670
Avg. GMAT
24
Avg. Age
$ 78K
Avg. Cost of Study
12 – 24
Avg. Months Duration
$ 105K
Avg. Salary
Why Study Engineering Management?
A Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) degree is a higher-level academic qualification designed to equip engineers with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership and managerial roles. This program amalgamates technical engineering expertise with essential business and management competencies, including project management, financial acumen, and leadership abilities. There are various types of engineering management available.
There are numerous compelling reasons to contemplate pursuing a Master’s in Engineering Management:
Career Advancement: Obtaining a MEM degree enhances your professional prospects, opening doors to senior and managerial positions across various industries. Aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, energy, healthcare, and manufacturing employers actively seek MEM graduates.
Leadership Development: Enrolling in a MEM program nurtures your leadership skills by providing instruction in areas such as team dynamics, effective communication, and conflict resolution. You will also gain the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards accomplishing their objectives.
Broadened Knowledge Base: The MSc in engineering management curriculum offers a comprehensive understanding of the business and management facets of engineering. You will delve into subjects like finance, marketing, accounting, and strategic planning, which are invaluable for advancing into leadership and managerial roles.
Increased Earning Potential: MEM graduates typically command higher salaries than engineers with only bachelor’s degrees. As per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering managers earned a median annual salary of $148,120 in 2021.
Engineering Management v/s MBA
Both a MEM and an MBA are graduate-level degrees that can prepare individuals for leadership and managerial positions. Nevertheless, there exist notable distinctions between these two programs.
A MEM degree places a stronger emphasis on the technical facets of management, whereas an MBA degree offers a broader overview of business and management principles. MEM programs typically encompass coursework related to engineering management, project management, operations management, and quality control, whereas MBA programs tend to cover subjects such as accounting, finance, marketing, and economics.
MEM programs are typically tailored for students with a background in engineering or a technical field, whereas MBA programs often admit students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Determining the right degree for you hinges on your career objectives and interests. If you aspire to a career in engineering management, a MEM degree is a suitable choice. Conversely, pursuing an MBA degree is a fitting option if you are inclined toward a more generalized business or management career.
Here are some factors you should consider when deciding between a MEM and an MBA degree:
Career Goals: What are your long-term career aspirations? Are you committed to remaining in the field of engineering or inclined toward a broader business or management role?
Interests: Where do your interests lie? Are you more inclined toward the technical aspects of management or the broader business landscape?
Academic Background: What is your educational background? Do you hold a degree in engineering or a related technical field?
Program Costs for Engineering Management Degree
$63,000
Avg. Cost of Tuition
+
$15,000
Additional Expenses
Avg. Cost of Study
The cost of enrolling in a Master in Engineering Management program can exhibit considerable variability, contingent upon factors such as the institution, program duration, and residency status. Nevertheless, you can anticipate expenses ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 for tuition and associated fees when pursuing a two-year MEM program at a public university. Conversely, private institutions often command considerably higher tuition and fees, falling between $60,000 to $100,000 or even more. Besides tuition and fees, allocating resources for supplementary expenses linked to your MEM program is imperative, including textbooks, supplies, travel, and living costs. The total financial outlay of your MEM journey will be contingent on your chosen lifestyle and the cost of living in the locality where you opt to pursue your studies.
To alleviate the financial burden associated with your MEM program, consider the following cost-saving strategies:
Pursue Scholarships and Grants: Numerous scholarships and grants cater specifically to MEM students. Conduct thorough research to identify available opportunities and submit applications for as many as possible.
Explore Public Universities: Public educational institutions typically impose lower tuition and fee structures than private counterparts.
Leverage In-State Tuition: If you are a resident of the state where you plan to attend school, you typically qualify for reduced, in-state tuition rates, which are typically significantly more budget-friendly than out-of-state rates.
Investigate Part-Time and Online Options: Many universities extend part-time and online MEM programs, offering flexibility for students who must balance work commitments with their academic pursuits.
Eligibility Criteria for Engineering Management
The standard eligibility criteria that are needed to get into a Master of Engineering Management program in most countries include the following:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
This is a requirement for most MEM programs, as it gives students the foundation in engineering principles and knowledge needed for success in the program.
Minimum GPA of 3.0
Most MEM programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. This is to ensure that students have the academic skills necessary to be successful in the program.
