Professional Certificate Program in Innovation & Technology

Awarded upon successful completion of 16 or more days of qualifying Short Programs courses in Professional Education, this certificate equips you with the best practices and actionable knowledge needed to make a powerful impact on your organization's innovation efforts.

Why Study Innovation at MIT?

Located in one of the world's foremost centers of innovation—Cambridge, Massachusetts' Kendall Square—MIT is the world's leading university in science, technology, and innovation. Kendall Square's intersection at Vassar Street and Main Street —home of MIT Professional Education—was named "the world's most innovative intersection" by Wired magazine (November 2, 2015).

The power of innovation at MIT is undeniable. In fact, 25 percent of MIT alumni have founded companies with innovations that started at the school; 31 percent hold one or more patents, and in total, they've created 4.6 million jobs around the globe that generate nearly $2 trillion in annual revenues.

Location

MIT is located in the intellectual, exciting, and vibrant city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, nestled next to the state capital of Boston and right on the Charles River. MIT is located in Kendall Square, an innovation hub with more startups than any other place in the world (for example, at CIC). Take time to visit historic Boston while here—catch a Red Sox game, go whale watching, visit world-class museums, take a boat ride on the Charles River, visit Quincy Market, or explore other local area colleges. TripAdvisor's Best of Boston Tourism list may be a good resource.

In the spirit of MIT's motto, "Mens et Manus" or mind and hand, Short Programs from MIT Professional Education combine both theoretical and research-based knowledge with practical hands-on experience and networking opportunities for working professionals.

The Professional Certificate Program in Innovation & Technology is designed for:

• Professionals who hold a bachelor's degree (at a minimum), possess at least three years of professional experience, and wish to build a culture of innovation within their organization
• Entrepreneurs who want to learn from MIT faculty and industry experts
• Managers who are charged with bringing innovative products and solutions to their organizations and to market

Certificate Requirements

This Professional Certificate Program consists of a core of innovation-focused courses and several elective courses that have a strong innovation component. Earning the Professional Certificate requires the completion of at least 16 days of qualifying courses, which may include up to one elective. For purposes of certificate completion, for courses with half-days, the total is rounded up (e.g. a course that is five half-days in length is considered as 3 full days). You can customize your learning experience by selecting the courses that are most relevant to you and your organization. The program must be completed within 36 months of completing the first qualifying course.

• Successful completion of 16 or more days of qualifying Short Programs courses, including up to one elective
• Courses primarily take place in June, July, and August on MIT's campus (or in a live virtual format)
• Courses must be completed within 36 months of your first qualifying course
• Non-refundable application fee: $325 

Note: Courses that have been completed prior to applying for the certificate program may count towards your program requirements (keeping in mind that the full program must be completed within the 36-month window). Contact us with any questions.

How to Apply

To apply, submit an application for the program using the link below, along with a non-refundable $325 application fee.

Core Courses

All programs are eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

• Design-Thinking and Innovation for Technical Leaders ⁠—  (3 days)
  Acquire a design-thinking process for developing groundbreaking solutions and communicating your vision to senior management, colleagues, and consumers. (Previously titled "Mastering Innovation & Design-Thinking")
• Breakthrough Innovation: Creating Value in Times of Uncertainty — (3 days)
  Discover how to develop breakthrough innovations, gain valuable insights into consumers’ needs, and influence key stakeholders. (Previously titled Digital Transformation, Value Creation, and Breakthrough Innovation)
• Solving Complex Problems: Structured Thinking, Design Principles, and AI—  (5 days)
  Explore the strategies and frameworks you need to implement large-scale systems that can have significant positive impact—and minimize the probability of failure.
• Product Innovation in the Age of AI—  (3 days)
  Learn how to identify, adopt, and capitalize on game-changing innovations created by product users. This skill is a secret weapon that will help you bring superior products to market—and maintain competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving design and manufacturing sector.

Note: MIT Professional Education's Short Programs is committed to providing a diverse and updated portfolio of Short Programs courses and reserves the right to change these course selections in future years.

Electives

One of the the courses needed to complete the certificate program can be an elective. All courses are eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

• Effective Communication through Surveys and Market Research — (3 days)
  In this dynamic program, featuring lectures and interactive workshops, you’ll master the skills you need to spot flawed market research and create truly effective surveys—surveys that deliver actionable insights into how your clients, potential customers, and workforce really think and act. 
• Engineering Leadership for Emerging Leaders— (5 day)
  Improve your leadership skills by learning from the latest breakthroughs in the practice of leadership.
• Predictive Multiscale Materials Design— (5 days)
  Explore practical problem-solving computational tools and experimental techniques to probe the structure of materials and their applications in new technologies.
• Persuasive Communication Bootcamp—  (4 days)
  Improve your communication skills through a mixture of discussion and hand-on workshops.

Note: MIT Professional Education's Short Programs is committed to providing a diverse and updated portfolio of Short Programs courses and reserves the right to change these course selections in future years.

Links & Resources

News Articles:

• MIT launches new venture for world-changing entrepreneurs — MIT News, October 26, 2016
• MIT is now helping companies educate their workers instead of hiring consultants — Boston.com
• Massachusetts named most innovative state in America — Boston.com
• Vassar and Main: the world's most innovative intersection — Wired Magazine

Local Resources:

• Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC)
• The Engine
• Kendall Square Association