University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Engineering management combines technical expertise with leadership skills, enabling professionals to guide complex projects and teams while maintaining their engineering foundation. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte's Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program prepares technical professionals to take on leadership roles while preserving their engineering identity. This multidisciplinary program serves as an excellent alternative to a traditional MBA for those with technical backgrounds who want to advance their careers without sacrificing their engineering principles.

Program Overview

The MSEM program at UNC Charlotte offers a flexible curriculum designed to accommodate diverse professional needs and career goals.

• Format: Available in-person, online, and hybrid formats
• Credits: 31 credit hours
• Structure: Core courses, electives, and a culminating project or thesis
• Flexibility: Full-time and part-time options available

This program is tailored for engineers and technical professionals seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities while maintaining their technical expertise. The curriculum balances advanced engineering concepts with essential management strategies to prepare graduates for today's complex technological landscape.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

UNC Charlotte's MSEM program allows students to customize their education through several concentrations:

• Energy Systems
• Lean Six Sigma
• Logistics and Supply Chains
• Systems Analytics

The core curriculum covers fundamental areas such as:

• Engineering economics
• Systems optimization
• Project management

Elective courses enable students to develop specialized expertise aligned with their career aspirations. The program emphasizes practical application through case studies and projects that simulate real-world challenges, ensuring graduates can immediately apply their knowledge in professional settings.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MSEM program are prepared for leadership positions across various sectors, including:

• Industrial firms
• Research organizations
• Consulting agencies
• Commercial enterprises

Typical roles include project management, systems engineering, operations management, and other positions requiring both technical knowledge and managerial skills. 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

While specific post-graduation statistics for UNC Charlotte's program are not detailed in available sources, the curriculum is designed to align with industry demands for technical leaders who can navigate complex organizational challenges.

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related technical or scientific field; business degree holders with relevant technical coursework may also be considered
• Prerequisites: Knowledge of engineering economics, calculus, and statistics
• GPA: Typically 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

For detailed information about application requirements, deadlines, and the application process, prospective students should visit the Graduate Admissions portal.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

Tuition for the MSEM program varies based on residency status. For the Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 academic year:

• North Carolina Residents: $256.11 per credit hour for distance education courses
• Non-Residents: $1,091.39 per credit hour for distance education courses

Additional fees include:

• Education & Technology Fee
• 49er Card Access Fee
• Safety and Security Fee
• UNC System Association Fee
• One-time Matriculation Fee of $150 for new students

Prospective students should consult UNC Charlotte's financial resources page for current information about available financial support options.

Online Experience

The MSEM program offers a dynamic learning environment for distance education students:

• Faculty members are readily accessible to support online learners
• Courses include both live sessions and recorded lectures
• Online students receive the same quality instruction and mentorship as on-campus students
• Flexible scheduling accommodates students in different time zones or with varying work schedules

This approach ensures that working professionals can pursue advanced education without compromising their current positions.

Why Choose This MEM Program?

UNC Charlotte's MSEM program stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Multidisciplinary Excellence: The program seamlessly integrates advanced engineering concepts with essential management strategies, creating well-rounded leaders who speak both languages fluently
• Unmatched Flexibility: With in-person, online, and hybrid options, students can tailor their educational experience to fit their professional and personal commitments
• Specialized Concentrations: Four distinct concentration areas allow students to develop expertise directly applicable to their career goals and industry needs
• Practical Application: The curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving through case studies and projects that simulate actual industry challenges
• Strategic Location: Charlotte's position as a major business hub provides opportunities for networking and career advancement in diverse industries

This carefully crafted program prepares graduates to bridge the gap between technical innovation and organizational leadership, positioning them for success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Next Steps

Transform your engineering career with UNC Charlotte's Master of Science in Engineering Management program. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, our flexible program options can accommodate your needs and help you achieve your career goals.

Visit UNC Charlotte's MSEM program website to learn more and begin your application today.

Sources

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

Additional Sources

• https://professional.charlotte.edu/programs/engineering-management-ms
• https://catalog.charlotte.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=39&poid=11239
• https://gradapp.charlotte.edu/portal/applications
• https://ninercentral.charlotte.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/803/2024/06/DistanceEd_Graduate_AY2425.pdf
• https://catalog.charlotte.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=39&poid=11239
• https://catalog.charlotte.edu/content.php?catoid=39&navoid=4775
• https://catalog.charlotte.edu/index.php?catoid=39

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on the University of North Carolina at Charlotte'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.

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