Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University's Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program is designed to cultivate leaders equipped to navigate the complexities of modern global industries. The program integrates advanced engineering principles with essential management strategies to prepare professionals to manage organizational resources, spearhead technological innovations, and align technical expertise with business objectives. This program is ideal for engineers and technical professionals who want to move into managerial and leadership roles.

Program Overview

The MSEM program offers two pathways for completion: a thesis and a non-thesis concentration. The thesis option is tailored for individuals planning to pursue further academic research or those engaged in specific work-related projects requiring in-depth exploration. Conversely, the non-thesis option provides flexibility for working professionals, focusing on practical application over research. 

• Format: 100% online
• Credits: 30-33 credit hours of coursework with thesis or non-thesis options.
• Duration: 2 -3 years (full-time)
• Cost: $707 per credit hour

All courses are available online, accommodating both full-time and part-time students and allowing completion at a personalized pace.

Specializations and Academic Pathways

The MSEM curriculum encompasses a comprehensive core that bridges management competencies with engineering technologies. Students can customize their learning experience through elective courses aligned with their career aspirations. The program emphasizes the practical integration of engineering and management through experiential learning opportunities, including case studies and projects that mirror real-world challenges. 

Thesis Concentration (30 hours)

The thesis concentration requires the following core courses and electives:

Course List

Required courses (15 credit hours)

EGMT 571 Research Methods in Technology Management

EGMT 520 Resource Management

EGMT 590 Operations Leadership

EGMT 655 Project Management

EGMT 671 Quality Management

Required thesis course (6 hours)

EGMT 599 Thesis Research and Writing 

Electives (9 credit hours)

EGMT 510 Emerging Technologies

EGMT 530 Automated Data Collection Systems

EGMT 535 Workforce Development

EGMT 540 Theory of Constraints

EGMT 580 Six Sigma Quality

EGMT 588 Product Development

EGMT 594 Lean Systems

EGMT 630 Legal and Ethical Issues in Technology

EGMT 650 Supply Chain Management

Non-thesis Concentration (33 hours)

The non-thesis concentration requires the following: 

Required Courses (15 hours)

EGMT 571 Research Methods in Technology Management

EGMT 655 Project Management

EGMT 671 Quality Management

EGMT 590 Operations Leadership

EGMT 520 Resource Management

Capstone Project (3 hours) 

EGMT 690 Graduate Project (Capstone )

Electives (15 credit hours)

EGMT 510 Emerging Technologies

EGMT 594 Lean Systems

EGMT 580 Six Sigma Quality

EGMT 588 Product Development

EGMT 650 Supply Chain Management

EGMT 540 Theory of Constraints

EGMT 535 Workforce Development

EGMT 630 Legal and Ethical Issues in Technology

EGMT 530 Automated Data Collection Systems

Graduate Certificates

The program offers Six Sigma certification. The 12-hour program prepares students for professional certification, covering “Six Sigma, Lean, Theory of Constraints and total quality management.” 

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MSEM program are equipped to work in roles like:

• Architectural and Engineering Manager
• Industrial Production Managers
• Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Admissions Process

• Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a related STEM field
• GRE: GRE, GMAT, or equivalent. For a GRE, verbal and quantitative reasoning scores must be 140 or above, and 2.5 or higher for analytical writing. The GRE is waived for qualified applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited institution*
• Required materials: Online application, transcripts, and official degree certificate
• Application deadlines: Contact the department for the exact date of admissions
• Application fee: $65

*Those who don’t meet GPA requirements can apply to be admitted under conditional circumstances.

Tuition, Financial Aid, and Scholarship

Tuition for the MSEM degree at Western Kentucky University is $707 per credit hour. 

The school offers scholarships, financial aid, discounts, and tuition waivers. 

Online Experience

Online courses are delivered via the Blackboard learning management system (LMS). 

Program Highlights

Western Kentucky University is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). In addition to their regional accreditation, many of the school’s engineering programs are accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET and The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

Why Choose This MSEM Program?

The MSEM program at Western Kentucky University stands out for its flexibility, offering fully online coursework that caters to working professionals. The choice between thesis and non-thesis tracks allows students to align their studies with their career goals, whether they aim for advanced research or practical application in the industry. The curriculum's blend of management and engineering principles equips graduates with a versatile skill set applicable to various leadership roles.

Program Rankings and Recognition

Details about specific accolades, accreditations, or rankings for the school can be found on the school's website. 

Next Steps

Elevate your engineering career with Western Kentucky University's Master of Science in Engineering Management. Apply now to join a program designed to develop leaders adept at managing technological advancements and organizational resources. For more information and to begin your application, visit the program's admissions page.

Sources:

• https://www.wku.edu/online/grad-programs/msetm/index.php
• https://catalog.wku.edu/graduate/science-engineering/engineering-applied-sciences/engineering-management-ms/#programrequirementstext
• https://topnet.wku.edu/pls/prod/twbkwbis.P_GenMenu?name=wkumenu.P_AdmUnsecMnu
• https://www.wku.edu/billing/tuition_fees_winter_2025.php
• https://catalog.wku.edu/graduate/science-engineering/engineering-applied-sciences/engineering-management-ms/#programadmissiontext
• https://www.wku.edu/wkusavyprogram/faqs.php
• https://catalog.wku.edu/graduate/
• https://www.wku.edu/billing/tuition_fees_summer_2025.php

Disclaimer
All information about this program was found on the WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY 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 admission@wku.edu and/or (270) 745-0111.