The Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management

One of the top-ranked institutions in the country, Stanford University dates back to 1891. The private university offers an online master's in management science and engineering that emphasizes analytical, decision-making, and business strategy skills. The program prepares graduates for the technical and behavioral challenges of engineering leadership positions.

The 45-credit program follows the quarter system and includes three core classes, concentration courses, a project course, and electives. Students earning a master's in engineering management online can choose from concentrations in:

• Technology and Engineering Management
• Decision Analysis and Risk Analysis
• Financial Analytics

The technology and engineering management specialization prepares students for careers in product and project management and management consulting. The decision analysis and risk analysis specialization leads to career opportunities in policy analysis, management consulting, and engineering systems analysis. Financial analytics students prepare for careers in areas like financial services, risk management, and investment management.

Stanford offers flexible enrollment options, with the opportunity to complete the program in one academic year, in 18 months with a summer quarter internship, or in 3-5 years as a part-time student. Prospective students need an engineering degree or a degree in a related quantitative field. Stanford prefers applicants with prior coursework in programming, statistics, and economics. The program does not set minimum GPA or GRE scores and does not require work experience for admission.

The University of California-Los Angeles, a top-ranked public institution, offers an online master of science in engineering with a specialization in engineering management. With coursework in business analytics, financial management, and quality engineering, the program prepares engineers for career advancement.

UCLA's program ranks as one of the best master's in engineering management degrees for its blended curriculum, which enlists faculty from the Samueli School of Engineering, the Anderson School of Management, and the School of Law. The 36-credit program includes classes like program management principles for engineers and statistics for management decisions, giving students valuable business training with a technical focus. At the conclusion of the program, graduate students must pass three written exams for three courses in their specialization.

Graduate students can choose from part-time and full-time enrollment options. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or physics, with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the final two years of undergraduate coursework. Prospective students must submit official transcripts, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a personal history statement, and a statement of purpose. Some highly qualified applicants can waive the GRE score requirement.

Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an online master of engineering management degree that helps engineering professionals expand their technical leadership skills. As an alternative to a traditional MBA, the engineering management degree emphasizes data-driven management through a collaborative online program.

The program is ranked among the best engineering management master's programs for its project-focused curriculum. Master's students take 30 credits, completing the program in 2-3 years. Required courses include engineering leadership, technical project management, and international engineering strategies. Students can take electives to customize the degree, choosing from courses like effective negotiation strategies, marketing for technical professionals, and industrial data analytics.

Online learners can connect with fellow students through course web conferences. Outside of web conferences, graduate students can complete coursework and assignments without set login times.

Prospective students need a bachelor of science from an ABET-accredited program. UW considers students with a non-ABET accredited degree on a case-by-case basis. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in the final two years of coursework or a master's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Although UW does not require GRE scores, applicants can submit scores to bolster their application. Prospective students need at least two years of engineering experience.

A private institution founded in 1880, the University of Southern California grants engineering degrees through the Viterbi School of Engineering. Online learners can pursue a master of science in engineering management through USC's fully online program. The program builds economic decision-making skills through real-world examples. Designed for students with an undergraduate degree in engineering, USC's program teaches students how to lead technology projects, manage teams, and oversee engineering functions.

Students take required courses in statistics for engineering managers, engineering project management, and economic analysis of engineering projects. Students then choose an engineering elective, a business and management course, and additional electives to complete the credit requirements.

The program is among the top online master's in engineering management programs for its blended delivery model, which lets online students fully engage with the on-campus classroom. Students view lectures live, promoting a collaborative experience for distance learners. Students can complete the program in as little as 18 months by choosing a full-time enrollment option; part-time students can earn the degree in around three years.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an engineering or engineering-related field. Applicants must submit transcripts, GRE scores, a resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement describing their reasons for applying to USC and their future career plans.

The flagship campus of the state's public university system, the University of Texas at Austin dates back to 1883. Today, UT Austin students can pursue a master's in engineering management online through the Cockrell School of Engineering. The program combines management courses with engineering technical classes, offering a tech-focused alternative to an MBA. Graduate students build the skills necessary to tackle real-world problems through a curriculum that encourages creativity and innovation.

