George Washington University

The George Washington University's online Master of Science in Engineering Management program is designed with an interdisciplinary approach to mind. Their goal is to cultivate technical leaders by blending advanced engineering principles with essential management strategies. This unique approach equips their graduates to navigate and lead within technology-driven organizations and governmental agencies. Ideal candidates include engineers and technical specialists aiming to ascend into leadership roles, manage complex projects, and drive innovation within their fields.

Program Overview

The George Washington University's MSEM program was created with working engineering professionals in mind, and adheres to the following format: 

• Format: Fully online. Their online structure offers both synchronous and asynchronous learning options to give students both the academic quality of real time instruction and the flexibility of distance education to study at their convenience and from any location.

• Credits: The program consists of 12 courses of three credit hours each, totaling 36 required credit hours.

• Duration: Classes meet one night a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays) for nine weeks from 6:30 to 9:50 PM Eastern time. Students enroll in four 9-week sessions, and may also take an optional fifth summer session where classes meet twice a week for four and half weeks.

• Cost: $1,200 per credit hour 

Specializations and Academic Pathways

Students in the George Washington University’s MSEM program are expected to complete the following courses: 

EMSE 6001 The Management of Technical Organizations: The practice of management as applied within technical organizations. Includes history of the tradition and current effective practices, research findings, and case studies, with objectives of enhanced understanding of external and internal factors influencing organizational performance and leadership requirements. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6005 Organizational Behavior for the Engineering Manager: The behavior of individuals and groups in the context of technical organizations, focusing on relationships and interactions within the organization’s operating activities. Individual and group development and motivation. Organizational structures and cultures. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6018 Engineering Law: Legal principles and procedures of interest to engineers. The American legal system, contracts and specifications, liability of professional engineers, product liability, agency relationships, patent and proprietary rights, special problems in research and development contracts. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6020 Decision Making with Uncertainty: Problem formulation. Concepts and techniques used in analyzing complex decision problems. Modeling decision problems using decision trees, probability models, multi-objective models and utility theory. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6070 Management of Research and Development: Seminar on readings and classic and contemporary case studies in the strategic management of innovation and technology. (3 credit hours) 

EMSE 6099 Problems in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Capstone: Capstone project providing the opportunity to apply concepts and tools previously studied to the solution of a real-world problem. Students work in small groups, on a problem proposed by students and approved by the instructor. Open only to master’s candidates in the department, preferably during the last semester of their program. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6410 Survey of Finance and Engineering Economics: Survey of material relevant to financial decision making for engineering activity. Includes traditional engineering economy topics; fundamentals of accounting; and financial planning, budgeting, and estimating applicable to the management of technical organizations. (3 credit hours) 

EMSE 6801 Systems Engineering I: Systems approach to the architecting and engineering of large-scale systems; elements of systems engineering; methods and standards; computer tools that support systems and software engineering; trends and directions; the integrative nature of systems engineering. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6810 Systems Analysis and Management: The systems or holistic approach as a methodology for making decisions and allocating resources. Analysis by means of objectives, alternatives, models, criteria, and feedback. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6820 Program and Project Management: Problems in managing projects; project management as planning, organizing, directing, and monitoring; project and corporate organizations; duties and responsibilities; the project plan; schedule, cost, earned-value and situation analysis; leadership; team building; conflict management; meetings, presentations, and proposals. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6825 Project Cost and Quality Management: Developing project cost and resource estimates during the planning stages. Monitoring, forecasting, and controlling cost throughout the project life cycle. Project quality planning, assurance, and control. Relationships among project scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, procurement, and risk. Preparation for the Project Management Professional examination. Prerequisite: EMSE 6820. (3 credit hours)

EMSE 6992 Special Topics: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Acquire proven negotiation skills by using real world case studies, learning a broad spectrum of theories underlying negotiating approaches, and put their learning into practice. Discover a framework for understanding and addressing the challenging emotional dynamics that arise in everyday negotiations and conflicts. Students gain the tools for early recognition of unhealthy conflict, accurately diagnosing its causes and developing effective communication-based intervention strategies. (3 credit hours)

Career Outcomes

The George Washington University MSEM curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in various industries, including technology development and sustainment organizations. The program's strong emphasis on practical management skills and its location in Washington, D.C., provide students with access to a vibrant professional network, potentially enhancing career opportunities.

