An engineering management degree could help prepare you to take on leadership responsibilities in a wide range of organizations.
Engineering management students have the opportunity to develop or build on their engineering skills. Plus, studying topics like communication, finance, and ethical problem-solving can help you become a versatile employee and a potential candidate for directorial positions.
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In addition to expanding available job options, a degree in engineering management can help professionals become collaborative business leaders in a variety of sectors.
Online Engineering Management Degrees
An engineering management program is intended to train you for leadership positions by building your understanding of fundamental engineering and business concepts. In addition to management skills, you may also learn how to plan and execute technical projects, analyze data in order to inform decisions, and make sense of laws relating to the engineering field.
Many online degrees in engineering management cater to working professionals who already hold an undergraduate degree or have previous experience in the field. These online engineering bachelors degrees can help engineers qualify for managerial roles or advance within their current company.
A typical engineering management curriculum may include topics on:
- Engineering accounting and finance
- Managing engineering and technology
- Operations and product management
- Marketing management
- Risk assessment and reduction
- Economic decision analysis
- Patent law
- Value analysis
The coursework of an engineering management degree program is designed to develop your expertise in multiple areas, including finance, communications, and engineering.
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After earning a degree in engineering management, graduates may put their wide range of skills into practice in professional roles such as:
- Design engineer
- Architectural and engineering manager
- Construction manager
- Industrial engineer
- Civil engineer
- Industrial production manager
Many of these career paths offer the opportunity to employ interdisciplinary skills. As an engineering management major, you can work on developing the following professional skill sets:
- Data-driven decision making
- Conflict resolution
- People management
- Project management
- Communication
- Analysis and interpretation of data
An engineering management career path can enable you to utilize both your engineering and business knowledge.
Engineering Management Careers and Salaries
An online engineering management degree can help prepare you for managerial work within several different sub-fields of engineering, depending on your specialization.
For example, some professionals work in architectural or construction management, using their blend of technical and leadership skills to oversee teams of engineers or manage large projects. Of course, many graduates work as entry-level engineers in their area of specialty, gaining experience so they can pursue a directorial or management role.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these are some common positions related to the study of engineering management.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,350 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $103,150 |
| Health and Safety Engineers | $99,040 |
| Top Executives | $98,980 |
| Construction Managers | $98,890 |
| Industrial Engineers | $95,300 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Operations Research Analysts | $82,360 |
| Logisticians | $77,030 |
| Cost Estimators | $65,170 |
If you are interested in taking your skills outside the field of engineering, this degree’s business foundation could make it possible to qualify for business or managerial positions in other industries as well.
Obtaining a degree can certainly help you gain industry qualifications, but other factors can impact your job search as well. These factors can include previous work experience, your chosen industry, and your geographic location.
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If you’re eager to step into a specific type of role after graduation, it could be strategic to focus on networking, building your resume, and strengthening your practical and technical skills. Some students elect to continue their educations in either on-campus or online masters in engineering management degree programs.
Engineering Management Bachelor’s Curriculum & Courses
An engineering management program will typically have a curriculum that focuses on project and operation design and management.
You may come across some of the following types of courses:
- Economic Analysis of Engineering Products: You’ll learn to analyze the economic impact of engineering projects, studying topics like depreciation and taxes, risk analysis, and interest.
- Team Leadership: In this course, you’ll study different ways to successfully lead a diverse team.
- Engineering Accounting and Finance: This course provides you with finance and accounting basics, including how to manage the finances of a large organization.
- Risk Assessment and Reduction: This course introduces tools to identify and manage potential risks, focusing on improving the safety of various manufacturing facilities.
- Operations and Production Management: In this course, you’ll learn all the necessary concepts and skills involved in operation management, including topics like quality assurance, inventory control, and forecasting.
- Marketing Management: You’ll study the part that marketing plays in a successful firm, covering topics like marketing strategies and research.
- Engineering Economics: This class covers foundational economic concepts—including income taxes, valuation techniques, and cash flow analysis—through an engineering lens.
- Statistical Concepts: This course examines the key statistical concepts central to engineering management, exploring topics like distributions, regression, and reliability.
- Project Management: You’ll learn a systematic approach to project management, including the details of the project lifecycle and risk analysis.
- Engineering Law: In order to make confident and informed engineering decisions, this course provides you with knowledge of fundamental legal concepts, such as liability.
You can learn to tackle complex problems within the technology-based field of engineering, improving your chances of qualifying for leadership roles down the line.
How to Know If a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Management Is Right for Me
As with any big choice, the decision to earn a degree in engineering management will be largely determined by personal factors.
There are some common benefits to earning this degree, though, as well as some potential drawbacks.
Pros:
- Career advancement. Earning a degree in engineering management can help you qualify for promotions or leadership positions in this lucrative field.
