What Is an Engineering Management Minor?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025), engineering leadership roles earn significantly more than their peers in technical positions. The median annual salary for Architectural and Engineering Managers is $167,740, compared to $97,310 for the broader architecture and engineering occupations.^1,2 This difference can act as a compelling financial incentive for engineering students to develop management skills early in their careers, and a minor that builds leadership skills can prepare future engineers with the soft skills they will need to pursue more lucrative management roles during their careers.

A minor in engineering management can help engineering students across all disciplines — civil, mechanical, electrical, computer science — build skills that will position them to pursue management-track roles after graduation. Engineering management coursework usually focuses on core competencies like planning, organizing projects, managing costs (engineering economics), and leading teams. 

This minor is particularly useful for students interested in business administration, supply chain management, or human resource management, as it provides an in-depth understanding of the inner workings of businesses and how to collaborate with various departments.

Compared to minors such as Business Analytics or Information Science, which focus more on data analysis, IT systems, and technology optimization, the engineering management minor focuses on operational leadership, making it ideal for students aiming for managerial or executive roles in technology-driven organizations.

The Engineering Management minor typically requires 12 to 21 credits, depending on the institution's specific requirements. Most programs include;

Core subjects lay the foundation for leadership in engineering contexts. These usually include:

Elective courses allow students to tailor the minor to their interests, with options such as:

For example, UMass Amherst requires 15 credits that combine business fundamentals with a capstone in engineering leadership. Arizona State University (ASU) requires 18 credits, including core courses in economic analysis and project management, as well as electives such as Lean Six Sigma. 

The minor complements various engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, civil, computer, chemical, and biomedical engineering. Some courses may overlap with major requirements, and electives can be chosen to align with the student’s engineering focus. For example, Vanderbilt University allows substitutions of project management courses with major-specific courses for students majoring in civil or electrical engineering.

The engineering management minor equips students with a powerful mix of technical and interpersonal skills needed for success in both project-based roles and graduate programs. Such skills include;

The program helps students handle the technical and human sides of engineering projects. It teaches them to think critically, make smart decisions, manage risks, and adjust plans when working with people from different fields. The program also gives a strong base for further study in engineering management or business.

The Engineering Management minor offers strong experiential learning through internships, co-ops, and capstone projects. Students gain real-world experience under dual supervision in industry settings or university labs. Opportunities exist with top organizations such as

Internships typically last at least five weeks and involve project management, technology strategy, and decision analysis. Internal internships may include applied research in engineering labs, while corporate placements are often secured through university-industry partnerships. 

Capstone projects further improve hands-on learning, focusing on real challenges in engineering and business. These experiences mirror cooperative education models in industrial and environmental engineering majors.

The Engineering Management minor supports specialization pathways in business analytics, public administration, and construction management, allowing students to tailor their expertise to meet industry needs. It aligns well with dual interests such as software development combined with management skills or civil engineering paired with leadership capabilities. 

This interdisciplinary approach also benefits students in fields such as special education, elementary education, or the fine arts who seek to integrate technical project management and organizational leadership into their careers, adding depth and versatility. Such cross-disciplinary pathways prepare students for diverse roles that require both domain-specific knowledge and management acumen, thereby improving career flexibility and growth opportunities.

Here are universities that offer engineering management minors that combine technical coursework with leadership training, as outlined in their undergraduate catalogs. However, challenges such as course availability conflicts, prerequisite chains for non-engineering majors, time-to-degree impact, and admission barriers (including GPA requirements for undergraduate admission) can complicate completion. Students should review the undergraduate catalog and graduate catalog to plan effectively and align their academic goals.