judgment — and as such, is relevant to any faculty or discipline. By participating in this Certificate, you will not only cultivate your own character but also develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between leadership, innovation, well-being, progress, and flourishing. Through case-based learning, experiential exercises, and rigorous discussions, the 1.5 Ivey Business School credits will challenge you to develop the key dimensions of leader character ensuring you are prepared to lead with purpose in complex and uncertain environments.
Ivey’s unique approach goes beyond technical skills, emphasizing the importance of character in driving long-term success and positive impact in today’s society. Moreover, in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global landscape, students who are equipped with the ability to lead with purpose and find meaning in their careers are better positioned to navigate challenges and inspire positive change.
What is the cost of the Western Leadership Certificate?
Because the Western Leadership Certificate is generously funded by BMO Financial Group, there is no additional cost to take or apply for the Certificate above your typical tuition, assuming you can fit all Certificate requirements within your schedule (5 courses per term/5.0 credits per school year for full time students). However, should you need to take extra courses in order to obtain all Certificate requirements, they will be billed accordingly. For example, if you are on track to complete a four-year degree but are missing a 0.5 course for the Certificate and need to take it in the summer, you will be charged Western’s standard half-credit tuition fee.
When and where will the 1.5 Business Administration courses be offered?
Courses will take place on Western’s main campus. In the 2025-26 academic year, the schedule is as follows:
Fall – Transformational Leadership (Business Administration 4773)
Winter – Learning from Leaders (Business Administration 4500)
In subsequent years, the schedule will be as follows:
Fall – Transformational Leadership (Business Administration 4773)
Fall – Purpose-Driven Leadership (Business Administration 4677)
Winter – Learning from Leaders (Business Administration 4500)
What is a Certificate program at Western University?
A Western undergraduate Certificate typically meets the following criteria:
- it is a pre-degree program;
- it requires up to the equivalent of one calendar year or more to complete; and,
- it consists of a minimum of 3.0 degree-credit courses, frequently in combination with a certificate-credit component.
See Western's policy on Certificates, Diplomas, and Micro-credentials
How is the Western Leadership Certificate different from the Certificate in Entrepreneurship at Western?
While they are both powered by Ivey, the learning objectives and goals of these Certificates are different. The Western Leadership Certificate provides students a foundation in leadership knowledge and practice, including the development of critical leadership competencies and character, while the Certificate in Entrepreneurship will provide students with the educational foundation to launch a career in entrepreneurship.
What are the application requirements for the Western Leadership Certificate?
To be eligible for admission, you must complete your first year courses with a minimum average of 70%. Leadership experience is not required to apply.
What year do I have to be in to apply for the Western Leadership Certificate?
You can apply during the Intent to Register period prior to your second year at Western. Students entering their third year or beyond are also welcome to apply, assuming they have enough space in their class schedule to allow for completion of all required courses.
I am a student at Huron University College / King’s University College. Can I apply for the Western Leadership Certificate?
Yes, the Certificate is open to all Western and Affiliate students.
I am an Ivey Business School student / I have Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) status. Can I apply for the Western Leadership Certificate?
At this time, the Certificate is not open to Ivey Business School students or those who have Ivey Advanced Entry Opportunity (AEO) status. This is because students at Ivey Business School are eligible to take the 1.5 Business Administration credits that are included in the Certificate – Transformational Leadership, Learning From Leaders, and Purpose-Driven Leaderships – through their elective choices in HBA 2.
Can I take two Certificate programs at a time, and if so, can I double count courses?
If you take the Western Leadership Certificate in addition to another Certificate program, 1.0 credits can be double-counted. That said, if you take two Certificates at one time you may need to overload your course count or take courses beyond four years if you’re unable to fit both Certificate requirements into your regular course schedule.
If I am interested in applying for the Western Leadership Certificate, do I have to do anything during the Intent to Register process?
Yes! In order to be considered for the Western Leadership Certificate, you must complete the following steps:
1. Apply to the Western Leadership Certificate; AND,
2. Select the Western Leadership Certificate through the Intent to Register process. Read more about the Intent to Register process here.
What is the application deadline?
Please refer to the Application Timeline page for all important dates.
If I apply to the Western Leadership Certificate, am I guaranteed to be admitted?
Space in the Certificate is limited to 75 students per year, so acceptance is not guaranteed. We intend to build a multi-disciplinary cohort drawing from the range of faculties and programs here at Western. We encourage student leaders and equity-deserving students to apply. Through the application process, you will have the opportunity to respond to two short essay questions where you can articulate why you should be selected for the program by highlighting your unique strengths and capacities.
How will I know if I will be accepted into the Western Leadership Certificate?
All students will be contacted by email at the end of May to be notified of their status. Please ensure that you are checking your email regularly to receive timely communication.
If I'm not successful this year, can I still apply next year?
Yes, as long as you meet the Certificate requirements and can find space in your schedule to take the required courses, you are welcome to apply again next year. Please visit this webpage in January 2026 to find an updated application timeline for the 2026-2027 school year.
If I am accepted into the Certificate, what will I receive after meeting all requirements of the Certificate?
Upon graduation, your transcript will include acknowledgement of the successful completion and awarding of the Western Leadership Certificate. You will also receive a physical certificate and a digital badge.