The USC Rossier Leadership in Enrollment Management Certificate Program
The Leadership in Enrollment Management certificate is designed for emerging and seasoned professionals in admissions, financial aid, institutional research, enrollment management and related fields. Individuals or campus teams who want to gain a leadership and managerial perspective are particularly well-suited for the program.
Now more than ever, educational institutions need agile, forward-thinking leaders who can navigate complex challenges, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. Whether you're an emerging or experienced leader in higher education or K-12/independent schools, this program is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take the next step in your career. Through specialized learning and a supportive national network, you'll gain valuable insights into admission, financial aid, institutional research, enrollment management, and related fields—individually or as part of a campus team.
Lead the Future of Enrollment Management
Elevate Your Career with USC’s Certificate in Leadership in Enrollment Management
Are you ready to lead change in admissions, financial aid, or enrollment strategy? USC’s Leadership in Enrollment Management Certificate program empowers professionals like you — whether working in K–12 schools, colleges, or graduate programs — to take on mission-driven leadership roles that make a difference.
This dynamic, online program is designed to fit your schedule, expand your impact, and ignite your professional growth.
Why This Program Stands Out
Learn from the Best
Engage directly with USC’s nationally-recognized faculty and network of expert practitioners — thought leaders and seasoned leaders who bring cutting-edge insight and real-world experience.
Grow with Purpose
Dive into curated readings, apply learning through case studies, and build actionable strategies tailored to your day-to-day challenges.
Meet YOUR People
Connect with a vibrant national community of enrollment professionals who are just as passionate — and ambitious — as you are.
Make an Immediate Impact
Design a capstone project that tackles real issues in your current role, showcasing your new skills and leadership capacity.
Flexible & Accessible
Stay fully employed while learning online through a blend of asynchronous content and live discussion sessions that work with your schedule.
Team Discounts Available
Bring your colleagues and transform your entire department — together.
Bonus: In-Person Experience
All participants are invited to attend the prestigious Conference on Enrollment Policy and Practice (CERPP) in Los Angeles — registration is on us!
2026-27 Program Dates
The 2025-26 program is sold out, but you can plan ahead for next year:
- September 21, 2026: Program start date
- November 23–29, 2026: Thanksgiving break
- December 14, 2026 – January 11, 2027: Winter break
- April 25, 2027: Program end date
Curriculum Overview
The Leadership in Enrollment Management Certificate Program prepares current and emerging leaders to navigate today’s complex educational environment with clarity, strategy, and confidence. Through a leadership lens, participants explore the foundations of enrollment management — including institutional alignment, admission models, financial aid strategy, and student recruitment.
Key topics include data-informed decision-making, goal setting, student success, and legal and ethical considerations. The program emphasizes expanding access and opportunity, with sessions that support leaders in reaching and supporting a broad range of students while managing and developing high-performing teams.
The experience culminates in a practical case study, blending real-world application with strategic reflection. With built-in opportunities for networking and professional growth, this flexible, impactful curriculum equips you to lead change and drive results across your institution.
Online Learning Experience
Each week, you’ll spend about 5-7 hours engaging with asynchronous videos, readings, discussions, and activities — entirely on your own schedule.
Optional live sessions are offered periodically to enrich your learning. Can’t attend live? Recordings will be available to watch anytime.
Program Participants
Graduates of USC’s Leadership in Enrollment Management Certificate program represent a diverse and distinguished community of professionals from across the education landscape. Alumni hail from a wide range of institutions, including major public research universities, private liberal arts colleges, regional institutions, community colleges, and theological seminaries. The program also serves leaders from independent schools and international institutions, spanning K-12 through higher education.
Participants come from every corner of the U.S. and multiple countries, bringing unique perspectives from urban and rural settings, large and small schools, and institutions serving a broad array of student populations. This diversity enriches the learning experience and fosters a vibrant professional network dedicated to advancing equity, innovation, and strategic leadership in enrollment management.
Curious how this program could support your goals?
We’d be happy to connect you with an alumnus from a school like yours. Reach out — we’d love to start the conversation!
Let's Connect!
The best way to see if this program is right for you is to connect with one of our team members. We’ll help you explore how it fits your goals and answer any questions. Take the first step.
Let’s chart your leadership journey together. Contact xxx (currently Emily) to take the next step in your career progression...We look forward to meeting you!
