Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2021
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Engineering managers assume leadership roles in every branch of engineering, creating engineering plans, analyzing data, and supervising projects.
They draw on engineering skills and business training to ensure a team completes engineering projects efficiently and safely.
Earning a master's in engineering management online helps engineers advance their careers and increase their earning potential. The average engineering manager salary exceeds $140,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it one of the best-paid engineering jobs.
An online engineering management program gives students the flexibility to earn a master's degree while managing professional and personal responsibilities. This page introduces the best online master's in engineering management programs, including how to choose the right program and potential careers for graduates.
The Best Online Engineering Management Programs
UCF is a public university situated in Orlando, Florida. The online masters of science in engineering management at UCF's College of Engineering and Computer Science is a 30-credit program that takes two years to complete.
Students get to choose between a thesis or industrial and systems engineering capstone option by the end of this program. UCF offers several resources to aid students in making a smooth transition to online learning.
Admission requirements include a minimum GPA of 3.0 and general application material such as recommendations, essay, and resume.
California-based Stanford is a private university that offers a 45-credit master of science in management science and engineering degree program through its School of Engineering. Students typically take between three to five years to complete the program.
The curriculum focuses on subjects correlated with math, engineering, as well as behavioral science. The majority of the courses are available online, although some courses may require students to be on-campus. Students at Stanford get resources available for tutoring, academic advising, career guidance, and writing assistance.
Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related discipline, with no minimum GPA requirement.
A private university in Baltimore, Maryland, John Hopkins was the nation's first research university. The five-year master's program in engineering management offered here emphasizes technical and managerial aspects of engineering processes.
Management courses being at the core of this program, students still get to select specialty tracks that align with their interests and goals. Sixteen different tracks, including data science, healthcare, and leadership, merge specialized knowledge with engineering management perspectives.
Those seeking admission require a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a degree in a science or an engineering field.
USF is a public university with its main campus in Tampa, Florida. Available since 1982, USF's master of science in engineering management is a multidisciplinary graduate program with over 800 graduates across the globe.
Students get to choose four electives out of 24 available options. After finishing the general core area studies, students must complete the engineering management policy and strategies capstone.
Admission requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, a baccalaureate of science in a technical field, two years of work experience or internship, and a GRE score of 156 or above.
Georgetown is a private university located in Washington D.C. The university offers a master of professional studies in technology management in both part-time and full-time settings.
This engineering management program accepts students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students generally get 6-9 hours of work per week for each class. Apart from the general coursework, the program also integrates real-world client work, guest lectures, case studies, and networking events.
Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation along with the general application package for the competitive selection process.
Purdue is a public university located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The online masters in engineering and learning is a 33-credit program offered at Purdue designed for professionals seeking a competitive edge in a wide variety of industries.
Academic advisors at Purdue help students develop a flexible plan of study based on their career requirements. System design and development and strategic marketing and operations management are topic areas for the MSE program coursework.
Those seeking admission must complete prerequisite coursework, possess a baccalaureate degree, and submit the standard application package along with references.
Ruston-based Louisiana Tech is a public university that represents students from 47 states and 64 foreign countries. The master of science in engineering management at Louisiana Tech is a 33-credit program emphasizing management and leadership roles in technical areas.
The College of Engineering and Science at Louisiana Tech offers two tracks for this program: engineering management and management of technology. The university follows a four-quarter scheduling module and uses Moodle to deliver coursework online.
Applicants seeking admission must possess an engineering-related bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
A public university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, U of A offers more than 210 academic programs to prospective students. The master of science in engineering management offered at U of A's College of Engineering is a two-year program for undergraduate degree holders seeking leadership positions in engineering organizations.
The 30-credit program is entirely online and allows students to customize their program through diverse electives such as new venture development and advanced project management.
Applicants must possess an ABET (or equivalent) accredited engineering degree and a GPA of 3.0 or better. While the GRE score is mandatory, enrollees can contact the college for a possible waiver.
SEMO is a public university located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, that offers over 350 courses online. SEMO's master of science in technology management is a 100% online program.
The curriculum includes a core section of six courses, two research-based courses, and a selection of three to four option-specific elective courses out of provided options. Coursework in the 33-credit program is delivered asynchronously and can be customized or developed with the help of an advisor.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in engineering or technology and an undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
A private university located in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens offers a master of engineering in engineering management program at the school of system enterprises. It emphasizes the process of managing technology applied in engineering processes.
The 30-credit program takes less than two years to complete. Online courses happen through canvas or zoom, while Stevens's seven-time award-winning online Webcampus enhances the learning experience through various other applications.
