University of Massachusetts, Lowell

In today's complex engineering landscape, technical expertise alone is no longer sufficient for leadership roles. The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers a top-100 Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program that bridges the critical gap between engineering and business disciplines.1 Based in Lowell, Massachusetts, this innovative program equips professionals with the perfect blend of technical knowledge and management acumen needed to excel in leadership positions across diverse sectors, including design, manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chain management. With its flexible online delivery, the program serves both emerging and established professionals seeking to expand their cross-functional capabilities.

Program Overview

UMass Lowell's MSEM program offers a comprehensive educational experience designed for working professionals:

• Structure: 31 credit hours with flexible online delivery
• Duration: Completable in as little as 18 months
• Format: Fully online to accommodate professional commitments
• Cross-disciplinary Approach: Collaborative effort among the Francis College of Engineering, Manning School of Business, and Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences

This multidisciplinary program provides students with a holistic understanding of engineering management principles, creating a direct pathway to leadership roles while accommodating the demanding schedules of working professionals.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

The MSEM program offers three distinct concentrations to align with specific career aspirations:

• Design and Manufacturing: Focus on product development, design principles, and manufacturing processes
• Operations and Supply Management: Emphasis on optimizing operations, supply chains, and logistics systems
• Engineering Services/Infrastructure Management: Specialization in managing engineering projects and infrastructure systems

The core curriculum provides a strong foundation in essential engineering management principles, including engineering project management, financial analysis, and quality control. Elective options allow students to develop specialized expertise in areas such as systems engineering, risk analysis, and innovation processes, creating a customized educational experience aligned with individual career goals.

Unique Features of the MSEM Program

UMass Lowell's MSEM program offers distinctive advantages for aspiring engineering leaders:

• Completely Online Format: Access course materials and lectures at your convenience 
• Asynchronous Learning: Balance studies with professional and personal commitments 
• Supportive Learning Environment: Access to resources and faculty guidance
• Practical Application Focus: Case studies and projects reflecting real-world engineering management challenges

The program's flexible design prioritizes accessibility while maintaining educational rigor, ensuring that working professionals can advance their careers without disruption to their current roles. This approach makes quality education accessible to students regardless of geographic location or work schedule.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MSEM program are prepared to excel in leadership positions across various technical sectors. The program specifically equips students for roles such as Engineering Project Leader, Operations Manager, Product Engineering Manager, and Plant Manager across manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chain industries.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering management remains a highly rewarding career path with a median annual wage of $165,780 in 2023, with approximately 15,000 job openings projected annually through 2033.2 UMass Lowell's curriculum is carefully designed to align with current industry demands, enhancing graduates' employability and advancement opportunities in this lucrative field.

Admissions Process

Prospective students must meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, science, industrial management, or operations research
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• No GRE requirement, removing a common barrier to graduate education
• Online application through the Engineering Central Application System

With multiple start dates available throughout the year, the program accommodates diverse scheduling needs, allowing professionals to begin their educational journey at a time that works best for them.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UMass Lowell is committed to making quality education affordable:

• 2023-2024 Tuition: $16,050 for Massachusetts residents; $28,426 for out-of-state students
• Online Tuition Consistency: Same rate regardless of residency for online students 
• Financial Aid Options: Various scholarships and assistantships available
• Accessibility Focus: Multiple financial pathways to make education accessible

Prospective students are encouraged to explore the university's financial aid resources to identify the most appropriate options for their circumstances.

Why Choose This MSEM Program

UMass Lowell's MSEM program offers compelling advantages for engineers seeking to advance their careers:

• Interdisciplinary Excellence: Unique collaboration among engineering, business, and health sciences faculties
• Recognized Quality: Ranked among the Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report1
• Flexible Online Format: Complete the program entirely online without career disruption 
• Specialized Concentrations: Three distinct pathways aligned with specific industry sectors
• No GRE Requirement: Streamlined admissions process focusing on relevant qualifications

The program's combination of flexibility, recognized quality, and specialized pathways creates an ideal environment for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities while maintaining their current positions.

Class Profile

While specific demographic details aren't provided in the available sources, the program's flexible format and diverse concentration options attract students from various industries and experience levels. The online delivery method allows for a geographically diverse student body, creating a rich learning environment that incorporates multiple perspectives and professional backgrounds.

Program Rankings and Recognition

UMass Lowell's online MSEM program has received notable recognition in the academic community, including placement among the Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report.1 This accolade reflects the program's commitment to academic excellence and its growing reputation in the field of engineering management education.

Additional Opportunities

While specific dual degree offerings aren't detailed in the available sources, the program's interdisciplinary nature provides a naturally integrated educational experience. Students benefit from coursework across three distinct colleges – Engineering, Business, and Health Sciences – creating a multifaceted perspective that reflects the complexity of modern engineering management challenges.

Get Started Today

Elevate your engineering career with UMass Lowell's Master of Science in Engineering Management program. Whether you're focused on design and manufacturing, operations management, or infrastructure systems, our flexible online program provides the perfect balance of technical depth and management breadth to accelerate your professional growth.

Take the next step toward leadership excellence by exploring our program options and application process at the UMass Lowell Graduate Professional Studies website.

Sources

1 https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-massachusetts-lowell-166513/rankings 

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

Disclaimer: All information about this program was found on the University of Massachusetts Lowell's MSEM program website and related university pages in 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 program directly by contacting Graduate Professional Studies at +1 (978) 934-2474 or via email at GradApply@uml.edu.