Why This Matters
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5,100 MORE ENGINEERING MANAGERS ARE NEEDED BY 2029
Projects in every area of engineering will need skilled employees to effectively lead teams over the next decade.
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ENGINEERING MANAGERS MAKE MORE THAN 3X THE AVERAGE WORKER
With an average salary of $144,830, engineer managers make $105,020 more than the average salary for all other occupations.
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DEMAND FOR ENGINEERING IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 3%
Civil engineering projects to improve the nation’s infrastructure, construct renewable energy, and complete environmental initiatives will likely keep the need for engineering managers consistent until 2029.
Our Research
Our research covers master’s programs in engineering that prepare students for high-level positions in the field of engineering. Graduates learn advanced engineering concepts, business principles, and leadership skills. Degrees offered include Master of Engineering Management, Master of Science in Engineering Management, Master of Science in Engineering Technology Management, and Master of Science in Systems and Engineering Management. The programs on our list offer in-person, on-campus, and hybrid learning formats.
Accreditation is given to engineering management programs that uphold a high academic standard at the national and regional levels. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is an internationally recognized body that accredits programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Programs on this list are also accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC), Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC), Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 74 hours to write this article
- 199 universities and colleges we assessed
- 384 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Master’s in Engineering Management Degree Programs
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What You Should Know About This Degree
When choosing a graduate program, you should also consider pursuing a master’s in business administration (MBA). MBA programs provide students with a broad curriculum in business that is relevant in many industries. In contrast, a master’s in engineering (MEM) program specializes in the field of engineering. Though both programs provide in-depth training in management, leadership, finance, and decision-making, MEM programs focus on teaching how specific management principles apply to engineering. Consider if you want to gain leadership skills that can be applied to many occupations or if you want to pursue a leadership role in STEM.
Graduates entering the workforce can obtain certifications to help validate their qualifications for potential employers. Certifications such as Certified Project Manager (CPM), Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and Project Management in IT Security (PMITS) can give graduates a competitive edge when searching for job opportunities in engineering management.
The field of engineering is expected to grow faster than the average rate of all other occupations. Engineering managers are needed to oversee a wide range of projects, including robotics, renewable energy, and oil and gas extraction.
What’s Next?
Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself when researching master’s in engineering management degree programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? Students who wish to pursue a master’s in engineering management must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field. Most programs require professional work experience, a minimum Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) score, and letters of recommendation.
- How long does it take to complete this online degree? Most master’s in engineering programs take two years of full-time study to complete. The programs on this list require 30 to 46 credits to graduate.
Application deadlines and requirements to study vary among programs. Check with the school admissions department for detailed information about when your application must be submitted.
Graduate programs require financial investment, and you should consider how you will cover tuition. Some employers might cover part or all of your academic fees. There are also scholarships, grants, and other federal aid packages available for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees.