North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Engineering managers bridge the gap between technical innovation and organizational leadership, driving teams to deliver complex projects while ensuring efficiency and excellence. North Carolina State University's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program equips engineering professionals with the leadership and management skills necessary to excel in today's technically complex environments. Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, the university offers both on-campus and 100% online options to accommodate working professionals who want to advance their careers without putting them on hold.

Program Overview

The MEM program at NC State is designed for engineers seeking to enhance their management capabilities while maintaining their technical expertise. This balanced approach creates versatile professionals ready to lead in various engineering sectors.

• Format: Available on-campus or 100% online
• Credits: 30 credit hours (10 courses)
• Duration: Can be completed in as little as three semesters (full-time) or at a part-time pace
• Course Availability: Spring, summer, and fall semesters

The program comprises five core courses and five elective courses within a chosen concentration, providing both foundational knowledge and specialized expertise that can be immediately applied in the workplace.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

NC State's MEM program offers several concentrations to help students tailor their education to specific career goals:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Analytics
• Entrepreneurship
• Facilities Engineering
• Health and Human Systems
• Professional Practice
• Supply Chain Engineering and Management
• Build Your Own

All students complete a core curriculum that includes:

• Decision science
• Quantitative literacy
• Organizational communication and leadership
• Project management
• Financial aptitude

Each concentration includes specialized courses and culminates in a master's project or practicum, ensuring students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges.

Graduate Certificates

The MEM program offers two graduate certificates that can be earned alongside another master's degree at NC State or as standalone credentials:

• Engineering Management Foundations
• Engineering Management Analytics

Credits from these certificates may be transferred into the MEM degree, allowing students to begin the master's program with up to 40% of required credit hours already completed.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of NC State's MEM program are prepared to take on leadership roles across various engineering sectors. The program's integration of technical and managerial skills positions alumni to effectively manage engineering teams, lead complex projects, and drive organizational innovation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, architectural and engineering managers earned a median annual wage of $167,740 in 2024, with employment projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033.¹ While specific post-graduation statistics for the NC State program are not provided, the curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for these high-demand positions.

Admissions Process

• Required Materials:
• Three letters of recommendation
• All academic transcripts
• Personal statement (1-2 pages)
• Supplemental questionnaire
• GRE: Not required for admission
• International Students: Must demonstrate English proficiency unless from countries where English is an official language used in higher education

Applicants can begin the process through NC State's application portal.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

While specific tuition rates are not detailed on the program website, NC State offers several financial support options:

• Engineering management scholarships (available through an embedded application within the degree application process)
• Federal and state financial aid opportunities
• Employer tuition assistance programs

Prospective students are encouraged to visit NC State's tuition and fees page for the most current information.

Online Experience

The online MEM program offers flexible learning options for working professionals:

• Access to coursework from any location with an internet connection
• Same curriculum and faculty as the on-campus program
• Opportunities for virtual collaboration with peers
• Development of self-discipline and time management skills valuable in leadership roles

Online students receive comprehensive support services to ensure a quality educational experience.

Why Choose This MEM Program?

NC State's MEM program stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Flexibility: With both on-campus and 100% online options, the program accommodates diverse professional circumstances and learning preferences
• Customization: Eight concentration options allow students to align their education precisely with career goals and industry needs
• Prestige: NC State University ranks No. 27 among Best Engineering Schools according to U.S. News & World Report2
• Balance: The program's integration of advanced engineering education with essential management strategies creates versatile professionals equipped for modern leadership challenges
• Progressive Credentialing: The ability to earn certificates that stack toward the full degree provides milestone achievements and immediate credential benefits

This carefully designed program delivers the perfect blend of technical depth and leadership breadth, preparing graduates to excel in an engineering landscape where both technical expertise and management acumen are increasingly essential.

Program Rankings and Recognition

NC State University is widely recognized for its excellence in engineering education, ranking No. 27 (tie) out of 199 in Best Engineering Schools according to U.S. News & World Report. This prestigious ranking underscores the quality and value of the MEM program.

Next Steps

Are you ready to advance your engineering career into leadership? Explore NC State's Master of Engineering Management program today. Whether you prefer on-campus engagement or the flexibility of online learning, this program is designed to accommodate your professional needs while preparing you for career advancement.

Visit NC State's MEM program website to learn more and begin your application.

Sources

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

2 https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/north-carolina-state-university-at-raleigh-02132

Additional Sources

• https://mem.grad.ncsu.edu/engineering-management-programs/online-programs/
• https://catalog.ncsu.edu/graduate/engineering/engineering-management/#coursestext
• https://applygrad.ncsu.edu/apply/
• https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/finances/tuition-and-fees/tuition-and-fee-rates/online-and-distance-education/#ncst-accordion-item-heading-20
• https://grad.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/2.3_Grad-School-Admissions.pdf
• https://mem.grad.ncsu.edu/faq/
• https://catalog.ncsu.edu/graduate/

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on North Carolina State University's website, April 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.