Business professionals negotiating a deal

Graduate Certificate in
Negotiation and Influence

Program summary

Acquire the skills you need to gain support for your ideas, influence the outcome of negotiations, and successfully implement your solutions. This program can help you learn to identify personal interests and gives you the opportunity to practice strategies though multi-party negotiation scenarios.

Application deadline

Apply by November 1 to start January 8

Credits and costs

9 Credits $1,007 per credit

Online Graduate Certificate in Negotiation and Influence

Managers need the ability to effectively negotiate and utilize their influence to construct profitable agreements, gain support, close a deal, and implement solutions. Effective negotiators are typically excellent listeners, creative and analytical thinkers, and persuasive speakers. They use their skills and influence to gain acceptance for their solutions, products, or ideas and ensure their strategies are implemented. 

This program is AACSB Accredited

The 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Negotiation and Influence, developed by the internationally ranked Penn State Smeal College of Business and offered online through Penn State World Campus, can provide a foundation in these vital negotiation tactics.

The program includes courses to help you develop critical negotiation skills and knowledge that can help you identify and gain sources of power at work. You will have the opportunity to refine those skills in multiparty negotiation scenarios, demonstrating how to influence others with and without the use of power.

Online Curriculum

Core concepts in this certificate include:

  • foundational concepts and practices of effective negotiation
  • preparation for a negotiation, including identification of personal interests, effectively operationalizing and quantifying those interests, and developing a strategy for engaging in successful negotiation
  • ethical challenges associated with negotiation
  • competency in managing various multiparty negotiation contexts, including third-party interventions
  • sources of power and the ability to effectively manage downward, horizontally, and upward

The Penn State Difference

Reputation — The Penn State Smeal College of Business carries the elite AACSB accreditation, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. Through this certificate program, you can earn a respected credential that could also help connect you with a powerful network of contacts, resources, and opportunities.

Convenience — As a complement to the challenging, but rewarding, curriculum, online courses provide you with the flexibility and convenience to study around your own schedule without sacrificing quality. You can skip the commute and prepare for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving the comfort of your home.

Who Should Apply?

People who work in public-facing roles, such as sales or client relations, need strong negotiating skills to succeed, but anyone who negotiates up or down within an organization — for resources, responsibilities, or recognition — can benefit from this program.

Information for Military and Veterans

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.

Courses

The 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Negotiation and Influence consists of 3 required courses that are designed to blend in-depth information about negotiations, power, and influence with hands-on, trial-and-error learning to help you develop strong negotiation skills. This program may help you become more successful in the workplace, regardless of your role or current level.

Courses are structured to allow you to complete assignments when and where it's most convenient for you. While courses are autonomous, you will have the opportunity to interact and engage with fellow classmates through integrated experiences. This peer-to-peer interaction enhances your learning experience while strengthening your professional network on a global scale. 

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Delivers an overview of the difference between traditional (distributive) bargaining and interest-based (or integrative) negotiations; learn to identify their own and others' interests, to create and claim value, and to craft constructive agreements for all parties.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides students with the frameworks, concepts, and tools that allow them to diagnose individual and organizational sources of power and influence, as well as to wield these sources of power and influence in an ethical and responsible way.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduces the theory and practice of negotiation in a variety of settings, with specific emphasis on multiparty context; the course will allow students to develop these skills experientially and to understand negotiation in useful analytical frameworks.

    • Prerequisite

      BA 805

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

Costs and Financial Aid

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2022–23 Academic Year Rates

How many credits do you plan to take per semester? Cost
11 or fewer $1,007 per credit
12 or more $12,082 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Paying for Your Certificate

Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.

Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.

Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your certificate application must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Spring DeadlineApply by November 1 to start January 8
  • Summer DeadlineApply by March 30, 2024, to start May 13, 2024

Admission Requirements

For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

What You Need

Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

GRE or GMAT test scores are NOT required.

English Proficiency (if applicable) — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

Program-Specific Questions/Materials

Vita or Résumé — A one- to two-page listing of your professional experience and education.

Statement of Purpose — Describe how your professional experience and goals align with the Certificate in Negotiation and Influence. Please do not exceed 500 words. 

