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
Leading in Uncertain Times
In this course, participants will explore the impact of complex contemporary issues on leadership practices across diverse contexts and develop skills required to lead in uncertain and rapidly changing environments.
Leading in Uncertain Times is designed for leaders of all backgrounds and experience levels who want to build their capacity to lead through change and uncertainty.
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Key Learning Outcomes
We are living in a time of significant cultural, political, environmental and technological change. Every day we are bombarded by new information and challenges. How do we lead in this rapidly changing environment? Students will develop a framework for leading in uncertain times, and they will gain support from others who are navigating similar challenges. By the end of the course, participants will:
- Understand the impact of complex contemporary issues on leadership practices across diverse contexts (e.g., political polarization, COVID, technology, climate change).
- Understand and apply adaptive leadership as a framework for leading in uncertain and rapidly changing environments.
- Develop skills to navigate conflict and facilitate difficult conversations in various leadership settings when the stakes are high.
Spring 2027
Schedule:
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Online – Wednesdays from 6:30–8:00 p.m. (Spring 2027 term begins January 11, 2027)
- In-person – Four Saturdays from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (January 23, February 6, March 13, April 24)
Cost: $2,500
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Meet the Instructor
Dr. Katrina Hutchins
Adjunct Instructor; Founder and President of Re-Source Solutions
Dr. Katrina Hutchins began her journey at Furman University as an Adjunct Professor in the Innovation and Leadership graduate program. She brings real-world experiences as a scholar-practitioner and employs pedagogical techniques emphasizing a student-centered model in the classroom by designing activities, fostering social interactions and creating problem-solving situations that enable students to practice applying course content in real-world contexts.
In addition to her teaching role at Furman, Dr. Hutchins is the Founder and president of Re-Source Solutions, a company dedicated to achieving organizational excellence through professional and personal growth and transformation. As a Crertified Personal and Executive Coach, Consultant, Inspirational Speaker and Author, she has collaborated with corporate, governmental, higher education, philanthropic, non-profit and faith-based organizations.
Dr. Hutchins earned a Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. She also holds a Doctoral degree in Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University and completed a certificate program in diversity and inclusion at Cornell University. Additionally, she obtained her Personal and Executive Coaching Certification from the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute and is a DISC-certified Behavioral Consultant.
As a scholar, Dr. Hutchins’ research is focused on the power of women’s voices. Her fourth book, The Voice Positioning System: 7 Ways to Harness Your Power and Master Your Influence, has catalyzed transformation for many readers and voice workshop participants. In 2022, Dr. Hutchins authored the “My Voice Is Powerful” children’s book series. She is also the author of three inspirational books and two inspirational journals.
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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
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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.
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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].