The demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between the technical work of engineering and the project management skills needed to supervise this work is growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for engineering managers is growing faster than average, making it a perfect time to enter this challenging and lucrative field.1
Published:Mar 4, 2025
Masters in Engineering Management Online No GRE: 12 Programs You Can Start Today
Key Takeaways
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No GRE = Streamlined Admission
Many universities waive the GRE for experienced STEM grads, accelerating the path to an engineering management master’s.
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Varied Program Formats
Institutions offer full-time or part-time, in-person or online programs. Applicants can find a schedule that suits their busy lifestyle.
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Robust Career & Salary Outlook
A master’s in engineering management fosters leadership roles: engineering manager, project manager, or operations director, often leading to lucrative salaries.
No GRE Needed: Your Guide to Online Engineering Management Master’s
The rise of “masters in engineering management online no gre” as a search term demonstrates that many working professionals are interested in growing their skills while seeking a more flexible path forward. Programs that offer GRE waivers expand access for busy professionals, eliminating the time needed to prepare for the exam.
There are many online master’s in engineering options without GRE requirements, but how do you choose the best engineering degree program for you? In this article, we’ll look at some top online master’s programs in engineering, no-GRE program listings, cost, career outcomes, and more.
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Engineering Management & No GRE
There are many benefits to earning an online master’s degree in engineering management (MEM). Studying engineering management online enables you to pursue a number of engineering manager roles, including process and systems engineering. While engineers and engineering managers work in the same field, engineers spend most of their time working directly on projects. In contrast, engineering managers oversee teams of engineers and may manage several projects at the same time. Bridging technical design knowledge with leadership skills, engineering management is an in-demand field and could be the next step in growing your engineering career.2
Traditionally, you’d need to take the GRE to apply to graduate school for an engineering management program, but thanks to the growing no-GRE trend, that’s not necessarily the case. According to Research.com, an increasing number of schools are waiving their GRE requirements for students who can display relevant work experience or strong academic records, including many of the best online master programs.3 This saves you time and reduces the stress of studying for a standardized test, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and paving the way for a faster, more streamlined admissions process.
Many people wonder whether colleges that waive GRE scores for engineering management graduate programs are accredited colleges, and the answer is yes. While it’s important to double-check the accreditation status of any program before applying, a lack of a GRE requirement doesn’t mean the school or program is any less reputable. Instead, this could signal their interest in attracting a more diverse body of students, including accomplished and busy working professionals.
Admissions Requirements & No-GRE Policies
Are there online master of engineering management programs that have no GRE requirement? Absolutely, including reputable engineering management master’s programs like Tufts’ Gordon Institute, Auburn University, Arkansas State University, and Kettering University. This number has been growing in recent years, as colleges see the value in attracting working applicants who want to enter into engineering leadership roles but may not have the time to study for their GRE.
However, you generally need to fulfill certain requirements to be admitted to an engineering management degree grad school if you want to skip the GRE. This might include an undergraduate degree in engineering or another STEM-related field, two to three years of relevant work experience, or a certain GPA in your undergraduate studies.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online master’s degree in engineering management? Each program has a unique policy on GRE waivers, so you should consult the online admissions staff to ensure you have the right materials. These typically include transcripts, references, and sometimes a resume or essay.
Does the online master of engineering management have a residency component? Usually, no, but that can vary. International students can look for programs like Western New England University that are specifically designed to meet their needs.
