University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program designed to equip engineers with the leadership and decision-making skills necessary to oversee complex projects from inception to completion. This program is ideal for individuals holding an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related discipline who aspire to advance into managerial roles within the engineering sector. Through access to cutting-edge research, strategic partnerships, and experienced faculty, students develop the competencies required to drive innovation and effectively manage engineering processes.

Program Overview

The UCF MSEM program is centered on practical application, equipping graduates with the necessary skills to manage complex systems, optimize processes, and lead teams in diverse engineering settings.

• Format: 100% online, allowing for full- or part-time study
• Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework
• Duration: The program can be completed in as little as two years.
• Cost: $327 per credit hour (in-state), $1,151 per credit hour (out-of-state)

Specializations and Academic Pathways

The MSEM degree focuses on effective decision-making and leadership in engineering and technology-driven organizations. The MSEM program offers both thesis and non-thesis options. 

• Thesis Option: Requires students to conduct independent research, write, and defend a thesis, along with additional elective coursework.
• Non-Thesis Option: Focuses on applied learning, requiring additional coursework and a capstone project, where students demonstrate their ability to solve real-world engineering management challenges.

Both options require 30 credit hours beyond a bachelor’s degree. At least half of the regular coursework (including thesis hours) must be at the 6000 level.

Both specializations require the following six core courses:

• EIN 5140 – Project Engineering 
• ESI 6551 – Systems Architecting 
• EIN 6357 – Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis 
• EIN 5108 – The Environment of Technical Organizations
• EIN 6370 – Innovation in Engineering Design
• EIN 6182 – Engineering Management

Concentration Courses:

• EIN 5108 – The Environment of Technical Organizations
• EIN 6370 – Innovation in Engineering Design
• EIN 6182 – Engineering Management

Thesis Option:

Thesis students must complete an independent research project and then write and successfully defend their thesis. Furthermore, an additional six credit hours of electives are required beyond the 18 credit hours of required courses.

Non-Thesis Option:

Non-thesis students must take six additional credit hours of electives, as well as the Capstone Course.

• EIN 6950 – Industrial and Systems Engineering Capstone

These courses are designed to integrate engineering principles with management practices, providing experiential learning through case studies and project-based assignments that mirror real-world challenges.

Additionally, the Professional Project & Systems Engineering (PP&SE) Track is a specialized option within UCF’s MSEM program that is designed for professionals seeking expertise in systems engineering, project management, and technical leadership. This cohort-based track follows a structured curriculum that integrates key areas such as technology strategy, systems architecting, innovation in engineering design, and engineering management. While the program’s website outlines these focus areas, specific course listings and descriptions are not currently available online. For the most up-to-date curriculum details, students are encouraged to consult the UCF Graduate Catalog or contact the program’s academic advisor.

Graduate Certificates

Online engineering programs offer graduate certificates, which are focused sets of courses, typically 12 to 18 credit hours in length, designed for those holding a bachelor's degree. Students can earn these credentials by completing a specified sequence of courses, often within a year. Graduate certificates are an ideal choice for students looking for a shorter, more targeted program than a full master's degree.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from the UCF MSEM program find opportunities across a wide spectrum of sectors. Many pursue advanced degrees, while others join leading companies in Aerospace and Defense (including Lockheed Martin and Boeing), Energy (such as Siemens), Entertainment (like Disney), Consulting (including Accenture and Deloitte), and Healthcare (such as Advent Health). The program also empowers graduates to become entrepreneurs.

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: A bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or a closely related field with a GPA of 3.0 or greater. Prerequisite coursework includes Mathematics through Calculus II (or equivalent) and an undergraduate course in engineering probability and statistics. Familiarity with at least one programming language is also expected.
• GRE: Not required
• Required Materials: Official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, resume, and a goal statement
• Application Deadlines: Submit applications by July 1 for the Fall semester and December 1 for the Spring semester.
• Graduation: GPA of 3.0 (cumulative) on a 4.0 scale on graduate credit courses to receive a MSEM degree 

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

The tuition cost for the MSEM program is $327 per credit hour (in-state), $1,151 per credit hour (out-of-state). 

UCF offers College of Graduate Studies Fellowships, awarding over $2 million annually to recognize the impressive achievements and future potential of graduate students. These fellowships are generally for incoming, full-time degree-seeking students, and eligibility requires a complete application for admission by the Fall Priority Deadline (details on the UCF Graduate Studies website). Students are also encouraged to explore additional fellowship opportunities within their specific college or department and to search for external funding sources.

Online Experience

UCF's Center for Online and Virtual Education (COVE) provides convenient and timely online engineering education for students facing time or distance challenges. Lectures are captured via Panopto and accessible through myUCF or Webcourses.

Faculty

Graduate Faculty at UCF hold multi-year affiliations and are qualified to teach graduate courses, serve on thesis and dissertation committees, and chair master’s thesis committees. All committee members and chairs must be approved by the student’s graduate program committee.

Program Highlights

UCF's online MSEM program provides convenient learning through accessible online courses, allowing students to manage their schedules. Instruction is led by knowledgeable faculty with practical experience in the engineering field. A key feature is the elimination of the GRE requirement for applicants. 

Why Choose This MSEM Program?

A key advantage of the UCF MSEM program is its flexible, fully online structure, designed to accommodate the schedules of working professionals. The curriculum focuses on imparting practical skills relevant to the engineering field, taught by instructors who bring valuable industry experience. The program's design also allows for completion within a two-year timeframe, facilitating quicker career progression.

Class Profile

Although detailed class demographics are not provided, given the program's focus on engineering management and admission requirements, it's expected that UCF MSEM students typically come from backgrounds in engineering and other technical sectors.

Program Rankings and Recognition

UCF's College of Engineering and Computer Science is nationally recognized, with the university ranked No. 73 (tie) out of 199 in Best Engineering Schools by U.S. News & World Report.1 

Next Steps

Ready to lead in engineering? Explore UCF's MSEM program and apply now through the College of Graduate Studies portal to blend your technical skills with management acumen.

Sources

1https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/university-of-central-florida-02045?utm

Additional Sources

• https://www.ucf.edu/online/degree/engineering-management-m-s/
• https://www.usf.edu/engineering/imse/documents/msem-brochure-2015.pdf
• https://applynow.graduate.ucf.edu/apply/
• https://studentaccounts.ucf.edu/tf-graduate/
• https://graduate.ucf.edu/application-deadlines-and-requirements/masters/2025/
• https://graduate.ucf.edu/faq/
• https://www.ucf.edu/catalog/graduate/#/programs/ByfXs0gOiu?bc=true&bcCurrent=Engineering%20Management%20MSEM&bcGroup=College%20of%20Engineering%20and%20Computer%20Science&bcItemType=programs

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on the University of Central Florida 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 university directly at gradadmissions@ucf.edu.