The 30-credit program includes courses in management, negotiations, engineering economics, and product development. During the summer, students complete independent projects under faculty supervision to gain industry-ready experience. The program ranks among the best master's in engineering management programs for working professionals due to its accessible schedule. Students take classes during one weekend a month, with remote students virtually attending class with on-campus students.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field and at least 18 months of professional experience. The engineering management program recommends a minimum 3.0 GPA in upper-division undergraduate courses. Applicants must submit official transcripts, GRE or GMAT scores, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation. UT Austin offers a test score waiver for applicants who meet the GPA requirement and hold at least seven years of work experience, a master's degree, or expired GRE or GMAT scores.

A private research institution founded by an act of Congress, George Washington University offers one of the largest engineering management programs in the country. Engineers can earn a master of science in engineering management online at GW. Students strengthen their project management and strategic leadership skills through a curriculum centered on hands-on experience.

The curriculum comprises 12 courses and includes classes on topics like the management of technical organizations, decision-making with uncertainty, and systems engineering. Online learners also take classes in organizational behavior for the engineering manager and management of engineering contracts.

By studying financial planning, systematic approaches to decision-making, and knowledge management, students gain career-ready skills for leadership roles in engineering. Courses in project cost and quality management prepare graduates for the Project Management Professional certification exam.

Applicants must submit transcripts, GRE scores, two letters of recommendation, a current resume or CV, and a personal statement. The program offers four start dates each year and offers courses during 10-week terms with an optional accelerated five-week term in the summer.

A public institution with over 45,000 students, the University of Arizona dates back to 1885. The online master of science in engineering management emphasizes leadership and business administration skills that apply to engineering projects. Graduates strengthen their decision-making and technical skills, preparing students for careers as leaders in technology-based ventures.

Students pursuing the master's in engineering management online take core courses in technical sales, project management, and financial modeling for innovation. Online learners choose between a project option, thesis option, and coursework option to culminate the degree. The project option builds professional skills through a three-credit project, while the thesis option incorporates six credits of thesis research. The coursework option includes 33 credits of coursework in lieu of a project or thesis.

Full-time students in the engineering management degree can complete the program in as little as 18 months. Applicants need a bachelor's degree from an accredited engineering program or a closely related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also submit three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a current resume or CV, and a brief statement of intent. UArizona does not require GRE scores.

Purdue University is a public research institution that offers a variety of on-campus and online programs. Offered through Purdue Global, the 33-credit online master's degree in engineering management and leadership emphasizes technical, business, and management skills.

Students work with an academic advisor to create a personalized plan of study based on their career goals and interests. Students must complete at least nine credits in system design and development, choosing from options including multidisciplinary design optimization, industrial applications of statistics, and manufacturing economics. The business management curriculum offers courses in strategic marketing management, operations management, and business planning.

Prospective students need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in a non-engineering field must complete prerequisites in college-level engineering calculus and differential equations or linear algebra. Applicants must submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, a current resume, and a statement of purpose. Indiana residents receive a tuition discount.

A public research institution, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst hosts 30,000 students through on-campus and online programs. The fully online master of science in engineering management incorporates coursework from the College of Engineering and the Isenberg School of Management. The program aims to create technical thought and practice leaders through its focus on critical communication, emotional intelligence, and innovation in engineering and technology.

The 10-course engineering management program offers courses in the principles of systems engineering, human factors design, engineering economic decision-making, and advanced production planning and control. Master's students pair technical coursework with management classes in engineering information and project management, strategy-driven engineering innovation, and business analytics. Learners can customize the degree through electives, independent studies, and practicums.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline and submit a personal statement, resume, two letters of recommendation, GMAT or GRE scores, and transcripts.

