Purdue University

Purdue University's online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program is taught in partnership with Indiana University’s business school, enabling them to offer a blend of technical expertise and high level business and managerial knowledge. The program is tailored for engineers aiming to elevate their careers by integrating technical expertise with leadership and management skills. Designed for those seeking roles that bridge engineering and executive functions, this program offers a comprehensive curriculum that prepares graduates to tackle complex engineering challenges while effectively leading teams and projects.

Program Overview

The MEM program at Purdue is structured to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, providing flexibility for professionals, and adheres to the following format:

• Format: Fully online, offering working students the flexibility of distance education and allowing them to study at their convenience and from any location.

• Credits: The Interdisciplinary Engineering (MSE or MS) degree requires a total of 30 credit hours with at least 18 hours of Purdue, graduate level, engineering courses. The ENML concentration requires 3 additional credits for a total of 33 credit hours (21 credit hours from Purdue and 12 credit hours of transfer credits from IU).

• Duration: Students can complete their coursework on their own time, and own pace, with no specific duration listed on the program website.

• Cost:$420 per credit hour

Specializations and Academic Pathways

Purdue’s online MEM features a wide variety of course options, allowing students to create a highly personalized pathway that reflects their individual interests and career goals. All students must fulfil a certain number of credit requirements in these areas of study:

• Systems design and development: 9 credit hours
• Indiana University business management courses: 12 credit hours
• Alternate engineering courses: 9 credit hours
• Elective courses: 3 credit hours

Career Outcomes

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the engineering management field is projected to grow 6% from 2020 to 2030, offering 140,000 new job opportunities.1 Purdue’s MEM program draws on insights from various engineering disciplines and equips graduates with a large toolbox of practical skills that will set them apart from the competition. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Purdue's career services or the MEM program office for detailed career outcome data.

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: The Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) degree is available to applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree in Engineering.

The Master of Science (MS) degree is available to applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree that is not in Engineering, such as Engineering Technology, science, mathematics or other related areas.

• GPA:Minimum grade point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher, including successful completion of Calculus I, Calculus II, and Linear Algebra or Differential Equations. 

• GRE/GMAT: GRE and GMAT scores are not required.

• Required Materials: A two page resume or CV, two statements of purpose, one about your academic and one about your personal history, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and the nonrefundable application fee. Applicants whose undergraduate degree is not in Engineering must submit a completed math prerequisites checklist.

• Application Deadlines: 
• Fall: August 1 
• Spring: December 1 
• Summer: May 1

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

With 30 required credits at a cost of $420 per credit hour, the Purdue University online MEM program costs $12,600 total to complete. Information regarding financial aid, scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships specific to the MEM program is not detailed in the provided sources. Prospective students should explore Purdue's financial aid resources or contact the financial aid office for opportunities to support their education.

Online Experience

Thanks to Purdue’s 100% online instruction methods, students can fit their class attendance to their schedule, learning on their own time when their schedules permit, delivering the convenience working students rely on. While few details available about the specific mechanisms of the program’s online delivery were available on Purdue’s website, they emphasized their online program’s convenience and ease of participation.

Program Highlights

Purdue’s online MEM program emphasizes experiential learning through direct engagement with faculty and industry professionals. While specific details about online course availability, leadership seminars, or networking events are not provided in the current sources, the program's structure supports immersive learning experiences designed to prepare students for leadership roles in engineering sectors.

Why Choose This MEM Program

Purdue's MEM program stands out due to its integration of engineering and management education within a leading engineering institution. 

The online format fosters a collaborative learning environment, allowing students to benefit from seamless interactions with experienced faculty and industry professionals on their own time and schedule. 

This immersive approach equips graduates with the practical skills and leadership acumen necessary to excel in technical management roles.

Program Rankings and Recognition

Purdue University’s online Master's in Engineering Management program is ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report.2 

Next Steps

The top ranked online program in the country, Purdue’s MEM is an ideal fit for working professionals seeking a high quality online 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.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm 
2. https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/purdue-university-main-campus-OENG0108/engineering 

Additional Sources

• https://engineering.purdue.edu/ProEd/programs/masters-degrees/interdisciplinary-engineering/engineering-management-leadership
• https://engineering.purdue.edu/online/programs/masters-degrees/interdisciplinary-engineering/engineering-management-leadership
• https://gradapply.purdue.edu/apply/
• https://www.purdue.edu/treasurer/finance//bursar-office/tuition/fee-rates-2024-2025/graduate-tuition-and-fees-2024-2025/
• https://engineering.purdue.edu/online/programs/masters-degrees/interdisciplinary-engineering/admissions
• https://www.purdue.edu/treasurer/finance/bursar-office/bursar-faqs/frequently-asked-questions/
• https://catalog.purdue.edu/?_gl=1*1epa4cy*_gcl_au*MTA1ODg2ODI3MC4xNzM4NjEyOTg4*_ga*MTgzNzE5NzU1OC4xNzM4NjEyOTg4*_ga_R2DXS2TQZ8*MTczOTczNDI3NC4yLjEuMTczOTczNDM4Ny44LjAuMA..

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on the Purdue 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 +1 (765) 494-3975, or emailing future-engineers@purdue.edu.