Strong quantitative and analytical skills
MEM programs require students to have strong quantitative and analytical skills. This is because MEM graduates need to be able to analyze data, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions.
English language proficiency
For international students, most MEM programs require a TOEFL or IELTS score to demonstrate English language proficiency.
In addition to these basic eligibility criteria, some MEM programs may also require additional criteria, such as:
Work experience: Some MEM programs require students to have at least one or two years of work experience in engineering or a related field. This is to ensure that students have the practical experience necessary to be successful in the program.
Letters of recommendation: Some MEM programs require students to submit letters of recommendation from professors or former employers. These letters can help the admissions committee to learn more about the student’s academic and professional skills.
Statement of purpose: Some MEM programs require students to submit a statement of purpose. This statement should explain why the student is interested in the program and what they hope to achieve by earning a MEM degree.
— If you are interested in pursuing a Master of Engineering Management degree, be sure to research the eligibility criteria for the specific programs you are interested in. You can find this information on the university’s website or by contacting the program admissions office.
Employment Prospects after Engineering management
Employed within 3 months of graduation
Avg. Salary
Most Sought-after Jobs
Systems Engineer
Project Manager
Operations Manager
Product Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Engineering Manager
Production Manager
Sales Engineer
Masters in Engineering Management (MEM) graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects, with a 95% employment rate within three months of graduation, surpassing the 92% rate for MBA graduates. On average, MEM graduates worldwide earn $90,000 annually, although this figure varies depending on factors such as industry, location, and experience. For instance, MEM graduates in the United States command an average salary of $105,000, while those in India earn approximately $38,000. Various fields like civil engineering, industrial engineering, product engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, systems engineering and chemical engineering tend to become more management-oriented. For those interested in this career path, a Master of Engineering Management degree stands as an attractive option, offering high employability, competitive salaries, and strong demand from top-tier companies. Here are some of the top companies that hire MEM graduates:
Amazon
Boeing
Deloitte
General Electric
Google
IBM
Intel
Microsoft
NASA
SpaceX
Tesla
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Scholarships Available for Master in Engineering Management
Numerous scholarships are accessible to individuals pursuing a Master of Engineering Management degree, with eligibility criteria encompassing merit, financial circumstances, and other factors. Among the prevalent scholarship categories tailored for MEM students are:
Merit-based Scholarships: These grants recognize students with exceptional academic achievements and leadership capabilities. Here are some merit-based scholarships you should look into:
- Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Foundation Scholarships
Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Some examples of need-based scholarships for MEM students include the following:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Diversity scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students from underrepresented groups in engineering and management. Here are some examples of diversity scholarships you should check out:
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Scholarships
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Scholarships
Beyond these general scholarships, numerous funding opportunities can be found through specific universities and professional associations as well.
Top 10 Engineering management Colleges Worldwide
1. UCLA
The online Master of Science in Engineering with Certificate of Specialization in Engineering Management (MSOL: ENGR MGMT) delivers UCLA’s top-ranked graduate education in a flexible format designed for those working full time. By completing this UCLA online master’s in engineering degree program with a built-in engineering management certificate, you will gain knowledge in business management and develop skills to effectively communicate with stakeholders.
Important Links
2. Stanford University
Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University provides programs of education and research by integrating three basic strengths:
- Depth in conceptual and analytical foundations;
- Comprehensive coverage of functional areas of application; and
- Interaction with other Stanford departments, Silicon Valley industry, and organizations throughout the world telecommunications.
Graduates of the MS&E program know math, engineering and behavioral science. They can conduct experiments to design better systems, organizations, and work processes. They understand how to analyze data to solve real-world problems, and develop mathematical and computational models to inform action.
Important Links
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Master of Engineering Management (MEM) programme is a graduate-level degree programme created to give students a thorough education in engineering management as well as a solid basis in technical engineering expertise.
The programme targets students who have earned an undergraduate degree in engineering or a closely related subject and aspire to seek leadership positions in engineering and technology-based enterprises. A highly multidisciplinary curriculum combining engineering, business, and management courses is available through MIT’s MEM programme.
Important Links
4. University of Melbourne
Advance your engineering career with the Master of Engineering Management at Australia’s leading university. Fast-track your career in management, gain expertise in navigating organisational change and leading projects to achieve tangible results.
