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Graduate Certificate inNegotiation and Influence

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

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.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by November 15 to start January 12

9 Credits$1,027 per credit

No GRE/GMAT

GRE and GMAT test scores are NOT required.

Gain Skills to Ethically Influence Others and Negotiate Outcomes

  • Negotiate and utilize your influence to construct profitable agreements, gain support, close deals, and implement solutions.

  • Identify and gain sources of power at work.

  • Influence others with and without the use of power.

  • Gain acceptance for your solutions, products, or ideas and ensure your strategies are implemented.

  • Use listening skills, creative and analytical thinking, and persuasive speaking to influence and negotiate effectively.

This 9-credit online certificate program is 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. The knowledge gained from this program may help you become more successful in the workplace, regardless of your role or current level.

Core concepts in this certificate include: 

  • foundational concepts and practices of effective negotiation dynamics 
  • negotiation preparation, 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 strategies 
  • competency in managing various multiparty negotiation process contexts, including third-party interventions 
  • sources of power and the ability to effectively manage downward, horizontally, and upward 
  • deal-making, bargaining styles, and value creation

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.

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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 and help you become a successful negotiator.

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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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 

Upcoming Event

Master's in Strategic Management and Executive Leadership (SMEXL) Webinar

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

Apply by November 15 to start January 12. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

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.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

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.

Military Benefits

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Smeal College of Business is committed to being your partner in lifelong learning. Smeal offers programs, support, and resources for every career stage and life circumstance that will prepare you not only for your next great opportunity but also for the one after that.

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.

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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 775,000 alumni who support one another and make a meaningful impact. Whether studying on campus or online through Penn State World Campus, all Penn State students can experience a sense of community and belonging. You’ll have opportunities to engage with your peers, faculty, and alumni through virtual and in-person, on-campus events such as Impact Smeal Day, WE ARE Weekend, THON™, and the Blue-White game.

More than 94,000 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.

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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 courses from this certificate may be applied to a master's degree. Separate degree admission is required.

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

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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.

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Learn to gain a competitive business advantage using forecasting, inventory analysis, demand planning, and transformation strategy as a student in Penn State’s online supply chain management program. Courses from this flexible master’s degree also satisfy the requirements for a graduate certificate in supply chain management.

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AACSB Accredited

This program is AACSB Accredited

The Penn State Smeal College of Business is AACSB accredited, an honor reserved for the top 5% of business schools worldwide. This program is competitively priced compared to other AACSB–accredited programs.

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.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). Depending on the course offering schedule for the program, certificates may be completed in 8–16 months.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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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, and application instructions.

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Apply by November 15 to start January 12

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by November 15 to start January 12

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by April 15, 2026, to start May 18, 2026

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox 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.

  2. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — 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 Fox 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 Graduate Certificate in Negotiation and Influence. Please do not exceed 500 words.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. 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.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

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

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

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]

This program is offered in partnership with the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Through this certificate program, you can earn a respected credential while learning from faculty with diverse backgrounds, intellectual perspectives, and industry expertise.

Faculty

  • Maurie Kelly

    • Ph.D., Organizational Development, Penn State
    • M.S., Information Science, Clarion University
    • B.A., History, Penn State

    Dr. Maurie Kelly is the director of informatics at Penn State’s Institute for Energy and the Environment, an instructor of international business in the Department of Risk Management, and an adjunct instructor of management in the Smeal College of Business. She teaches courses in international business, sustainability, and complex negotiation. She is a learning partner with Penn State’s Talent Management, where she teaches seminars on authentic leadership, building trust in an organization, and conflict resolution.

  • Brad Leve

    • M.S., WFED, Penn State
    • Graduate Certificate, Management (Entrepreneurship), The Wharton School, The University of Pennsylvania
    • B.A., Political Science (Arabic Studies), Villanova University

    Brad Leve has worked on Wall Street as a municipal and corporate bond analyst and directed the operations of a start-up, multimillion-dollar-a-year contract manufacturer, a start-up incubator, and a flight school. Specializing in the “guerrilla” (nontraditional and low or no cost) method of starting a business, he has experience in many entrepreneurial styles: Darwinian, Communitarian, and Missionary; he has worked with companies with more traditional, for-profit business plans, those focusing on more novel products, and companies focused on implementing positive social or environmental change.

  • Vilmos F. Misangyi

    • Ph.D., Strategic Management, University of Florida
    • B.A., Financial Administration, Michigan State University

    Dr. Vilmos F. Misangyi is the program director for the Master’s in Strategic Management and Executive Leadership program in the Penn State Smeal College of Business, a professor of strategic management, and the BNY Mellon Fellow. He teaches courses in corporate strategy, strategic management, and power and influence. His research seeks to contribute to an understanding of strategy that extends beyond standard economic and financial accounts by taking a social and behavioral approach to examining how executive and organizational actions influence, and are influenced by, their surrounding environments.

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

Apply by November 15 to start January 12. How to Apply 

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