Prospective students can fill an online application, including transcripts and recommendations. Applicants can also submit their GRE/GMAT scores.
UNO is a public university situated in New Orleans, Louisiana. The university offers a master of science in engineering management for professionals who previously earned a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related STEM field.
The 30-credit program encompasses core and elective courses while providing an option to select a concentration in system innovation engineering. Students can complete the degree in both thesis and non-thesis options. In both cases, students need to complete a capstone project.
Application requirements include a bachelor's degree in engineering, math, or science with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a 300 GRE score.
A public university located in Jonesboro, Arkansas, A-State offers an online master of science in engineering degree for baccalaureate degree holders and working professionals.
A-State's College of Engineering and Computer Science amalgamates ten, seven-week fully online courses in this 30-credit program. Students need to select courses from 12 elective options to complete 15 credits of graduate coursework as part of this degree.
Applicants also need a baccalaureate degree with at least a 2.75 GPA. A GRE or GMAT is not necessary.
UNC Charlotte is a public university located in Charlotte, North Carolina. The master of science in engineering management offered at UNC Charlotte focuses on developing technical competence and management skills and works as a technical alternative for an MBA.
The program culminates with a thesis or a project option which includes a capstone project. Both on-campus and distant learners can enroll in the asynchronous online courses delivered through an online learning management system that leverages Moodle, Centra, and Panopto.
Those seeking admission must possess a baccalaureate degree in a technical or business context with a minimum 3.0 GPA and prerequisite coursework. The university can waive GRE and GMAT requirements under certain conditions.
A public university located in Ames, ISU offers a two-year master of science in engineering management degree. The industrial and manufacturing systems engineering department offers courses in both full-time and part-time settings, accommodating time for working professionals as well.
Course topics include IT systems, system requirements, operations, and architecture definition. The program consists of five courses from an MBA program and five courses from the system engineering program. Online students at ISU get access to various administrative, academic, and technology resources.
Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field with a 3.0 GPA and persuasive evidence of professional accomplishment. Other documentation includes three letters of recommendation and a resume.
GW is a private university located in Washington, DC. GW's School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a master of science in engineering management program that students can complete in two to three years.
The 36-credit program includes key topics such as contracting processes for engineering projects and systematic approaches to decision making. The flexible online format allows students to study synchronously or asynchronously.
Applicants should possess an accredited bachelor's degree in science or business with a minimum GPA of 2.7.
Located in Rolla, Missouri, S&T is a public university that offers an online master of science in engineering management and system engineering certified by the American Association of Engineering Management.
Enrolled students choose between a thesis and a non-thesis option. The thesis option includes six credits of graduate research and 12 credits of general coursework along with electives. Students take up to two out-of-department elective courses and a third course approved by the Graduate Committee.
The online application form requires a statement of purpose, transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, three letters of recommendation, and a resume.
A public university located in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, CSUN offers a master of science in engineering management program. The fully online course follows a cohort model, under which students will start and complete the program with the same classmates.
At the beginning of the 33-credit program, students get a personal program manager to plan the coursework efficiently and carry out automatic enrollment. Upon graduation, students also receive the CSUN university certificate in entrepreneurship and innovation management.
Prospective students must possess a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related field with a 2.75 minimum GPA.
UMass Amherst is a public university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. The master of science in engineering management offered at its Isenberg School of Management is a 10-course professional degree program. The curriculum of this STEM professional program is formed in conjunction with the American Society of Engineering Management.
Course topics comprise a wide section of technical and management courses related to systems, analytic tools, and communication. The 30-credit program allows students to craft their own curriculum.
Applicants must possess a bachelor of science in engineering or related discipline with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Other requirements include a personal statement, resume, two letters of recommendation, and transcripts.
A public university in Louisville, Kentucky, UofL offers a master of engineering in engineering management for working professionals. Students can complete the online program in an eight-week term accelerated format.
The 30-credit program integrates a network of experienced engineers across the world. Course topics include operations management, management science, engineering financial management, and management law for engineers.
Candidates willing to join the online program must possess a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a scientific field with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Students must also complete prerequisite courses in statistics and calculus to be eligible for the program.
Located in Houston, Texas, UHCL is a public university. The master of science in engineering management offered at UHCL is for students with an engineering background who want to build management skills.
The EMGT curriculum incorporates 36 credits of graduate courses comprising 18 credits of core requirements and 18 credits of electives with a capstone or a thesis option.
