Published:Jun 4, 2025

Master of Engineering Management in Florida: Your Path to Tech Leadership

Key Takeaways

  • Florida’s Growing Tech Sectors

    Aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies like eVTOL make Florida a strong base for engineering management careers.

  • Program Flexibility for Different Learners

    Options include in-person formats (UCF, USF) and fully online programs (FIU, Embry-Riddle), with part-time tracks for working professionals.

  • Curriculum That Blends Tech and Leadership

    Florida programs combine technical depth with training in project management, analytics, and even business law, preparing students for real-world leadership.

  • Competitive Salaries and Industry Access

    With strong local employers and high median wages for engineering managers, graduates are positioned for long-term growth in the state.

  • Tuition Varies Widely, but Aid Is Available

    Most programs require around 30 credits; scholarships, assistantships, and employer funding help make the cost more manageable.

If engineering boils down to solving real-world problems by using math and science with a dash of creativity, and management is the work of getting things done through people, what exactly is engineering management, and why is it a field worth pursuing in Florida?

While engineers design, build, and improve all types of things, good managers keep projects on track and help people work together effectively, solving problems along the way. Engineering management is where those two worlds meet. What an engineering manager does day in, day out is effectively lead engineering teams and projects while fully understanding the technical side. They need to speak the language of engineers, but also manage budgets and timelines, making sure technical work lines up with business goals and ideas turn into real results.

As you are about to see, the demand for these roles is on the rise throughout the country.1 Additionally, Florida has a few aces up its sleeve, both in the engineering management programs it offers and the high number of well-compensated tech job opportunities.2

Let’s start with the latter and work our way through Florida programs that combine industrial engineering or systems engineering with project management to prepare students for leadership roles in engineering.

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Employment Trends for Architectural and Engineering Managers, Florida vs U.S.6

Florida Tech Landscape and Opportunities for Engineering Management Students

Florida might be famous for beaches and theme parks, but it’s also becoming a serious player in tech. Over the past few years, the state has quietly built up a strong, fast-growing tech scene. According to CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce 2024 report, Florida’s tech job market grew by 9.50% in 2022 alone, considerably more than the national average growth of 6.28%. This tech employment growth trend above U.S. averages has been consistent since at least 2019.2

One of the key industries in the state is aerospace. Brevard County, home to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, is quite a hub for aerospace activities, and recent proposals aiming to relocate NASA’s headquarters to the Space Coast could potentially bring hundreds of jobs. In fact, “Florida already supports more than 2,100 NASA federal jobs and nearly 20,000 contractors”, according to George LeMieux, chair of the Florida Council of 100, and “for every NASA federal job in Florida, an additional 16.8 jobs are supported across the state.”3

Then, there is the defense industry, and with it comes an extra layer of cybersecurity. The University of South Florida (USF) is leading a consortium effort to make Tampa Bay a national tech hub in cybersecurity. Home to the Global and National Security Institute, it “offers academic programs in cybersecurity, partners with Cyber Florida, local cybersecurity firms and innovation districts, and conducts research with the U.S. military at MacDill Air Force Base.”4

Last but not least, Florida is experimenting with emerging technologies like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, and Tampa International Airport is already considering constructing vertiports, or helipads, for future air taxis.5

On top of that, you have initiatives like the Synapse Innovation Summit, the B2B Florida Technology Summit, the 23-county Florida High Tech Corridor, and, quite notably, no state income tax. While that last bit makes Florida particularly attractive for engineering management professionals and entrepreneurs, more good news is in store: tech wages here are 119% greater than the overall median wage.2

As a special note for engineering management students, BLS reports that the median annual wage for architectural and engineering managers in the United States was $167,740 in May 2024, compared to $104,030 for other management occupations and $49,500 for all occupations.1 As for the projected employment growth for architectural and engineering managers, the snapshot below speaks for itself:

Program Overview: Master of Engineering Management in Florida

Designed to equip professionals with the skills to manage complex projects and lead teams of all sizes across various sectors, each Master of Engineering Management program in Florida is crafted to bridge the gap between engineering expertise and leadership acumen. However, not every program follows the exact same path.

