The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The Master of Science in Engineering Management (MS EM) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is designed for technical professionals aiming to elevate their careers into leadership roles. Offered fully online through UT's renowned Tickle College of Engineering and UT Online, the program equips students with advanced management strategies, decision-making tools, and engineering know-how to drive innovation and operational excellence in complex organizations.

Program Overview

UT Knoxville's MS in Engineering Management combines technical and business education to prepare engineers, scientists, and technologists for leadership in project management, operations, and product development. The program is tailored for working professionals who need flexibility while pursuing an advanced degree.

• Format: 100% online 
• Credits: 30 credit hours 
• Duration: Typically 2 years 
• Cost: $700 per credit hour for in-state students; $775 per credit for out-of-state 
• Total Estimated Cost: $21,000–$23,250

This non-thesis program focuses on practical leadership and problem-solving tools essential to managing technical teams and initiatives.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

While there are no formal concentrations, UT's MS EM curriculum offers the flexibility to tailor the degree through a mix of foundational, core, and elective courses focused on strategic planning, quality improvement, and system optimization.

Core Courses Include: 

• Engineering Management Theory 
• Technical Project Management 
• Financial Management for Engineers 
• Strategic Management in Engineering 
• Statistics for Engineering Managers

Electives May Include: 

• Production and Operations Management 
• Engineering Law 
• Management of Technology 
• Systems Engineering and Analysis 
• Decision Support Systems

The full course listing is available on the program curriculum page.

Students also complete a culminating project course, which synthesizes concepts and demonstrates their ability to apply leadership and management principles to real-world engineering challenges.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of UT Knoxville's MS EM program are prepared to lead in roles that require both engineering expertise and strategic oversight. Industries served include: 

• Manufacturing and logistics 
• Aerospace and defense 
• Energy and utilities 
• Government and consulting 
• Product development and R&D

Sample job titles include: 

• Engineering Project Manager 
• Director of Operations 
• Quality Control Manager 
• Product Development Lead 
• Technical Program Manager

The combination of technical depth and managerial acumen allows graduates to transition from technical specialist to influential leader within their organizations.

Admissions Process

Prospective students can follow the instructions on UT's online graduate application page to get started.

Eligibility: 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related STEM field 
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 (or 3.0 in upper-division coursework)

Application Requirements: 

• Online application 
• Official academic transcripts 
• Statement of purpose 
• Résumé 
• Three letters of recommendation 
• TOEFL/IELTS scores for international applicants
• GRE: Not required

More detailed admissions criteria are listed on the Graduate Admissions Requirements page.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UT Online offers a competitive tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students: 

• In-State: $700/credit 
• Out-of-State: $775/credit 
• Estimated Total Program Cost: $21,000–$23,250

Details on tuition and fees are available in the Spring 2025 tuition guide (PDF).

Graduate students may explore financial aid through: 

• Employer tuition reimbursement 
• Military education benefits 
• Federal loans and grants

Online Experience

UT Knoxville's MS EM program is delivered through UT Online using a modern and accessible virtual classroom platform. According to current students, the online format is flexible and engaging, offering asynchronous content delivery, discussion forums, live faculty interactions, and mobile-friendly access. Students can stay connected through Zoom, email, and their online course dashboards.

Support services include: 

• Academic advising 
• Virtual tech support 
• Career development resources 
• 24/7 access to online course materials

Faculty

The MS EM program is taught by faculty from the Tickle College of Engineering—experts with both academic and professional experience in project management, systems optimization, and industrial engineering. Faculty prioritize applied learning and mentorship, ensuring online students receive the same level of engagement and quality as their on-campus peers.

Program Highlights

• Fully online format designed for working professionals 
• No GRE requirement
• Flexible scheduling with asynchronous coursework 
• Affordable tuition with equal access for out-of-state students 
• Applied capstone project for real-world leadership development 
• Highly ranked Tickle College of Engineering faculty and curriculum

Why Choose This MS EM Program?

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville's MS in Engineering Management is a high-value, career-focused program tailored for engineers ready to step into management. With 100% online delivery, competitive tuition, and no GRE requirement, the program is accessible, practical, and built for immediate career impact.

Class Profile

While specific demographics are not published, the program attracts early- to mid-career professionals with backgrounds in civil, mechanical, electrical, industrial, and systems engineering. Students typically work full-time and seek leadership roles within technical teams and projects.

Program Rankings and Recognition

UT Knoxville is a flagship public research institution and is classified as a Carnegie R1 university. The Tickle College of Engineering is nationally recognized for excellence in research and graduate education.

Get Started

Take the next step toward leading technical teams and projects. Apply to the MS in Engineering Management program at UT Knoxville and unlock your potential as a confident, capable engineering leader.

Start your application on the UT Online application portal.

Sources

• https://volsonline.utk.edu/programs-degrees/engineering-management-ms/
• https://volsonline.utk.edu/program/masters/engineering-management-ms/#courseshttps://volsonline.utk.edu/how-to-apply-for-a-ut-online-graduate-program/
• https://bursar.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/37/2024/10/Grad-Online-Maint_SP_25.pdf
• https://gradschool.utk.edu/future-students/office-of-graduate-admissions/applying-to-graduate-school/admission-requirements/https://supplychainmanagement.utk.edu/blog/what-to-expect-from-your-first-semester-in-ut-online-ms-program/
• https://catalog.utk.edu/index.php

Disclaimer

All information about this program was found on University of Tennessee, Knoxville's website, May 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 865-974-1000.