Frontline Manager Leadership Program

Build critical leadership and management skills in just 12 weeks with personalized one-on-one leadership coaching and high-touch, best-in-class support.

Course Description

This fully online, non-credit professional development course is designed for aspiring and new managers who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities. Through four focused modules, you’ll learn how to:

  • Identify and develop your personal leadership style
  • Communicate effectively across oral, written, and digital channels
  • Coach and motivate employees
  • Transition successfully from peer to manager
  • Build and lead high-performing, inclusive teams

Alongside course instruction, you’ll meet with a dedicated faculty coach in bi-weekly, one-on-one coaching sessions to apply what you’re learning and create an actionable personal leadership development plan. After the course ends, you’ll also have the option to continue with three additional one-hour coaching sessions over eight weeks.

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Who should take this course?

This course is designed for aspiring and first-time frontline leader managers: 

  • Across a range of industries, including retail, healthcare, food service, hospitality, manufacturing, entertainment and more

  • Serving in a variety of customer or patient-facing, administrative, or operational support roles 

  • Looking for support and mentorship in their leadership journey 

Why Choose This Program?

Designed for aspiring and new managers, this program combines expert coaching, flexible online learning, and practical leadership tools to help you succeed in your first management role and beyond.

  • Personalized Leadership Coaching

    Work one-on-one with a faculty coach who provides tailored guidance, feedback, and support.

  • Career-Ready Skills

    Gain practical leadership and management tools and skills you can immediately apply in the workplace.

  • Flexible Online Learning

    Complete the program from anywhere - structured modules and coaching are accessible from any device.

  • University Recognition

    Upon successfully completing the course, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion in Frontline Manager Leadership Essentials from the University of Denver.

  • Ongoing Support

    Access dedicated academic advising, onboarding, and additional coaching to help you succeed during and after the course.

What You’ll Learn

Through interactive modules, personalized coaching, and real-world application, you’ll build the core leadership and management skills needed to thrive as a frontline manager.

By the end of this leadership program, you’ll be able to:

  • Use self-awareness, reflective practice, and emotional intelligence in your management approach
     
  • Communicate confidently across diverse teams and workplace situations
     
  • Develop individuals and teams using proven leadership best practices
     
  • Apply customer service principles to strengthen organizational performance
     
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, inclusion, and collaboration

Important Dates

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    Enrollment Deadline: January 5, 2026

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    Course Start and End Dates: January 12 – April 3, 2026

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    Last Day for Full Course Refund: January 19, 2026

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    Certificate of Completion Delivery: April 13, 2026

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Winter 2026 Start

Deadline: January 5, 2026

Enroll Now

Supporting Your Success

From day one, you’ll have access to best-in-class, individualized support with technology, time management, and assignments to help you stay on track.

  • Onboarding Program

    Before your course begins, you’ll meet with an academic advisor and complete our Student Success Onboarding program, which provides resources, answers to your questions, and guidance for navigating the program.

  • Your Academic Advisor

    Every student is paired with an academic advisor who specializes in supporting learners in the Frontline Manager Leadership Certificate Program. Your advisor will guide you through the program and ensure you have the tools to succeed.
     

  • Your Faculty Coach

    Your faculty coach is an experienced leadership educator who will provide personalized coaching and actionable feedback to help you grow both in the course and in your career.


Interested in earning credit for this course? Join our inquiry list and we'll reconnect with more information.