For example, USF sums up its MSEM curriculum as an “opportunity to build competencies in areas like technical management, process optimization, quality and continuous improvement, safety, entrepreneurship, and engineering analytics.”7 While each institution offers unique strengths, these are common threads across Florida’s MSEM programs. Some also touch on areas like supply chain management, and others, like Florida International University’s program, include courses on business law and intellectual property for engineers and entrepreneurs.8

Aside from traditional full-time on-campus programs, Florida’s institutions recognize the diverse needs of engineering management students and also provide them with part-time tracks, as well as entirely online master’s programs.

Online Programs Accessible in Florida

While both part-time and online options cater to recent graduates and working professionals, the latter ensures accessibility regardless of location, which is why we will now take a closer look at four of them.

Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program is meticulously crafted for professionals in engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, or computer science who aspire to elevate into technical management and leadership roles. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, the curriculum integrates High-Reliability Organizations (HRO) principles, emphasizing advanced risk management and mitigation strategies. This unique approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to navigate complex challenges in today's dynamic organizational environments.

Program Overview

The MSEM program offers flexibility through its online delivery, accommodating both full-time and part-time students. Designed to cater to working professionals, the program allows learners to balance their studies with other commitments. While the exact program length may vary based on individual course loads, students can tailor their progression to meet personal and professional goals. 

  • Format: Online or in-person: Fully online, EagleVision Virtual Classroom or at a Worldwide location close to you

  • Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework (36 hours if pursuing the graduate certificate option)

  • Duration: Two years is the typical time it takes students to complete the program

  • Cost: $868 per credit hour 

This program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their technical expertise while acquiring essential management skills.

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program designed to equip engineers with the leadership and decision-making skills necessary to oversee complex projects from inception to completion. This program is ideal for individuals holding an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related discipline who aspire to advance into managerial roles within the engineering sector. Through access to cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and experienced faculty, students develop the competencies required to drive innovation and effectively manage engineering processes.

Program Overview

The UCF MSEM program is centered on practical application, equipping graduates with the necessary skills to manage complex systems, optimize processes, and lead teams in diverse engineering settings.

  • Format: 100% online, allowing for full- or part-time study

  • Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework

  • Duration: The program can be completed in as little as two years.

  • Cost: $327 per credit hour (in-state), $1,151 per credit hour (out-of-state)

University of South Florida (USF)

University of South Florida (USF)

The University of South Florida's (USF) Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program aims to give engineers the key management skills they need to lead in today's tech-heavy industries. By mixing advanced engineering with essential business ideas, the program gets professionals ready to manage projects well, come up with new processes, and help their organizations succeed. It's a great fit for engineers looking to move into leadership or boost their management skills in technical fields.

Program Overview

The MSEM program at USF is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and decision-making skills in technical environments. This interdisciplinary program equips graduates with the expertise to bridge the gap between engineering innovation and effective organizational management, preparing them to lead in a rapidly-evolving industry.

  • Format: In-person or online, allowing for full- or part-time study

  • Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework

  • Duration: Designed to be completed in two years

  • Cost: $467 per credit hour (in-state), $913 per credit hour (out-of-state)

This program is tailored for working engineers seeking an advanced education to equip them for leadership roles. It focuses on actionable knowledge and skills that can make an immediate impact in the workplace.

Florida International University (FIU)11

Florida International University (FIU)11

Florida International University's (FIU) Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program is designed to equip engineers with the essential management skills required to lead in today's technology-driven industries. By integrating advanced engineering practices with core business principles, the program prepares professionals to effectively manage projects, operations, and teams. This program is ideal for engineers aiming to transition into leadership roles or enhance their managerial competencies within technical environments.

Program Overview

The MSEM program at FIU is designed for professionals ready to expand their influence in the workplace. The multidisciplinary program equips graduates to bridge the gap between technical innovation and organizational strategy.

