Published:Dec 28, 2024

Updated:Dec 28, 2024

Discover the Best Master’s in Engineering Management Online Programs for You

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Reviewed By Luna Magpili, PhD, CPEM

Advisory Committee Member | Director of the Engineering and Technology Management Program and Wendell J. Satre Distinguished Professor at Washington State University

A master's in engineering management online degree builds on skills developed during undergraduate studies and work experience, preparing graduates for advanced managerial roles with the potential for a higher salary.

Engineering management is a lucrative career option. The average salary of an engineering manager is around $257,000 per year, according to Glassdoor.1

An online Master of  Engineering Management (MEM) degree could be a great fit if:

  • Your career feels stagnant.

  • There are gaps in your knowledge or skills for engineering management roles.

  • You want to prepare for a new role as an engineering manager or team lead.

Getting an online master’s in engineering management degree can advance your engineering knowledge and set you up for career growth.

Explore Online MEM Programs

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Reviews

Nebraska’s MEM program fuses technical, and operational skills with in-demand professional skills to prepare students for a career managing and leading engineering and technical people, projects, and teams.

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

Reviews

Designed as a STEM-focused, comprehensive “Engineer’s MBA”, this degree program covers the business cycle essentials, such as leadership and data-driven decision-making, tailored for students with a technical background.

Washington State University

Washington State University

Reviews

Washington State University's Engineering and Technology Management (ETM) program is designed for working professionals aiming to enhance their skills in managing people, projects, and operations in engineering and technology sectors.

Duke University

Duke University

Reviews

This MEM program combines technical and business training, ideal for an early-career engineer. The curriculum includes four technical elective courses, business courses tailored for tech leaders, a seminar series, and an internship.

Career and Salary Benefits of a Master's in Engineering Management Online

Engineering management is an exciting career path for engineering professionals seeking to apply their technical and business knowledge to manage teams.

While a master's degree isn’t a prerequisite for an engineering management career, investing in additional skills and expertise may help you secure well-paying positions and have greater negotiating power during recruitment.

MEM programs are available in traditional in-person, online, and hybrid settings, but pursuing your master's online comes with a range of benefits, such as:

  • Career and financial continuity: Online programs allow you to maintain your career and financial stability by studying while working full-time, making them ideal for career changers or those with other commitments.

  • Flexible class times and coursework: With options like evening, weekend, or asynchronous classes, online programs enable you to balance work, studies, and family while avoiding the need to commute.

  • Relevant, marketable skills: Online learning develops essential skills for managing time, collaborating across time zones, and thriving in virtual, global work environments.

  • Personalized learning: Online programs allow you to learn at your own pace, revisit complex material, and access mentorship and support from faculty.

  • Geographical freedom: Online learning removes location barriers, allowing you to enroll in top programs and earn your degree from anywhere, even if you move frequently.

An MEM can also increase your earning potential.

According to Glassdoor, engineering managers in the US make an average of $257,000 annually. Some engineering managers earn as much as $317,000 annually based on their city, position, and expertise.1 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the industries with the highest levels of employment of engineering managers include:2

Industry

Average annual salary

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services 

$163,650

Scientific Research and Development Services 

$198,030

Management of Companies and Enterprises 

$186,830

Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing

$186,590

Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing

$192,800

14 Popular Online Master's in Engineering Management Programs

With so many online master's in engineering management programs, it can be hard to figure out which is the best MEM program for you.

Here are five of the most popular MEM programs to get you started:

The University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California (USC)
Tuition: $67,872
Duration: 18 to 36 months

The University of Southern California’s (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering offers a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program to prepare students for management positions in various architectural, engineering, and research organizations.

This program prepares students to do the following:

  • Lead technology projects

  • Manage engineering teams

  • Make informed economic decisions

Seasoned industry experts teach the curriculum, blending practical insights with key topics like innovation management, information systems, managerial accounting, and quantitative methods.

You can enroll in this program if you have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited university.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University
Tuition: $50,800
Duration: 24 to 36 months

Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering offers a Master of Engineering Management program that prepares students to be modern-day engineering leaders.

Students need to complete five core courses and five specialized courses based on their chosen master’s degree tracks. All classes are conducted completely online.

Students can choose one of 16 tracks to specialize in tracks. Some examples of tracks include:

  • Applied Biomedical Engineering

  • Computer Science

  • Cybersecurity

  • Electrical and Computer Engineering

  • Space Systems Engineering

  • Technical Leadership

The online Johns Hopkins MEM program requires a bachelor's degree in an engineering, science, or related field.

Johns Hopkins undergraduates are eligible for a GRE waiver and a 50% tuition discount.

George Washington University

George Washington University
Tuition: $43,200
Duration: 24 to 36 months

George Washington University’s School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a 100% online master's program that takes two to three years to complete.

The program comprises 12 three-hour courses, conducted both synchronously and asynchronously based on the class and the needs of the students.

Students with an undergraduate degree in engineering, physical science, computer science, business administration, information technology, or computer science from an accredited institution can enroll in the program.

The online GW MEM program requires 36 credit hours for graduation.

