What is leadership?
Leadership is all about having the ability to motivate, guide, and inspire others. A good leader needs strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, sound decision-making, and the capacity to adapt, delegate, empathize, and steer a team effectively.
These leadership skills are especially useful for managers who oversee and mentor employees. The best managers lead by example, fostering growth and setting a positive tone for their teams.
Choosing the right leadership program for you
edX provides multiple online learning options for leadership, including courses, executive education programs, and degree programs. The best choice depends on your career goals, interests, budget, and time availability.
Courses
Online leadership courses can equip you with skills that are useful across many careers. Topics range from leadership and communication to management in engineering, as well as empathy and emotional intelligence.
Certificates
Many edX leadership programs offer certificates upon completion. These can help showcase your expertise in areas like women’s leadership as you advance in your career.
Executive education programs
Designed for working professionals, these programs can be finished in six to eight weeks. Examples include women’s leadership, organizational leadership, and communication for influence and impact.
Degrees
edX offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in leadership to help you start or progress in a leadership career. A bachelor’s typically takes four years of full-time study, while a master’s usually takes two.
Jobs in leadership
Leadership roles exist in every industry. Here are a few career options:
Salary and career outlook for leadership professionals
| Job title | Job description | Required education | Median annual salary (May 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top executive | Top executives develop strategies, set policies, and oversee operations to ensure an organization meets its goals. Roles include CEOs, general managers, operations managers, government administrators, and school superintendents or presidents. | Bachelor’s degree | $103,840 |
| Computer and information systems manager | These professionals plan and coordinate computer-related activities in businesses. Roles include IT directors, IT security managers, CIOs, and CTOs. | Bachelor’s degree | $169,510 |
| Training and development manager | They design and lead programs to improve employees’ skills and knowledge, working across nearly every industry. | Bachelor’s degree | $125,040 |
| Human resources manager | HR managers handle administrative operations, onboard new hires, advise executives, and act as a bridge between staff and management. Roles include labor relations directors, payroll managers, and recruiting managers. | Bachelor’s degree | $136,350 |