Advance Your Career. Explore What's Next.
In collaboration with Furman University Graduate Studies, the Center for Innovative Leadership is opening select graduate-level courses to the community. Participants can apply to earn a professional certificate and academic credit in courses from Furman’s graduate programs, including the Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership and the Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy. Scroll down for detailed information about each course.
Whether you want to improve leadership knowledge and skills to better manage uncertainty, influence public policy, manage a nonprofit, or strengthen your design and communication skills, these courses offer immediate, real-world value—plus a flexible path toward a graduate certificate or degree. Each course reflects Furman’s commitment to leadership development, applied learning and innovative solutions that strengthen communities.
Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership
Applied AI for Professional Practice
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future skill—it is a present professional reality. But organizations need more than AI users. They need professionals who can integrate AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and strategically. In this eight-week course, participants will move from conceptual understanding of AI to real-world solution design; build and test AI-enabled prototypes aligned with real organizational challenges; analyze risk, bias and sustainability impacts; develop implementation plans grounded in accountability and feasibility; and present and articulate choice-making and decisions with external mentors and industry experts.
This program is ideal for those seeking to:
- Strengthen digital fluency.
- Translate liberal arts strengths into workforce-ready capability.
- Lead confidently in AI-enabled environments.
- Differentiate themselves in competitive job markets.
*No previous AI experience required.*
Register TodayKey Learning Outcomes
AI is changing the way we work, and the ability to design, evaluate, implement and communicate AI-enabled solutions is becoming a critical skill. This course will equip individuals to build, evaluate and present responsible AI-enabled solutions with confidence.
Participants will:
- Analyze how AI functions within complex organizational systems.
- Define and validate real-world problems appropriate for AI intervention.
- Design structured AI-enabled solution architectures.
- Prototype and refine AI interactions using disciplined experimentation.
- Evaluate risks, bias, sustainability implications and governance considerations.
- Publicly present and articulate solutions in a live pitch event with external mentors and industry leaders.
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Summer 2026
Dates:
Course runs June 1–July 24, 2026.
Schedule:
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Hybrid
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In-Person: Mondays from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Furman Innovation Lab (Flywheel)
- Virtual: Wednesdays from 5:30–7:00 p.m.
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Cost: $3,500
Register TodayMeet the Instructor
Lelia King
Adjunct, M.S. in Innovation and Leadership
Lelia King is the founding CEO and Executive Director of Build Carolina, a South Carolina-based nonprofit organization that works to advance the tech community through demand-driven training, connection and support. She has over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology, education and economic mobility, and has built a career focused on scaling impact-driven programs and advising organizations on strategy and communication. Lelia holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Georgia and an M.A. in communication from Queens University.
Register TodayMaster of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy
Community Action and Policy
Explore social transformation through community organizing and policy change. Participants will learn organizing strategies, develop skills for mobilizing communities and learn how to navigate the policy development process. This course is ideal for:
- Emerging and current community leaders.
- Nonprofit staff and volunteers.
- Public sector employees and local board or commission members.
- Educators, youth mentors, and faith or neighborhood leaders.
- Public health and social service professionals.
- Graduate students or adult learners preparing for careers in advocacy, civic engagement or policy roles.
Key Learning Outcomes
This course helps community members and emerging leaders move from concern to effective action by providing practical organizing and advocacy skills. Participants learn how to mobilize others, build partnerships and sustain momentum around shared goals. It also demystifies the process of creating and changing policies, providing people with clearer entry points to influence decisions that affect their communities. Overall, the course equips individuals with the tools and confidence to turn ideas into structured, lasting community impact.
- Analyze community issues and identify strategic entry points for collective action and policy influence.
- Develop and implement organizing plans that mobilize stakeholders, build partnerships and sustain community engagement.
- Explain and navigate the policy development process to effectively advocate for community priorities.
Fall 2026
Schedule:
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In Person
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Tuesdays from 5:00–6:30 p.m. (Fall 2026 term begins August 24, 2026)
- Plus 15 hours of community mobilization
Cost: $2,500
REGISTER TODAY
Meet the Instructor
Dr. Shaniece Criss
Director, M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy
Dr. Shaniece Criss is a civic leader, public health scholar and associate professor at Furman University, where she directs the Advocacy and Social Policy master’s program. Her work focuses on community engagement, leadership development and policy impact. Dr. Criss also hosts the Civically Grown podcast, where changemakers share the roots of their leadership. She brings extensive experience from roles at the CDC, ICF International, CNN and the Peace Corps.
