Advance Your Career. Explore What's Next.
In collaboration with Furman University Graduate Studies, the Center for Innovative Leadership is opening select graduate-level courses to the community. Beginning Fall 2025, participants can apply to earn a professional certificate and academic credit in courses from three of Furman’s graduate programs: Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership, Master of Arts in Strategic Design and Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy. Scroll down for detailed information about each course.
Whether you want to improve leadership knowledge and skills to better manage uncertainty, influence public policy, manage a nonprofit, or strengthen your design and communication skills, these courses offer immediate, real-world value—plus a flexible path toward a graduate certificate or degree. Each course reflects Furman’s commitment to leadership development, applied learning and innovative solutions that strengthen communities.
Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership
INV 643: Leading in Uncertain Times
We are living in a time of significant cultural, political, environmental, and technological change. Every day we are bombarded by new information and challenges. How do we lead in this rapidly changing environment? Students in this course will develop a framework for leading in uncertain times and gain support from others who are navigating similar challenges.
This course is perfect for leaders of all backgrounds and experience levels who want to build their capacity to lead through change and uncertainty.
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Key Learning Outcomes
In this course, students will explore the impact of complex contemporary issues on leadership practices across diverse contexts and develop skills required to lead in uncertain and rapidly changing environments. You will:
- Understand the impact of complex contemporary issues on leadership practices across diverse contexts (e.g., political polarization, COVID, technology, climate change).
- Understand and apply adaptive leadership as a framework for leading in uncertain and rapidly changing environments.
- Develop skills to navigate conflict and facilitate difficult conversations in various leadership settings when the stakes are high.
Fall 2025
Schedule:
- Online – Mondays from 7:00–8:30 p.m.
- In-person – Saturdays (9/6, 9/27, 11/1, 12/6) from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Cost: $2,500
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Meet the Instructor
Dr. Katrina Hutchins
Adjunct Instructor; Founder and President of Re-Source Solutions
Dr. Katrina Hutchins began her journey at Furman University as an Adjunct Professor in the Innovation and Leadership Graduate Program. She brings real-world experiences as a scholar-practitioner and employs pedagogical techniques emphasizing a student-centered model in the classroom by designing activities, fostering social interactions and creating problem-solving situations that enable students to practice applying course content in real-world contexts.
In addition to her teaching role at Furman, Dr. Hutchins is the Founder and President of Re-Source Solutions, a company dedicated to achieving organizational excellence through professional and personal growth and transformation. As a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, Consultant, Inspirational Speaker and Author, she has collaborated with corporate, governmental, higher education, philanthropic, non-profit and faith-based organizations.
Dr. Hutchins earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina. She also holds a Doctoral degree in Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University and completed a certificate program in diversity and inclusion at Cornell University. Additionally, she obtained her Personal and Executive Coaching Certification from the Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute and is a DISC-certified Behavioral Consultant.
As a scholar, Dr. Hutchins’ research is focused on the power of women’s voices. Her fourth book, The Voice Positioning System: 7 Ways to Harness Your Power and Master Your Influence, has catalyzed transformation for many readers and voice workshop participants. In 2022, Dr. Hutchins authored the “My Voice is Powerful” children’s book series. She is also the author of three inspirational books and two inspirational journals.
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Master of Arts in Strategic Design
SDG 601: Introduction to Design
Introduction to Design is a foundational course for students to implement design principles, elements and theory, with particular attention to visual communication through composition. This course will emphasize strategy and concept through visual solutions. Material solutions will be individualistic; attention to craft with those materials is paramount.
This course is perfect for
- Professionals seeking a career shift or skill expansion into design-related fields where strategic visual communication and craftsmanship matter.
- Students new to design—especially those who have little or no formal background in design but are looking to build a solid foundation in design principles, visual communication and strategic thinking.
Key Learning Outcomes
This course introduces students to foundational design principles while building practical skills in Adobe Creative Cloud software, with a primary focus on Illustrator and supplemental use of Photoshop.
- Master the fundamentals of visual design, including balance, contrast, rhythm and composition.
- Build confidence using industry-standard tools like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Apply creative thinking and empathy to solve visual communication challenges.
- Develop hands-on skills in both digital and traditional (“old school”) design techniques.
- Learn to combine images, type and layout to create professional-quality print materials.
- Strengthen your ability to analyze, discuss and critique visual work with clarity and confidence.
