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 |
| Duration | 9-12 months (part-time) |
| Tuition | $1,300/credit Starting Fall 2026, tuition will be $1,100 per credit for eligible programs, with an automatic $100 per-credit Wisconsin Resident Scholarship. Learn more. |
| 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 applied activities, structured opportunities for interaction, and recorded instructor materials. This intentional design supports strong engagement, clear guidance, and meaningful results.
Why This Program?
27 years
of delivering interactive online education, reflecting deep experience designing high-quality online programs for working professionals.
#11 ranking
Online Graduate Engineering Programs
U.S. News & World Report, 2026
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.
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Required Courses
Elective Courses
Select one of the following:
Tuition and Financial Aid
$1,300 per credit payable at the beginning of each semester. Starting Fall 2026, tuition will be $1,100 per credit for eligible programs, with an automatic $100 per-credit Wisconsin Resident Scholarship. Students are billed for courses in which they are enrolled each term. There is no lump sum payment plan.
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.
Admissions and Events
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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
- Optional: submit up to two letters of recommendation. Recommenders should use this recommendation form.
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, July 14, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our online graduate programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our online graduate programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Online Graduate Programs Overview
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
5-5:30 PM CT
Join program staff for a conversation about our online graduate programs, including curriculum, application process and career impact.
Program Overview: Engineering Management MS
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
12-12:30 PM CT
Get more information about the Engineering Management Master’s program including curriculum, application process and potential career paths.
Faculty and Staff
FAQ
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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, typically taking 1 to 2 courses per semester.
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.
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