Engineering Leadership and Entrepreneurship, Undergraduate Certificate
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.
Program overview
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.
Why Study Engineering Leadership and Entrepreneurship at UT?
Students who participate in the Leadership in Engineering and Entrepreneurship Program develop key leadership skills and prepare for early career success. The cross-disciplinary program focuses on emotional intelligence, communication, conflict management, and team dynamics.
Learn from Industry Leaders
Learn from Entrepreneur in Residence Angelique Adams, connect with alumni and industry partners, and earn a 12-credit certificate in Engineering Leadership with options in entrepreneurship, project management, or public policy.
Gain Access to the Tools for Innovation
Access tools and programs that support innovation and entrepreneurship, including the Anderson Center for mentorship and business growth, UTRF for protecting and commercializing research, and I-Corps for hands-on training to bring inventions to market.
What can you do with an undergrad certificate in Engineering Leadership and Entrepreneurship after graduation?
Students completing this program will be well equipped for the following career options:
- Product Manager: Oversee the development, marketing, and scaling of new technologies or products within tech companies.
- Venture Capital Analyst or Advisor: Evaluate technology startups for investment opportunities and guide entrepreneurs in refining their business strategies.
- Engineering Consultant: Provide strategic advice to startups or growing companies on engineering design, prototyping, and business planning.
Featured Courses
Below are some of the courses that students in our program can choose to take.
IE 457 Engineering Entrepreneurship
Engineers design and build products and systems. The course will evolve these basic engineering objectives to go-to-market concepts and constructs of entrepreneurship. Engineering entrepreneurs protect the intellectual property of their designs, while focusing on value creation. The course explores the entrepreneurial mindset, opportunity recognition, business models, market research, ethical and legal foundations, capital sources, business presentations, and determining financial feasibility of an engineering startup venture.
EF 316 Engineering Leadership
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.
IE 405 Engineering Economic Analysis
Role of engineering economy in engineering practice; principles of economic equivalence; time value of money and discounted cash-flow techniques; analysis of single and multiple investments; comparison of alternatives; capital recovery and tax implications; inflation; public sector analysis; cost estimation; depreciation schedules; break-even point concepts; decision making under uncertainty; risk analysis; introduction to investing in the financial market; basic accounting principles and financial statements including balance sheets, income statements, cost of goods sold statements, and business ratios.
ENT 425 Entrepreneurial Marketing
Entrepreneurial ventures face important and sometimes unique challenges marketing new products and/or services from new firms. New ventures must not only let consumers know that their products and/or services exist but also legitimize the venture in the minds of consumers. This course provides an in-depth look at entrepreneurial marketing strategies with an important focus on online presence and social media initiatives.
Ready to Join Us?
See yourself on Rocky Top? We’ve made it easier than ever to apply for admission. Learn more about our admission requirements and the steps to apply to be an Engineering Vol.
Related Programs
Check out a list of related programs to look into based on your interest in engineering leadership:
Admissions & Aid
Choosing the right university to pursue an engineering degree is an important decision—and a significant investment. We want to make sure that you have the information you need to both apply and make attending UT affordable.
REQUEST INFO
Use the form to learn more about the college and UT.
We are so glad that you are interested in studying engineering at UT. We offer innovative first-year programs designed to jump-start your college career and engaging co-ops and internships that allow you to apply what you learn in the classroom. Our faculty, staff, and students provide a supportive community for you to call UT your home, sweet home!