Engineering Leadership
Certificate
Northeastern's Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership prepares professionals with the expertise to lead engineering projects from concept to market success, accelerating their careers and impact in the field.
Program overview
Leading with excellence
The Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership at Northeastern University is a transformative program designed to shape a cadre of elite engineering leaders. Delivered by the Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership, this certificate focuses on building technical and leadership skills essential for driving projects from conception to market success.
The curriculum integrates leadership theory, technical product development, and real-world challenge projects, all supported by industry, faculty, and program mentors. Offered alongside a wide range of master’s programs, this certificate accelerates career growth, equipping participants with the skills to stand out in the engineering industry.
The Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership at Northeastern University is a transformative program designed to shape a cadre of elite engineering leaders. Delivered by the Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership, this certificate focuses on building technical and leadership skills essential for driving projects from conception to market success.
The curriculum integrates leadership theory, technical product development, and real-world challenge projects, all supported by industry, faculty, and program mentors. Offered alongside a wide range of master’s programs, this certificate accelerates career growth, equipping participants with the skills to stand out in the engineering industry.
- Pursue as part of a master’s degree in any engineering discipline at Northeastern.
- Complete a thesis-equivalent challenge project under expert mentorship.
- Finish the core curriculum within one year (September–July).
- Available for those with a master’s degree or over three years of engineering work experience.
- Nationally recognized by the National Academy of Engineering.
Graduates become distinguished leaders, known as Gordon Fellows, who excel in their ability to innovate and implement engineering solutions. This program accelerates career progression, making participants valuable assets in the engineering field.
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.
Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Fall Semester Entry
| Early Action | December 1 |
| Final Deadline International Students outside the US | June 1 |
| Final Deadline: International Students Inside the US | July 1 |
| Domestic applicants | August 1 |
Spring Semester Entry
| International Students Outside the US | October 1 |
| International Students Inside the US | December 1 |
| Domestic Applicants | December 1 |
GEL online application. As part of the GEL application, you must provide contact information for an individual at your organization who can 1) nominate you for the program and 2) attest that the organization can provide a suitable Challenge Project for completion during the program.
Current resumé
Interview with the GEL admissions committee
GRE is not required for terms starting during the 2023-2024 or 2024-2025 academic years
The application fee is waived for all new applicants applying to any of our Master of Science or Graduate Certificates for the fall 2025 and spring 2026 application terms.
Prospective students must apply to both the Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership and their Master of Science engineering discipline at the College of Engineering.
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Develop the skills to lead and innovate in engineering, from technical product development to managing teams and driving projects to market success.
Receive hands-on leadership experience through labs and real-world project work, bridging the gap between technical expertise and strategic decision-making.
Learn to innovate and implement projects, focusing on customer needs, market trends, and technical development for successful product launches.
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.
MS + Certificate
A powerful combination
Most candidates pursue the Gordon Engineering Leadership Program as part of a Master of Science degree in the engineering discipline of their choice. Upon completion, they earn both the MS degree and a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership.
Visit the College of Engineering website to see all eligible master’s programs and their unique requirements.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$30,864Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
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