Where Purpose Meets Practice
Our Commitment to Transformative Business Education
Darden’s mission is to improve the world by inspiring responsible leaders through unparalleled, transformational learning experiences. Known for our exceptional faculty, we equip you with the insight and expertise to deliver results in your organization and beyond.
The Management Development Certificate reflects this commitment to practical, career-ready education. Each program is built for immediate application, helping you gain momentum from day one. This is Darden’s approach in action: grounded in purpose, powered by practice and focused on solving practical business challenges.
Elite Rankings. Global Recognition.
Leadership Training for the Real World
Other certificate programs:
- Generic, one-size-fits-all content
- Theoretical lessons with limited workplace relevance
- High tuition and long completion times
- Limited faculty access
- Little to no peer interaction or networking
UVA Darden Management Development Certificate:
- Targeted, skill-specific programs designed for real management challenges
- Hands-on projects, case studies and AI-powered simulations that mirror today’s workplace demands
- Flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing with four- to eight-week programs
- Direct access to Darden faculty
- Built-in cohort collaboration and lasting professional connections
Learn From World-Renowned Faculty
Ranked No. 1 in “Best Professors” in the Princeton Review’s 2025 “Best Business Schools” survey, Darden faculty combine rigorous scholarship with practical experience. The Management Development Certificate reflects the same research-backed insights and deep commitment to teaching found across Darden’s degree and executive programs.
Allison Elias
Assistant Professor Allison Elias teaches courses about communication and negotiation in Darden’s MBA and EMBA programs as well as to executive education learners. She was a nominee for the 2022 Outstanding Faculty Award at Darden, and one of her courses has been rated among the top 10% of all Darden electives (for course content and instructor quality). She received a Wells Fargo Award for Excellence in Course Materials in 2024.
Yael Grushka-Cockayne
Professor Yael Grushka-Cockayne’s research and teaching activities focus on data science, forecasting, project management and behavioral decision-making. Her research is published in numerous academic and professional journals, and she is a regular speaker at international conferences in the areas of decision analysis, project management and management science.
Bidhan L. Parmar
Through his focus in business ethics and leadership, Parmar works with executives in a wide variety of industries and functions on topics related to decision-making, stakeholder management, design-thinking, leadership and collaboration and influence.
Elizabeth A. Powell
Specializing in mindful communication and leadership presence, Lili Powell teaches in Leading Mindfully and Managing Individual and Organizational Change. As a consultant, facilitator, instructor and coach, Professor Powell has assisted in industries ranging from banking to biotech. She has worked with numerous national and international businesses, organizations and universities.
Paul J. Simko
Paul Simko’s research centers broadly on issues related to financial accounting information; he has received numerous national and university recognitions for his work. Simko is particularly interested in topics related to the effect of alternative accounting treatments on the decisions of investors and financial analysts and how investors assess firms’ earnings quality.
Ayana Younge
Ayana Younge is an assistant professor of Business Administration in the Leadership and Organizational Behavior area at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Ayana received her Ph.D. in organizational behavior and a master’s in management from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Allison Elias
Assistant Professor Allison Elias teaches courses about communication and negotiation in Darden’s MBA and EMBA programs as well as to executive education learners. She was a nominee for the 2022 Outstanding Faculty Award at Darden, and one of her courses has been rated among the top 10% of all Darden electives (for course content and instructor quality). She received a Wells Fargo Award for Excellence in Course Materials in 2024.
Yael Grushka-Cockayne
Professor Yael Grushka-Cockayne’s research and teaching activities focus on data science, forecasting, project management and behavioral decision-making. Her research is published in numerous academic and professional journals, and she is a regular speaker at international conferences in the areas of decision analysis, project management and management science.
Bidhan L. Parmar
Through his focus in business ethics and leadership, Parmar works with executives in a wide variety of industries and functions on topics related to decision-making, stakeholder management, design-thinking, leadership and collaboration and influence.
Elizabeth A. Powell
Specializing in mindful communication and leadership presence, Lili Powell teaches in Leading Mindfully and Managing Individual and Organizational Change. As a consultant, facilitator, instructor and coach, Professor Powell has assisted in industries ranging from banking to biotech. She has worked with numerous national and international businesses, organizations and universities.
Paul J. Simko
Paul Simko’s research centers broadly on issues related to financial accounting information; he has received numerous national and university recognitions for his work. Simko is particularly interested in topics related to the effect of alternative accounting treatments on the decisions of investors and financial analysts and how investors assess firms’ earnings quality.
Ayana Younge
Ayana Younge is an assistant professor of Business Administration in the Leadership and Organizational Behavior area at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Ayana received her Ph.D. in organizational behavior and a master’s in management from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.