Strengthen your ability to lead technical teams, manage engineering projects, and support operational decision-making.
UW–Madison’s online Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management is designed for working professionals who want practical leadership, communication, and project management skills they can apply immediately. Courses are flexible and fully online, allowing you to build management capabilities while continuing full-time professional work.
| Certificate awarded | Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management |
| Credits | 9 graduate credits |
| Format | 100% Online, part-time friendly |
| Duration | 9-12 months (part-time) |
| Tuition | $1,300/credit |
| Start | Fall / Spring / Summer |
| Application Deadlines | Spring: December 1 Summer: June 1 Fall: August 1 |
Is This Program Right for You?
This flexible, online program equips engineers with foundational leadership, communication, and financial decision-making tools. Whether you’re advancing your career or preparing for graduate study, this stackable credential helps you build momentum while you continue to work.
- Join a cohort of working engineers in a flexible, interactive program (evening online sessions, no travel required)
- Build leadership, communication, and engineering decision-making skills
- Learn from industry-experienced faculty and collaborate with peers from top technical organization
- Once successfully completed, all credits can apply toward the Master of Science in Engineering Management degree
Online by Design
Our courses blend recorded instructor materials, applied activities, and structured opportunities for interaction. This intentional design supports strong engagement, clear guidance, and meaningful results.
Why This Program?
26 years
of delivering interactive online education, reflecting deep experience designing high-quality online programs for working professionals.
#9 graduate ranking
among U.S. public universities
U.S. News & World Report, 2024
Student Experience
You’ll explore leadership, economic analysis, and decision-making rooted in engineering management while building communication and coordination skills to prepare for advanced study or a new leadership role.
- Foundations of engineering leadership
- Data-driven decision-making and problem solving
- Cost-benefit and financial analysis for technical leader
Curriculum and Requirements
Complete a foundational engineering management curriculum of 9 credits over the course of three or four semesters.
Course web sessions are the only time-constrained activities; all other weekly assignments can be accomplished on days and times of your choice. You can expect to spend about 10-12 hours a week on coursework and participating in group activities.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Required Courses
Elective Courses
Tuition and Financial Aid
$1,300 per credit payable at the beginning of each semester. Students are billed for courses in which they are enrolled each term. There is no lump sum payment plan.
Tuition includes:
- Technology costs for internet course delivery
- Live web-conferencing
- Toll-free telephone line for the audio portion of conference calls
- Library use
- Use of the web-conferencing software for group project work for program courses
See Tuition & Cost for more information.
Employer Support
Many students receive some financial support from their employers. Often, students find it beneficial to sit down with their employer and discuss how this program applies to their current and future responsibilities. Other key points to discuss include how participation will not interrupt your work schedule.
Federal Loans
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible to receive some level of funding through the Federal Direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least four credits during the fall and spring semesters, and two credits during Summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about financial aid.
Admissions and Events
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Admission requirements
All applicants must:
- Have a Bachelor of Science in engineering or a related STEM field from an accredited institution.
- Have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on the last 60 semester hours of coursework.
- Submit evidence of English language proficiency, if applicable. See the Graduate School Requirements for more information.
- GRE is not required. Applicants who have taken the test are encouraged to submit their scores.
The admissions committee considers exceptions to standard requirements on an individual basis.
Application materials
- Online application
- Resume/CV
- Transcripts
For complete application details visit UW–Madison’s Guide
Application Deadlines by Term:
| Summer 2026 | June 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2026 | August 1, 2026 |
| Spring 2027 | December 1, 2026 |
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Program Overview: Engineering Management MS
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Learn about the Engineering Management Master’s program including curriculum, application process and potential career paths.
Faculty and Staff
FAQ
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Q: Is the program fully online?
A: Yes. The Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management is 100% online and designed for working professionals.
Q: How long does it take to complete?
A: Most students finish in about three to four semesters while working full time.
Q: What is the tuition?
A: Tuition is charged per credit. See Tuition & Fees for more information.
Q: Can I keep working full time?
A: Yes. Courses are designed for part-time study alongside a full-time job.
Q: Do credits apply toward a master’s degree?
A: This program is designed to apply all credits to the online Engineering Management MS degree program. Some credits may be eligible to apply toward other UW-Madison online engineering master’s program; contact the program office for details.
Q: Do I need management experience?
A: No prior leadership experience is required. This certificate is designed for engineers who want to develop management skills.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Submit your application through our Professional Degrees & Certificates site. See Admissions for details or click here.
Ready to lead with confidence? Advance your career with UW–Madison’s online Capstone Certificate in Applied Engineering Management.
Stay connected on LinkedInJoin our community of engineers, alumni, and faculty. Follow us for program news, upcoming events, and leadership insights.
Featured Content
Explore Similar Programs
Engineering Management
Advance your career with UW–Madison’s online MS in engineering management. Gain leadership, strategy, and data skills in an interactive online format.
AI for Engineering Data Analytics
Gain AI and machine learning skills tailored for engineers. This flexible online capstone certificate helps you apply AI tools to real-world data challenges.