The Ohio State University

Engineering managers bridge technical expertise with business acumen, enabling organizations to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures. The Ohio State University's online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program prepares engineers and technical professionals to take on leadership roles by providing a unique interdisciplinary education. Through a collaborative curriculum offered jointly by the College of Engineering, the Fisher College of Business, and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, students develop the comprehensive skill set needed to lead in today's complex technological landscape while maintaining the flexibility to advance their careers without interruption.

Program Overview

The MEM program at Ohio State offers a flexible structure designed to accommodate working professionals while providing rigorous, relevant education.

• Format: 100% online, asynchronous learning
• Credits: 30 credit hours
• Duration: Typically completed in 2-3 years
• Cost: $1,099.98 per credit hour (includes instructional and general fees)

This program is accessible to professionals with various backgrounds, though an undergraduate degree in engineering and at least one year of professional experience are recommended. The curriculum balances technical knowledge with essential management principles to prepare graduates for leadership roles in engineering contexts.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

The MEM program's interdisciplinary curriculum draws from engineering management, business, and public policy to create well-rounded technical leaders. Core courses include:

• ENGR 6240: Operational Excellence for Engineers
  Focuses on integrating operational excellence principles, lean leadership strategies, and process improvement methodologies
• ENGR 6210: Leadership and Team Effectiveness
  Explores effective leadership and management at the team level, emphasizing collaboration and achieving objectives without relying on positional authority
• ENGR 6220: Financial and Managerial Accounting for Engineers
  Introduces financial and managerial accounting principles tailored for engineering contexts

This multidisciplinary approach ensures graduates can navigate both the technical and managerial aspects of complex engineering initiatives.

Career Outcomes

While specific employment statistics are not detailed in available sources, the MEM program prepares graduates for leadership positions across various engineering and technology sectors. The program's focus on operational excellence, leadership, and financial management develops competencies that are highly valued in industries ranging from manufacturing to consulting.

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 The MEM program's curriculum aligns with the skills needed for these lucrative positions, making it a strategic investment for career advancement.

As Michael Martino, a program student, attests: ""The Online MEM program has enabled my professional career to move further along than any other form of training. The MEM program at OSU has given real-life scenarios and objectives to see what it truly means to lead projects and people.""

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: Completed bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Recommended: Engineering background and at least one year of professional experience (not mandatory)

For detailed information about application requirements and deadlines, prospective students can visit the Ohio State Online application portal.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

The MEM program's tuition is $1,099.98 per credit hour, which includes both instructional and general fees. This brings the total program cost to approximately $32,999.40 for the 30-credit program.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact Ohio State's financial aid office for information about available assistance options, as specific details about scholarships or other financial support are not provided in available sources.

Online Experience

The MEM program offers a fully online, asynchronous learning environment that provides maximum flexibility for working professionals:

• Students can access course materials and complete assignments on their own schedules
• The asynchronous format eliminates the need to log in at specific times, accommodating diverse work schedules and time zones
• Digital resources and support services ensure a comprehensive educational experience
• The program leverages technology to facilitate collaboration among students despite physical distance

This approach allows professionals to advance their education without sacrificing their career progression or personal commitments.

Why Choose This MEM Program?

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

• Unparalleled Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The program uniquely combines expertise from three prestigious colleges—Engineering, Business, and Public Affairs—creating a truly comprehensive approach to engineering management education
• Flexible Online Format: The asynchronous delivery model allows professionals to advance their education without career interruption
• Practical Application Focus: Curriculum emphasizes real-world scenarios and objectives, ensuring skills can be immediately applied in professional contexts
• Institutional Excellence: Ohio State Online is ranked #1 among Ohio's public colleges and #5 among the best online undergraduate programs2
• Balance of Technical and Managerial Skills: The program maintains technical engineering foundations while building essential leadership capabilities
• Distinguished Faculty: Courses are taught by experts from three respected colleges, providing diverse perspectives and cutting-edge knowledge

This thoughtfully designed program offers the perfect combination of accessibility, academic rigor, and practical relevance for engineers aiming to advance into leadership roles.

Program Rankings and Recognition

While specific rankings for the MEM program are not mentioned in available sources, Ohio State Online is recognized for its excellence, being ranked #1 among Ohio's public colleges and #13 among the best online engineering management programs.2 These accolades reflect the university's commitment to delivering high-quality online education across its programs.

Next Steps

Take the next step in advancing your engineering career by exploring The Ohio State University's online Master of Engineering Management program. This flexible, interdisciplinary program equips you with the skills needed to lead technical teams and projects in today's complex business environment.

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

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

2https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/the-ohio-state-university-OENG0094/engineering

Additional Sources

• https://online.osu.edu/program/mem
• https://online.osu.edu/masters-degree/master-engineering-management/#curriculum
• https://online.osu.edu/apply-now/
• https://online.osu.edu/masters-degree/master-engineering-management/#tuition
• https://online.osu.edu/masters-degree/master-engineering-management/#admission-criteria
• https://online.osu.edu/discover-us/frequently-asked-questions/
• https://registrar.osu.edu/media/kjqfjcvw/course-offerings-bulletin-2024-2025-final.pdf

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on The Ohio 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.