A masters in engineering management is one of the top postgraduate degrees for engineers who want to supplement their technical knowledge with specialized business training.
You can learn how to lead engineering teams, projects, and organizations in today’s complex business environment, with an emphasis on real-world problems.
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Studying engineering management can lead to lucrative jobs, especially since the skill set required can be rare.
Online Masters in Engineering Management Programs
An online master’s in engineering management is meant to prepare engineering professionals for high-level positions that require a mix of technical capability and business expertise.
As an engineering manager, you could supervise engineering teams working on complex projects. Ultimately, engineering managers aim to deliver quality results, improve the efficiency of processes, and properly allocate resources like raw materials and funds. Engineering management can be a lucrative field, with a median salary that’s well above the average for management roles.
Engineering managers have many varying responsibilities, including:
- Developing production strategies for an organization
- Creating detailed project plans, taking cost and time into account
- Implementing technical projects from start to finish
- Providing mentoring and coaching to engineers and analysts
- Serving as a bridge between technical staff and upper management
- Setting up systems that ensure continuous improvement
Engineering managers work in a variety of industries, depending on their engineering background. For example, some work in chemical, civil, biomedical, renewable energy, and petroleum engineering. Every branch of engineering needs oversight and leadership.
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Aside from being knowledgeable about engineering processes and logistics, engineering managers also need to be well-versed in business practices. They need to understand marketing, operations, finance, and organizational behavior as they apply to their specialization. Since these are very specialized skills, many engineers opt for a master’s in engineering management, which can provide the practical business training needed.
Regardless of what kind of engineering you specialize in, you’ll take core business courses that are applicable to all types of engineering. Course topics can include corporate finance, operations management, and organization design and behavior. You can also learn how to plan and refine organizational systems, studying topics such as risk analysis, quality control, and enterprise resource planning.
Most engineering management programs tackle data analysis using software tools so you can make more informed business decisions. Engineering management programs tend to be industry-oriented rather than research-oriented. As a result, you’ll likely be required to design an actual engineering project or work directly with an engineering company toward the end of your program.
Engineering Management and Leadership Careers & Salaries
With a Master of Engineering Management online degree, graduates can choose from several career tracks, depending on their specialization.
One track is to pursue more advanced technical roles in engineering. Since you’ll already have experience working as an engineer, a graduate degree can help you qualify for more senior positions where you can contribute to more complex or large-scale projects.
On the other hand, you could focus more on leadership and project management. Engineering managers supervise other engineers and take charge of planning and implementing engineering activities for a company. Managers are needed in every branch of engineering.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some common engineering and engineering management career paths, along with their median salaries.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,350 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $122,270 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $103,150 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | $101,780 |
| Health and Safety Engineers | $99,040 |
| Construction Managers | $98,890 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Industrial Engineers | $95,300 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
Engineering management is actually one of the most lucrative sectors in management. Since these are only the median salaries for each career, actual individual salaries can vary greatly, depending on factors such as industry, employer, and location.
If you decide to pursue an MBA in Engineering Management, you might also qualify for more business-oriented roles. Some professionals may become business or organizational analysts for companies in technical industries, such as civil engineering, construction, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
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These types of analysts can look for problems or inefficiencies in an organization and develop solutions, from removing unnecessary processes to finding accurate ways to analyze performance.
Online Engineering Management Masters Curriculum
For a masters in engineering management online, you can expect to take core business courses along with electives based on your engineering specialization. Here are some examples of courses you may come across in this management-focused online engineering program:
- Engineering Management: This course delves into the fundamentals of management as applied to technical projects, including logistics, decision-making, and organizational leadership.
- Accounting for Engineers: You’ll study how to create financial plans, evaluate financial statements for business decision-making, and manage costs through forecasting and budgeting.
- Corporate Finance: This course focuses on how to make corporate investments using valuation techniques as well as risk management and capital structure analysis.
- Project Management for Engineers: You’ll learn how to organize and implement projects across the entire life cycle, from performing a stakeholder analysis to evaluating progress.
- Systems Engineering: This course teaches you how to design, evaluate, and maintain effective engineering systems, with steps such as doing use case analysis and conducting quality control.
- Organization Design and Behavior: You’ll look at different structures for organizations and analyze their components while exploring topics like motivation, culture, and teamwork.
