Syracuse University

As technology continues to transform industries, the demand for professionals who can lead engineering teams and manage technical projects is growing. Syracuse University’s Master of Science in Engineering Management (MS EM) program is designed to meet that need by equipping engineers and scientists with the managerial and analytical skills necessary to advance in leadership roles. The program combines technical rigor with business acumen, making it particularly relevant for professionals looking to bridge the gap between engineering practice and organizational strategy.

Program Overview

Syracuse University’s MS EM program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed for technical professionals seeking leadership advancement in complex, engineering-driven environments. The program integrates foundational engineering knowledge with business-oriented coursework in areas like project management, operations, data analytics, and legal issues in engineering.

This 30-credit program is structured for working professionals and full-time students alike. The fully online delivery model includes real-time instruction and interactive modules, allowing students to complete coursework from anywhere while maintaining professional commitments.

Program Structure 

• Credits: 30 total credit hours, including 10 courses and a required zero-credit exit paper
• Course Level: At least 18 credits must be at the 600 level or above
• Duration: Most students complete the program in 18 to 24 months, with part-time and full-time options available
• GPA: At least a 3.0 to graduate the program 
• Delivery Format: 100% online with live virtual sessions, recorded lectures, and collaborative assignments
• Start Dates: Enrollment is offered three times per year — January (spring), May (summer), and August (fall)

The program is administered through Syracuse’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, a unit known for interdisciplinary research and its commitment to applied learning.

Curriculum and Area of Focus 

The MS EM program blends coursework in engineering fundamentals with a strong emphasis on leadership, operations, and organizational strategy. Required and elective topics may include:

• Engineering economics and cost analysis
• Statistical methods and quality control
• Financial management for engineers
• Legal issues in engineering
• Information systems and technology management
• Innovation and project lifecycle management

Students can customize their education by choosing electives that align with their industry or professional focus, such as supply chain management, business analytics, systems integration, or sustainability.

The program culminates in a zero-credit exit paper or capstone, designed to demonstrate the student’s ability to apply key concepts to a problem or case in engineering management.

Online Learning Experience

The program is structured to support remote learners without compromising academic quality. Features of the online format include:

• Live class sessions for real-time engagement and discussion
• Asynchronous lectures for flexible access
• Small class sizes that support individual attention
• Technical and academic support services available throughout the term
• Group projects and peer collaboration to simulate professional engineering environments

Students also have access to Syracuse University’s virtual library resources, academic advising, and career development tools.

Career Outcomes

The MS EM degree is designed to support career growth into leadership roles where both technical knowledge and management strategy are essential. While Syracuse does not publish specific outcome statistics for the program, graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as:

• Engineering Manager
• Project Manager or Program Manager
• Operations Manager
• Systems Engineer
• Technical Product Manager
• Quality Control Supervisor

Graduates often go on to work in industries such as defense, transportation, manufacturing, healthcare technology, infrastructure, and software.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of architectural and engineering managers is projected to grow 4% between 2022 and 2032, with a median salary of $167,740 as of 2024.1

Admissions Requirements

• Academic Background: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or a related technical field
• Minimum GPA: 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• GRE Requirement: Not required
• Required Materials:
  
  
  • Transcripts (unofficial copies accepted for initial review)
  • CollegeNet Graduation Application
  • $85.00 non-refundable application fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Current résumé or CV
  • 500-word personal statement outlining professional and academic goals

Application Deadlines

• Spring Term: November 15
• Summer Term: March 15
• Fall Term: July 1

Applicants are encouraged to submit materials early to allow time for processing and review.

Tuition and Financial Support

While exact tuition rates for the MS EM program are not published on the university website, graduate tuition at Syracuse generally ranges from $1,600 to $1,800 per credit hour, placing the estimated total cost of the program between $48,000 and $54,000 (Syracuse Tuition Info).

Financial aid options include:

• Federal student aid (for eligible U.S. students)
• Merit-based scholarships
• Veterans’ and military education benefits
• Employer tuition assistance and reimbursement

Students are encouraged to contact the Syracuse Financial Aid Office for detailed and updated information.

Rankings and Institutional Recognition

• U.S. News & World Report (2025): #73 among National Universities and #111 in Best Engineering Schools2,3
• Carnegie Classification: R1 – Doctoral Universities with very high research activity4
• ABET Accreditation: The College of Engineering and Computer Science holds ABET accreditation for relevant programs

These recognitions underscore the academic quality and research environment supporting the MS EM program.

Additional Opportunities

At this time, the university does not list any formal joint degrees or graduate certificates affiliated with the MS EM program. However, Syracuse offers a wide range of graduate programs in fields like data science, information systems, and public administration that may complement the engineering management degree.

Students may inquire with program staff or advisors to explore additional course pairing or certification options based on professional goals.

Next Steps

The MS EM program at Syracuse University offers a flexible and comprehensive path for technical professionals aiming to grow into leadership roles. By combining engineering principles with advanced management training, the program prepares graduates to lead projects, teams, and innovation in a broad range of industries.

To learn more or to start your application, visit the MS in Engineering Management Program page and the application portal.

Sources

1. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm
2. https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/national-universities?_sort=rank&_sortDirection=asc
3. https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/syracuse-university-02128
4. https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/institution/syracuse-university/

Additional Sources

• https://ecs.syracuse.edu/academics/mechanical-and-aerospace-engineering/programs/engineering-management-online-master-program
• http://coursecatalog.syr.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=39&poid=19687&returnto=4866&_gl=1*gxwx5i*_gcl_au*MTc0MzQ0MDI3NS4xNzM5MjE4ODY0*_ga*NzU5NDIzNDY4LjE3MzkyMTg4NjQ.*_ga_QT13NN6N9S*MTczOTIxODg2NC4xLjEuMTczOTIxODk0Ny40NS4wLjA.
• https://graduate.admissions.go.syr.edu/apply/?sr=dd2ee3fb-5a7c-463d-bb09-2741b0fbbdfe&_gl=1*teyb3t*_gcl_au*MTc0MzQ0MDI3NS4xNzM5MjE4ODY0*_ga*NzU5NDIzNDY4LjE3MzkyMTg4NjQ.*_ga_QT13NN6N9S*MTczOTIxODg2NC4xLjEuMTczOTIxOTIzOC41OS4wLjA.
• https://www.syracuse.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-fees/graduate-costs/
• https://professionalstudies.syracuse.edu/apply/?_gl=1*ppyvok*_gcl_au*MTc0MzQ0MDI3NS4xNzM5MjE4ODY0
• https://ecs.syracuse.edu/admissions/graduate/faqs
• http://coursecatalog.syr.edu/index.php

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on Syracuse University’s Master of Science in Engineering Management website, May 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 at 315-443-2545.