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eSpelman Leadership Certificate Earns National Recognition from Forbes Advisor
Forbes Advisor names eSpelman’s Leading Self, Leading Others certificate the “Best Short-Term Certificate Program” among its top online management programs of 2026.
eSpelman’s Leading Self, Leading Others certificate has been recognized by Forbes Advisor as one of the Best Online Management Certificate Programs of 2026, earning the distinction of “Best Short-Term Certificate Program.”
Forbes Advisor ranked Spelman College No. 2 among the programs selected and highlighted the certificate’s four-month completion time—the shortest among the programs for which data was available. Spelman also had the highest student retention rate on the list at 94% and tied for the lowest student-to-faculty ratio at 11-to-1.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it affirms the vision behind eSpelman,” said Maléka Ingram, associate vice president for Digital Learning Initiatives – eSpelman. “We are creating a space for adult learners who are committed to continuous learning and self-improvement to strengthen their skills, expand their possibilities, and move forward with confidence. We are inspired to continue building programs that respond to the evolving needs of today’s learners.”
Developed beginning in 2020 and publicly announced in 2021, eSpelman was established to extend Spelman College’s transformative academic experience to working adult learners of all genders. Its online certificate programs were designed to support career advancement, transition and exploration while offering the flexibility adult learners need. The curriculum brings Spelman’s distinctive approach to teaching and learning, which includes perspectives on race, gender, culture, and social justice, to career- and skills-focused education.
Today, eSpelman also offers online certificate programs in Business Communications, Business Essentials, Cosmetic Science and Project Management, providing adult learners with flexible pathways to develop skills across a range of industries and professional fields.
The Leading Self, Leading Others certificate equips learners with practical skills to lead teams, manage people and navigate workplace culture. The fully online, six-credit program can be completed in four months with an estimated weekly commitment of approximately six hours. As eSpelman builds on this national recognition, the enterprise is preparing to expand its offerings with the launch of noncredit courses, creating additional opportunities for adult learners to gain relevant skills through accessible and flexible learning experiences.