- Operations Management: This course examines how to run and improve production, manufacturing, and service delivery processes in an organization so it can be as efficient as possible.
- Total Quality Management: You’ll learn about the core principles of total quality management, which is a business strategy that emphasizes continuous improvement by all members of an organization.
- Organization Information Systems: This course revolves around developing information and communication technology systems that meet an organization’s needs.
- Marketing Management: You’ll study how to promote engineering products and services using market research, branding, advertisements, analytics, and strategic pricing.
All of these business courses are adapted for engineers, so you may be able to apply them directly to your work.
MS in Engineering Management Admissions Requirements
Most engineering management master programs have the following admissions criteria:
- Resume or CV. You’ll likely be required to have an engineering background and a few years of work experience.
- Bachelor’s degree. Most schools require applicants to have an accredited bachelors in engineering.
- Official transcripts. It’s common for programs to require a minimum college GPA.
- Personal statement. You can describe your career goals along with why you’re interested in this particular degree and program.
- Recommendation letters. These are usually from supervisors or professors.
Some schools with a more traditional admissions process will ask for GRE or GMAT scores, though they are not always required.
Engineering Management Graduate Programs Accreditation
It’s beneficial to study engineering management at a school that holds regional accreditation. Regionally accredited schools have passed a rigorous evaluation that demonstrates that they meet high-quality educational standards.
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Going to an accredited school is a common eligibility factor for federal financial aid. Many employers also feel more confident working with professionals who hold graduate degrees from accredited schools. The US Department of Education’s website has a full list of accredited schools in the US.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are various financial aid options that you can look into to help cover the upfront costs of a master degree in engineering management. Most students start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can determine your eligibility for federal student loans, grants, and work-study programs.
Your school might offer scholarships, and there are many external scholarships for engineering and business graduate students as well. Other financial aid options to explore include assistantships and employer tuition reimbursement programs.
Engineering Management Professional Organizations
As you build a career in engineering management, you might benefit from joining professional organizations. Aside from connecting with like-minded professionals, you can often get access to webinars, conferences, and other educational opportunities to potentially grow your credentials.
These are some of the top professional organizations for engineering management:
- American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM)
- Association for Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
You can join these organizations even while you’re still in school as a graduate student.
What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management?
A master’s degree in engineering management is typically designed for engineers who are looking to develop their business leadership skills.
Graduates may step into roles where they take charge of engineering projects, such as operations managers, project managers, and technical leads. Others may choose to follow their original career track and pursue more advanced roles in their field of engineering. For example, some may become senior chemical, electrical, or mechanical engineers.
Some graduates may also work as analysts who solve business problems for engineering departments or organizations.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Masters Degree in Engineering Management Online?
Most master’s degrees in engineering management consist of 30 to 40 credit hours. You can typically finish in 1 to 2 years with full-time study. Programs requiring a thesis may be more time-consuming since you’ll be conducting your own research.
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If you’re planning to study part-time, it could take you longer to finish, depending on how many credits you complete per year. It’s common for engineering management graduate degrees to be designed for working professionals, so many students prefer part-time schedules.
What’s the Difference Between a Masters in Engineering Management vs. MBA?
A Master of Engineering Management (MEM) has a different focus from a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
| Master of Engineering Management | Master of Business Administration |
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If you want to specialize in an engineering field, then a masters in engineering management can offer that niche training. If you want a broader business focus in addition to specialized training, you might consider pursuing an MBA in Engineering Management.
What’s the Difference Between a Master of Engineering vs. Master of Science in Engineering Management?
Engineers who want to further their education often choose between either a Master of Engineering or a masters in engineering management.
| Master of Engineering | MS in Engineering Management |
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A Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Management might be a better fit if you’re interested in taking charge of the business aspect of engineering projects.
Is a Masters in Engineering Management Worth It?
Yes, a masters in engineering management is worth it for many professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% job growth for architecture and engineering occupations over the next ten years.
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The field of engineering offers many career options that are stable and profitable, and studying engineering management can help you qualify for senior and leadership roles in your sector. Engineers who combine their specialized knowledge with a solid grasp of business fundamentals are highly sought after in leadership and management analysis positions.
