This program changed my whole perspective on how I view myself and those around me. This program should 100% be a core requirement for every engineer at Cornell!
— Gabe Klee, CS '20
Engineering Leadership Certificate Program
Engineering Leadership Certification is a highly selective one-year program that will develop your unique capabilities to make an impact on the world and live a life of purpose and fulfillment. The curriculum covers competencies in self-management, teamwork, leadership, and professional skills. Graduates earn a designation on their transcript recognizing their demonstrated excellence in engineering leadership.
Requirements
There are two required classes for the Certification program. ENGRG 3900, Essentials of Engineering Leadership (2 credits, spring) covers the foundational work of great leadership. ENGRG 3910, Applied Engineering Leadership (3 credits, fall) offers weekly experiential learning about different aspects of teamwork and leadership in a fun, challenging, and reflective environment. Both courses are approved for Liberal Studies credits.
In addition to coursework, Certification students work in small groups to design and implement a Leadership Project related to their skills and interests. Teams are formed in March and work on the projects continues independently through the summer, with a target completion date in November.
While most Certification competencies are covered in the two required classes, there are a few that students master through optional seminars or other classes they have taken.
Applications for the 2022 program have closed. Thank you to everyone who applied.
Applications for the 2023 Cohort will open in September 2022.
In the meantime, email us at coe_leaders@cornell.edu for information about other upcoming leadership development opportunities.
I would use three words to describe the Engineering Leadership Program: uncomfortable, stimulating, provocative. This program was unlike any other experience I've had at Cornell. By consistently asking me tough questions and pushing me out of my comfort zone, Erica and Rob taught me so much about myself and my capacity as a leader - growth I would have never experienced had I stuck with the status quo.
— Connie Li, Chemical and Biomedical Eng. '19
I’ve learned that my values build the foundation of a purpose much bigger than me. They imbue me with the courage and confidence to take worthy risks, practice accountability, and seize responsibility… my values have the capacity to make me determined and fearless. A key mantra we speak of in this leadership program is to develop bold, courageous leaders who will lead with purpose and authenticity. And right now, I feel that I’m on the cusp of something great.
— Arpit Sheth, CS '17
The single most important thing I’ve gained from the Engineering Leadership program is a clear sense of purpose… My hunger is to create something beautiful, innovative, and impactful. Also to be free and to keep growing as a person. The resulting purpose is to design technological products that enrich people’s lives, build a team and a company around them, and strive to make a dent in the universe.
— Spyros Maniatopoulos, ME PhD '17