Duke University

Duke University
Tuition: $64,335
Duration: 24 months

Duke University's online master’s in engineering management program is available for full-time and part-time students, and has a completion time of around two years.

This MEM online program prepares students for engineering leadership roles. They offer:

  • Four core management courses designed in collaboration with a law school and a business school

  • Four technical electives that students get to choose

  • A practical capstone project for real-life experience

Duke’s online MEM program is mostly online, but students must complete three week-long residencies at the university.

Applicants must have a science- or engineering-related bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida
Tuition: $34,560
Duration: 24 months

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a fully online, affordable engineering management program for both out-of-state and in-state students.

Despite being on the cheaper side, this program still delivers everything that students need in an online MEM program. It equips graduates with the skills needed to lead cross-functional teams, optimize engineering processes, and make strategic decisions in technical environments. Students also have opportunities to specialize in areas such as systems engineering or project management.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University
Tuition: $70,470
Months to Complete: 12 to 20

Vanderbilt University's M.Eng. in Engineering Management program is an 18-month program focused on applied leadership in engineering management, strategic technology management, operations and supply chain strategy, program and project management, technology forecasting, finance and accounting, and IP for engineers and scientists.

This program combines engineering expertise with essential business and management skills, preparing graduates to bridge the gap between technical teams and executive decision-making.

Students also complete engineering capstone projects to get experience handling real-life engineering management challenges.

Cornell University

Cornell University
Tuition: $65,220
Months to Complete: 24

Cornell University offers a part-time online engineering management program that focuses on project management and leadership, economics and finance for engineering management, decision framing and analytics, data analytics for engineering managers, managing culture and innovation, and visualizing data.

Students complete two on-campus intensives and can choose from electives such as negotiations and contracts, design thinking for complex systems, project management, and risk analysis and management.

Drexel University

Drexel University
Tuition: $60,390

Drexel University's master's in engineering management program focuses on quantitative analytics and economic and financial management.

Its curriculum includes core courses such as statistical data analysis, financial management, leading and managing technical workers, meeting engineering leadership challenges, and engineering economics evaluation and analysis.

The Drexel MEM program allows students to choose elective courses, such as:

  • Systems thinking

  • Sustainable business practices for engineers

  • Project management

  • Modeling and simulation

Graduates of Drexel’s MEM program are prepared to take on roles such as project manager, engineering manager, and operations leader across a variety of industries.

Washington State University

Washington State University
Tuition: $37,110

Washington State University offers an online MEM through the WSU Voiland School of Engineering and Architecture, designed to train engineers and industry professionals with the skills they need to make strategic and operational leadership decisions.

The program requires 30 credits and offers six specializations:

  • Project Management

  • Industrial Leadership

  • Supply Chain Management

  • Six Sigma Quality Management

  • Systems Engineering Management

  • Theory of Constraints

They also offer special rates for Veterans and Military, as well as Washington State employees, including county and city workers.

Nebraska University

Nebraska University
Tuition: $21,000
Months to Complete: 24

Nebraska University’s online program is run through the joint efforts of the College of Engineering in collaboration with Nebraska's MBA program, blending technical expertise with essential business skills.

This program is designed to give students professional experience, which is why it equips students to lead in the ever-evolving engineering landscape. Its curriculum covers areas like project management, leadership, operations, and decision-making analytics.

Because Nebraska’s MEM is certified by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) for meeting their rigorous standards, graduates are exempt from testing to become a Certified Associate Engineering Manager and may apply to the ASEM to earn their credential.

Missouri University Science & Technology

Missouri University Science & Technology
Tuition: $36,000
Months to Complete: 36 to 48

Missouri University of Science & Technology’s online MEM is certified by the ASEM and focuses on teaching students practical, real-world applications for engineering management.

The program teaches you how to effectively focus and monitor multiple disciplines as they come together to deliver your desired outcomes in an efficient and cost-effective manner. It’s designed to create a stepping stone from your current specialist role to one where you’ll be tasked with integrating multiple engineering disciplines to achieve results.

Graduates of Missouri S&T’s MSEM program are equipped with the skills to manage engineering teams, oversee projects, and drive strategic decision-making in technical environments.

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University
Tuition: $10,200

Arkansas State University offers a master’s in engineering management online program designed for all engineers on management career paths, as well as for those charged with managing technology in engineering, manufacturing, and other high-tech organizations.

It consists of ten fully online courses, which are typically seven weeks long, with no required thesis.

This program integrates technical expertise with management principles, preparing students to oversee complex projects and drive organizational success in technology-focused industries.

Auburn University

Auburn University
Tuition: $28,470

Auburn University’s coursework-only MEM program allows people working in an engineering-related field to expand their career potential.

Designed to appeal to individuals working in a wide variety of fields, the program has four different options for concentration to help you tailor your personal learning needs and goals:

  • Manufacturing

  • Occupational Safety and Ergonomics

  • Systems

  • Product Innovation

Once you’re admitted to the program, you’ll be partnered with a representative from the graduate program who will help you create a plan of study.

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or a related field from an accredited institution.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University
Tuition: $28,485
Months to Complete: 24

Oregon State University’s online MEM degree is designed for professionals with a STEM background. It combines business, financial, and management knowledge with marketable, engineering-specific expertise.

