Published:Jun 1, 2025

Master of Engineering Management in Michigan: Everything You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

  • Michigan is home to multiple leading universities offering a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree.

  • Michigan’s many MEM programs equip students with leadership, technology management, and project management skills critical for engineering managers.

  • Programs typically cover engineering management, systems engineering, operations management, and financial management.

  • Students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid engineering management degree programs. 

  • Programs typically take between 1.5 and 2 years to complete depending on format, and whether you opt for full or part-time instruction 

  • Top Michigan MEM programs include offerings from University of Michigan Dearborn, Michigan Technological University, Western Michigan University, and Kettering University.

Getting a Master of Engineering Management in Michigan is a logical choice, given the state's well-established history as an engineering and manufacturing powerhouse. Once the nation's capital of automotive manufacturing, Detroit has transformed from a factory town into a thriving tech center, with 87,000 tech workers living in the Detroit region as of 2023.¹ Bloomberg ranked Ann Arbor the No. 3 "new top tech hub" in the U.S., and the whole state has become popular with startups and established companies alike.²

This growth connects directly to rising demand for engineering management roles in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, technology management, and systems engineering. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of engineering managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, with a median annual wage of $167,740.¹¹ Engineering managers oversee projects, systems engineering initiatives, operations management, and supply chain management. If you're seeking to blend project management with engineering expertise, earning a Master of Engineering Management in Michigan can prepare you for leadership in the thriving engineering and technology sectors.

Considering an MEM Program?

Tell us about your interests and we’ll recommend the best fit MEM programs in less than 60 seconds. Get the information you need to make an informed decision and compare your options from one list!

Find my Program

What is a Master of Engineering Management?

A Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program prepares students to bridge the gap between technical and managerial roles, enabling them to step into leadership positions. Graduates with an engineering management degree are prepared for project management or financial management responsibilities, alongside other roles requiring balanced engineering knowledge and leadership skills.

Engineering management is a multidisciplinary field combining engineering expertise with business administration principles and management science. A typical curriculum offers a blend of engineering, business administration, and management science courses. Graduates develop the skills to fulfill project manager roles and lead teams in complex engineering environments.

Most programs take 18-24 months to complete, depending on whether you choose full-time or part-time instruction. During this time, you'll develop crucial skills in project management, financial management, technology management, and engineering leadership that enable you to address complex problems in engineering operations and systems within business contexts.

Top Master of Engineering Management Programs in Michigan

On-Campus, Online, and Hybrid MEM Programs in Michigan

Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a Master of Science in Engineering Management program tailored for engineers, scientists, and technical professionals aiming to advance their careers through essential management skills. This ABET-accredited program integrates technical expertise with managerial acumen, preparing graduates to lead engineering projects and teams effectively.³

The program provides flexibility for students balancing careers and personal commitments, including military personnel stationed abroad. The curriculum focuses on engineering project management from a managerial perspective, covering areas such as engineering process management, planning, design, manufacturing, and enterprise integration.⁴

  • Format: Fully online, traditional, or hybrid schedule available

  • Credits: 36 credit hours

  • Duration: Flexible completion timeline

  • Cost: For the 2024-25 academic year

  • Resident: $986.00 for course levels up to 699, $1,128.50 for 700 and above

  • Non-resident: $1,708.75 for course levels up to 699, $1,927.00 for 700 and above

Kettering University

Kettering University

Kettering University's online Master of Science in Engineering Management program equips engineers with leadership and management skills necessary for technical and managerial roles. The program emphasizes a "Learn Today-Use Tomorrow" philosophy, enabling immediate application of theoretical knowledge to workplace challenges.⁵ This approach bridges the gap between engineering expertise and management, enhancing graduates' abilities to lead cross-disciplinary teams.

  • Format: Fully online

  • Credits: 40 credit hours, including seven core courses and a three-course graduate certificate

  • Duration: As little as 18 months

  • Cost: $784 per credit hour (2024-25 academic year)⁶

Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University's Master of Engineering Management program prepares engineers for leadership roles in technical organizations. The curriculum bridges engineering and management disciplines, equipping professionals to oversee complex projects and lead multidisciplinary teams. The program serves both engineers seeking management skills and managers wanting deeper technical understanding.⁷

The comprehensive curriculum integrates advanced engineering practices with essential management strategies, accommodating both recent graduates and working professionals.

  • Format: Hybrid model combining online coursework with on-campus sessions

  • Credits: 36 credit hours, including seven core courses and five electives

  • Duration: Typically 24 months, depending on course load

  • Cost: $1,448 per credit hour (2024-25 academic year)

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University offers an online Master of Engineering Management program that integrates engineering expertise with business acumen. This program targets individuals with engineering or STEM backgrounds who aim to advance into leadership positions in technology-driven organizations. The curriculum equips students to manage engineering projects throughout their lifecycle, lead R&D teams, and drive innovation in product and process development.⁸

The program accommodates both full-time and part-time students, providing flexibility for professionals advancing their careers while maintaining employment.

