What You Should Know About This Degree
Traditionally, a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) has been the sought-after degree for individuals seeking to move into management roles. An MBA teaches advanced business skills in areas like budgeting and finance, leadership, and ethics, usually for students who already have a business degree or experience. MS and MEM programs teach many of the same concepts, but with an engineering orientation. Your experience and career goals will help inform which type of degree you should pursue.
Although overall job growth in engineering and management is expected to be steady through 2031, there are some areas in which employment is expected to be relatively slow. Due to an increase in automation and outsourcing, employment of industrial production managers will only grow by three percent over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. When considering your career trajectory, take a look at job trends to help determine what educational path is right for you.
Many of the programs on our list are offered online, but it’s important to check if they have any in-person requirements, such as orientations, residencies, or final presentations. Some programs may require students to visit campus as an opportunity for networking and face-to-face interaction, which are valuable components of graduate education. Make sure to carefully review the program’s curriculum, and confirm that you can attend any mandatory campus visits.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching master’s in engineering management programs:
- Does this program offer concentrations or certificates? Students who choose to specialize in a particular area of engineering management should look for programs that offer concentrations or certificates. Common areas of concentration in this field include logistics and supply chain management, construction management, and quality management.
- What are the qualifications for admission? Most engineering management graduate programs expect students to have backgrounds in engineering, business, or a closely related STEM field. Eligibility requirements may include a bachelor’s degree, undergraduate coursework, and/or professional experience. Be sure to review the program’s admissions requirements so that you select a program for which you are qualified.
As you research programs, also look at their application procedures and deadlines. You want to be sure that you have the necessary application materials, including standardized test scores, prepared well in advance of submission deadlines. This information is typically available on the school’s website or through their admissions office.
Financing your graduate education is another important consideration. You should explore your options for financial aid, scholarships, assistantships, and employer tuition benefits.