Washington State University

Washington State University (WSU)’s Master of Engineering and Technology Management (METM) program is tailored for engineering and technical professionals aiming to ascend into leadership roles within technological management. The program equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary for innovative thinking, technical decision-making, and effective leadership. It's particularly beneficial for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic and operational decision-making capabilities while managing projects, operations, organizations, and personnel in technology-driven environments.

Program Overview

WSU’s METM program helps engineers and technical professionals build the leadership and decision-making skills needed to thrive in technology-driven industries.

• Format: 100% online, allowing full- or part-time study
• Credits: 30 semester hours (27 coursework, 3-hour capstone)
• Duration: Flexible timeline for working professionals
• Cost: $1,237 per credit hour

The program’s structure enables professionals to balance education with full-time employment, making it ideal for career advancement.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

Students can customize their learning experience by selecting from various concentrations. The university offers six academic options: Constraints Management, Industrial Leadership, Project Management, Six-Sigma Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, and Systems Engineering Management.

All specializations require the following four core courses:* 

• EM 522 – Leading People and Organizations
• EM 505 – Finance for Technical Systems
• EM 575 – Managing Innovation: Strategy and Performance
• EM 570 – Systems Improvement: Integrating TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma

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

Constraints Management Option

For professionals seeking to optimize system performance, the Constraints Management Option focuses on identifying and leveraging limiting factors to drive growth and efficiency. By integrating Theory of Constraints (TOC) with Lean and Six Sigma, this approach provides powerful tools for diagnosing issues, developing breakthrough solutions, and implementing sustainable improvements across various industries.

• Core Courses:
• E M 526 – Constraints Management
• E M 570 – Systems Improvement: Integrating TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma

• Elective Courses (one required)
• E M 530 – Applications of Constraint Management 
• E M 560 – Integrated Supply Chain Management

Industrial Leadership Option

Industrial Leadership equips current and aspiring manufacturing leaders with the skills to excel in the workplace and advance their careers.

• Core Courses:
• E M 560 – Integrated Supply Chain Management
• E M 570 – Systems Improvement: Integrating TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma

• Elective Courses (one required)
• E M 568 – Risk Analysis and Management 
• E M 590 – Leading Design and Innovation
• E M 540 – Operations Research and Analytics for Managers

Supply Chain Management option

This program provides the knowledge and skills needed to be more effective in the workplace, specifically those who wish to pursue leadership, managerial, and supervisory roles and advance their careers in the area of supply chain management.

• Core Courses:
• E M 560 – Integrated Supply Chain Management

• Elective Courses (two required)
• E M 530 – Applications of Constraints Management 
• E M 568 – Risk Assessment and Management
• E M 540 – Operations Research and Analytics for Managers

Project Management option

Applying a project management methodology can provide value to both you and your employer.

• Core Courses:
• E M 564 – Project Management
• E M 522 – Leading People and Organizations

• Elective Courses (one required)
• E M 505 – Finance for Technical Systems
• E M 508 – Legal Concepts for Engineering and Technical Managers 
• E M 568 – Risk Assessment and Management

Six Sigma Quality Management Option

With this option, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to be more effective in the workplace by utilizing systematic process improvement tools and techniques. 

• Core Courses:
• E M 580 – Quality Control and Reliability 
• E M 585 – Quality Improvement Using Design of Experiments

• Elective Courses (one required)
• E M 570 – Systems Improvement: Integrating TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma 
• E M 590 – Leading Design and Innovation

Systems Engineering Management Option

Systems Engineering Management prepares technical leaders and managers to apply a rigorous systems engineering management approach to the management of complex systems and projects. 

• Core Courses:
• E M 565 – Introduction to Systems Management 
• E M 540 – Operations Research and Analytics for Managers

• Elective Courses (one required)
• E M 570 – Systems Improvement: Integrating TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma 
• E M 568 – Risk Assessment and Management

These options allow students to align their studies with their career aspirations while ensuring they develop technical and managerial acumen. To receive a master’s degree in this program, students must complete a minimum of ten courses consisting of the four core courses, five courses from any of the E M offerings and three credits of E M 701 (capstone project) for a total of 30 credits.