  • Format: Entirely online delivery

  • Credits: 30 credit hours

  • Duration: Flexible completion timeline based on individual course loads

  • Cost: $1,334 per credit hour (2024-25 academic year)

This program particularly benefits professionals seeking to enhance technical skills with managerial competencies, preparing them for senior positions in technology-intensive firms.

Oakland University

Oakland University

Oakland University's Master of Science in Engineering Management program equips engineers with leadership skills essential for technical environments. By combining advanced engineering practices with core business strategies, the program prepares professionals to manage projects, lead teams, and drive organizational innovation. The curriculum serves engineers transitioning to management roles or seeking to enhance strategic decision-making capabilities.⁹

  • Format: Available full-time or part-time, with both online and on-campus options

  • Credits: 35 credit hours, including core courses and career-focused electives

  • Duration: Two years

  • Cost: In-state $915.00 per credit hour, non-resident $1,027.00 per credit hour (2024-25 academic year)

University of Michigan-Dearborn

University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn's Master of Science in Engineering Management program bridges engineering and business disciplines. This interdisciplinary curriculum prepares professionals for leadership roles in technical environments, providing tools to effectively manage projects, operations, and teams. By integrating engineering principles with business strategies, graduates can navigate complex organizational challenges and drive innovation.¹⁰

  • Format: Available full-time or part-time, with on-campus, online, or hybrid options

  • Credits: 30 credit hours (10 courses)

  • Duration: Varies based on individual course loads and scheduling preferences

  • Cost: In-state $954.00 per credit hour, non-resident $1,721.00 for on-campus/hybrid or $1,192.00 for fully online courses (2024-25 academic year)

The program serves engineers seeking to enhance managerial competencies and managers wanting deeper understanding of technical processes. A distinctive "Engineering Management Leadership Speaker Series" brings industry experts to share real-world insights with students.¹⁰

Typical MEM Curriculum and Core Courses

Since MEM programs are designed to bridge the gap between engineering and business management skills, most Michigan universities offer a core curriculum developing proficiency in both domains. Typical core courses include project management, financial management, systems engineering, supply chain management, and operations management.

Within these courses, students study systems analysis, engineering decision-making, accounting principles, and cost analysis. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and innovation skills development, preparing graduates for management roles while maintaining technical expertise.

Beyond core requirements, students typically can select from various elective courses aligned with their interests and career goals, including:

  • Civil engineering

  • Mechanical engineering

  • Electrical engineering

  • Computer engineering

  • Industrial engineering

This flexibility allows students to build specialized knowledge in areas directly relevant to their professional objectives or personal interests.

Tuition and Costs

Annual tuition for MEM programs in Michigan varies considerably based on institution, delivery format (online vs. in-person), and residency status. While average costs for MEM degrees nationwide range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, Michigan programs typically cost between $25,000 and $50,000 depending on the specific engineering program and residency classification.³

Beyond tuition, additional expenses include living costs for full-time students. According to MIT's living wage calculator, the average annual cost of living in Michigan is approximately $42,187 before taxes.⁴ Students should also budget for program-specific expenses like fees, books, and work experience requirements. Most graduate admission offices can provide information about scholarship and work-study opportunities to offset these costs.

Career Paths for Graduates

A Master of Engineering Management degree opens diverse career opportunities, particularly in management roles within engineering and technology sectors. Graduates qualify for positions such as engineering manager, project manager, operations manager, and supply chain manager. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering managers earn a median annual salary of $167,740, with top earners making over $239,200.¹¹

The skills acquired through an MEM program apply across numerous industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction management, civil engineering, chemical engineering, higher education, and engineering technology. The BLS projects particularly strong demand in research and development roles and in engineering services firms.¹¹

Additional Resources and Alternatives to MEM Programs

While Michigan offers excellent MEM programs, comparable options exist nationwide at institutions including National University, Ohio University, Kansas State University, American University, Columbia University, Old Dominion University, Stanford University, Duke University, and Northwestern University.

Resources like The Princeton Review or Peterson's Grad School Search can help identify programs aligned with your needs and interests. The American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) also provides valuable resources for prospective and current engineering management students through their "Engineering Management & Leadership Resources" hub.²

Regardless of your chosen educational path, ensure your program has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, confirming it meets quality standards and provides an industry-recognized credential.

Sources:

  1. https://www.detroitregionalpartnership.com/digital-technology/

  2. https://annarborusa.org/why-ann-arbor/industries/information-technology/

  3. https://www.emuem.org/em/gnrlinfo.php

  4. https://www.emich.edu/cet/engineering/programs/engineering-management-ms/index.php

  5. https://online.kettering.edu/programs/masters/engineering-management-masters-online

  6. https://www.kettering.edu/academics-research/programs/engineering-management-masters

  7. https://www.ltu.edu/engineering/mrie/grad-eng-mgmt

  8. https://www.mtu.edu/globalcampus/degrees/graduate/engineering-management/

  9. https://oakland.edu/online/online-programs/ms_em/

  10. https://umdearborn.edu/academics/program/engineering-management-ms

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