Fall 2025
Schedule:
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In Person
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Mondays and Wednesdays
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11:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
Cost: $2,500
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Meet the Instructor
Tiffany Williams
Lecturer
Tiffany’s mantra is to spread joy in the world. She finds that her work at Tōdem does just that. She is able to facilitate her clients in finding their company’s purpose so that owners and employees alike find fulfillment through their job. Tiffany possesses the ability to effectively and strategically think big and wide. This allows her to develop conceptual ideas into a reality that is tangible and can be made into a brand.
She dives deep to pull out concepts and ideas from verbal brands and translates them into visual entities. Tiffany has a particularly unique skill in finding gifts and promotional pieces that thoughtfully connect back to our clients’ values and represent who they are through a tangible item. Her resourcefulness isn’t limited to solving people’s problems but also makes her a compelling copywriter.
Having lost her parents in a car accident, Tiffany has a deep understanding of how precious the people are in her life. She adores her husband, son and daughter, and laughs at the fact that you can always find a baseball and a necklace in her purse at any given time. Tiffany’s air of positivity is always present and is exemplified when she teaches her children to “never say never and never say can’t.” She demonstrates this belief daily at Tōdem. No matter the challenge, she trusts it can be done… and figures out a way.
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Master of Arts in Strategic Design
SDG 716: Brand Marketing and Storytelling
Explore what constitutes the essence of a brand. Students will explore ways to express this essential theme in writing for a variety of media, including traditional and social. Students will work with various industries, including but not limited to healthcare, sports, retail, and food and beverage. The focus is on developing a writing style that is concise, evocative and written in the brand’s voice.
This course is perfect for
- Individuals with little or no prior experience in marketing writing, but with an interest in learning how to craft brand-driven messaging.
- Career changers aiming to pivot into fields like brand management, content marketing, copywriting, social media marketing or strategic communications.
- Designers, writers, marketers and entrepreneurs who want to strengthen their ability to define and express a brand voice across multiple industries (healthcare, sports, retail, food and beverage, etc.).
- Professionals working in corporate communication, PR or advertising who want to refine their writing style to be more strategic, concise and impactful.
- People interested in cross-industry branding—not just one niche—since the course covers multiple sectors.
Key Learning Outcomes
Students will learn how to develop a distinctive brand voice and craft effective marketing campaigns across a range of industries, including healthcare, sports, retail, food and beverage, non-profit and more.
- Learn how to define and express a brand’s unique voice across multiple platforms.
- Master the art of concise, strategic and persuasive writing for real-world brands.
- Build full omnichannel brand campaigns ready for your professional portfolio.
- Create targeted messaging for industries like healthcare, sports, retail, and food and beverage.
- Strengthen your ability to collaborate, critique and present like a marketing professional.
- Gain insider knowledge through live Q&A sessions with senior-level industry experts.
- Develop creative briefs, brand strategies, and campaign concepts that stand out.
- Expand your career opportunities in brand management, content marketing, copywriting, social media marketing and strategic communications.
Fall 2025
Schedule:
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Hybrid (Class will be primarily taught online, but there may be a few in-person sessions)
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Tuesdays from 6:00–7:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Cost: $2,500
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Meet the Instructor
Bill Swanston
Adjunct Instructor
Bill is the cofounder and executive creative director at FrederickSwanston. Since 1991, Bill has been creating ad campaigns, helping brands connect with people. His strategically driven, clear-headed thinking has helped companies build relationships with customers by simply speaking their language. He co-founded the agency in 2000, co-authored A Guide to Surviving the Seismic Shift in Advertising and is an avid eater of foods. Bill’s creative credentials include work that has been recognized in almost every advertising award show, including Cannes, The One Show, ADDYs, Communication Arts, Hatch, Obies and Tellys.
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Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy
MAP 650: Political Advocacy and Lobbying
Explore the strategies and tactics used in political advocacy and lobbying to influence policy and decision-making. Students will examine the role of coalition building, advocacy organizations and professional lobbyists in shaping legislation and public opinion. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to navigate the political landscape and effectively advocate for policy change.
This course is designed for advocates, civic leaders, public sector employees, graduate students and early-career lobbyists who seek to build practical skills in political advocacy, coalition-building and influencing policy change.
- Aspiring and current advocates working in nonprofits, advocacy groups and community organizations.