Universities Offering Online Masters in Engineering Management 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 Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. It consists of ten classes that are each 7.5 or 15 weeks long. Coursework includes Web-Enabled Decision Support Systems, Simulating Stochastic Systems, Applied Deterministic Operations Research, and more.
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Duke University offers a Master of Engineering Management. The program is mostly online but includes three 1 week residencies. Most students can finish in 2 years. Students progress through the program with a cohort of 20 to 30 other students. The program can be started in the fall or the spring.
Duke University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Kettering University has a Master of Science in Engineering Management that can be earned 100% online. Students can potentially finish in 18 months. GRE and GMAT scores are not needed to apply. Students in the program have the option to earn a dual MBA simply by taking 4 additional courses.
Kettering University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ohio State University offers a Master of Engineering Management that can be earned 100% online. To graduate, students must take 5 core courses, 4 electives, and 1 capstone course. The electives can be in engineering, public affairs, or business. The program uses rolling admissions, and students often receive admissions decisions within a week of applying.
The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pennsylvania State University offers a Master of Engineering Management online program. It consists of eleven courses that are taken in 7 week terms. The degree can typically be earned in 2 years. The program uses a cohort model to encourage interaction and collaboration. Courses are taught by the same instructors who teach on campus.
The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Purdue University offers an MS and an MSE in Interdisciplinary Engineering with a concentration in Engineering Management and Leadership. Classes are taught by the same faculty as those on campus. Both degrees require the completion of 33 credit hours and include courses in engineering and business strategy.
Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Texas A&M University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Engineering Management that is identical to the on-campus program, aside from the delivery method. Students can choose a specialization in Business, Analytics, Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Risk, Human Systems, and more.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arizona offers a Master of Science in Engineering Management. Students can enroll part-time or full-time, and most finish in 1.5 to 2 years. Coursework includes Law for Engineers and Scientists, Technical Sales and Marketing, Decision Making Under Uncertainty, and more.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Arkansas offers a Master of Science in Engineering Management that can be earned 100% online. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours and can usually be finished in 1 to 2 years. Students take courses such as Decision Models, Project Management for Operations Managers, Economic Decision Making, and more.
The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Central Florida offers an online MS in Engineering Management program. Classes are each 16 weeks long. Students must complete 30 credit hours to graduate. Courses include Project Engineering, Engineering Management, Innovation in Engineering Design, and more. Each student in the program is provided a personal success coach to help them plan their studies.
The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Colorado—Colorado Springs offers a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. The online program is designed to provide flexibility for working professionals. It includes courses such as Finance and Accounting for Engineering Managers, Project Estimation and Risk Analysis, and Systems Engineering Processes.
UCCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Louisville offers a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management. The program is 100% online and uses accelerated, 8 week classes. There are six start dates each year, and students can usually finish in 1 to 2 years. Students in the program are given opportunities to network with other professionals and learn from instructors with real-world experience.
The University of Louisville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Michigan—Dearborn offers an MS in Engineering Management. The degree requires the completion of 35 credit hours and can be earned online, on campus, or in a hybrid format. Most classes meet during the evening. The curriculum includes business and engineering coursework and a capstone project.
The University of Michigan – Dearborn is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Southern California offers a Master of Science in Engineering Management. The program is available both on campus and online, and classes are taught by the same faculty whichever you choose. There are full-time and part-time enrollment options. The curriculum covers both theory and practical applications.
The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission.
Youngstown State University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Engineering Management. The degree can typically be finished in 2 years. Coursework includes Financial Accounting and Finance for Decision Making, Competitive Manufacturing Management, and Supply Chain Engineering.
Youngstown State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your Master in Engineering Management Degree Online
If you have a background in engineering and want to pursue formal training in leadership and business strategy, you might consider earning a masters in engineering management.
Unlike regular business programs, an engineering management program is tailored specifically for engineers, with classes and case studies that feature real-life challenges in the industry. Engineering experience combined with specialized management expertise is a high-powered skill set that can be advantageous in this lucrative field.
Many credible programs in engineering management, such as master’s and bachelor’s in engineering management degree programs, are available online, so it’s now easier than ever to study while continuing to grow your career. A growing number of universities now even offer online PhD in Engineering Management degree programs.
You can start exploring accredited universities today to find the program that’s best for you.
