Master’s Degree in Engineering Management Program Guide

Harvard Business School reports that successful engineers offer employers six in-demand business skills. You can learn some of these skills on the job or in an undergraduate program, but becoming an effective leader and manager in the engineering field requires specialized instruction beyond a bachelor’s.

A master’s in engineering management emphasizes the specialized skills engineering leaders need to oversee teams and collaborate with other managers. Consider this degree if you want to take your engineering career to the next level.

A master’s degree in engineering management emphasizes the technical and management skills professionals need to oversee large and small teams. The curriculum features classes covering management fundamentals, business, and electives. A final-semester capstone class requires you to analyze a real-world problem and propose a solution.

An on-campus or online master’s in engineering management opens up many career paths, such as engineering project manager, systems engineer, and product manager. You can work with your university’s career counselors to explore these and other positions. Employed students may qualify for a promotion or raise upon earning a degree.

Although a master’s of science in engineering management and an MBA emphasize management, economics, and marketing skills, the two degrees differ in their focus area. Degree-seekers in a master’s in engineering management program complete a STEM-aligned curriculum. Contact university admissions advisors to learn more about the benefits of a master’s in engineering management vs. an MBA.

Concentration options may include electrical power or manufacturing. Some universities let you create a customized master’s in engineering management program aligning with your career goals.

No matter the university you attend or the concentration you select, expect a rigorous core curriculum. Classes may include:

Comparing program lengths and admission requirements is essential before applying to master’s in engineering management programs.

Some master of science in engineering management programs take only 12 months to complete. These programs may use an accelerated curriculum, making them unsuitable for working students. Full-time programs take about two years to complete.

A typical program requires 30 credits, half of which make up the concentration. If your program does not offer concentrations, an advisor can help you choose electives. These professionals can also help you find out what you can do with an engineering management degree.

You need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related subject to apply to master’s in engineering management programs. Some schools use an undergraduate GPA cutoff to attract only the best applicants.

A competitive master’s program may ask you to submit the following documents in addition to your undergraduate transcripts:

Pay close attention to optional application materials, such as GRE scores. A good test score may help if you need to improve your application portfolio.

The average full-time graduate student at a private school paid $20,515 in tuition and fees during the 2023-2024 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The NCES reports that graduate degree-seekers attending a public school paid $11,827. These figures do not include textbooks, transportation, housing, and other education-related expenses.

You can reduce your tuition burden in ways other than attending a public university, such as applying to schools with institutional financial aid. You may also qualify for private scholarships. Your university’s financial aid advisors can help you research and apply for outside aid.

Engineering management jobs exist in different industries. Many of these careers feature a high average salary.

Engineering management jobs include engineering project manager, quality assurance manager, and design engineer. Employers may define engineering management in different ways, meaning you may need specialized experience or extra education to qualify for some positions.

The BLS projects the need for architectural and engineering managers to grow by 6% between 2023-2033, faster than the average projected growth rate for all careers in the U.S. Although changing economic circumstances may mean fewer-than-expected job openings, you can prepare for a competitive job market by excelling in classes and completing an internship.

Many factors impact your engineering management salary, such as degree, job title, geographic location, and years of relevant experience. The table below reports the latest salary information and responsibilities for 15 popular engineering management jobs. You may earn less as a recent graduate or if you work in an area with a low cost of living.

Your career goals may require education beyond a master’s degree in engineering management. Tenure-track postsecondary teaching positions require a doctorate, such as a Ph.D. in engineering management. This degree emphasizes the academic research and writing skills needed for a career in academia.

You can also earn a professional certification, such as Project Management Professional. The Project Management Institute awards this certification to professionals with 3-5 years of professional experience. Other requirements include passing a comprehensive examination.

Start exploring continuing education opportunities during your master’s in engineering management program. Academic and career counselors can help you narrow your options.