University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Designed for working STEM professionals aiming to enhance their leadership and management skills within a technical field, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program is a fully online program with no thesis requirement. The program requirements feature a blend of engineering and business courses, a balance designed to provide graduates with the business acumen necessary to excel in dynamic engineering environments. The curriculum is tailored for working professionals, and is designed to help students apply the new knowledge they acquire directly to their current roles.

Program Overview

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s MEM program requires the completion of four core courses and six electives, with each course accounting for three credit hours:

• Format: 100% online, flexible asynchronous learning 
• Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework
• Duration: Accelerated eight-week sessions 
• Cost per credit: $700 per credit hour1

This structure offers flexibility for both full-time and part-time students, who can progress at a pace that suits their schedules. 

Specializations and Academic Pathways

Particularly appropriate for professionals seeking to balance their studies with ongoing career commitments, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s MEM features a combination of core and elective courses which enables students to develop expertise in areas aligning with their career goals. The core curriculum includes courses including:

• EMGT 805: Teamwork for Organizational Commitment and Collaboration
• EMGT 806: Decision and Risk Analysis
• EMGT 809: Engineering Economy for Decision Making
• EMGT 905: Strategic Management and Planning

After completing their core coursework, elective options allow students to tailor their education to specific interests, with courses like:

• EMGT 807: Project Management
• EMGT 808: Engineering Leadership
• EMGT 820: Quantitative Analysis for Engineering Management Decisions

This balance of electives and core classes ensures that all students will receive a comprehensive education in the fundamentals of engineering management, while allowing them to tailor their academic pathway to their unique professional and personal interests.

Career Outcomes

Specific post-graduation employment statistics, such as average starting salaries or employment rates, were not supplied by the university at the time of this article’s completion. However, what we can tell you is that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s program emphasizes practical application of skills, suggesting that graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in engineering and technical fields. For more detailed career outcome information, contact the university directly.

Admissions Process 

• Eligibility: A bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or a related field is expected, with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• GRE/GMAT: GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required, though applicants may submit them to supplement their application.
• Required Materials: Completed graduate school application and application fee, official transcripts from all institutions previously attended, statement of purpose, and three letters of reference 
• English Proficiency: Verification of English proficiency is required if native language is not English
• Current resume: Post-baccalaureate work experience is required with  a minimum of 2 years recommended.  
• Application Deadlines: Rolling admission; April 25th for Summer start, August 1st for Fall start, and December 1st for January start.

 Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships

Tuition for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s MEM program is $700 per credit hour for both residents and non-residents, inclusive of all fees.  Additional costs may include books and supplies, estimated between $500 and $1,500, depending on student’s preference

The program does not offer assistantships or scholarships, as it is designed for professionals who often receive tuition assistance from their employers, although there is a 15% tuition discount for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Online Experience

Designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s fully online delivery provides flexibility in scheduling with a fully online delivery of all coursework. This structure supports learning from any location on the students’ own timeline, although there are specific deadlines and due dates for completion of assignments and courses. Content is delivered with pre-recorded lectures, a variety of assignment types commensurate with the subject under study, engaging course discussions, and multiple assessment strategies relevant to the course topics. Courses are offered in 8-week sessions which are offered 5 times per year. This facilitates completion of 10 courses and degree completion  in just 2 years while being fully immersed in only one subject at a time. However, 2-year completion is not required; one may choose to graduate sooner or later than 2 years.

Program Highlights

Nebraska-Lincoln’s MEM program includes courses from the school’s MBA program, which is designed to integrate business administration insights with engineering management. Additionally, faculty members teaching at the program have substantial industry experience, which helps ensure that course content is applicable to current industry norms and challenges.

Why Choose This MEM Program

Working professionals might be drawn to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's MEM program for its flexible, fully online, asynchronous format, which allows students to balance their studies with career obligations, catching up on coursework whenever and wherever it’s the most convenient.

In addition, one of the program’s most distinctive features is its integration of engineering and business courses from the university's well regarded MBA program. This combined focus on industry specific and more general business knowledge ensures that the program provides a comprehensive education that is immediately applicable to the workplace.

Lastly, the program has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top online master's in engineering, a designation which further underscores its quality and value.

Class Profile

Specific details regarding class size, demographics, or professional backgrounds of current students are not currently available on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s website.

However, the website notes that the program is one of three institutions nationally to earn the ASEE Diversity Recognition Program’s Silver Level, which indicates that it is among the nation's leaders in inclusive excellence.

Prospective students interested in more specific information can reach out directly to the university's admissions office for more insights.

Program Rankings and Recognition

In 2025, U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Nebraska-Lincoln #5 in Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs, and #4 in Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs for Veterans2, and #11 in Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management Specialty These rankings reflect the program's strong reputation in the world of engineering management education, and reflect a commitment to excellence.

Next Steps

With multiple start dates throughout the year and a streamlined online application process, applying to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's MEM program could be a natural next step in your professional journey. Visit the program's admissions page for information or to begin your application.

Sources

1. https://online.unl.edu/major/graduate/master-engineering-management/ 
2. https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-nebraska-lincoln-181464/rankings 

Disclaimer

All information about this program was found on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s 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 via Kayla Person, Director of Graduate Programs, at kperson4@unl.edu or 402-472-7079.