South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

The Master of Science in Engineering Management program at the South Dakota Mines is designed for engineers, scientists, and technical professionals looking to move into leadership and management roles. Offered entirely online, the program combines engineering knowledge with key business and organizational strategies, preparing graduates to solve complex challenges while guiding high-performance teams in technical environments.

Program Overview

South Dakota Mines’ MS EM program equips professionals with both the technical perspective and the business acumen needed to lead in today’s innovation-driven industries. With a fully online format and a curriculum grounded in practical, applicable skills, the program is ideal for working professionals balancing career and education.

• Format: 100% online
• Credits: 30 credit hours
• Duration: Typically 2–3 years (part-time pacing available)
• Cost: Tuition is $470.45 per credit for online graduate students (2024–25)

Designed to be flexible and accessible, the program provides working engineers with a clear path toward leadership and management without stepping away from their current careers.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

While the MS EM program does not offer formal concentrations, its curriculum is highly customizable, allowing students to tailor their experience to match specific career goals. Students select from a blend of engineering management core courses and electives.

Core Courses Include:

• Engineering Management & Labor Relations
• Project Management
• Advanced Engineering Economics
• Advanced Productivity Engineering
• Management and Technology
• Operations Planning

Electives May Include:

• Risk Analysis
• Decision and Risk Theory
• Systems Engineering and Analysis
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• Innovation and Commercialization

A full breakdown of the curriculum is available in the online academic catalog. Students are encouraged to work with their advisor to shape a course plan aligned with their professional interests.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MS EM program are prepared to assume leadership roles in engineering, technology, and business operations across a variety of sectors, including:

• Aerospace and defense
• Energy and utilities
• Manufacturing and production
• Healthcare technology
• Government and military agencies

Common job titles include:

• Engineering Manager
• Project Manager
• Technical Operations Lead
• Product Development Manager
• Director of Engineering Services

This program is well-suited for professionals transitioning from purely technical roles to broader organizational responsibilities that require decision-making, budgeting, and personnel management.

Admissions Process

Prospective students can begin their application through the graduate admissions portal.

Eligibility:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical field from an accredited institution
• Recommended GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application
• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Statement of purpose
• Current résumé or CV
• Two letters of recommendation
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international students)

For full admissions guidelines, visit the graduate admissions requirements page.

GRE scores are not required.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Tuition for the online MS EM program is competitive, especially for out-of-state students:

• Cost: $470.45 per credit hour
• Estimated Total Cost: $14,113.50 for the 30-credit program

Graduate students may be eligible for financial aid, employer tuition reimbursement, or military education benefits. Admitted students can find further resources on the Graduate Student Information page.

Online Experience

The MS EM program at South Dakota Mines is delivered asynchronously through a user-friendly learning management system. Students can access lectures, participate in discussion boards, and complete assignments on a schedule that fits their lifestyle. Online students receive the same high-quality instruction and advising as on-campus students, with dedicated faculty support and access to university resources.

Faculty

Courses are taught by faculty members with extensive academic credentials and industry experience in engineering management, systems design, operations, and leadership. The small class sizes ensure personalized feedback and a collaborative learning experience.

Program Highlights

• Fully online and flexible for working professionals
• Affordable tuition and no residency requirement
• Practical, industry-relevant curriculum
• No GRE required for admission
• Strong faculty support and advising
• Curriculum tailored for career advancement in engineering, technology, and business environments

Why Choose This MS EM Program?

The MS EM program at South Dakota Mines is designed with the working engineer in mind. With its flexible online delivery, affordable cost, and emphasis on real-world application, the program enables technical professionals to take the next step in their careers without interrupting their current roles. It’s particularly appealing to engineers transitioning into leadership or strategic planning positions in both private and public sectors.

Class Profile

While class demographic details are not published, the program attracts engineers and scientists from a wide range of industries and geographic locations. Many students are mid-career professionals looking to broaden their managerial scope and apply their technical knowledge in more strategic roles.

Program Rankings and Recognition

South Dakota Mines is consistently ranked high among universities in the region, recognized for academic rigor, value, and strong job placement outcomes. Its graduate programs in engineering and management are respected by employers and supported by a close-knit, outcomes-focused academic community.1

Next Steps

Ready to grow your leadership potential in engineering? Start your application to the MS in Engineering Management program at South Dakota Mines today. The fully online format, industry-relevant curriculum, and affordable tuition make it a smart choice for ambitious professionals.

Visit the application portal to begin.

Sources

1. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/south-dakota-school-of-mines-3470

Additional Sources

• https://www.sdsmt.edu/distanceEM/
• https://ecatalog.sdsmt.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=34&poid=3804&returnto=12237
• https://www.sdsmt.edu/admissions-aid/graduateadmissions/graduate-application.html#
• https://www.sdsmt.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-fees/index.html
• https://www.sdsmt.edu/admissions-aid/graduateadmissions/graduate-requirements.html
• https://www.sdsmt.edu/i-am-a/admitted-student/graduate.html
• https://ecatalog.sdsmt.edu/

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