Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management

Choosing an Online Master’s in Engineering Management Degree Program

Prospective students should consider factors such as a program’s length, cost, curriculum, and requirements to find the best engineering management master’s program for their needs.

While most master’s in engineering management programs take two years to complete, some schools offer accelerated programs, which can save students time and money. In addition to program length, the cost of a master’s program varies depending on the type of institution and the credits required to graduate. Additionally, some online programs offer the same tuition rate to all students, regardless of residency, which may offer savings for out-of-state students.

Reviewing curricula can also help prospective students narrow their choices. Students should research each prospective program’s course descriptions, focus areas, and electives to ensure the program’s offerings align with their goals and interests.

Students looking for the best master’s in engineering management programs should also consider their scheduling needs. Some online programs offer accelerated timelines and/or asynchronous courses without required login times, which gives students the flexibility to balance their studies with personal and professional responsibilities.

What Is Engineering Management?

Engineering management combines the technical abilities of an engineer with the leadership training of a business professional. Engineering managers oversee teams of engineers working on engineering projects. They create strategic project plans, conduct research, hire staff, and propose budgets.

Engineering managers need analytical skills to evaluate information and solve problems, and organizational abilities to manage workers and keep projects on schedule. A detail-oriented outlook and strong communication skills also help engineering management professionals succeed.

Engineering managers can specialize in several areas, such as architectural, mechanical, or civil engineering. They may also specialize in project management or material science. Regardless of their specialty, engineering managers need an engineering background and supervisory experience, which students can gain by earning a master’s in engineering management online. Engineering managers enjoy lucrative salaries, with the average engineering manager salary exceeding $140,000 per year.

What is a Master’s in Engineering Management?

During a master’s in engineering program, students take business, management, and engineering courses, gaining technical engineering, managerial decision-making, and strategic leadership skills. Many master’s programs also incorporate an internship to give students hands-on experience in the field. At the conclusion of the program, graduate students typically complete a capstone or thesis project.

A master’s in engineering management program typically takes 1-2 years of full-time study to complete. However, some online programs offer accelerated formats that allow students to earn the degree in less time.

Pursuing a master’s in engineering management online helps engineering professionals advance their careers. While some employers hire engineering managers with a bachelor’s degree and extensive work experience, others prefer to hire candidates with a master’s degree. Engineering management programs may set minimum work experience requirements for admission.

Online Master’s in Engineering Management Careers

A master’s degree in engineering management prepares graduates to oversee teams of engineers to complete engineering projects. Engineering managers can specialize in areas such as civil or architectural engineering management. We highlight several popular roles and average salaries for master’s in engineering management graduates below.