The eighteen-credit certificate is designed for people working in the engineering field and provides key technical and soft skills paired with engineering-focused business and operational expertise.

This program emphasizes real-world applications, helping students solve practical engineering challenges, and focuses on topics like project management, leadership, operations, and decision-making.

What to Expect from an Online Master's in Engineering Management Program

Most online master's in engineering management programs require 30-36 credits to complete.

These programs are available on a part-time and full-time basis, with a full-time student taking about two years to complete the program. A part-time student can often take up to four years to get their master’s degree. That being said, some programs offer accelerated master's programs that take a shorter time to complete.

Courses and Specializations That Define an MEM

Master’s in engineering management programs combine business and engineering curriculums to prepare students to leverage skills from both fields in making impactful business decisions. 

Different online master’s in engineering management programs focus on various areas depending on the intended outcomes. These areas build upon the basic engineering concepts you covered in your undergraduate program, expanding your focus in areas such as civil engineering, computer engineering, or software engineering.

In addition, you also cover several business courses to introduce you to the management side.

Core courses in a MEM program can include:

  • Business-related courses, including Organizational Management

  • Finance (which will include accounting)

  • Business Law (which will include IP)

  • Management

  • Intellectual property

  • Accounting

  • Technical courses will include

  • Project Management

  • Quality Control and Reliability

  • Operations and Supply Chain

  • Systems Management

  • Design and Innovation

  • Operations Research and Analytics

  • Engineering Statistics

  • Risk Management

In addition to core courses, some MEM programs let you choose various specializations (sometimes referred to as concentrations or tracks) so you can develop industry-specific expertise that aligns with your career goals. Some examples of engineering management specializations are:

  • Lean six sigma

  • Project management

  • Quality engineering

  • Organizational behavior

  • Supply chain management

  • Systems engineering

  • Operations management

  • Leadership and organization management

If you want to specialize in systems engineering, for example, you’ll learn how to design, integrate, and manage complex systems. Systems engineering covers areas such as engineering reliability, coordination of teams, testing and evaluation, and logistics, among other areas.

This specialization is a critical discipline for engineering managers across various fields, including industrial, mechanical, civil, software, cybernetics, aerospace, manufacturing, and production.

Operations management, on the other hand, focuses on optimizing business operations to ensure efficiency. It involves designing, controlling, and continuously improving business processes for the effective production of goods and services.

Key areas of operations management include production systems, operations strategies, mathematical modeling, safety, risk management, maintenance, and the design and configuration of production systems.

Skills You’ll Gain in an Online MEM Program

Graduates enter several lucrative roles (listed in the next section) because an online MEM helps students develop the following skills:

  • Project management skills that allow them to oversee various aspects of a technical or engineering project, including preparing a budget, allocating funds, setting and communicating deadlines, and coordinating communication between different teams.

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills that allow them to interact with clients, the engineering team, and other departments.

  • Leadership skills that help them motivate their team members, identify strengths and weaknesses, implement improvement initiatives, and delegate tasks accordingly.

  • Business management and technical skills that let business managers navigate different technical challenges that may arise during an engineering project.

Other, more specific skills that engineering management graduates gain are:

  • Viability assessment for new products and services

  • Directing production and maintenance

  • Overseeing equipment and machinery

  • Overseeing project design

  • Overseeing projects or new system development

  • Maintaining and troubleshooting data warehouses

Career Paths for MEM Graduates

After successfully completing their MEM online programs, graduates generally take on one of the following roles:

  • Engineering operations manager

  • System analyst

  • Project engineer

  • Technology manager

  • Industrial engineering manager

  • Systems engineering manager

  • Engineering systems manager

  • Construction engineering manager

  • Architectural project manager

  • Director of business development

  • Director of Engineering

  • Chief Technology Officer

  • Product Manager

  • Service Manager

  • Operations Manager

  • Engineering Consultant

  • Facilities Manager

  • R&D Manager

Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Engineering Management Programs

Admissions requirements for a master's in engineering management vary depending on the institution.

In general, however, most programs require:

  • A bachelor's degree in an engineering or STEM-related field

  • Official transcripts from your undergraduate program

  • A CV and/or resume highlighting your work experience and achievements (most institutions require about two years of relevant work experience)

  • A statement of purpose

  • A letter of recommendation

  • TOEFL or IELTS score for non-native English speakers

While not all MEM programs require work experience, those that do can lower the admission requirements based on your experience.

Work experience also gives you a sense of what real-world engineering problems look like. Some people have pursued engineering management programs due to the inefficiencies they discovered working under a non-technical-oriented manager who lacked the engineering mindset to drive engineering projects further.

Working for a few years before you enroll in an online graduate engineering program allows you to determine the best path you would like to pursue in your graduate degree. 

Take the Next Step

Now that you know what to expect from a master's in engineering management, the next step is to develop your education plan and begin applying to the MEM programs you believe best support your learning and your career objectives.

Click through to research and compare the leading online MEM programs.

Sources:

1 https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/engineering-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,19.htm

2https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes119041.htm