Start Your Application

You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

Begin the graduate school application

  • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
  • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
  • Choose "Negotiation and Influence" as the certificate

Checking Your Status

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by November 1 to start January 8. How to Apply

Start or Advance Your Career

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.


Career Services to Set You Up for Success

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree

A figure standing halfway up a set of stairs leading towards a graduation cap

Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.

Degree Programs Related to This Certificate

Some or all credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree programs, if you apply and are granted admission:

Learn to strategically manage high-performance teams and solve complex, real-world business challenges. With more than 25 concentrations to choose from, you can customize this highly ranked online MBA to suit your unique career goals.

Learn more about the Master of Business Administration  

Learn to strategically manage corporate innovation; develop new products, services, and business models for companies; and launch startups. With multiple concentrations to choose from, you can customize this online degree program to suit your individual and organization needs and support your goals.

Learn more about the Master's in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship  

Prepare to lead organizations at the highest level. This program focuses on strategic thinking and leadership and is designed to help you master organizational strategies that drive effectiveness and performance.

Learn more about the Master's in Strategic Management and Executive Leadership  

Contact Us

To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Negotiation and Influence, or for questions regarding the program curriculum or your application status, contact:

Penn State Smeal College of Business
Professional Graduate Programs Office
Phone: 814-865-5290
Email: [email protected]

For general questions about Penn State World Campus or how to apply, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
Email: [email protected]

Penn State Smeal Advantage

More options, greater flexibility and a commitment to lifelong learning

The desire for knowledge and professional growth spans a lifetime. That is why the Penn State Smeal College of Business offers a portfolio of professional graduate programs for all stages of your career. In partnership with Penn State World Campus, Smeal makes it easy to customize a learning plan to your unique career aspirations and busy schedule. Penn State Smeal offers you a lifetime of learning with more concentrations and one of the most integrated, flexible offerings of online and residential programs in the United States.

Penn State Business building

An entire team dedicated to your success

Personal advising – Our experts will explain the many options that Penn State Smeal offers and will help you refine your career strategy and craft the educational experience best suited to your interests. It all starts with a simple, but critical question: “What are your goals?” 

Career coaching* – Our Alumni Career Services team will support you across all career stages with professional advancement opportunities and coaching to help you stay focused on achieving your goals.

Delivering the best of online and in-person learning for a rich educational experience

We understand that today’s professional learners want meaningful discussion and interaction with faculty and classmates along with the technologies and flexible approaches of contemporary online learning. By aligning the best of both worlds, we bring richness, depth, and diversity to the overall educational experience.

Courses designed to engage and motivate the professional student

Creative Teams consisting of a lead faculty member, a Teaching Support Specialist (TSS), and an Instructional Designer use advanced analytics to develop and deliver contemporary graduate courses that promote application and engagement. We strive to innovate in ways that others don’t. 

A real-world perspective

  • Industry professionals inside the virtual classroom – Many of Penn State Smeal’s courses feature industry professionals who have been in the trenches and work hard to make an impact every day. These individuals, most of whom hold a Smeal graduate degree, partner with our renowned faculty to provide a rich academic context with real-world application.
  • Global immersion* – This unique, optional experience will enhance your ability to communicate cross-culturally, adapt to evolving business environments, and manage the risks and benefits of operating on a global scale. Any student pursing a full degree from Smeal may participate in this optional, faculty-led experience for elective credit. Previous destinations have included Shanghai, China; Johannesburg, South Africa; Prague, Czech Republic; Santiago, Chile; and Zagreb, Croatia.

One of the largest and most influential networks in the country

At Penn State, you are part of a worldwide community of instructors, learners, and more than 750,000 alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact. 

More than 90,000 Smeal alumni benefit from connections around the globe as well as networking events, podcasts, webinars, a powerful LinkedIn community, and opportunities for volunteerism.

* Services are available only to students and alumni of Penn State Smeal’s degree programs and online degrees led by Smeal and delivered through the World Campus. Students and alumni of online graduate certificates are not eligible to receive these benefits unless they are also enrolled in a degree program.


Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?

Apply by November 1 to start January 8. How to Apply