  • Format: 100% online, allowing for full- or part-time study

  • Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework

  • Duration: One year full-time, two years part-time

  • Cost: $833 per credit hour

For working engineers seeking leadership roles, FIU offers a program focused on practical management and technical expertise for immediate workplace impact.

Additional Southeastern Schools

Nearby universities in Georgia and Alabama pitch in to fulfill the demand for engineering management programs in the region.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University's Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program is designed to bridge the gap between engineering and management, preparing professionals to effectively lead teams, manage projects, and optimize processes within engineering contexts. The coursework equips engineers with the leadership and management skills necessary to advance within a wide variety of technical organizations. Blending management and business acumen with technical engineering knowledge, it’s an ideal program for working engineers aiming to transition into managerial roles or enhance their strategic decision-making capabilities.

Program Overview

Kennesaw State University's MSEM program is tailored for working engineers who are interested in building both their technical and managerial skills:

  • Format: Fully online. Students can complete coursework on their own schedule, using recorded lectures and other content to complete modules.

  • Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework

  • Duration: Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace, with the typical duration lasting about two years depending on course load and scheduling preferences.

  • Cost:$733.00 per credit hour

Auburn University

Auburn University

Engineering managers are the backbone of innovation, driving teams to bring ideas to life while ensuring efficiency, professionalism, and expertise. Auburn University's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program equips professionals in engineering-related fields with the necessary skills to provide leadership and strategic management to projects of all sizes. Located in Auburn, Alabama, the university offers its program in an online format, making it convenient for busy professionals who want to gain advanced skills without pausing their careers.

Program Overview

The MEM program at Auburn University is designed for professionals ready to expand their influence in the workplace. The multidisciplinary program equips graduates to bridge the gap between technical innovation and organizational strategy.

  • Format: 100% online*, allowing for full- or part-time study

  • Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework

  • Duration: Students may take up to six years to complete the program

  • Cost: $949 per credit hour

This program is tailored for working engineers seeking an advanced education to equip them for leadership roles. It focuses on actionable knowledge and skills that can make an immediate impact in the workplace.

*Some coursework may require in-person testing with options for different geographical locations.

Program Requirements and Admissions

Getting into a Master of Engineering Management program in Florida doesn’t require a magic formula, but there are a few things schools want to see. Most applicants interested in an engineering management degree program start with a simple baseline: a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. That usually means a degree in engineering or a STEM-related field, though some programs, like FIU’s, also welcome applicants with business degrees. If your background is in another area entirely, some schools may still consider you, as long as you meet the rest of the requirements and make a solid case.11

A GPA of 3.0 in your upper-level undergrad work is a common cutoff. Many of Florida’s programs don’t require the GRE, but it’s best to check the details on each program’s website, especially if your GPA isn’t where they’d like it to be. For example, USF requires minimum scores of 156 for quantitative and 146 for verbal, but GRE may be waived for Accelerated Program applicants.14

Expect to submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose, a resume, and two or three graduate school letters of recommendation. Schools will likely ask for an English proficiency test if English isn’t your first language. Common options include: TOEFL iBT (usually 79 or higher), IELTS (around 6.5), and even Duolingo English Test (around 110).11 Also, if you earned your degree outside the United States, some schools may ask for a course-by-course evaluation to confirm it’s equivalent.

And while Florida offers sunshine year-round, application deadlines aren’t. Some programs accept applications year-round (especially online ones), while others stick to firm cutoffs for fall, spring, or summer terms. Always double-check the school’s admissions page so you don’t miss your window.

Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Earning a Master of Engineering Management in Florida can be a smart investment, but like any good project, it helps to know the costs upfront. As you can see from our program overview above, tuition fees significantly vary depending on the institution and whether you’re paying in-state or out-of-state tuition. Remember, most programs in Florida consist of 30 credit hours, so you must multiply the listed fee by 30 to calculate the total amount.

