MBA vs. Master’s in Engineering: How Do I Choose?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree has historically been the go-to advanced credential for professionals who want to increase their credibility in their industry. 

Although MBAs aren’t generally industry-specific, they became one of the leading business credentials because their core studies offer a universal framework that works across multiple fields.

But, things are changing.

A master’s in business administration is an advanced degree that equips professionals for leadership and management roles through building expertise in business principles and decision-making strategies.

According to U.S. News and World Report, ^“[a]n MBA degree is a popular stepping stone to C-suite jobs at large corporations and an asset for budding entrepreneurs. It's a credential that appears on the resumes of numerous Fortune 500 executives…”²

An MBA curriculum primarily focuses on core areas of business administration, such as accounting, management, economics, finance, and marketing.

Benefits of an MBA

An MBA offers you:

A Master of Engineering (MEng) is an advanced degree that focuses on the application of engineering principles to solve real-world challenges, often through advanced coursework and hands-on projects like capstone experiences.

While many MEng programs offer professional development courses, the focus of the program is enhancing technical expertise and practical problem-solving skills. 

Benefits of an MEng

A master’s degree in engineering offers you:

Admission requirements are different for an MBA and a master’s degree in engineering, and applying for either degree requires planning and attention to detail.

Before you start applying to universities, take note of submission deadlines so you can plan your application process accordingly. Give yourself enough time to prepare your application, get the proper documentation,  craft compelling essays, and consider your funding options.

Below are the standard admission requirements for MBA and MEng programs.

Note: All institutions are different, so check with your school of choice to confirm its specific application requirements.

The requirements for an MBA include:

The requirements for a master’s in engineering include:

MBAs and ME graduate programs focus on preparing you for real-world experiences.

The right choice depends on the skills you want to develop, the gaps you need to address in your professional growth and development, and how you want your engineering path to unfold.

For example, if you want to improve your management and people skills to lead and manage engineering teams and projects, an MBA can help with communication skills, leadership, team management, and emotional intelligence.

On the other hand, if becoming a principal engineer sounds more interesting than a management position, then an ME degree will help you develop the proficiency and expertise needed to step into that role. You’ll gain access to emerging technologies, learn specialized skills, and improve critical thinking as you learn to handle real-world challenges.

That being said, some MBA programs offer a concentration in engineering, and some ME programs, like the master’s in engineering management, offer leadership-building tracks.

So, consider different programs from various institutions to see what they offer.

Other factors to consider are work experience and key learning areas.

You can pursue most ME degrees directly after receiving an undergraduate degree, but most MBA programs require students to have some work experience.

Another thing to consider is that MBAs focus on teaching leadership and business strategy, while ME programs develop advanced technical skills.

Note: A graduate degree is not required for licensure.

Since you’re reading an article focused on engineering, you’re likely considering a career in the field or are already working in tech and looking for ways to advance with a graduate degree. In Careers in Engineering, Geraldine Garner identifies seven primary functions within engineering:³

Garner also points out that outside of engineering functions, job types can be broken down into the following five career categories:

When considering an advanced degree, there are a lot of variables at play. The career category you select is just as important as its function. The combination you choose will determine the right graduate degree for you.

Note: If you are interested in research and development, a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) could be a good fit since the curriculum is focused on new ideas and theory development rather than the hands-on, more practical application you’d get with an MBA or ME program.

If you are an undergraduate or an engineering professional looking to advance your career, it’s essential to know the differences between graduate degrees and their program curriculum. Both paths can lead to better job opportunities if you select the right one. 

Are You the Right Candidate?

Curriculum

After-Graduation Expectations

The American Society for Engineering Education reports that critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical, and computer technology skills developed during engineering programs make engineering graduates highly sought after as they enter the workforce.⁶

Choosing the right graduate program is critical in shaping your engineering career. When considering your graduate studies, the finer details matter.

Here are some key considerations to help you decide:

First, define your career goals and align your education path with that goal.

For example, an MBA is ideal for engineers looking to transition into business-focused roles or leadership positions.

An MEng is best for those aiming to deepen their technical expertise and stay at the forefront of engineering innovation.

Second, plan your professional trajectory.

The opportunities available for an MBA and ME degree path are expansive, each one leading to a unique career journey. Take a close look at the opportunities available on each path and evaluate whether they are a good fit for your career goals.

Keep in mind that with some MBA programs, you can focus on engineering, and with some ME programs, you can focus on business. Check with your preferred institution to see what options they have available. The compensation you are likely to earn from pursuing the degree also matters.

Third, consider your educational background.

Ensure that you have the foundation to enter into your chosen program and succeed. Both graduate programs are flexible with undergraduate degree requirements.

Fourth, look at your past experience.

If you don’t have work experience, you can pursue an MEng right after receiving an undergraduate degree. For an MBA, however, a business school typically expects you to demonstrate at least two years of professional work experience. If you are already in a managerial position, you may qualify for an advanced degree like an executive MBA, which can offer in-depth training in areas like technology management, human resources, operational marketing, organizational behavior, and strategic management.⁷

Fifth, calculate program costs.

ME programs are often less expensive than MBAs although the time frame varies based on the specialization and whether you choose an online or offline degree path. 

Fees for both programs vary based on the institution. The average cost of an MBA is $56,850.⁸ ME tuition can vary greatly: at the low end of the scale is the University of North Carolina, with in-state tuition set at $8,665 and out-of-state tuition costing $32,947. Other programs, like the Master of Science in Engineering from Texas A&M, cost closer to $55,000.⁹

Last, examine the skills you need to acquire.

Both MBAs and ME graduate programs focus on similar soft skill development like teamwork, critical thinking, time management, and adaptability.

But they also focus on different skills and benefits. For example, If you are considering getting a doctorate in engineering, a master’s in engineering will put you on the right track. On the other hand, if switching industries in the future is a possibility, the skills you learn in an MBA program are easily transferable to other fields.

If you have some work experience and think that an advanced degree in engineering might be a good next step, watch the interview to gain insights into what this might look like for you:

If you think that an MBA is the ideal choice for your needs but unsure of whether to pursue it after undergrad or wait until you have more work experience, this video might help:

Investing time to understand your options before pursuing an MBA or MEng degree can make a considerable difference in your career satisfaction and return on investment in any degree program. Before choosing one, evaluate the career growth opportunities, your career goals, and the duration and cost of the program to find the best fit for you.