Applicants need an undergraduate degree related to engineering management with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Enrollees must also complete foundation courses and their prerequisites before joining the program.
A public university located in Newark, New Jersey, NJIT offers an online master of science in engineering management program.
The degree requires 30 credits, out of which core courses account for 18 credits and 12 credits of electives that students can select from any area of specialization. The coursework emphasizes project management, financial analysis, total quality management, and human resources management.
Admission requirements include official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, GRE score, and one letter of recommendation.
UTA is a public university. The master of science in engineering management at UTA is a STEM program offered in full-time and part-time settings.
The two-year program meets educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in all U.S. states, territories, and the district of Columbia. The coursework focuses on the analytical, design, and measurement skills for managerial processes in an engineering context.
Applicants seeking admission require a bachelor's or a master's of science in engineering or science with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Prospective students must also possess a GRE score of 155 in the quantitative and 146 in the verbal section.
A public university located in Rapid City, South Dakota, SD Mines offers a master of science in engineering management degree program through the Department of Industrial Engineering. MSEM at SD Mines is entirely online and suits both working professionals and undergraduate degree holders.
The 30-credit program allows students to customize their curriculum by choosing appropriate core courses and electives. Online students can join live lectures or watch recordings at their convenience.
Admission requirements include an undergraduate degree with prerequisite coursework in calculus, probability, and statistics.
Located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, UTC is a public university. UTC offers a master of science in engineering management program designed for individuals with educational or professional backgrounds in a technical field.
The 33-credit program ponders upon subjects like strategizing, finance, reliability, and leadership in engineering processes. The program also offers an area of concentration in construction management. For culmination, students can choose between a thesis or a capstone project option.
Applicants are required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA with an accredited undergraduate degree. GRE and GMAT are the prescribed tests for admission.
A private university in Chicago, IIT offers a master of advanced study in engineering management for new engineers and seasoned employees. The program has two tracks to choose from–project management and product design and development.
The 30-credit program provides an accelerated format of learning for graduates to avail management positions in engineering industries. Course topics include system analysis in civil engineering, strategic engineering management, and industrial leadership. Students also require to complete three credits of capstone experience as a part of the program.
During the review process, applicant evaluation happens on a case-by-case basis to determine any deficiency course requirements.
Online Engineering Management Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
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Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Data Sources
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Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
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Featured Online Engineering Management Programs
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.
Engineering managers direct and coordinate projects for engineering companies. They create plans for the development of new designs and projects, determine staff and equipment needs, and create project budgets. Engineering managers also hire and oversee staff.
During a project, engineering managers act as leaders, monitoring technical accuracy and making sure the project meets regulations and stays on budget. Engineering managers also conduct research, coordinate with managers in other departments, and work with vendors to ensure an engineering project runs smoothly.
Median Annual Salary
$140,760
Projected Growth Rate
3%
Civil engineers specialize in infrastructure projects, including buildings, roads, bridges, and airports. They plan public and private projects, design systems to meet client needs, and oversee project construction.
During the early stage of a project, civil engineers analyze survey reports, construction costs, potential environmental hazards, and government regulations. They also assess soil quality and building materials. During construction, civil engineers perform surveying operations to establish site layouts and oversee the building, repair, or maintenance of public or private infrastructure.
Median Annual Salary
$86,640
Projected Growth Rate
6%
Architectural and engineering managers oversee building activities at construction sites and manage the production, testing, and maintenance processes at manufacturing sites. They create new project concepts, including determining technical requirements and producing plans. Architectural and engineering managers also manage staff and coordinate with managers who oversee production, finance, and marketing. They collaborate with contractors, equipment suppliers, and materials vendors.
Additionally, architectural and engineering managers prepare budgets, monitor spending, and determine equipment needs for projects. They also hire staff, assign projects to employees, and supervise the production process.
Median Annual Salary
$140,760
Projected Growth Rate
3%
Frequently Asked Questions
Engineering management blends engineering and business expertise. Engineering managers oversee teams of engineers to effectively and efficiently complete engineering projects.
An engineering management degree includes coursework in business, management, and engineering, preparing students for careers as engineering managers.
A master's in engineering management gives graduate students the business and technical skills they need for leadership roles in the engineering sector.
Graduates with a master's in engineering management can pursue roles such as engineering manager, architectural and engineering manager, and director of engineering.
Engineering managers oversee engineering projects. They create strategic plans to carry out projects, manage teams of engineers, and keep projects on budget.
Engineering managers need professional experience and an engineering education. Some employers prefer to hire engineering managers with a master's degree.
Header Image Credit: | Getty Images
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