Online Master’s Programs in Engineering Management Overview

Engineering managers coordinate and direct a team of engineers. Their responsibilities may include planning the development of new products, hiring and supervising staff, managing budgets, checking the technical accuracy of the team’s work, and collaborating with other departments or organizations. Engineering managers may work in an engineering firm, or be responsible for managing a team of engineers within a larger company or organization, such as the government or the army.

To become an engineering manager, employers typically require a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field and sometimes a master’s degree in a business or management related degree, such as a master’s in engineering management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), engineering managers earned a median annual income of $149,530 in 2020.

Top 5 Online Master’s Programs in Engineering Management

Why Get a Degree in Engineering Management?

Earning a master’s degree in engineering management can help professionals with an engineering background qualify for high-level executive positions. These programs prepare students for leadership roles and provide them foundational knowledge and skills in business analytics, negotiation strategies, and decision-making. Graduates may be eligible for a raise or promotion after supplementing their knowledge in engineering with business acumen.

Engineering professionals have the option to pursue a master’s in engineering management online. An online format allows students the flexibility to complete assignments at their own pace. Students may also maintain their current positions as engineers while they pursue an advanced degree in engineering management.

Additional Online Student Fees for Engineering Management

Online engineering management master’s programs may require additional fees. These fees may cover technology costs, tech support, books and supplies, access to library databases, and the cost of any in-residence portions of the program. For instance, some programs may require students to complete a week of intensive courses on campus during the summer or to attend an orientation in-person before online courses begin.

Students should consider potential costs after graduating as well. Graduates may choose to obtain a Certified Manager (CM) certification or advanced engineering certification. These certifications require a fee to take the examination.

How Much Do Engineering Management Majors Make?

Graduates with a master’s in engineering management are eligible for positions as engineering managers, operations managers, systems analysts, process improvement consultants, and management analysts. According to the BLS, engineering managers earned a median annual salary of $149,530 in 2020. Similarly, management analysts earn a median annual salary of $87,660, and employment opportunities in the field are projected to grow 11% from 2019-2029.

Engineering professionals also have the opportunity to increase their salaries or earn promotions based on their certification level. While engineering licensure is not required for all engineering management positions, certification can lead to increased employment opportunities and higher earning potential. Holding a degree and certification can assure potential employers of candidates’ competency.

Courses in Engineering Management

An online master’s degree in engineering management aims to help students synthesize their previous engineering knowledge with business management skills. Courses focus on topics including economics of engineering systems, engineering management control systems, service and operations management, and engineering management planning. Most engineering management master’s programs emphasize professional preparation and therefore do not require a thesis.

In some programs, students may choose a concentration or specialization, such as analytics, supply chain, or systems development. Listed below are a few courses students may encounter in an engineering management program. Not all the courses listed are available in every program; they provide a representative sample of an engineering management curriculum.

Certifications and Licensure for Engineering Management

Certifications and licensure indicate a level of proficiency that meets state or nationwide standards. Some professions require individuals to be licensed in their state of residence in order to practice. While this is not the case for engineers, obtaining certification and licensure may be required for specific positions. For example, in the construction industry, professional engineering licensure is required for management positions and an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is necessary for entry-level roles.

How to Become an Engineering Manager

To become an engineering manager, individuals must hold a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or petroleum engineering. After receiving their bachelor’s, learners need to obtain business management skills to qualify for leadership roles. This is often accomplished through earning a master’s degree in engineering management or technology management.

Engineering management programs typically focus on topics such as financial management, quality control, and industrial and human resources management relevant in the engineering field. Some individuals may qualify for engineering management positions through experience and working their way up through a company. Obtaining a master’s degree allows engineers to gain business qualifications and experience more quickly.

Online Master’s Programs in Engineering Management Overview