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, information technology, mathematics, physics, or a related field from an accredited institution. They must have earned a grade of C or better in one course in college-level calculus and one course in college-level statistics. Applicants who do not meet this requirement in full but are otherwise qualified may be conditionally admitted and required to take an additional 3-credit hour course, EMSE 4197 — Special Topics: Quantitative Methods in Engineering, during the first semester of graduate study.

• GPA: Minimum grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher. 

• GRE/GMAT: GRE scores are not required but if available, should be submitted to enhance your application.

• Required Materials: A resume or CV, statement of purpose, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.

• International Students: The university has discrete application requirements for those applying from outside of the U.S.
  
  
• Application Deadlines: 
• Spring-1 2025: 12/1/2024
• Spring-2 2025: 2/24/2025
• Summer 2025: 5/1/2025
• Fall-1 2025: 7/28/2025
• Fall-2 2025: 9/29/2025 

Applicants may also apply for a 6 course graduate certificate in systems engineering. Upon successful completion of the graduate certificate and reapplication, they will be admitted to the master’s program and all certificate courses will count toward the master’s degree.

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

As of March 2025, the estimated tuition for full-time graduate students enrolled in 9 credit hours per semester is $10,800. Part-time students are charged on a per-credit basis. The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) offers merit-based scholarships for on-campus master's students. While specific scholarships for online students are not detailed, applicants are encouraged to inquire about available financial aid options. 

Online Experience

The George Washington University offers students the option of attending live lectures at certain designated times each week, or attending them asynchronously. This means that students can fit their class attendance to their schedule, participating in live lectures, or catching up on their own time when their schedules permit. This approach balances high-quality and more personalized live instruction with the convenience working students rely on.

Program Highlights

The George Washington University’s online learning environment is designed for flexibility, accommodating the schedules of working professionals. Courses are delivered through a combination of live sessions and recorded lectures, allowing students to engage with the material at their convenience. Faculty members are also accessible for virtual office hours, ensuring students receive personalized support throughout their learning process. While the program is fully online, students have opportunities to participate in virtual industry events and networking sessions, fostering connections with peers and industry leaders.

Why Choose This MEM Program

The George Washington University's MEM program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates technical expertise with managerial acumen, tailored for professionals aiming to lead in technology-driven sectors. 

The fully online format provides flexibility without compromising academic rigor, making it accessible to a global audience. The opportunity of attending live lectures and receiving personalized support during office hours means that students are sure to get the support they need to thrive.

The faculty comprises experienced professionals who bring real-world insights into the virtual classroom, enriching the educational experience with their own backgrounds.

Program Rankings and Recognition

The engineering management program is offered by GW’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, which U.S. News & World Report recognized as number 88 on their national list of the best engineering programs.1 

Next Steps 

With a unique blend of live instruction and asynchronous access, the George Washington University’s MSEM program is an ideal fit for working professionals seeking a high quality and personalized educational experience that fits into their busy schedules. For more information on the application process and to submit your application, visit the Graduate Admissions page. 

Sources

1. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/george-washington-university-02040 

Additional Sources

• https://engineering.gwu.edu/online-programs/ms-in-engineering-management/
• https://online.engineering.gwu.edu/online-masters-engineering-management
• https://online.engineering.gwu.edu/application-process
• https://online.engineering.gwu.edu/online-masters-engineering-management
• https://online.engineering.gwu.edu/online-masters-engineering-management
• https://graduate.engineering.gwu.edu/admissions-frequently-asked-questions
• https://bulletin.gwu.edu/find-your-program/

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on the George Washington University's MSEM program website March 2025. Information is subject to change, so we advise that you confirm all program details, costs, and financial aid information with the university’s admissions office before applying. You can reach the program directly by calling 833-330-1454.