Stanford University

Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering

At a Glance

Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering

About the program

Stanford University's Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering (MS&E) program integrates engineering, business, and public policy principles to develop leaders who can solve complex technical and organizational challenges. Available in both online and on-campus formats, this program provides working professionals the flexibility to advance their education while maintaining their careers, alongside full-time students pursuing accelerated completion paths.

Program Overview

The MS&E program prepares students to bridge the gap between technical innovation and strategic management through a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes both quantitative analysis and organizational leadership.

  • Format: Full-time and part-time options are available, with both online and on-campus learning paths. The online format is specifically designed to accommodate professionals balancing work and personal commitments.
  • Duration: Full-time students typically complete the program in 1-2 years; part-time students may take 3-5 years, depending on their course load
  • Credit Hours: 45 units total, encompassing both core courses and specialization electives
  • Curriculum Focus: Integration of quantitative analysis, optimization, and behavioral science to address technical and managerial challenges in various sectors

Specializations and Academic Pathways

Students can customize their education by choosing from eight distinct areas of specialization, each designed to address specific industry needs and career paths:

  • Computational Social Science: Advanced application of statistical and computational methods to analyze and solve complex social science problems
  • Data and Decisions: Comprehensive focus on data science, machine learning, and AI applications for strategic decision-making
  • Financial Analytics: Sophisticated analytical approaches to finance, including risk management and investment strategies
  • Operations and Analytics: In-depth study of optimization and data analysis in operations across industries
  • Technology and Engineering Management: Advanced management skills for technical organizations, including product and project management
  • Energy and Environment: Innovative strategies for sustainable energy and environmental management
  • Health Systems Modeling: Specialized application of modeling techniques to healthcare systems
  • Decision and Risk Analysis: Advanced frameworks for making decisions under uncertainty

Note: Specific course details for each specialization are not provided in the available sources.

Unique Features of the Program

    • Flexibility: Students can seamlessly switch between full-time and part-time enrollment and between on-campus and remote learning options, adapting to changing professional and personal needs
    • Honors Cooperative Program (HCP): Enables part-time or remote study while maintaining full-time employment, with full access to campus resources and networking opportunities
    • Industry Integration: Curriculum addresses both technical and behavioral challenges in organizations, emphasizing quantitative analytical skills and entrepreneurial thinking
    • Research opportunities: Engage in cutting-edge interdisciplinary research by working alongside distinguished faculty members to gain hands-on experience with real-world challenges

 Career Outcomes

The program's graduates find success across various industries and roles, with many leveraging their internship experiences into full-time positions. Notable is the program's broad industry relevance, as many graduates successfully transition into roles at organizations beyond their internship placements.

Industries:

  • Engineering & Technology: Leading companies including Amazon, Google, and Tesla
  • Finance: Prestigious firms such as Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley
  • Consulting: Top-tier organizations including Bain & Company and McKinsey & Company

Common Roles:

  • Financial Analyst
  • Product/Program/Project Manager
  • Software or Machine Learning Engineer
  • Data Scientist
  • Strategy Consultant
  • Operations Manager

This diversity in career paths underscores the program's comprehensive curriculum and its alignment with industry demands.

For a detailed breakdown of employment statistics, including specific companies and roles, prospective students can refer to the MS&E Employment Report.

Admissions Process

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, or related discipline
  • Strong academic record, particularly in quantitative subjects
  • GRE scores required (specific thresholds not specified)
  • TOEFL scores required for non-native English speakers

Application Materials:

  • Completed online application form
  • Comprehensive statement of purpose outlining academic and professional goals
  • Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended

Application Deadlines:

Applications are typically due in early December for enrollment in the following academic year. Early preparation is recommended, particularly for international applicants requiring visa processing.

Note: Specific dates and additional details are not provided in the available sources.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

While specific scholarship information is not detailed in the available sources, prospective students are encouraged to:

  • Explore employer tuition reimbursement programs
  • Investigate federal aid options
  • Contact Stanford's financial aid office for comprehensive funding information

Program Rankings and Recognition

Stanford University maintains a strong global reputation for excellence in engineering and management education. The MS&E program's interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on both technical and managerial skills contribute to its distinguished standing in higher education.

Next Steps

For more detailed information, prospective students are encouraged to visit the official program pages:

Sources

Disclaimer

All information about this program was found on Stanford University's website, as of February 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 through the MS&E department website.

Curriculum

  • Starts Per Year: 1

  • Total Number of Credits: 45

  • Months to Complete: 24 to 60

  • Term Type: Quarter

  • Delivery Modality: Online

  • On Campus Requirements: None

  • Concentrations:

  • Concentration Notes:

  • Capstone: None

Tuition

  • Cost per Credit Out of State or Online: $1,456

  • Total Out of State or Online Tuition: $65,520

  • Cost per Credit In State:

  • Total In State Tuition:

Admissions

  • Prerequisite Notes: Applicant must hold an engineering degree, or a related quantitative degree (major or minor) that includes differential calculus of several variables and linear algebra. Applicants are expected to have completed both MATH 51 Linear Algebra and Differential Calculus of Several Variables , or an equivalent multivariable differential calculus and linear algebra course(s), and CS 106A Programming Methodology, or an equivalent general programming course, before beginning graduate study. Additional course work in general programming, statistics, and economics is preferred.

  • Admission Requirements: Application Fee, GMAT Waiver, GMAT/GRE, Letters of Recommendation, Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose, Resume

  • Admission Requirements Notes: Note that while the majority of this degree can be completed remotely, this depends heavily on student's program plan, area of focus, and the course offerings for any given academic quarter.

  • Application Fee: $125

  • Type of GMAT/GRE Waiver: May request hardship exemption.

  • Minimum GMAT/GRE Score:

  • Minimum GPA:

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