Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management 2021

by TBS Staff
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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

  1. University of Central Florida
    Location

    Orlando, FL

    Tuition

    $13016

    Graduation Rate
    73%
    View School Profile

    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.

  2. Stanford University
    Location

    Stanford, CA

    Graduation Rate
    94%
    View School Profile

    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.

  3. Johns Hopkins University
    Location

    Baltimore, MD

    Graduation Rate
    93%
    View School Profile

    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.

  4. University of South Florida
    Location

    Tampa, FL

    Tuition

    $10460

    Graduation Rate
    73%
    View School Profile

    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.

  5. Georgetown University
    Location

    Washington, DC

    Graduation Rate
    94%
    View School Profile

    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.

  6. Purdue University
    Location

    West Lafayette, IN

    Tuition

    $11898

    Graduation Rate
    81%
    View School Profile

    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.

  7. Louisiana Tech University
    Location

    Ruston, LA

    Tuition

    $9795

    Graduation Rate
    54%
    View School Profile

    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.

  8. University of Arkansas
    Location

    Fayetteville, AR

    Tuition

    $15781

    Graduation Rate
    66%
    View School Profile

    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.

  9. Southeast Missouri State University
    Location

    Cape Girardeau, MO

    Tuition

    $12468

    Graduation Rate
    49%
    View School Profile

    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.

  10. Stevens Institute of Technology
    Location

    Hoboken, NJ

    Graduation Rate
    87%
    View School Profile

    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.

Best Online Master's

Online Engineering Management Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

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.

  • Academics
  • Affordability
  • Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About Our Ranking Factors

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through contact page.

We thank you for your readership and trust.

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.

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.

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.

During a master's in engineering program, students take business, management, and engineering courses, gaining technical engineering, managerial decision-making, and strategic leadership skills.

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 Manager

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 Engineer

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 Manager

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%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

true What is engineering management?

Engineering management blends engineering and business expertise. Engineering managers oversee teams of engineers to effectively and efficiently complete engineering projects.

true What is an engineering management degree?

An engineering management degree includes coursework in business, management, and engineering, preparing students for careers as engineering managers.

true What is a master's in engineering management?

A master's in engineering management gives graduate students the business and technical skills they need for leadership roles in the engineering sector.

true What jobs can I get with an engineering management degree?

Graduates with a master's in engineering management can pursue roles such as engineering manager, architectural and engineering manager, and director of engineering.

true What do engineering managers do?

Engineering managers oversee engineering projects. They create strategic plans to carry out projects, manage teams of engineers, and keep projects on budget.

true How do you become an engineering manager?

Engineering managers need professional experience and an engineering education. Some employers prefer to hire engineering managers with a master's degree.

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