Program Learning Objectives:
  • Display breadth of expertise by demonstrating knowledge and skills required for effective leading, planning, organizing and controlling of engineering organizations and activities.
  • Display depth of expertise by demonstrating knowledge and skills required to function as an effective manager in at least one element each of at least three of the following engineering management contexts:
  • Engineering Design Process, Systems and Life Cycle Approach
  • Codes, Laws and Regulations
  • Accounting, Finance, Procurement, Sales and Marketing
  • Information Systems, Software and Software-Intensive Systems
  • Manufacturing, Production and Quality
  • Project, Process and Program Management
  • Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E)
  • Supply Chain, Logistics, Configuration Management, Maintenance, Support and Lean Thinking

Program Overview:

The Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program is a comprehensive examination of the specific management and leadership skills unique to the engineering industry. With classes focused on Six Sigma, project management, and process improvement, students prepare to lead with knowledge and confidence while enhancing their engineering credentials. They interact with and learn from a faculty of engineering leaders experienced in industry and government, while gaining engineering management expertise immediately applicable to their current positions. They are equipped both to succeed in their current career opportunities and to create new ones that challenge and extend their abilities.

The MEM is designed by engineers for engineers who seek leadership skills to foster success in technical teams, projects and programs. The MEM program focuses on both the specific management skills and the engineering techniques that are unique to the engineering industry. It is a bridge between the more general management focus of an MBA and the necessarily more specialized focus of an advanced degree in one or more engineering disciplines. A graduate of this program can apply both advanced leadership techniques and proven technical skills to direct engineers and scientists in cross-disciplinary teams, projects and programs that deliver consistently valuable results.In this 34 semester-hour program, MEM students begin by taking the four introductory courses, Foundations of Engineering Management (EMGT 6000), Engineering Writing (EMGT 6010), Statistics for Engineering Management (EMGT 6100) and Information Systems Engineering (EMGT 6200). These are followed by three core courses, Principles of Six Sigma (EMGT 6110), Project Management (EMGT 6300), and Applied Accounting & Finance for Engineering Management (EMGT 6600). Students also choose two electives, currently selected from Quality Systems (EMGT 6120), Database Information Systems (EMGT 6210), Engineering Law (EMGT 6400), Lean Thinking Methods (EMGT 6500), and Engineering Leadership (EMGT 6700). Finally, each student completes the capstone Engineering Management Project course (EMGT 6949) to apply what they?ve learned in a real-world engineering management opportunity. This project typically benefits the student?s employer, but may instead support a government or non-profit organization.

Opportunities for Graduates:

Engineering management opportunities exist in many industries. Most engineering managers work first as engineers before advancing into management positions. Some principal duties of engineering managers include project management, program management, research, and product development. They act as overseers who formulate plans to see that projects are successfully completed. They manage employees from various engineering disciplines as well as cross-disciplinary and global teams. They also ensure that the final product is budgeted accurately and supported by upper management. Supervisory and hiring skills are key for any manager and should be part of a Master of Engineering Management program. These skills do not come naturally to every engineer, but they can be learned by pursuing an MEM degree. Gaining management skills as well as engineering skills can greatly enhance opportunities for advancement in the engineering and management professions.