This class introduces engineering students to the concepts, theory, and practice of engineering leadership. Topics include emotional intelligence, communication, decision-making, conflict management, and team dynamics. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, personal reflection, and real-world case studies, students will gain valuable insights into leadership principles and their application engineering contexts.

The course is also designed to provide students with the College of Engineering’s first micro-credential and digital badge, allowing students to display their achievements easily on online platforms to employers and colleagues. Digital badges contain metadata describing the micro-credential and how the badge was achieved. Badges can be shared on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and X directly from our badging partner, Credly.

Course Information

• Credit Hours: 3
• Section Number: 001 Section CRN 39059
• Class Schedule: MWF
• Location: ZEC 360/362
• Time: 12:40pm-1:30pm
• Capacity: 30

For questions or more information about this course, contact Angelique Adams.

Kick-start your career with advice from our college’s legendary alumni.

Effective career development requires a thoughtful approach to start building  your network. The new Pathways to Success for Engineers class offers you real insight into the first five to ten years of what your career can look like and where to focus. The class will cover the importance of lifelong learning and personal finances to help you ensure the life and career you envision. 

Career advice will be from recorded interviews with several college legends, including John Tickle, Eric Zeanah, Mike Stone, and many others. The class is designed for engineering and biosystems students and does not require any prerequisites. If you have questions about the course, please feel free to reach out to Gary Null, assistant department head and assistant professor of practice of industrial and systems engineering.

• Course Number: IES403 – Pathways to Success for Engineers
• Credit Hours: Two
• Prerequisite: None

The Engineering Leadership and Entrepreneurship certificate program at the Tickle College of Engineering is designed to prepare engineers for leadership roles in entrepreneurial ventures and innovative industries. This 9 credit interdisciplinary program focuses on equipping students with both technical and business acumen, empowering them to lead technology-based startups, manage product development, and foster innovation within existing companies. Through a combination of engineering, leadership, and business courses, students will learn how to identify market opportunities, develop business strategies, and lead teams that turn innovative ideas into viable products and services.

Students completing this program will be well equipped for the following career options:

1. Product Manager: Oversee the development, marketing, and scaling of new technologies or products within tech companies.
2. Venture Capital Analyst or Advisor: Evaluate technology startups for investment opportunities and guide entrepreneurs in refining their business strategies.
3. Engineering Consultant: Provide strategic advice to startups or growing companies on engineering design, prototyping, and business planning.

Requirements (6 Credits)

• EF 316 Engineering Leadership: From Concept to Execution IE 457 Engineering Entrepreneurship

Electives (3 Credits)

Select One

• DSGN 430 Design Thinking and Innovation
• ENT 425 Entrepreneurial Marketing
• ENT 470 Managing an Entrepreneurial Start-Up
• ENT 485 Funding Strategies for Entrepreneurs
• IE 405 Engineering Economic Analysis

The Engineering Leadership and Project Management certificate program at the Tickle College of Engineering is designed to provide engineers with the leadership, organizational, and technical skills required to lead complex projects from inception to completion. This 9 credit program integrates key project management principles with engineering leadership, preparing students to effectively manage teams, resources, and timelines in both technical and cross-functional environments. The curriculum emphasizes the application of project management tools and methodologies, as well as the development of strategic leadership skills that enable engineers to oversee projects, mitigate risks, and ensure successful outcomes in a variety of industries.

Students completing this program will be well equipped for the following career options:

1. Project Manager (Engineering): Lead and manage large-scale engineering projects, overseeing teams, budgets, and timelines to ensure successful delivery.
2. Construction Project Manager: Lead construction and infrastructure projects, managing resources and stakeholders to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery.
3. Consulting Project Manager: Provide project management expertise to companies and organizations, guiding them through complex engineering initiatives.

Requirements (6 Credits)

• EF 316 Engineering Leadership: From Concept to Execution
• IE 452 Project Planning and Organizational Management

Electives (3 Credits)

Select one of the following courses:

• IE 405 Engineering Economic Analysis
• IE 430 Supply Chain Engineering

The Engineering Leadership and Public Policy certificate program at the Tickle College of Engineering, in collaboration with the Howard Baker School of Public Policy, is designed to equip engineers with leadership skills and a foundational understanding of public policy. This 9 credit interdisciplinary program integrates engineering principles with policy analysis, preparing students to navigate the increasingly complex intersection of technology and government regulation. Topics include strategic leadership, ethical decision-making, technology policy, and public sector leadership.

Graduates of the program will be well-positioned for roles that require both technical expertise and policy awareness, including:

1. Policy Advisors or Analysts focusing on technology, energy, or environmental policy — Leaders in public-private partnerships and infrastructure projects
2. Advocacy roles within professional engineering societies
3. Consultants specializing in compliance, sustainability, or innovation policy

Requirement (3 credits)

• EF 316 Engineering Leadership: From Concept to Execution

Requirement (3 credits)

Select one of the following courses. 

It is recommended, but not required, that students take HBS 101 as their social sciences elective.

• HBS 303 National Challenges
• HBS 304 State and Local Challenges

Electives (3 credits)

Select one of the following courses

• HBS 424 Energy Markets and Economics
• HBS 434 Public Organization, Theory, and Behavior
• HBS 452 U.S. National Security
• HBS 461 Tools for Economic Development

The Engineering Entrepreneurship Minor offers students a comprehensive introduction to the essential skills needed for success in technology-based entrepreneurial ventures. Through this program, students gain:

• Mentorship from experienced engineering entrepreneurs
• Insight into emerging technology trends
• Foundational knowledge of intellectual property protection
• An understanding of ethics in business
• Practice in critical communication skills
• Familiarity with the due diligence process
• Experience with proposal writing and project management
• Exposure to the fundamental steps involved in launching a startup

Engineering Entrepreneurship Minor

The Engineering Management Minor provides students with exposure to the key skills required to succeed in the management and entrepreneurial aspects of the engineering profession. Through this program, students gain:

• Skills to support the long-term success and sustainability of engineering ventures
• Knowledge of financial planning and budgeting
• Insight into business and non-profit operations
• Experience with engineering economic analysis
• An understanding of management principles and organizational leadership

Engineering Management Minor