- High salary. Jobs in the engineering field tend to have above average salaries.
- Increased skill set. You can develop your technical engineering knowledge as well as your business, finance, and communication skills.
Cons:
- Time commitment. Earning your bachelor’s degree generally takes 4 years with full-time study.
- Cost. There is a high cost associated with almost any college degree program, but you can also see if you qualify for financial aid.
When making your decision, it could be helpful to take these factors into consideration. You can also reach out to an academic advisor or someone you trust for advice.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements do vary from school to school. Most colleges and universities, though, want to see the following things:
- SAT or ACT scores (only when required)
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
- Official transcript
You might also be required to submit a small fee when you turn in your application to some schools. In addition to academic and personal information, you may also be asked to provide a resume or details about any extracurricular activities you have been involved with. Many universities conduct interviews with prospective students as well.
Accreditation
As you research prospective schools, it’s strategic to verify each one’s accreditation status. If a school as a whole is regionally accredited, it has passed a rigorous review process that evaluates everything from facilities to coursework.
Once you graduate and begin applying for jobs, it’s likely that potential employers will check the accreditation status of your college or university in order to validate your degree. Plus, if you decide to transfer schools at any point in your educational career, accreditation is a key factor in determining which credits, if any, will be transferable.
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You can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) online to verify a school’s accreditation status.
Engineering Management Licensure and Certifications
In order to begin a career as an engineering manager, it’s necessary to acquire a license. The licensure process and requirements will vary between states.
While it’s not necessary to obtain an industry-recognized certification before working in engineering management, many professionals in this field do have one to boost their credentials. A certification may also help you qualify for promotions, raises, and leadership positions.
Some typical engineering management certifications include:
- Certified Associate in Engineering Management
- Project Management Professional
- Professional Engineer License
Each of these professional certifications focus on a specific skill or area of study.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are a number of financial aid options that can help qualifying students pay for college. Your eligibility for federal financial aid can be determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Financial aid is often distributed in varying amounts to people with a range of socio-economic backgrounds and family situations.
There are also scholarship and work-study options for prospective students. You might look into scholarship programs in areas that you excel in, like sports or academics. You might even have the chance to work on campus to pay off part of your tuition while you attend school.
What Is an Engineering Management Degree?
An engineering management degree is a bachelors program designed to prepare you for leadership roles in the field of engineering.
In addition to the technical skills covered in a typical engineering program, you can also learn the fundamentals of successful management. You’ll likely cover detailed topics in areas like administration, organization, and law. Pursuing this degree path could be a strategic choice for those who are eager to set themselves apart from the crowd, advance in their career, or have a higher earning potential.
Is Engineering Management a Good Degree?
Yes, engineering management is a good degree for many undergraduate students. Many engineering management graduates find that they have a wider range of professional options available to them. In this type of program, you can develop your ability to communicate complex engineering concepts to financial and business leaders.
There is also a heavy focus on collaboration within this degree. You can learn to work with people from a diverse range of engineering subfields, which is a useful skill in any industry. The choice to pursue an engineering management degree is a personal one and will often be swayed by factors like personal interest and career goals.
What Can I Do with an Engineering Management Degree?
There are many lucrative opportunities and leadership roles out there for professionals who have both business and engineering expertise.
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Engineering management professionals often go on to become industrial production managers, architectural and engineering managers, construction managers, or management analysts. Many of these professions rely on graduates who combine their technical understanding of engineering with their business and finance skills. These in-demand skill sets could also help them become leaders in their industries.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor in Engineering Management Degree Online?
If you attend school full-time and following a traditional, 16 week semester, you can generally complete an engineering management bachelor’s degree online in 4 years.
If you stay continuously enrolled year-round and follow an 8 week semester, you might be able to finish your degree in a shorter amount of time. The right timeline for you will depend on your personal needs and availability. It could be helpful to consider factors like cost, employment status, or travel plans before you enroll.
Is a Bachelor Degree in Engineering Management Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor degree in engineering management is worth it for many professionals. Both engineering and management occupations continue to be in demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for architecture and engineering jobs is projected to grow 6% over the next ten years, and management jobs are expected to grow 9%.
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Earning a degree in engineering management can often lead to professional qualifications in both engineering and business. Professionals often work in a variety of industries and organizations. Common career paths in this field include engineering manager, systems analyst, management analyst, and construction manager.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Engineering Degree Program
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arizona State University offers an online program for a BSE in Engineering Management. There is a total of 43 classes in the program and each one is 7.5 to 15 weeks long. The curriculum includes courses such as Introduction to Systems Engineering, Probability and Statistics for Engineering Problem Solving, System Dynamics and Thinking, and more.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Arkansas State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management Systems. The program is 100% online. It provides flexible scheduling options and courses taught by expert faculty. There are multiple start dates every year. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, blending engineering with business.
Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Eastern Michigan University offers a Technology Management BS program that was designed with the needs of adult students in mind. Graduates of the program go on to work for a variety of different technology-focused businesses. The curriculum includes courses such as The Management of Technological Change, Managing for Process Improvement, and Cyber Law and Compliance.
Eastern Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Indiana State University offers an online degree-completion program that leads to a BS in Engineering Technology Management. The program is intended for transfer students who already hold an associate degree in a related field. It is designed for working adults and requires no campus visits.
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kansas State University offers a Bachelor’s in Applied Business and Technology. The degree is designed to be transfer-friendly, can be completed 100% online, and is highly customizable through elective options. Graduates often pursue careers in product development, sales, management, and related fields.
Kansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kennesaw State University’s Bachelor of Applied Science program offers a specialization in Manufacturing Operations. This degree is intended for students who have previously completed associate degrees in applied science or technology. All classes can be attended online. Students can typically complete the program’s 120 required credit hours in 4 years.
Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Louisiana State University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. Graduates have a job placement rate of over 90%. Coursework includes Structural Principles and Practices, Construction and Civil Materials, Mechanical and Electrical Systems, Construction Safety, Construction Surveying, and more.
Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National American University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Green Associate Exam. Coursework includes Construction Materials and Methods I and II, Building Codes and Inspection, Construction Planning and Scheduling, and more.
National American University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
National University’s Bachelor of Science in Construction Management can be earned on-site or online. Classes are 4 weeks long and taken one at a time. Applicants can apply at any time. The curriculum covers topics such as surveying, cost control, management, financial reporting, and more.
National University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Ohio University offers a Bachelor of Science in Technical Operations Management. This is an online program that provides flexible scheduling. Coursework includes Supervision and Leadership in Technical Organizations, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, Quality Assurance and Technical Documentation, and more.
Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The Oregon Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology and Management. The program is for transfer students who already have related associate degrees. Oregon Tech follows a quarterly academic calendar, with three 11 week terms and an 8 week summer session each year.
Oregon Tech is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Saint Leo University offers a BA in Business Administration with a specialization in Technology Management. Students in the program are given opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships. Coursework includes Strategic Business Management, Organizational Behavior and Development, Essential Business Skills, and more.
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Seminole State College of Florida’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology program features hands-on, collaborative projects. Students in the program are given opportunities to participate in co-ops and internships. Coursework includes Principles of Computer Programming, Engineering Graphics – Drawing, Applied Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Management of Organizations, and more.
Seminole State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southeast Missouri State University’s BS in Technology Management program is available online. This program is intended for those who have already earned an Associate of Applied Science degree. Coursework includes Technical Computer Programming Applications, Manufacturing Research in a Global Society, Engineering Economic Analysis, Statistical Process Control, and more.
SEMO is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission’s Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
Southern Illinois University offers a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management and Applied Engineering. Weekend and online classes are available to provide flexibility. The curriculum covers cost estimation, quality control, personnel supervision, facilities planning, manufacturing processes, industrial safety, and more.
SIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of South Carolina offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management. The program is designed for students who have already earned a related associate degree. Classes start six times each year. Courses include Engineering Team Theory and Practice, Engineering Project Management, Systems Decision Making, and more.
The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Southern Mississippi offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management that can be earned on campus or online. The program provides experiential learning opportunities through visits to active job sites and a 300 hour internship. The curriculum includes courses such as Structural Design and Analysis, Estimating, and Digital Graphics and Building Information Modeling.
The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of the Virgin Islands offers a BS in Engineering Management Technology. The degree can be completed 100% online. Courses start every 8 weeks, and accepted students can begin any term. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, technology, and communication. Graduates often pursue careers in manufacturing, technical services, and related fields.
UVI is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Utah Valley University offers an online program for a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management. About 80% of UVU’s students work while going to school. Courses are designed to provide flexibility, and students have access to a wide range of support services. The program focuses on helping students develop business and technological knowledge.
Utah Valley University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Western Kentucky University offers a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology Management. This is a 2+2 program for those who already hold associate degrees. Graduates often pursue leadership positions after completing the program. The curriculum includes courses such as Industrial Statistics, Manufacturing Operations, and Quality Assurance.
Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Engineering Management Bachelor Degree Online
Earning your online bachelor’s in engineering management could potentially lead to a number of benefits. For instance, this degree might help you qualify for leadership roles, increase your earning potential, or collaborate with a wider range of professionals.
Engineering management majors also have the opportunity to strengthen their skills in many areas, including problem-solving, ethics, and finance. Overall, if you’re wanting to develop expertise in engineering, business, and leadership, then an engineering management bachelors could be a fitting degree path to consider.
The sooner you start exploring accredited universities, the sooner you may find the online engineering management program that best aligns with your personal preferences and professional interests.
