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How to ApplyRequest Info
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Graduate Certificate inEngineering Leadership and Innovation Management

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Supplement your technical engineering skills with courses focused on communication, ethics, entrepreneurial thinking, and professionalism. This online certificate program was designed for working engineering professionals who want to prepare for leadership positions.

100% Online

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

Apply by July 15 to start August 25

12 Credits$1,027 per credit

Gain Engineering Leadership and Innovation Management Skills

  • Evaluate engineering leadership strategies for corporate innovation.

  • Identify, promote, and lead opportunities for new products and businesses in alignment with an organization's strengths and weaknesses.

  • Lead technical teams and complex projects within organizations.

  • Consider the implications of cultural and international business differences on project implementation.

The 12-credit certificate program’s curriculum highlights the changing nature of the field of engineering, which is being impacted by globalization, the growing demand for corporate innovation, and the need for skilled engineers.

Required Courses (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Covers the essential concepts and skills needed to make effective contributions on projects, on time and within budget.

    • Note

      Related courses may be substituted for ENGR 405. For a list of approved courses, contact the Engineering Leadership Development Office at [email protected].

  • 3
    credits

    Traditional and contemporary leadership theory is analyzed to determine effective strategies for leading projects and innovation within an engineering context.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores cultural differences and impact on business practices and team dynamics working on virtual project teams with global partner universities.

  • 3
    credits

    Develop competencies for leading new product/process development or participating in corporate spinouts using entrepreneurial skills within a corporation.

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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You can use the knowledge gained from this online graduate certificate program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of engineering fields, depending on your goals.

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 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Learn more about this program

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

Apply by July 15 to start August 25. 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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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 credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree programs:

Position yourself to be a leader in the fast-growing 3D printing industry. This online master's program draws upon the resources and faculty of Penn State’s renowned College of Engineering to offer students the analytical and practical skills required for using additive manufacturing technologies.

Learn more

Learn to strategically manage corporate innovation; develop new products, services, and business models for companies; and launch startups. With multiple concentrations to choose from, you can customize this online degree program to support your goals.

Learn more

Build your technical leadership skills in this cohort-based online master's degree program that encourages collaborative learning and peer teamwork as you explore engineering management with world-class Penn State faculty.

Learn more

This online master's degree can help you grow your knowledge of organization development, appreciative inquiry, collaborative engagement, and change management. Gain practical skills to effectively manage and lead change in corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits.

Learn more

Gain a thorough understanding of all aspects of project management theory and practice in this interdisciplinary online project management program that incorporates problem-based learning.

Learn more

Who Should Apply?

This certificate was designed for working professionals — with a bachelor's degree and some relevant work experience in engineering, science, or a related discipline — who are looking for career development opportunities.

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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). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Certificate in One Year

  • Take 2 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Certificate in Two Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

 

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 July 15 to start August 25

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.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by July 15 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by December 1 to start January 12

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by April 1, 2026, to start May 18, 2026

Please note that applications received after the deadline may be considered for the upcoming semester, but admission is not guaranteed and may need to be pushed to the following semester.

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.

    Admissions decisions for this program are based on the quality of the applicant's credentials and review of the complete application portfolio. During the admission process, students who appear to be better suited for another graduate-level program will be encouraged to apply to the appropriate program.

  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.

    GPA and Test Scores — For admission to the certificate program, a 3.0 GPA (or equivalent) is needed. Exceptions to the minimum 3.0 grade-point average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests. A minimum of one year of relevant work experience is recommended. GRE scores are not required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with some exceptions. Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page.

    References (2) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of two references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.  

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.

    Personal Statement — a 2- to 3-page essay demonstrating your written communication skills, which includes the following information:

    • Statement of purpose (career and educational goals).
    • Narrative describing your professional experience in an engineering position (or equivalent) to meet the one-year requirement. Students wishing to enter the program directly from an undergraduate degree can fulfill the one-year requirement for engineering experience through internships, employment, or co-op experiences plus additional experience within professional societies.
    • Narrative describing your leadership and innovation experiences through internships, employment, co-op experiences, community engagement, professional societies, etc.

  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].

Customer service representative wearing a headset

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

To learn more about the Penn State World Campus Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership and Innovation Management, please contact:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

College of Engineering
School of Engineering Design and Innovation
213G Hammond Building
University Park, PA 16802
[email protected]

The Penn State World Campus Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership and Innovation Management is offered in partnership with the Penn State College of Engineering.

The Penn State College of Engineering is consistently ranked among the nation's best engineering schools, according to U.S. News & World Report. And when you graduate, you'll receive a certificate identical to those earned by students at one of our physical campuses.

Faculty

  • Wesley E. Donahue, PE, PMP

    • Ph.D., Workforce Education, Penn State
    • MBA, Clarion University
    • B.S., Civil Engineering, Penn State

    Dr. Wesley E. Donahue is the coordinator of the online Master of Professional Studies in Organization Development and Change and an instructor of related courses and programs. An experienced researcher, developer, and leadership consultant, he has an extensive manufacturing, engineering, sales, and management background, having started and operated businesses for more than 30 years. Dr. Donahue is a registered professional engineer, six-sigma black belt, and author of a host of education and training materials.

  • Meg Handley

    Ph.D., Workforce Education, Penn State

    Dr. Meg Handley, associate director for Engineering Leadership Outreach at Penn State, teaches in the engineering leadership program. Previously, she served as the director of the Career and Corporate Connection's office at the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Dr. Handley’s dissertation focused on interpersonal behaviors and their impact on engineering leadership potential.

  • Dena Lang

    • Ph.D., Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Penn State
    • MBA, Johns Hopkins University
    • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University

    Dr. Dena Lang is associate director of Engineering Leadership Research. Her professional experiences and research interests range from facilities design to research that applied engineering and molecular biology approaches to study the skeletal response to mechanical loading. Additional research interests have included the investigation of relationships among the indoor environment, occupants, and energy usage. Dr. Lang's current research interests focus on identifying, assessing, and developing key skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for engineers to effectively lead others.

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

Apply by July 15 to start August 25. How to Apply 

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