Your Guide to Earning a Master of Engineering Management in Tennessee

The home of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Grand Ole Opry, and Graceland may not be the first location you think of when you consider where to pursue a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree. But Tennessee is a hub for innovation and technology. Home to major companies like FedEx, Bridgestone, Nissan North America, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee is rich with engineering opportunities both for new grads and professionals who seek to further their careers. The state’s most notable example of its engineering prowess may be the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a collection of dams and power plants built to generate electricity, control floods, and stimulate economic development.¹

Tennessee’s industrial landscape is supported by sectors like automotive manufacturing, advanced materials, logistics, energy, and healthcare, all of which are growing rapidly.² The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts employment in engineering management to grow by 4% through 2034, about as fast as the average for all other occupations.³ Once in the working world, engineering managers in Tennessee can earn competitive salaries, averaging $146,000 per year.⁴ The affordability of Tennessee cities like Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga translates to a high quality of life for earners of these salaries.

This article will explain all about the field of engineering management, how to choose a Master of Engineering Management program, an overview of programs in Tennessee, how to pay for engineering management education, and how to decide whether an MEM program is right for you.

What Is Engineering Management?

Engineering management is an area of engineering that combines technical expertise with leadership and people management attributes. Engineering managers have a deep understanding of engineering principles, which they apply to their roles as engineering leaders for large-scale technical projects, financial planning, and team management. With these skills, they make sure the technical performance of these projects aligns with the business objectives and financial goals of the organization. Daily tasks might include project planning, budgeting, resource allocation, and quality assurance.

Engineering managers can further specialize in the industry by studying topics like systems engineering, technology management, supply chain management, and civil or construction project leadership. Possible job titles for graduates who obtain a Master of Engineering Management can include project manager, engineering manager, or director of operations.

As professionals in the field, engineering managers help companies grow, maximize resources, and deliver quality project outcomes in industries like manufacturing, construction, technology, and logistics.

What to Look for in an MEM Program

When you’re ready to begin your search for the ideal MEM program in Tennessee, there are a few important things to consider.

Structure

Are you looking for an in-person program, or would you prefer to take courses online? Alternatively, you could register for a combination of both, as some Master of Engineering Management programs offer hybrid instruction, which provides the ultimate level of flexibility for students. If you’re already an engineering professional working in Tennessee, you can find a program that fits your schedule and maybe even helps offset the cost of tuition.

Accreditation

When researching a Master of Engineering Program in Tennessee, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking for programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, or ABET.⁵ Programs with this accreditation have been rigorously audited for their academic standards and can offer additional training to prepare students for professional licensing exams.

Support Services

In addition to completing the necessary coursework to obtain an MEM, you’ll also want your program to be able to offer support in areas like career coaching, academic advising, and active alumni network connections. With these resources, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate your career before, during, and after your degree program.

Choosing an accredited MEM program that offers flexible study options and a wide variety of support services can ensure you’re set up for success and a long career as an Engineering Manager.

Engineering Management Programs in Tennessee

Now that you know what to look for in an MEM program, here are a few Tennessee schools that offer educational options to match your schedule, career goals, and financial situation.

Career Outlook for Engineering Management Graduates in Tennessee

Once new grads have obtained a Master of Engineering Management, they’re ready and able to explore a wide range of careers, including at top employers in the state of Tennessee. Tennessee is home to major companies that hire engineering managers, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TVA, FedEx, Lockheed Martin, and Jacobs Engineering. These companies need engineering leaders who are able to manage complex engineering projects and teams and help them grow their business in innovative and exciting ways.

Engineering management graduates are qualified to pursue roles such as project engineer, systems engineer, construction manager, quality manager, or technical director.

Early in their career, engineering managers can expect to earn between $85,000 and $100,000 per year, which can increase to up to $125,000 by mid-career. Senior roles can earn over $135,000 per year.¹¹ On average, engineering managers in Tennessee earn an annual salary of $146,000.⁴

To secure some of these roles, engineering managers may need to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license, especially for roles in construction management and public infrastructure.¹² This is why it’s important to choose an academic program that aligns its courses with licensure requirements. Obtaining this license also requires students to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and PE exams. Quality programs can prepare students for these specific exams in addition to the engineering leadership coursework that is required of all graduates.

Engineering Management Education in Tennessee: Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Support

Students who choose to pursue a Master of Engineering Management degree in Tennessee can seek a number of financial aid options, including scholarships, state funding, and federal funding. Vanderbilt University is an example of an institution that automatically considers students for scholarships and even offers an award of $20,000 for select students entering their MEM program.¹³

Students can also research financial aid options through professional engineering organizations, like the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) and the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).^14,15 These organizations offer annual scholarships and fellowships for engineering management degrees.

Tennessee residents who already work in the engineering field may qualify for state-based grants and tuition reimbursement through programs like the Incumbent Worker Training Grant.¹⁶

For those who aren’t Tennessee residents, universities offer financial aid, assistantships, and fellowships for students. Students can also research external scholarships or graduate certificate programs that may provide more affordable degree pathways.

Is a Master of Engineering Management Right for You?

A Master of Engineering Management can be a beneficial step for the engineering professional who is ready for a role in leadership. An MEM program, like those listed above, prepares students for a versatile career in engineering and is ideal for those who already have undergraduate experience in mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science. Students who are able to prove their knowledge of engineering basics can go on to specialize in more niche engineering disciplines, like construction management, computer engineering, or information technology for major state organizations.

Engineering professionals may seek an MEM to expand their skills in planning, budgeting, and executive management. The thrill of overseeing engineering projects and playing a larger role in strategic business administration are some of the top reasons engineers decide to obtain an advanced degree. An MEM also sets students up for advancement in their career, building upon the skills they already have and adding leadership elements that can translate to any role.

If you’re ready to bridge your technical skills with organizational leadership, a Master of Engineering Management may be the clear next career step for you.

To learn more about Master of Engineering Management programs, click here.