Top Master’s in Engineering Programs With No GRE
In-Person or Hybrid Programs
University of Texas at Austin - Master's in Engineering Management
School name and overview: UT Austin, top-tier public research
Program highlights: two-year exec format, possible GRE waiver for professional experience
Type of learning: Campus-based weekend intensives, some online components
Unique features: Ties to Austin’s tech ecosystem, minimal standard testing
Program formats: two-year exec track, might be accelerated
Ideal for: Mid-career professionals in Texas
Admissions process: Undergrad engineering or related, references, statement of purpose (SoP); GRE waived for experience
Tuition: $5,000 per course
University of North Carolina at Charlotte - MS in Engineering Management
Overview: UNC Charlotte focuses on professional and continuing ed
Program highlights: Some courses on campus; possible GRE waiver
Type of learning: Hybrid or in-person
Unique features: Partnerships with local manufacturing
Program formats: 31 credit hours, which take 1–2 years to complete
Ideal for: Professionals looking to grow their management skills
Admissions: BS in engineering or STEM; GRE waiver for certain GPAs or experience
Tuition: $4,772 per semester
Online Programs (No GRE)
Hofstra University - MS in Engineering Management
Overview: Private institution in New York, known for blending tech and business
Program highlights: 33 credits, covering project management, supply chain, leadership
Type of learning: Online
Unique features: Possible GRE waiver if applicant meets GPA or experience
Program formats: 30 credits, taking between 1–2 years to complete
Ideal for: Working professionals wanting brand recognition from a private Northeastern university
Admissions: STEM BS, references, SoP; GRE waived for certain undergrad GPAs or relevant job history
Tuition: $1,695 per credit
Auburn University - Master of Engineering Management
Overview: Well-known engineering college with robust online platform
Program highlights: Emphasis on engineering economics, advanced project leadership; no GRE for qualified applicants
Type of learning: Fully online lectures; labs adjusted for distance learners
Unique features: Auburn brand, supportive e-learning resources, recognized by ABET in other engineering fields
Program formats: Typically 30 credits, can be done in 1.5–2 years
Ideal For: Southeastern professionals seeking flexible, accredited learning
Admissions: BS in engineering, transcripts, SoP, references; GRE waived for certain backgrounds
Tuition: $949 per credit
Stanford University - Management Science and Engineering (Online)
Overview: Advanced engineering + entrepreneurial culture
Program highlights: Systems, analytics, leadership. GRE waiver possible under certain conditions
Type of learning: Part-time online for working professionals
Unique features: Proximity to Silicon Valley networks, top-tier faculty
Program formats: 45 units total, 1.5–2 years typical
Ideal for: Elite tech professionals wanting the Stanford brand with flexible scheduling
Admissions: Bachelor’s in STEM, strong academic record could waive GRE
Tuition: $1,514 per unit
Ohio State University - Online MEM
Overview: A major public research university with robust online programs
Program highlights: Leadership, engineering design, integrated management
Type of learning: Fully online, asynchronous or synchronous
Unique features: GRE waived for certain GPAs or relevant experience
Program formats: Typically 31 credits; 1–2 years
Ideal For: Midwest professionals or OSU alumni
Admissions: BS in engineering, references, SoP; no GRE for certain criteria
Tuition: $6,962.50–$7,162.50 per semester
UCLA (MSOL) - Engineering Management
Overview: MSOL with a management track
Program highlights: 9 courses, capstone; GRE waived for GPA or experience
Type of learning: Online
Unique features: Access to UC system resources, top engineering faculty
Program formats: 36 units, two-year or accelerated
Ideal for: West Coast engineers, brand recognition
Admissions: BS in engineering, references, SoP, GRE waiver under certain guidelines
Tuition: $1,100 per unit
Stevens Institute of Technology - MS in Engineering Management
Overview: Private research institution near NYC, known for bridging engineering and management
Program highlights: 30 credits, advanced analytics, supply chain, no GRE for certain applicants
Type of learning: Online or campus-based
Unique features: Proximity to Fortune 500 companies in tri-state area
Program formats: 1–2 years, flexible scheduling
Ideal for: East Coast professionals seeking strong ROI
Admissions: STEM undergrad, references, SoP. GRE waived with threshold GPA
Tuition: $44,494 per year
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) - Online MS in Engineering Management
Overview: New Jersey’s public polytechnic; innovative online engineering programs
Program highlights: 30 credits, project scheduling, cost analysis; no GRE for qualified applicants
Type of learning: Online
Unique features: Strong local industry ties (pharma, finance, technology)
Program formats: 1.5–2 years
Ideal for: Tri-state engineers with busy schedules
Admissions: BS in engineering or related, references, SoP
Tuition: $1,143 per credit
Tennessee Tech University - MS in Engineering Management
