University of South Florida (USF)

The University of South Florida's (USF) Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program aims to give engineers the key management skills they need to lead in today's tech-heavy industries. By mixing advanced engineering with essential business ideas, the program gets professionals ready to manage projects well, come up with new processes, and help their organizations succeed. It's a great fit for engineers looking to move into leadership or boost their management skills in technical fields.

Program Overview

The MSEM program at USF is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and decision-making skills in technical environments. This interdisciplinary program equips graduates with the expertise to bridge the gap between engineering innovation and effective organizational management, preparing them to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

• Format: In-person or online, allowing for full- or part-time study
• Credits: 30 credit hours of coursework
• Duration: Designed to be completed in two years
• Cost: $467 per credit hour (in-state), $913 per credit hour (out-of-state)

This program is tailored for working engineers seeking an advanced education to equip them for leadership roles. It focuses on actionable knowledge and skills that can make an immediate impact in the workplace.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

The MSEM curriculum encompasses a blend of required core courses and elective options, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests. The three pathways are General, Quantitative, and Workforce Management.

All specializations require the following four core courses:

• EIN 5182 – Principles of Engineering Management  
• EIN 6386 – Management of Technological Change  
• EIN 5350 – Technology & Finance  
• EIN 6183 – Engr. Mgmt. Policy & Strategies (Capstone) 

In addition to the core courses, each academic option requires one additional core course as shown below: 

Quantitative Option

This option is ideal for those interested in data-driven decision-making, operations research, and statistical modeling, equipping graduates with analytical skills for optimizing engineering processes.

One quantitative core course must be selected from the following three courses:  

• ESI 5306 – Operations Research for Engineering Managers  
• ESI 6247 – Statistical Design Models  
• EIN 6934 – Engineering Analytics 1

Workforce Management Option

This option focuses on human factors, organizational leadership, and productivity engineering, making it a strong choice for professionals aiming to enhance team dynamics and workplace efficiency in technical environments.

One quantitative core course must be selected from the following two courses:

• EIN 6108 – Engineering Management: Human Relations  
• EIN 6319 Work Design & Productivity Engineering 

Elective courses offer opportunities to delve into areas such as Systems Integration, Computer Simulation, Technical Entrepreneurship, Project Management, and more, enabling students to acquire industry-specific skills. The program emphasizes experiential learning through case studies and projects that mirror real-world engineering management challenges. Students must complete four elective courses. 

Elective course options:

• EIN 6518 – Systems Integration 
• ESI 5522 – Computer Simulation 
• ESI 6213 – Stochastic Decision Models 
• EIN 6324 – Engr. the Supply Chain  
• ESI 6491 – Linear Programming & Network Optimization 
• EIN 6154 – Technical Entrepreneurship 
• EIN 6935 – Strategic Market Assessment 
• EIN 6392 – New Product Development 
• EIN 6934 – Technical Venture Strategies 
• EIN 6935 – Venture Capital & Private Equity 
• EIN 6430 – Overview of Regulated Industries (
• EIN 6435 – International Regulations for Medical Devices 
• EIN 6936 – Human Error & Patient Safety 
• EIN 5174 – Total Quality Mgmt Concepts  
• EIN 6178 – ISO 9000/14000
• EIN 6935 – Lean Six Sigma 
• EIN 6936 – Advanced Lean Six Sigma 
• ESI 5236 – Reliability Engineering 
• EIN 6215 – Systems Safety Engineering 
• EIN 6216 – Occupational Safety Engineering 
• EIN 6217 – Construction Safety Engineering 
• EIN 6106 – Technology and Law 
• EIN 6145 – Project Management 
• EIN 5201 – Creativity in Technology 

Graduate Certificates

The Industrial and Management Systems Engineering (IMSE) department at USF offers graduate certificates in Total Quality Management (15 credit hours), Technology Management (15 credit hours), and Systems Engineering (12 credit hours). These certificates are available both on USF’s Tampa campus and online, providing flexibility for working professionals. Individuals do not need to be enrolled in a specific graduate program at USF to pursue a certificate. Students who wish to apply certificate courses toward a graduate degree program, such as the MSEM, should consult with the department for approval. Certificate courses may qualify as electives within the MSEM program, provided they meet the program’s requirements and receive approval from the program director.

Career Outcomes

Graduates can anticipate roles such as engineering managers, project managers, operations managers, and consultants across industries like manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and construction. The program's focus on both technical and managerial skills positions alumni for leadership roles in diverse engineering fields.

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: A Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from a regionally accredited institution. Degrees in other technical fields may be considered individually. A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study is required. At least two years of work experience in engineering or management. Without this experience, one or two semesters of internship may be required.
• GRE: GRE scores are required, with minimums of 156 in quantitative and 146 in verbal sections. The GRE may be waived for applicants to the Accelerated Program.
• Required Materials: Online application, transcripts, a resume and a letter of recommendation
• English Proficiency: International applicants must have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79.
• Application Deadlines: February 15 for Fall admission, September 15 for Spring, and January 15 for Summer
• 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 $467 per credit hour (in-state), $913 per credit hour (out-of-state).

USF offers competitive tuition rates and has been recognized for its affordability. While the department does not provide financial support or tuition waivers specifically for master's students, graduate students can explore assistantships and various scholarships offered through the USF Foundation. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is recommended to determine eligibility for financial aid programs.

Online Experience

While specific details about the online delivery format of the MSEM program are not readily available, USF provides various online academic programs across different disciplines.

Faculty

The MSEM program is supported by a diverse team of faculty members specializing in various aspects of engineering management and systems engineering. Patricia Anzalone, serving as the Program Director, brings expertise in engineering management, human-machine systems engineering, quality and continuous improvement, and safety engineering.

Program Highlights

The MSEM program at USF offers a robust learning environment with accessible faculty and support staff, ensuring a supportive and engaging experience. Students benefit from leadership seminars, industry networking events, and potential internship opportunities, all of which help build valuable connections with the engineering sector and provide insights into current market trends.

Why Choose This MSEM Program?

USF's MSEM program stands out due to its flexible design, accommodating both full-time students and working professionals. The curriculum's integration of engineering and management disciplines ensures graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles. Strong industry partnerships and a focus on experiential learning provide students with practical insights and networking opportunities, enhancing their career prospects.

Class Profile

Specific details on the USF MSEM class are not available. However, with admission requiring two years of professional work experience and an engineering or related undergraduate degree, the program enrolls experienced professionals with technical backgrounds.

Program Rankings and Recognition

U.S. News & World Report ranks USF’s engineering graduate programs 93rd among engineering schools.1 

Next Steps

Ready to lead in engineering management? Explore USF's MSEM program here and take the next step in your career.

Sources

1https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/university-of-south-florida-02048

Additional Sources

• https://www.usf.edu/engineering/imse/graduate/msem.aspx
• https://www.usf.edu/engineering/imse/documents/msem-degree-rqmts.pdf
• https://secure.vzcollegeapp.com/usf/default.aspx
• https://www.usf.edu/admissions/graduate/admission-information/cost-of-attendance/index.aspx
• https://www.usf.edu/engineering/imse/documents/msem-admission-rqmts.pdf
• https://www.usf.edu/engineering/undergraduate/questions.aspx
• https://catalog.usf.edu/index.php?catoid=22
• https://ymgrad.com/university-of-south-florida/ms-in-engineering-management
• https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/signup

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on the University of South Florida’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 at 813-974-9478.  

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