A PhD in Engineering Management allows students to focus on the business side of engineering operations. Engineering is a vast and quickly expanding field, with engineering feats required in nearly every sector.
Engineers create, construct, and solve problems, but above them are leaders who solve problems with a holistic, business-forward approach. Earning a Doctor of Engineering Management online could be the next step for those who desire this type of role.
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If you’re considering furthering your expertise in business, management, and engineering, perhaps a doctoral degree in engineering management is right for you.
Online PhD in Engineering Management Programs
For those who have a background in engineering, exploring the management and business concepts required to run a business could be new information. Generally speaking, online PhD in Engineering Management programs can help students dive beyond technical knowledge and develop higher risk analysis, critical thinking, and project management skills.
A closely related course of study is that of a PhD in Construction Management. This program largely focuses on applying management and business operation skills to the construction industry. Engineering management, on the other hand, builds upon existing engineering skills and studies.
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Many schools offer programs that help engineering professionals expand their understanding of business topics, such as:
- Financial management
- Organizational behavior
- Quality control and improvement
- Data analysis
- Entrepreneurship
- Team management
As part of your studies, you might perform detailed data analytics that allow you to realize methods for project optimization, balancing costs, and developing experiments. You can also learn to utilize data analytics and research methods for engineering projects and risk analysis.
Many courses are designed for you to apply project management skills and human resource management skills to common engineering problems. Many programs allow you to complement your core classes in engineering management with a minor or focus. These could include topics like human resource development in engineering, industrial training, construction management, and systems engineering.
Overall, the goal of an engineering management doctorate program is to provide you with the opportunity to incorporate business and human management skills with your engineering know-how.
Engineering Management Careers & Salaries
The career path you choose to follow depends largely on the type of engineering you choose to focus on during your doctoral studies. Engineers of all types have managers, and business leadership is required in a variety of industries.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are some examples of career paths related to the field of engineering management.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,350 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $122,270 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $120,380 |
| Postsecondary Engineering Teachers | $104,940 |
| 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 |
A doctoral degree in engineering management may open the doors to new management options in your current engineering career. It can also provide professionals with additional entrepreneurial opportunities in the engineering field.
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Additionally, those who study engineering management at the doctoral level may be interested in teaching or researching the subject at colleges and universities.
Engineering Management PhD Curriculum & Courses
Since engineering is a vast field, the courses that you choose to take within a Doctor of Engineering Management online program may vary. For example, systems engineering students may take different courses from those who are interested in mechanical engineering.
Some of the courses you may encounter include:
- Organizational Productivity: This course can help you learn how to structure and manage a team of engineers.
- Performance Improvement in Small Teams: This type of course can provide guidance in operational motivation.
- Management Theory: In this course, you’ll learn about different types of management styles and what can be accomplished with each.
- Research Methods in Engineering: The future of engineering relies on innovation, and this course helps you learn to balance business, profit, and growth.
- Engineering Project Management: From organizing tasks and customer projects to building an infrastructure for success, this course teaches the skills for balancing a business.
- Innovation and Product Development: Inventions and experiments are the future of engineering, and this course teaches how to pursue these objectives with a business in mind.
- Systems Engineering Management: Those with an interest in technology and systems engineering may study specific management requirements in their field.
- Enterprise Risk Assessment: This course helps students appreciate and mitigate risk in engineering business settings.
- Supply Chain Management: Part of successfully running a business is sourcing the right materials from the right places, as this course will teach.
- Technology Management: Engineers in all fields use technology that must be acquired and maintained by the business using it, and this course teaches how to evaluate and source this technology.
While your concentration focus can review additional areas, these core courses are typical of many PhD in Engineering Management programs.
Online Doctorate in Engineering Management Admissions Requirements
Each engineering management doctorate program can have different requirements, so it’s beneficial to check the specific admissions requirements of prospective schools. You can also contact an admissions counselor before you apply.
Here are some common requirements for online doctorate in engineering management programs:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Masters or bachelors degree in engineering or a related field
- Work experience in engineering or a related field
- Letter of intent
- Qualifying GPA in previous studies
Most schools also ask students to complete an online application and provide references.
Engineering Management Doctoral Programs Accreditation
When selecting your Doctor of Engineering Management online program, you may wish to focus on schools that have received regional accreditation. Programs that receive and maintain regional accreditation are reviewed by a credible accrediting agency and found to meet higher levels of educational excellence.
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Choosing an accredited school can be beneficial in many ways. You may be eligible for more forms of financial aid or educational reimbursement by attending an accredited school. Some professional organizations require an accredited degree, too.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
The cost of a PhD in Engineering Management program can vary from school to school, but there are many financial aid options available to students who qualify.