*The required courses for each specialization are based on the 2024-2025 academic year. 

Graduate Certificates

The METM graduate certificate program offers students a focused path to professional development by allowing them to complete targeted blocks of coursework relevant to their specific needs. Rather than pursuing the full curriculum of an ETM master’s degree, students can select three courses within a specialized area. Upon successful completion of these courses, a graduate certificate is awarded.

Credits earned through a certificate program may also be transferred towards a master’s degree within the METM program or other graduate degree programs. Students have the option to pursue multiple certificates and may concurrently work towards both a certificate and a master’s degree.

Career Outcomes

Graduates develop the necessary skills to excel in leadership positions within manufacturing, safety and ergonomics, systems engineering, and product innovation. While not guaranteeing specific outcomes, the program's focus on practical application and industry needs ensures graduates are well-prepared for high-level professional development, capable of leading teams, optimizing processes, and spearheading product innovation through a solid grounding in engineering, project, and organizational management.

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, typically in engineering, math, science, or a related field.
• GRE: Not required
• Required Materials: Online application, transcripts, resume, letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. 
• Application Deadlines: 30 days prior to the start date
• Graduation: GPA of 3.0 (cumulative) on a 4.0 scale on graduate credit courses to receive a METM degree 

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

The tuition cost for the METM program is $1,237 per credit hour.  However, reduced rates of $866 per credit hour are available for Washington State government employees (including county and city employees), federal government workers, active duty and veteran members of the U.S. military (including spouses and dependents), and WSU students enrolled in another program. Financial aid options include student loans, tuition adjustments based on financial need, Veterans benefits, employer-sponsored tuition assistance, and other funding opportunities.

Online Experience

Utilizing an engaging online format, the program combines the benefits of traditional instruction with the reach of live video streaming and web conferencing, providing a dynamic and interactive learning environment accessible to students worldwide. Recognizing the demands of working professionals, the program offers exceptional convenience and flexibility, including mobile capabilities and archived sessions for any time review.

Faculty

The METM program boasts a faculty with a wealth of experience and expertise, including Professors, Associate Professors, and Emeritus Faculty. The inclusion of Adjunct Faculty who are domain leaders and experts coming from industry further enriches the program with diverse perspectives and real-world insights.

Program Highlights

With a 43-year history, the METM program at WSU offers a well-established and effective approach to distance learning in engineering management. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of working engineers and technical professionals who aim to advance their careers by acquiring leadership capabilities in project, personnel, organizational, and technological management. Students consistently emphasize the practical value of the coursework, noting their ability to apply learned concepts directly to their jobs.

Why Choose This METM Program?

The METM program at WSU offers significant flexibility through its online delivery format, enabling professionals to effectively integrate their studies with work responsibilities. The program's diverse concentration options allow students to customize their education to align with specific career aspirations. Established in 1982, the program benefits from a long history, suggesting a well-developed network and resources that can support career progression.

Class Profile

While specific class profile details aren't published, students typically come from diverse backgrounds in engineering, technology, and business management, bringing a range of industry experience to the program. Hear from graduates here on this webpage. 

Program Rankings and Recognition

The online engineering program at Washington State University is ranked in the top 40 by US News and World Report.1 , top 24 for Best Online Master’s in Engineering Programs for Veterans, and proud participant of the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Next Steps

Prospective students are encouraged to apply for the METM program to elevate their leadership and management capabilities within the dynamic engineering and technology sectors. Ready to take the next step in your career? To start your application or request more information, you can visit the program's admissions page.

Sources

1https://etm.wsu.edu/etm-ranks-among-the-best-in-the-nation/
https://etm.wsu.edu/masters-degree/
https://catalog.wsu.edu/

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture 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 509-335-5595.