- Civic leaders and community organizers aiming to strengthen their political advocacy and coalition-building skills.
- Local government staff and public sector employees seeking a deeper understanding of advocacy and lobbying processes.
- Graduate students and recent alumni in fields like public policy, political science or social work.
- Early-career professional lobbyists looking to expand their grassroots and coalition-building strategies.
Key Learning Outcomes
This course helps participants overcome common barriers to effective advocacy, such as navigating complex political systems, building strategic coalitions, influencing policymakers and crafting compelling public messages. It equips them with practical tools to move from passion to tangible policy impact, making their advocacy efforts more organized, persuasive and successful. Whether addressing community issues, advancing legislation or driving organizational goals, students will leave with the skills and confidence needed to create real change.
- Understand the legislative and policy-making process at local, state and national levels.
- Develop effective advocacy strategies to influence decision-makers and shape public opinion.
- Navigate the role of professional lobbyists and advocacy organizations in policy change.
- Craft persuasive messaging for campaigns, legislation and public engagement efforts.
- Analyze power dynamics and stakeholder interests to design targeted advocacy approaches.
- Apply lobbying tactics ethically and strategically within real-world policy environments.
- Create a personalized advocacy plan ready for implementation in professional or community settings.
Fall 2025
Schedule:
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In Person
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Wednesdays from 5:00–6:30 p.m.
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Field work 1 hour per week
Cost: $2,500
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Meet the Instructor
Dr. Shaniece Criss
Program Director, M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy
Dr. Shaniece Criss is a civic leader, associate professor and director of the Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy program at Furman University. She brings real-world experience in political advocacy, coalition building and policy change. With a background in public health, politics and international service, Dr. Criss integrates diverse perspectives into her teaching. She holds advanced degrees from Harvard University and Emory University and is passionate about equipping the community to navigate and influence the political landscape.
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Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy
MAP 640: Nonprofit Management
Explore the dynamic landscape of nonprofit organizations, including community-based groups and global non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Students will develop strategic skills in governance, operational management, leadership, communication, volunteer engagement, advocacy and resource development, with a focus on best practices for sustainability and impact.
This course is designed for individuals working in or aspiring to work in nonprofit organizations, NGOs and community-based groups who seek to strengthen their management and leadership skills.
- It is ideal for nonprofit staff, program managers, board members, community leaders and graduate students interested in nonprofit governance, operations and resource development.
- This course is also valuable for those passionate about advocacy, social change and building sustainable organizations for greater community impact.
Key Learning Outcomes
This course addresses common challenges faced by nonprofit leaders and advocates, such as managing limited resources, building sustainable organizations, leading diverse teams and effectively engaging stakeholders. It helps participants develop strategic skills in governance, operations, fundraising, volunteer management and advocacy to increase organizational impact. By completing the course, students will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of nonprofit administration and drive meaningful, lasting change within their communities.
- Understand the structure and governance of nonprofit organizations and NGOs.
- Develop strategic leadership skills for managing teams, programs and organizational growth.
- Strengthen operational management skills, including budgeting, fundraising and resource development.
- Learn best practices for volunteer recruitment, engagement and retention.
- Craft effective communication strategies for advocacy, stakeholder engagement and public relations.
- Analyze the role of nonprofits in driving social change at the local and global levels.
- Apply sustainability principles to enhance organizational resilience and long-term impact.
- Design a nonprofit management plan that integrates leadership, operations and advocacy strategies
Spring 2026
Schedule:
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In Person
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Wednesdays from 4:00–6:00 p.m. (Spring 2026 term runs January 12–April 29, 2026)
Cost: $2,500
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Meet the Instructor
Dr. Veena Khandke
Faculty, M.A. in Advocacy and Social Policy
Dr. Veena Khandke is a Developmental Psychologist, educator and expert in global health, gender studies, human rights and sustainability. She brings extensive nonprofit leadership experience, where she managed complex partnerships and grantmaking internationally. At Furman University, Dr. Khandke teaches interdisciplinary courses that explore social change issues. She is passionate about equipping students with the strategic skills needed to lead, manage and sustain impactful nonprofit organizations.
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Contact Us
For more information about Furman’s professional certificates, please email grad.studies@furman.edu. If you have questions about the application process, please contact Helen Reynolds, assistant director of graduate studies, at helen.reynolds@furman.edu.