- 1 year full time / 2 years part time
- On Campus (Parkville)
- Available to domestic and international students
- Start Year Intake – February and Mid Year Intake – July
Important Links
- University of Melbourne MEM – Complete Review
- University of Melbourne MEM – Interview Questions
5. University of Sydney
The Master of Engineering Management (MEM) is an opportunity for engineers, technical specialists and non-technical professionals to build and stretch their managerial skills and integrate their business and technical knowledge.
The duration of this course is one and a half years; however, applicants with a recognised bachelor’s degree are eligible for recognition of prior learning of up to four subjects and are thus able to complete the course in one year on a full-time basis.
Important Links
6. The University of New South Whales
As the holder of a degree in engineering from the University of New South Whales , you can enhance your career development by establishing a broad knowledge of contemporary management. MeM at South Whales University offers a detailed exploration of the theory and practice of key areas, which is ideal if you have a practical engineering background and are interested or active in management roles in the private or public sector.
Important Links
- The University of New South Whales MEM – Complete Review
- The University of New South Whales MEM – Interview Questions
7. KCL
Engineering with Management MSc at KCL will equip you with practical and theoretical knowledge of modern engineering, alongside a grounding in management techniques and their application to the field of engineering. The course will prepare you for a career in the field of engineering at a managerial level. You will complete the course in one year, studying from September to September and taking a combination of required and optional modules totalling 180 credits, including 60 credits that will come from an individual project.
Important Links
- KCL MEM – Complete Review
- KCL MEM – Interview Questions
8. Columbia University
Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School offer a Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering degree, with a three-semester curriculum designed for those who want to focus on management and engineering perspectives in solving problems of complex systems. A key feature of this program is the year-long Operations Consulting where students immediately engage with industry clients to solve their business and operational challenges. Students select from 3-4 consulting projects to gain industry experience while taking courses.
Important Links
9. Northwestern University
The Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program is designed for experienced STEM professionals who wish to develop management and leadership skills while deepening their understanding of traditional and emerging technologies. Students complete a core curriculum in management, quantitative analysis, and behavioral science, then augment their education with advanced engineering electives in their area of specialization. This combination of education in business with sought-after graduate-level engineering coursework prepares our graduates for top leadership roles in the most technologically sophisticated companies.
Important Links
10. The University of Queensland
This technical postgraduate program is for engineers wanting to combine further studies in their field, with management or business. This program can be taken in 2 years. The Master of Engineering Science (Management) is designed for applicants with a background in engineering. You will have an engineering degree and be looking to expand your skills in leadership and/or management. You may also be looking to broaden career options to a career beyond engineering.
Important Links
FAQs About MeM
What is a Master's in Engineering Management (MEM), and how is it different from a traditional engineering master's degree?
A Master’s in Engineering Management is a specialized graduate program that combines engineering principles with business management and leadership skills. Unlike traditional engineering master’s degrees that focus primarily on technical aspects, MEM programs emphasize the management of engineering projects, teams, and resources. MEM graduates are equipped to bridge the gap between engineering and management, making them valuable assets in various industries.
Is work experience necessary for admission to MEM programs?
While work experience is not always mandatory, it can be advantageous when applying to MEM programs. Many programs prefer applicants with relevant professional experience as it demonstrates a practical understanding of engineering processes and can contribute to class discussions. However, some programs may admit students directly from their undergraduate studies.
Are there any specific technical prerequisites for MEM programs?
MEM programs typically require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a closely related field. While there may not be strict technical prerequisites, having a solid foundation in engineering concepts and mathematics can be beneficial, as MEM coursework often involves technical subjects. You may need additional prerequisite courses if your undergraduate degree is in a non-engineering field.
What is the expected return on investment (ROI) for an MEM degree?
The ROI for a MEM degree can vary based on factors such as your prior experience, the institution you attend, and the industry you enter. Generally, MEM graduates tend to earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor’s degree in engineering due to their management skills. It is advisable to research salary data and career prospects in your desired field to assess the potential ROI for your specific situation.
Can I pursue a Ph.D. after completing an MEM program?
Yes, you can pursue a Ph.D. after completing a MEM program, although it’s less common than continuing to work in industry. If you are interested in a research-oriented career or academia, a Ph.D. may be a suitable next step. Be sure to check the admission requirements for Ph.D. programs, as they may vary from MEM program requirements.
