What LIFE Can Do for You

A transformative engineering education goes beyond preparing students with strong technical skills. At Missouri S&T, we are equally dedicated to providing our students with the mindset and skills needed for self-knowledge, curiosity and the ability to recognize and create value. This is part of our core mission to prepare all our students to “shape the future.” 

The Leadership and Innovation for Futures in Engineering (LIFE) program takes this commitment a step further by providing a smaller cohort of engineering and computing students with a comprehensive leadership training experience. This program is run through the dean’s office in the College of Engineering and Computing in cooperation with the chairs of our engineering departments and alumni. Students in the LIFE program will participate in a variety of leadership-building activities and take advantage of special networking opportunities, funding for travel to leadership conferences and individualized mentoring experiences.

Quick Facts

What is LIFE?

A student leadership training program to prepare you to "shape the future." Take part in specially designed workshops and projects with opportunities for networking and mentoring. Gain LIFE experiences now so you are ready to experience life after graduation and become a leader.

Who is eligible?

Engineering, computer science and geology and geophysics majors who have completed one semester of courses at Missouri S&T. Transfer students may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

How do I apply?

Submit your application here! Applications are accepted each year from December 1 through March 1. Be ready to answer questions about your experiences and provide at least one reference.

Apply here 

three students pose for a photo with an alumnus

Female students mingle with female alumni

male students speak with an alumnus

Missouri S&T engineering, computer science and geology and geophysics majors may apply for entry into the LIFE program after completing their first fall semester at S&T. We will also consider later applications from transfer students on a case-by-case basis. The application window is open from December 1 through March 1 each year.

There are two pathways for applications. An interested student can apply directly but will need to provide the name(s) of one or more faculty or student references as part of the review process. Alternatively, our team will solicit applications from students who are recommended in conversations we plan to have with student groups, instructors and advisors. The application consists of the typical background information, as well as prompts for several short-answer questions. Finalists will be interviewed as part of the selection process.

Are you interested in becoming a leader and shaping the future? 

Apply now

  1. Students in the LIFE program will attend workshops, discussions or similar experiences covering topics such as self-assessment and personality profiles, styles of influence, crucial conversations, change management, decision-making, use of reflections and case studies, safety, public policy, ethics, the art of negotiation, and economics and creating value. These experiences will be offered two or more times per semester. Students will receive digital badges for completion of individual workshops and are required to attend five or more of these experiences throughout their sophomore and junior years to remain in the program and to receive a completion certificate and digital credential. Students on co-op may delay the requirement for a semester.

  2. We strongly encourage all LIFE students to work with their advisors to take PSYCH 4610: "Psychology of Leadership in Organizations."

  3. During the second semester of their junior year or first semester of their senior year, students will be required to register for a one-credit hour leadership project course. Students will pick a topic related to a "hot button" issue of the day and work with campus and community leaders to identify a semester-long project focused on addressing a societal problem in which they can employ their leadership skills. The project must be approved by the course instructor and dean.

LIFE students are expected to actively engage as members throughout their time in the program by: attending LIFE events, participating in preparatory activities or reflections associated with activities, sharing experiences with other students and promoting LIFE, responding to a brief survey/activity report during the last week of each academic semester, and adhering to the honor code, policies, and practices of the university and LIFE.

For additional information on the LIFE program, contact Dr. David Bayless (dbayless@mst.edu) or Dr. David Borrok (borrokd@mst.edu).