Overview: Public institution, strong in engineering
Program highlights: 33 credit hours; no GRE if certain GPA or experience
Type of learning: Online with possible synchronous sessions
Unique features: Partnerships with Southeastern industries, smaller class sizes
Program formats: 1–2 years
Ideal for: Southeastern professionals wanting cost-effective online
Admissions: STEM undergrad, references, SoP
Tuition: $6,193 (in state), $7,873 (out of state)
University of South Florida - MS in Engineering Management
Overview: Public research university in Tampa
Program highlights: Industrial and systems engineering management; no GRE for certain GPAs/experience
Type of learning: Online or on-site
Unique features: Tampa’s diverse industry ties
Program formats: 30 credits, flexible pace
Ideal for: Southeastern or remote students
Admissions: Undergrad in engineering, min GPA, references
Tuition: $431.43 per credit (in state), $877.17 per credit (out of state)
Western Kentucky University - Master of Science in Engineering Technology Management
Overview: A public institution recognized for applied sciences
Program highlights: MSETM includes leadership, project coordination, minimal standardized tests
Type of learning: Online or hybrid
Unique features: 30 credits, possible GRE waiver
Program formats: 1–2 years
Ideal for: Engineers wanting practical, hands-on managerial courses
Admissions: STEM undergrad, transcripts, references
Tuition: $607 per credit (in state), $917 (out of state)
Marshall University - MS in Engineering Management
Overview: Public research institution in West Virginia
Program highlights: 30 credits, focusing on advanced design, process management
Type of learning: Online with flexible scheduling
Unique features: Smaller virtual cohorts, possible GRE exemption
Program formats: 1–2 years
Ideal for: Appalachia region professionals or remote students
Admissions: Bachelor’s in STEM, references, check GRE waiver
Tuition: $521.75 per credit
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley - MS in Engineering Management
Overview: Part of UT system, known for bridging local and global business/engineering
Program highlights: 36 credits, focuses on leadership, supply chain, no GRE for certain GPA or experience
Type of learning: Online
Unique features: Lower tuition, bilingual environment near the border
Program formats: 1–2 years
Ideal for: Cost-conscious and Hispanic/Latino students
Admissions: Undergrad in engineering, references, possible GRE waiver
Tuition: $749.40 per semester (in state), $1,159.40 per semester (out of state)
Career Outlook & Program Length
Engineering management programs vary, but you’ll typically need to complete 30–36 credits in 12–18 months. For example, National University requires students in their graduate program to complete six foundation, four specialization, and three capstone courses before starting a capstone course sequence.
Once you graduate, what jobs can you get with an engineering management degree? And what career paths are available for graduates of an engineering management program? The MEM degree offers a high degree of flexibility for graduates, who can work as an R&D manager, operations director, and project lead or in construction management or electrical engineering management. You’ll typically continue working in the field where you have your engineering specialty, advancing to a management or team-leading role.
But what about the fields that need engineering management expertise—where can you work with an online master’s degree in engineering management? What can you do with an engineering management degree? There are a number of fields that need workers with engineering management expertise, including manufacturing, construction, consulting, information technology, industrial engineering, civil engineering, and more. The median pay for engineering managers in 2023 was $165,370 per year.1
Now Is the Time to Consider Earning Your Master’s in Engineering Management
The potential to advance your career and raise your salary by briefly becoming a graduate student appeals to many, as does the opportunity to learn valuable management skills. MEM programs equip working engineers with the managerial skills they need to grow their careers, stepping into management positions and taking on new leadership roles.
No-GRE programs offer a time-saving admissions process that’s more valuable than ever for busy professionals. How long do you have to complete the online master of engineering management? This varies by program, but most only require months or years to complete, making it easier than ever to meet the degree requirements as a master’s student of engineering management.
As programs as prestigious as Stanford University begin to offer case-specific exemptions from their GRE graduate admissions requirement, it’s possible to find an online engineering program that won’t require you to take the test. Just be sure to verify your specific degree program’s requirements for their specific policies, cost, and deadlines before you apply.
Sources:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm
https://www.indeed.com/hire/job-description/engineering-manager
https://research.com/education/graduate-schools-without-gre-requirements