Founded in 1858 as a public institution, Iowa State University offers online engineering degrees through its Engineering-LAS Online Learning program. The online master's degree in engineering management program strengthens engineering, science, and management skills, preparing graduates for leadership positions in a technology-driven environment.

Iowa State's program ranks among the best engineering management master's programs for engineers considering an MBA. Graduate students complete five courses from Iowa State's MBA program and five courses from the systems engineering program. The curriculum covers topics like project management, IT systems, and operations.

During their first year, online learners take engineering management theory and systems engineering courses. Business courses include corporate financial decisions, marketing, and accounting for decision-making. Online learners can customize the degree through engineering electives on topics like decision analysis in system design, engineering risk analysis, and quality management.

Applicants need a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least two years of engineering experience. They must also submit official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.

The flagship campus of the state's public university system, Oregon State University dates back to 1868. Oregon State offers an online master of engineering management degree that functions as an MBA customized for engineering professionals. The program prepares graduates for careers in organizational leadership, project leadership, and technical management.

The fully online, 45-credit program emphasizes engineering-focused management skills. Students take required courses in project management in engineering, operations management, and advanced engineering economic analysis. Master's students can then tailor the degree to their interests by taking 30 credits of electives on topics like legal aspects of engineering management, project risk management, product development, and strategic planning.

Local students can complete up to 15 elective credits through on-campus courses. Graduate students complete the curriculum on the quarter system. Students who take 1-2 classes per term can graduate within two years.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in a STEM field. Applicants who attended a non-ABET-accredited undergraduate program must submit GRE scores. All applicants must submit a statement of their professional objectives, three letters of reference, and undergraduate transcripts. Oregon State charges a flat tuition rate regardless of residency.

Ohio University is a public research institution dating back to 1804. In addition to on-campus graduate programs, Ohio offers a fully online master's degree in engineering management. Designed for engineers seeking leadership positions in the field, the engineering management program combines technical and business courses.

Students build leadership and management skills through a curriculum that emphasizes project management, effective communication, engineering process, and problem-solving. Foundation classes include statistics for engineering management, information systems engineering, and engineering writing. Core classes cover topics like project management and applied accounting and finance for engineering management.

After completing core and foundation classes, students can customize the degree through electives on topics like quality systems, database information systems, engineering law, and data acquisition and predictive analytics. Students culminate the degree with an engineering management capstone course.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or the physical sciences from an accredited U.S. program with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants work with an enrollment advisor to assess their qualifications for graduate study.

Delivering distance learning programs for more than 100 years, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers every major in an online or blended format. UNL features more than 125 online degrees and certificates, including an online master's in engineering management offered through the Office of Graduate Studies.

The master's in engineering management program comprises 30 credits with an optional specialization in construction engineering and management. Though the engineering management major is "online only," students who choose the specialization must attend some on-campus courses in addition to completing online coursework. Students must declare a major and minor area of study. UNL does not require a thesis to complete the degree.

Each course in the online engineering management program lasts for eight weeks. The curriculum includes a combination of core, business minor, and elective credits. Core courses explore subjects such as decision and risk analysis, teamwork for organizational commitment and collaboration, and strategic management and planning. UNL maintains a rolling admissions policy and features five mini-sessions across the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Founded in 1890, Illinois Institute of Technology represents Chicago's only technology-focused higher learning institution. IIT offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates in business, science, and engineering. The school also offers more than 30 online programs, including a master's in engineering management.

The online master's in engineering management requires students to complete 30 credits of core, specialty, and elective courses. Students may choose a specialty track in project management or product design and development. Course topics include transportation asset management, entrepreneurship, and contract administration. All students must complete a seminar course in strategic engineering management and a capstone experience to conclude the degree.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA and submit GRE scores. ITT accepts applications for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Most online courses follow the same academic schedule as on-campus programs, spanning 16 weeks. ITT may deliver online courses through synchronous or asynchronous formats.

Stevens Institute of Technology offered its first mechanical engineering degree in 1870. Today, the university offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering and science, business, systems and enterprises, and arts and letters. Students can pursue diverse distance programs through Stevens Online, including 20 different 100% online master's degrees.

