Science Leadership Certificate of Completion

The certificate program provides meaningful opportunities for Faculty of Science undergraduate and graduate students to grow as science leaders and create science leadership community by connecting students of various levels, backgrounds, and stages of their personal and academic development.

The certificate program is offered during academic year, with a new cohort beginning in September of each year. We are excited to welcome our second 25 student cohort for the 2026-2027 cycle! Students who participate in the certificate program will receive the credential: Science Leadership Certificate of Completion. 


Applications are now open!

 

Expandable List

Please note that this is a non-Academic certificate and as such, students are not required to fulfill any specific course admission requirement to apply.

  • Students must be a declared Undergraduate (Level II and above) or Graduate student in the Faculty of Science.
  • Students will be encouraged to consider enrollment in an academic course related to leadership (eg. courses available through the Wilson College Minor in Leadership and Civic Studies)

Learn more about Wilson College leadership courses available to science students here.

  • Students will engage in a series of workshops, modules, and events in a blended format, including in-person, hybrid, virtual, synchronous and asynchronous opportunities.
  • The certificate program will also include one-hour personalized professional coaching sessions for each participating student
  • Students will complete an Individual/Personalized Leadership Development Plan.
  • Instruction and engagement will be facilitated by the Program Coordinator and include support from guest speakers, facilitators and Certified Coaches.
  • Students will receive a Pass/Fail grade based on completed activities and completion of the 30 contact hours (completion of these hours will be achieved through a combination of 1:1 coaching sessions and attendance at workshops, modules and events)

Certificate Learning Objectives:

  • Develop self-awareness by identifying strengths and areas for improvement in interpersonal interactions. 
  • Discover potential as a leader, explore related career paths, and understand how leadership applies to your environment. 
  • Cultivate a growth mindset through curiosity, exploration, and discovery in your personal and professional development. 
  • Recognize that leadership is influence and develop communication and collaboration skills to make a meaningful impact. 
  • Apply leadership principles through self-reflection, coaching, and goal-setting to navigate real-world challenges. 

Applications open Monday, June 1st and close Sunday, June 21st at 11:59PM.

As part of their application, students will be asked to provide information on:

  • Why they are interested in developing their leadership
  • Their perspective on the impact of effective leadership and important leadership attributes
  • Their goals and aspirations for their experience in the Susan Cunningham Science Leadership Academy
  • Their perspective on leadership in an academic context
  • How their experiences outside of an academic setting has impacted their growth and development

 

A note on responses:

Our goal is to get to know you—your interests, experiences, and how you hope to grow as a leader through the Susan Cunningham Science Leadership Academy. We understand that leadership potential can come from many different life experiences, whether from school, community involvement, family responsibilities, part-time work, athletics, creative pursuits, or other personal endeavors. Some of the questions will ask you to reflect on your motivations, your perspective on leadership, and the experiences that have shaped your personal and academic journey. You are encouraged to share what feels meaningful to you, but please know that you are not required to disclose any personal or sensitive information that you are uncomfortable submitting.

Your responses will be reviewed and assessed using a weighted rubric by members of the Academy’s admissions team, including faculty and staff in the Faculty of Science.

Responses are limited to 200 words each.

Please also note that you must NOT use generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) to help complete your application. Doing so will be considered an infringement of academic integrity.

If you have questions or require support with your application, please email: scilead@mcmaster.ca

Admissions process:

  • students will submit applications via Microsoft Form (details on the application can be found under the ‘Application’ section above)
  • reviewers will assess applications using a rubric to grade responses
  • a cohort of 25 students will be contacted with an offer of admissions into the Academy by mid-late July
  • Academy communications will be on-going through the summer, with activities beginning in September 2026

Statement on Equitable Admissions

The Susan Cunningham Science Leadership Academy is a foundational element of the Faculty of Science vision to create global impact by advancing scientific discovery and knowledge, promote greater understanding and lasting change. Principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) play a vital role in building this future, and the Academy aims to create an inclusive science leadership community, and connect students of various levels, backgrounds, and stages of their personal and academic development.  

As part of our efforts to promote an accessible, supportive, and inclusive community, we have made a commitment to the following equitable admissions processes:  

  • Transparency in the application process (students will know how they are being assessed on their application)  
  • Recognize not all students will have had access to the same opportunities (considerations will be made for the diversity of experiences)  
  • Assistance with application on request 

FAQ

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