NDMU Launches New Women, Gender, and Leadership Certificate

By: Erik Pedersen, Senior Communications Manager

BALTIMORE – Notre Dame of Maryland University has launched a new Upper-Division Certificate in Women, Gender, and Leadership, which is available to all undergraduate students effective immediately for the Fall 2023 semester.

The 12-credit certificate will provide students who aim to become leaders after graduation with an understanding of how gender differences may affect leadership approaches, styles, and strategies.

“This certificate is another way for our students to prepare to become leaders both in their careers and within their communities,” said Dr. Martha Walker, NDMU’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Students in any major or program will be able to develop expertise that builds critical thinking skills and an empathic understanding of other people which will make them a more capable leader in their chosen field.”

To receive the certificate, students must earn 12 credits through a mix of core classes and electives which align with their area of interest. Core classes include Foundations of Women’s Leadership, which presents an interdisciplinary approach to developing leadership skills in a world of social change, and one course from a provided list which carries service learning credit. Elective offerings are taught by a variety of departments across campus, allowing students to earn the certificate concurrently as they work towards completing their desired majors or minors.

NDMU welcomed a historic gender-inclusive traditional undergraduate class this fall, and the certificate reflects Notre Dame’s continuing commitment to promoting the advancement of women. Notre Dame was recently announced as a recipient of The Daily Record’s inaugural Empowering Women Award, which recognizes companies and organizations that show a strong commitment to supporting and elevating women in Maryland.

“With this certificate and other programs and initiatives, Notre Dame is honoring our mission and legacy as an institution while meeting the interests and goals of our students,” said Dr. Walker.

The University also provides a signature leadership program for undergraduates called IMPRINT, which prepares students to lead in all aspects of their lives. Students earn badges toward a non-credit certificate when they attend and reflect on designated campus events which focus on one of four pillars: Personal Leadership, Mentorship & Sponsorship, Global Awareness; Diversity, and Inclusion, and Teamwork & Communication.

“Students who participate in IMPRINT build a portfolio of reflections on campus activities and events, and they document how these experiences support their leadership growth in key areas,” said Dr. Kate Bossert, associate professor of English and director of NDMU’s IMPRINT program. “IMPRINT and the new certificate in Women, Gender, and Leadership both provide a holistic approach to leadership development. They support students as they put theory into practice and apply what they have learned in service to their communities.”

Established in 1895, Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) is a private, Catholic institution in Baltimore, Maryland, with the mission to educate leaders to transform the world. Notre Dame has been named one of the best "Regional Universities North" by U.S. News & World Report.