Stevens' online master's in engineering management is one of four degrees offered through the School of Systems and Enterprises. The curriculum requires students to complete courses in three critical areas: management, business, and systems engineering. Core courses include modeling and simulation, decision and risk analysis, and engineering economics. Engineering management courses emphasize ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and complex problem-solving.

Online instructors may deliver courses synchronously or asynchronously. Online students enjoy access to the library, a podcasting studio, and course discounts. Applicants must submit official transcripts with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Stevens ranks among the nation's best online engineering and business programs, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Established in 1890, Washington State University holds the prestigious Carnegie Classification for the highest level of doctoral research activity. WSU hosts six locations across Washington in addition to a Global Campus, delivering distance education programs since 1992. Students can choose from more than 30 online degrees, certificates, and teaching endorsements.

WSU developed the online master's in engineering management degree for working adult students. The 30-credit curriculum includes courses on finance for technical systems, integrated supply chain management, and risk assessment. Students culminate the degree with a special or independent study project and an independent capstone project.

Online students enjoy access to services including career counseling, academic advising, and tutoring. The university also offers 24/7 technical support and financial reimbursements for childcare and technology through the student government. Students may apply for admission to the fall, spring, or summer term.

Drexel University promotes an innovative, experiential learning model. Drexel hosts more than 24,000 students, including 4,669 distance learners studying through Drexel Online. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, including an online master's in engineering management.

Drexel's online MS in engineering management holds approval from the American Society of Engineering Management, automatically qualifying graduates to pursue certified associate in engineering management credentials. The 45-credit curriculum includes courses on quantitative analysis, engineering management, and economics and financial management, culminating in a capstone course. Applicants may transfer up to 15 quarter credits into the program. Students complete courses asynchronously.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree, preferably from an ABET-accredited program, with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students may begin on one of multiple start dates throughout the year. Drexel charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all online students, regardless of residency. Online students also enjoy access to a variety of financial aid opportunities.

Kansas State University has delivered innovative distance education programs through the K-State Global Campus since 1966. Today, the university offers more than 90 online undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and endorsements to students from all 50 states and 41 countries. K-State ranks among the best in the nation for its online graduate engineering programs, according to U.S. News and World Report.

K-State's online master's in engineering management emphasizes business skills within the context of engineering. Students must complete 30 credits of core and elective courses, exploring topics such as advanced industrial management, logistics engineering, and production and management. The engineering management degree requires a culminating experience tailored to each student.

Students may apply to the online master's in engineering for the fall, spring, or summer semester. Learners can study full time or part time, and they may take up to six years to complete the degree. Students may transfer up to 10 credits into the program. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.

Colorado State University began developing distance programs through its Division of Continuing Education more than 50 years ago. Housed in the Office of Engagement, the division is now called CSU Online and offers more than 40 online degrees, certificates, and individual courses. Students can choose from programs across 13 study areas.

The 30-credit online master of engineering with an engineering management specialization includes engineering and business courses. Students explore topics like foundations of systems engineering, financial principles and practice, and marketing management. The program does not require a culminating capstone project, thesis, or final exam. Students may complete all coursework online, in any order.

Students must earn at least 24 credits in residence at CSU. Distance learners complete courses asynchronously. Students may apply for the fall or spring semester. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA and satisfy prerequisites in calculus, physics, and ordinary differential equations.

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas hosts a main campus in Fayetteville and a comprehensive Global Campus. The university enrolls nearly 28,000 students, with more than 14,000 students enrolled in at least one online course. U.S. News and World Report ranks U of A among the top online graduate engineering programs in the nation.

The 30-credit online master's in engineering management combines core, engineering, and elective courses. Course topics include introduction to engineering management, economic decision-making, and advanced project management. Students must complete 80% of coursework before taking the final comprehensive oral exam. Most students graduate within 1-2 years.

Students may begin during the fall, spring, or summer semester. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency. Applicants must submit GRE scores unless they qualify for a score waiver.

