Kansas State University

Designed for engineers aiming to elevate their technical expertise while acquiring essential management skills, Kansas State University's online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program equips professionals with the economic, technical, and human resource insights necessary for informed managerial decision-making in technical environments. The coursework is 100% online for flexibility, allowing students to balance their studies with professional commitments, and making it an ideal fit for working engineers seeking career advancement,

Program Overview

Kansas State University’s MEM program is tailored for professionals aiming to advance into leadership roles without pausing their careers:

• Format: Fully online. Students can complete all coursework asynchronously and on their own schedule, studying wherever and whenever their schedule permits.

• Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework

• Duration: Students are encouraged to progress at their own pace, with the typical duration varying based on individual course loads. 

• Cost: $840.84 per credit hour1

Specializations and Academic Pathways

The program's curriculum comprises 15 credit hours of core courses, including:

• IMSE 605 - Advanced Industrial Management (3 credits)
• IMSE 680 - Quantitative Problem-Solving Techniques (3 credits)
• IMSE 806 - Engineering Project Management (3 credits)
• IMSE 810 - Industrial Logistics Engineering (3 credits)
• IMSE 811 - Advanced Production and Inventory Control (3 credits)
• IMSE 822 - Advanced Engineering Economy (3 credits)

Students must also earn 15 elective credits in any course not used as a core course, which includes courses in other departments of the university with advisor approval. Of the 30 credits required, at least 18 credits should be at the 700 level and above. Courses in the IMSE department must be above the 600 level, and courses outside the department must be above the 500 level. No more than 6 credits total can be taken at the 500 level. A maximum of 6 credits can be transferred from another school, and no more than 6 credits can be taken from an outside department, unless prior approval is obtained.

Career Outcomes

Kansas State doesn’t share specific post-graduation employment statistics, such as average starting salaries or employment rates within a certain timeframe, on their official website. However, they do say that the program is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles across various sectors. Potential career paths include positions in government agencies, manufacturing, healthcare, military operations, professional consulting, and service organizations. Contact the university directly for more detailed career outcome information.

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree in engineering or natural science, undergraduate courses in calculus and statistics, and at least three years of full-time engineering work experience by the time you complete the program.

• GRE/GMAT: There is no GRE or GMAT requirement for admission into this program, but are recommended to strengthen your application.

• Required Materials: One to two page statement of objectives, the names and emails of three professional references, and unofficial transcripts from each institution attended. You will be asked for official transcripts after notification of admission.

• English Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency is not required.

• Current resume: Applicants should upload a current resume.

• Application Deadlines: The Fall application deadline is January 8, and the Spring application deadline is August 1.

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

Tuition for the online MEM program is $840.84 per credit hour, which includes online tuition and the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering fees. This rate applies uniformly to both Kansas residents and non-residents. Additional fees may apply based on specific course selections. While there are no scholarships specifically available to MEM students, many employers pay for the cost of obtaining these degrees. Additionally, MEM students are eligible for some university wide scholarships.

Online Experience

Designed for students interested in growing their management careers in the engineering and technical sectors while maintaining full time employment, the Kansas State MEM is a fully online, asynchronous program. This allows students to pursue learning at their own pace, engaging with the course material whenever and wherever they happen to be, as long as they manage to complete all coursework by the end of the scheduled class period.

Program Highlights

Kansas State’s MEM program is delivered entirely online utilizing the Canvas platform for course delivery. This allows the university to offer flexibility for professionals to manage their studies alongside their careers. In addition to online course materials, Students have access to resources and support services designed to enhance their online educational experience.

Why Choose This MEM Program

Kansas State University's MEM program stands out due to its flexible, 100% online delivery, making it accessible to working professionals around the world. With no language proficiency requirement, the program also accepts transcripts in other languages, allowing students to attend from a wide variety of locations around the globe.

The curriculum is specifically designed to blend technical engineering knowledge with essential management skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles in diverse industries. The core coursework is specifically designed to cover a broad array of skills relevant to all working professionals in the MEM space.

The program's structure allows for customization through elective courses, enabling students to tailor their education to their career aspirations. You’ll be able to opt for courses that are specifically relevant to your own interests and professional path.

Class Profile

Specific information regarding class size, demographics, or professional backgrounds of current students are not currently available on Kansas State University’s website. 

However, according to USA Today, the university as a whole has a total enrollment of 15,113 as of fall 2023, with a gender distribution of 49.2% male students and 50.8% female students.2

Program Rankings and Recognition

While specific rankings for the MEM program are not mentioned on the website, US News and World Report listed Kansas State University’s Engineering School as 106 in their national rankings.3

Next Steps

With a flexible learning schedule and a customizable path to specialization through your electives, applying to the Kansas State University’s MEM program could fit into your professional journey. Visit the program's admissions page for information or to begin your application.

Sources

1. https://online.k-state.edu/programs/engineering-management-masters/
2. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/kansas-state-university-1928/student-life#:~:text=Kansas%20State%20University%20has%20a,of%20students%20live%20off%20campus
3. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/kansas-state-university-02062

Additional Sources

• https://online.k-state.edu/programs/engineering-management-masters/
• https://online.k-state.edu/how-to-apply/accepted-graduate-students/
• https://online.k-state.edu/paying-for-school/tuition-fees.html
• https://online.k-state.edu/programs/engineering-management-masters/
• https://www.k-state.edu/academic-success-student-affairs/advising/online-advising/student-success-faq.html?_gl=1*1wu00lg*_gcl_au*Mzg5NjExNDkwLjE3Mzg2NjYxODc.
• https://catalog.k-state.edu/index.php

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on the Kansas State University's MEM 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 university directly by emailing online@k-state.edu.