You can apply for federal aid by completing the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarships can be found through private foundations or may be offered by the university you choose to attend. Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement for workers looking to enhance their knowledge.
What Can You Do with a Doctorate Degree in Engineering Management?
Those who complete a Doctor of Engineering Management online program may choose to pursue a managerial or executive role in their current engineering field. Others may decide to focus on another area of engineering.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that engineering management roles will see steady growth over the next ten years. As a result, there may be more roles for individuals who have skills in business, management, and engineering. PhD graduates may also be interested in teaching or research roles in postsecondary institutions.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Engineering Management Online?
The number of credits required to complete a PhD in Engineering Management online varies from school to school. Some require a certain number of credits in core classes as well as additional credits in concentration courses.
Most doctoral programs can be completed in 3 to 5 years with full-time study, depending on the credit hours required. Some programs require a dissertation, final compendium, or practicum for doctoral students. These may require additional time for completion. If no dissertation is required, a doctorate can often be completed in 3 years with full-time enrollment.
Is a PhD in Engineering Management Degree Worth It?
Yes, a PhD in Engineering Management degree is worth it for many students. This type of program can enhance your existing knowledge of engineering and dive deeply into management practices and how to successfully run a business. These skills can be applied to a variety of future careers.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% job growth for architectural and engineering managers over the next ten years. Earning a PhD in Engineering Management may be attractive for those wishing to qualify for an executive role or run their own engineering firm. Others earn a PhD to pursue careers in research and higher education, guiding the next generation of engineers and managers.
Universities Offering Online PhD 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.
Capitol Technology University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management. The program aims to graduate students who can successfully and ethically fill the growing need for leadership in the engineering field. This is a fully online, 60 credit program. To graduate, students must complete a dissertation or an approved publication.
Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Universities and Schools.
Indiana State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management. The program is intended for students with experience in engineering and technology fields who hope to pursue leadership positions. The curriculum consists of 66 credits that can typically be completed in 4.5 years. The curriculum covers topics like engineering technology, human resource management, and industrial training.
Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Old Dominion University offers a Doctorate in Engineering. The program combines online courses with the active engagement of synchronous attendance to provide students with flexibility and networking opportunities within their cohort. This degree is often an excellent next step for those interested in becoming IT managers, lead engineers, program managers, or engineering professors.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas A&M University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Engineering. Students who want to take the next step in their professional journey but require the flexibility of online courses may find this program to be an ideal fit. The curriculum aims to deepen students’ existing engineering expertise while developing their leadership and communication skills.
Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas Tech University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Systems and Engineering Management. The program aims to prepare graduates for roles in the engineering industry and academia where they may serve as leaders, educators, and innovators. This 72 credit program is offered in a hybrid online and on-campus format. A previously completed master’s in the discipline is a prerequisite for admission into the program.
Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alabama—Huntsville offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with specializations in Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, and Systems Engineering. All specialties require the completion of 66 credits. The curriculum covers concepts such as decision analysis, project management, systems modeling, engineering management theory, and statistical methods.
The University of Alabama – Huntsville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arizona offers a Doctorate in Systems and Industrial Engineering. The program is designed to help students gain a deeper understanding of how complex systems and organizations function. The program boasts 10 distinct graduate tracks, expert faculty members, a customizable curriculum, funding options, and prized research and internship opportunities.
The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Central Missouri offers a fully web-based program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management. It is designed to help students develop technical and leadership skills. The program requires the completion of 87 credits. Students can specialize in Construction Management, Digital Communications, Human Resource Development and Industrial Training, Manufacturing Systems, or Quality Systems.
The University of Central Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Tennessee—Knoxville offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Systems Engineering. It is intended for students with at least 2 years of experience in the engineering field. Students can complete a master’s alongside their doctorate. The degree program requires the completion of 72 credits, which are broken down into 36 hours of coursework and 24 to 36 hours of research and dissertation work.
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Students can customize the Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management program at Western New England University to fit their own needs. They may complete their requirements at a full-time or a part-time pace and either fully online or in-person. Key concepts covered in the curriculum include operations research, project management, risk assessment, and optimization methods.
Western New England University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Getting Your PhD in Engineering Management Online
If you’re interested in adding business-oriented skills to your existing engineering expertise, you might consider getting your PhD in Engineering Management online.
The courses you encounter in this management-focused engineering degree online will likely challenge your understanding of project management, risk assessment, and operational development in the field of engineering.
Much like with an on-campus or online masters in engineering management, after earning a doctoral degree, you may find yourself ready to pursue career advancement in your field. You can check out the various doctoral programs available from accredited universities to find the one that best fits your interests and aspirations.