The upside is there’s financial help out there. If you’re a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, your first stop should be the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Beyond that, schools like USF and UCF offer graduate assistantships. These often cover tuition and include a graduate student stipend.15,16 Just know they’re competitive, and you’ll usually have to do some part-time work on campus.

If scholarships are more your style, USF has a long list, including some specifically for grad engineering students.17 UCF and FIU also list several scholarship opportunities, including some based on academic performance.18,19

Already working full-time? Check if your employer covers tuition. Many companies will pitch in if your graduate degree directly connects to your current job, for example, in technology management or operations.

Career Outcomes and Industry Partnerships

Graduates of Florida’s engineering management programs go on to lead projects, manage operations, and coordinate teams in industries across the state. According to FIU, career paths include operations manager, supply chain manager, project lead, design engineer, data scientist, and IT manager, spread across fields like construction, logistics, manufacturing, and software.11 And at USF, recent engineering management grads have landed roles at places like Raytheon, Universal Studios, Baxter, and Citibank.7

Some programs are tied to local industries more directly. UCF, for example, sits right next to Central Florida Research Park, which gives students access to one of the largest research parks in the country. The area’s mix of aerospace, defense, and high-tech companies (including Lockheed Martin and L3Harris) makes it a strong base for applied learning and post-grad opportunities.

While job placement rates aren’t always published, these partnerships and regional ties suggest that Florida’s MSEM graduates have more than just a degree when they finish. They leave with industry connections and, in many cases, real project experience.

Find Your Master of Engineering Management in Florida

Florida’s engineering management programs aren’t just copy-paste degrees with new labels. They often build on foundations in areas like industrial engineering or systems design, and each one brings something different. Some lean into analytics and technical systems, others add depth with business law, total quality management, or process improvement. You’ll find in-person tracks and online formats, a range of pacing options, and enough variation in tuition to make cost a real factor in your decision.

But across the board, these programs aim for the same target: turning engineers into leaders who can manage teams, oversee projects, make strategic calls, and stay grounded in technical work. The combination of focused training, hands-on learning, and direct ties to Florida’s industries — space, defense, healthcare, and software — makes the state a strong fit for engineers ready to take that next step.

If you’re weighing programs, start with the basics: what you can afford and how you prefer to learn. Once those two are in place, it’s easier to figure out where you’re headed next.

Sources:

1 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm

2 https://comptiacdn.azureedge.net/webcontent/docs/default-source/research-reports/comptia-state-of-the-tech-workforce-2024.pdf

3 https://thehill.com/opinion/technology/5260959-nasa-headquarters-florida/

4 https://www.usf.edu/research-innovation/news/2023/tech-hub-consortium.aspx

5 https://stpetecatalyst.com/tampa-airport-execs-plan-new-airside-air-taxi-vertiports/

6 https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/11-9041.00?st=FL

7 https://www.usf.edu/engineering/imse/graduate/msem.aspx

8 https://em.fiu.edu/msem-r/

9 https://erau.edu/degrees/master/engineering-management/

10 https://www.ucf.edu/online/degree/engineering-management-m-s/

11 https://fiuonline.fiu.edu/programs/online-graduate-degrees/master-of-science-in-engineering-management-general-track.php

12 https://www.kennesaw.edu/spceet/degrees-programs/graduate/ms-engineering-management/

13 https://eng.auburn.edu/online/program/master-of-engineering-management

14 https://www.usf.edu/engineering/imse/documents/msem-admission-rqmts.pdf

15 https://www.usf.edu/admissions/graduate/admission-information/cost-of-attendance/assistantships.aspx

16 https://grad.cecs.ucf.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Assistantship-Fact-Sheet-1.pdf

17 https://www.usf.edu/engineering/student-services/academic-resources/scholarships.aspx

18 https://www.cecs.ucf.edu/current-students/scholarships/

19https://cdssec.fiu.edu/scholarships/enterprise-and-logistics-engineering-scholarships/