REGISTER TODAY
Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy
Grant Writing and Fundraising
Examine the role of decision-making for funding in community-focused processes. Participants will consider topics like the administration of capital resources, gifts, fundraising, and grant writing and implementation.
This course is designed for community members, nonprofit staff and emerging leaders who want to secure funding to support social impact initiatives. It is well-suited for individuals responsible for fundraising, grant writing or resource development in nonprofit organizations, community groups or advocacy programs. Additionally, it appeals to students and professionals seeking practical skills in managing grants, cultivating donors and implementing funding strategies to drive meaningful change.
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Key Learning Outcomes
This course helps participants overcome challenges related to funding and resource development for community-focused initiatives. It teaches how to secure grants and donations, understand complex funding processes and develop persuasive proposals that align with donor priorities. Participants also learn to manage relationships with funders and partners and translate social impact goals into actionable fundraising strategies. By the end of the course, learners will have gained the skills and confidence needed to raise and manage resources that support successful, sustainable community initiatives.
- Identify and secure funding opportunities by matching community or organizational needs with appropriate grants and donor strategies.
- Develop and implement effective proposals and fundraising plans that clearly communicate goals and impact.
- Manage resources and relationships with funders and partners to ensure sustainable, successful community initiatives.
Spring 2027
Schedule:
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In Person
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Wednesdays from 5:00–6:30 p.m. (Spring 2027 term begins January 11, 2027)
- Plus 15 hours for an independent project
Cost: $2,500
Register Today
Meet the Instructor
Dr. Veena Khandke
Faculty, M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy
Dr. Veena Khandke is a developmental psychologist and educator with interdisciplinary expertise in psychology, global health, gender studies, human rights and sustainability. She serves as adjunct faculty at Furman University and is a Faculty Affiliate with the Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities, teaching courses that examine poverty, gender, health and social change. From 2014 to 2022, she was Director of Grants and Partnerships at Together Women Rise, where she managed international grant cycles and mentored partners worldwide. Her professional and academic experience informs a practical, globally informed approach to grant writing and fundraising.
REGISTER TODAY
Professional Certificates - FAQs
Professional certificates are credit-bearing Furman graduate courses available to non-degree learners seeking to enhance skills and knowledge for career growth. These courses can also count toward a graduate certificate or master’s degree.
A professional certificate can be completed within the term in which the course is offered (fall, spring or summer).
Please refer to the course information for details on professional certificate offerings in fall, spring and summer terms.
Courses are offered in-person or hybrid (mixture of in-person and online).
Admission/Application Requirements:
- Non-degree Student Application.
- A transcript from all higher education institutions where credit was used to award a degree.
- Résumé.
To apply now, click here.
Cost is determined by the program offering the certificate. Please refer to the course information to learn more.
All Furman professional certificates can be used toward the completion of an aligned Furman graduate certificate or master’s degree. Professional certificate students may become graduate certificate or master’s degree candidates by consulting with Graduate Studies and meeting admission criteria for a specific degree program.
Both options are designed to help you build new skills and knowledge and advance your career. And because you receive academic credit, professional certificates and graduate certificates can serve as a pathway to a full master’s degree if you decide to continue your studies. Consulting with Graduate Studies and meeting admission criteria for a specific degree program (can we provide a link here).
Professional Certificates
The Furman Innovation Lab offers professional certificates for non-degree learners seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge for ongoing career growth and enhancement. Students who complete a designated credit-bearing Furman graduate course will receive a professional certificate from the Furman Innovation Lab. Non-degree seeking learners can enroll in up to two designated, for-credit Furman graduate courses. These for-credit course options can also count toward the completion of a designated graduate certificate or master’s degree. Admission into the graduate certificate or master’s program is required. See application details for more information.
Graduate Certificates
A graduate certificate is a program of study and credit-based academic credential for graduate certificate students seeking advanced knowledge and skills in a designated area of specialization. Graduate certificates at Furman require the successful completion of four to six courses (12–18 credits) addressing a particular focus of study and can typically be completed within three to four terms. All Furman Graduate Certificate courses can be used (e.g., stacked) toward the completion of an aligned Furman master’s degree. Graduate certificate students may become master’s degree candidates by consulting with Graduate Studies and meeting admission criteria for a specific degree program. See application details for more information.
Contact Us
For more information about Furman’s professional certificates, please email [email protected]. If you have questions about the application process, please contact Helen Reynolds, assistant director of graduate studies, at [email protected].