The University of South Florida enrolls over 50,000 students from over 140 countries. The school offers more than 180 majors and programs across 14 schools and colleges. U.S. News and World Report ranks USF among the best schools in the nation for its online MBA and online graduate engineering programs.

One of the best engineering management master's degrees, the online MS in engineering management emphasizes quantitative and qualitative technical engineering skills within the context of executive management. The program includes general core, quantitative core, elective, and workforce management core courses. Students must complete a capstone in engineering management policy and strategies to culminate the degree.

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least two years of work experience in management or engineering. Applicants who do not meet the minimum professional experience requirement may need to complete an internship. Applicants also need a minimum GRE score of 156 in quantitative and 146 in verbal. USF accepts applications for the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Located in Kentucky's largest metro area, the University of Louisville hosts three campuses across the city and an online division. UofL offers more than 40 online degrees and certificates spanning seven schools and colleges, including a master's in engineering management through the prestigious J.B. Speed School of Engineering. More than 8,700 students take at least one online course.

The 30-credit online master of engineering in engineering management comprises 10 eight-week courses. Course topics include engineering statistics, management science, and intellectual property law for engineers. Full-time students can complete the degree in two years. Students can transfer up to six credits from a regionally accredited institution into the program.

Students can apply for the fall, spring, or summer semester, beginning on one of five start dates per year. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement may receive consideration based on other criteria. Students must satisfy prerequisites in statistics and calculus I.

With a record-breaking enrollment of more than 38,800 in 2019, Texas Tech University ranks among the largest institutions in the state. TTU eLearning, the university's distance and online learning division, offers more than 50 online degrees and certificates. U.S. News and World Report ranks TTU among the best schools in the nation for its online graduate engineering programs.

The online master of science in systems and engineering management program requires 30 credits of core and elective coursework. The program suits experienced professionals looking to advance their careers. Students explore topics such as decision theory and management science, industrial cost analysis, and the engineering management environment. Learners may opt to pursue a minor area of study.

TTU does not require applicants to possess a bachelor's degree in engineering; however, students must satisfy prerequisites in college-level physics and calculus I, II, and III. Applicants must also submit GRE scores. TTU considers all credit-transfer requests holistically according to the applicant's qualifications.

Established in 1910, Bowling Green State University hosts a 1,338-acre campus in northwest Ohio and an eCampus for distance learning programs. BGSU enrolls more than 19,000 students and offers dozens of academic programs, including more than 40 online degrees, certificates, professional certifications, and endorsements. The university is one of only six in the nation to earn online support certification through Quality Matters, demonstrating BGSU's dedication to providing outstanding distance education.

BGSU offers the online master of technology management in construction management through the College of Technology, Architecture, and Applied Engineering. The 33-credit degree is divided into four areas: a technology core, an advanced construction management concentration, a business operations component, and a synthesis experience. Coursework emphasizes leadership, project management, and problem-solving skills. The synthesis experience includes a thesis or final project.

Students can apply for the fall, spring, or summer semester. Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction, architecture, industrial technology, or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Most online courses last for seven weeks. BGSU offers distance learners support through services including online tutoring, advising, and library access.

Florida International University offers on-campus programs in Miami in addition to online programs through FIU Online, one of the nation's largest distance learning providers. The university offers more than 100 online degrees and thousands of online courses. FIU Online ranks among U.S. News and World Report's top online graduate engineering programs.

Students enrolled in the online master of engineering management can choose from the following concentrations:

• Construction Management
• Engineering Entrepreneurship
• Enterprise Systems
• General Track
• Logistics Engineering
• Production and Manufacturing
• Systems Engineering

Credit requirements and courses vary by concentration, but all students complete roughly 30 credits. Foundational courses cover topics like business law, project management, and total quality management.

Students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer, completing 12- or 16-week courses. Applicants need a bachelor's degree in a STEM or business discipline with a minimum 3.0 GPA for the last 60 credits of upper-division coursework. All online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency.