Academic Programs
College of Engineering
Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership and AI Fundamentals
Graduate Certificate
This certificate prepares you to lead technical teams by applying foundational artificial intelligence skills and modern artificial intelligence tools, along with strategy, communication, and project management, to drive impactful solutions.
Location
Arlington, VA
Commitment
Full-Time/Part-Time
Duration
1 Year
F-1 Visa ELIGIBLE
Yes
Type
On Ground
Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership and AI Fundamentals helps early- to mid-career professionals expand their technical and leadership capabilities in an AI-driven world.
You’ll develop skills in strategic thinking, team management, communication, and decision-making as you study a combination of engineering leadership, project management, and AI fundamentals—including machine learning and data analytics.
Coursework, case studies, and an industry challenge project will allow you to apply your learning in leading cross-functional teams, driving innovation, and implementing AI solutions responsibly to real-world situations as you prepare for impactful technical leadership roles.
What to Expect
- Time to completion: All 16 semester hours of required coursework are designed to be completed during one calendar year.
- Stacking credentials: You can pair the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership and AI Fundamentals with a Master of Science in Information Systems, Software Engineering Systems, Cyber Security, or Computer Science.
- Flexible scheduling: This program is designed for students employed in industry, and the vast majority of participants work full-time while pursuing the degree. Classes are therefore held in a flexible, hybrid format that allows you to attend both in-person and virtual sessions.
Unique Features
- Integrated leadership, project management, and AI curriculum: Build leadership, project management, and AI skills needed to lead in technical environments.
- Real-world challenge project: Work in industry to solve a real technical problem and positively impact your organization.
- Immediate, practical application: From strategic decision-making to implementing project management in real time, everything you learn is designed to be applied directly in your current role.
- Designed for early- to mid-career professionals: Built for engineers and technical professionals ready to step into leadership roles and drive innovation within their organizations.
Tuition and Aid
Tuition
$30.8K
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2026-2027 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.
Find detailed information on tuition and financial aid.
Finance Your Education
We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships. Learn more from Student Financial Services.
Curriculum
For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.
Experiential Learning
Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges. The cooperative education program, also known as co-op, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program, students gain up to eight months of professional experience employed in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum, giving them a competitive edge upon graduation.
The College of Engineering has more than 2,000 co-op employer partners globally. Our dedicated team of co-op coordinators prepare students for the co-op experience through resumé building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development.
Admission Dates
The Gordon Institute offers rolling admissions to this program. Admission is competitive, and candidates are encouraged to apply early. Classes run from January through August. In the fall, candidates continue working on their challenge project through November. Candidates that plan to pair the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership and AI Fundamentals with master’s degree must submit their respective master’s application before Northeastern University application deadlines.
Please note that this program only accepts applications during the Spring intake, with classes for new students beginning in January.
Additional information for international applicants can be found at the Office of Global Services (OGS). OGS is an active resource to over 20,000 international students and scholars from 147 different nations across the world. They provide the professional expertise and support you need to maintain compliance through immigration, academic, and your employment experiences—helping you remain a valuable member of the Northeastern community.
How to Apply
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.
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