If you’ve always wanted to apply your engineering skills within a management and leadership environment, consider earning an online master’s degree in engineering management. An accredited degree program teaches you important management skills and concepts that can help you go from a valuable member of an engineering team to the person actually leading it.
But which programs are best? What are these programs like? How much do they cost? The guide answers these questions and more, beginning with a ranking of today’s best online master’s degree programs in engineering management. See which schools and programs earned top honors for 2024.
This Year’s Best Online Engineering Management Master’s Programs
Navigating the complex intersection of engineering and management requires a strategic choice in your online master’s program. At the same time, you may be concerned about balancing work and study commitments while earning your degree. To help guide you, our comprehensive list of the best online master’s programs in engineering management for 2024 provides insight into cost, program quality, and flexibility.
Students looking for an online master’s degree in engineering management will find one at Johnson & Wales University that takes as little as two years to complete. The degree is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in STEM-related programs and industry professionals with a bachelor’s degree in business who are looking to add engineering and technology to their business knowledge. The program integrates the fields of engineering, technology, and business, with all courses delivered online in an 8-week format. There are multiple start dates throughout the year. Students can use their elective course options to tailor their degree to their interests. Standout courses include new product development, project management, predictive modeling, and designing and managing supply chains.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Credits: 30-33
- Length: 2+ years
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: NECHE
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
The online Master of Science in Engineering Management from Trine University is designed for students with engineering skills who want to step into a management role. The program will help students master corporate culture, leadership, finance, operations strategy, and marketing. The curriculum includes business ethics, public speaking, and decision-making classes that are geared toward the technical professional, as well as product development and innovation topics from Trine’s business and engineering faculty. After finishing the 21 credits of core classes, students will get to choose nine additional credits in either the operational excellence (OPEX) or systems engineering (SYS) specializations. New online classes begin every 8 weeks, making it possible to complete the degree in as little as one year.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1+ year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Arkansas State University’s MS in Engineering Management (MSEM) is available entirely online, with 10 required courses offered in an accelerated Seven-week format and no thesis requirement. The degree is designed for engineers on management career paths as well as for those charged with managing technology in engineering, manufacturing, and other high-tech organizations. In addition, the MSEM degree can help engineers who are pursuing a license in states where candidates for professional licensure are required to have an additional 30 semester credit hours of coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in engineering. Graduates of the program will be able to identify critical issues, formulate realistic solutions, evaluate alternatives, solve technical problems, and interpret statistical or deterministic models and concepts as well as apply them to technical problems.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Engineering Management
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12+ months
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NEASC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | WSCUC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
Inside Popular Online Master’s in Engineering Management
If you’re interested in taking on a managerial role in your engineering career, a master’s in engineering management online program may be worthwhile. Luckily, there are plenty of programs to choose from. To help you in your search, we’ve highlighted three of today’s most popular programs. These programs stand out in terms of curricular offerings, learning flexibility, and academic quality.
Vanderbilt University
Housed in the School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University’s online master’s in engineering management degree offers the opportunity to gain the necessary expertise to take on a leadership role in the engineering industry. These skills will translate to a variety of sub-fields such as civil, industrial, and mechanical engineering.
The curriculum is comprised of 30 credits with two tracks available: the Accelerated Track, where students can graduate in just one year, and the Standard Track, which takes 20 months to complete. To facilitate a more interactive learning experience, some of the coursework is offered in-person, and the student to faculty ratio is no greater than 15:1. Faculty also host online office hours to provide additional assistance to students.
Recognizing the power of social media networking, all students enrolled in the online master’s in engineering management program gain access to their own LinkedIn Premium Career membership.
Oregon State University
Oregon State University’s Master in Industrial Engineering Management is tailored to students with an engineering background looking for leadership and project management training. Some core courses include:
- Operations Management
- Project Management in Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Strategic Planning
- Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis
Two-thirds of the required curriculum consists of electives. This gives students plenty of options to tailor their degree to meet their professional goals. But the flexibility doesn’t stop there: with four start dates each year and only one to two classes per term, students can earn their degree in two years.
To apply, students must possess a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field. If this degree comes from an ABET-accredited program, they do not need to take the GRE. Other admissions requirements include three letters of reference and a statement of professional goals.
Pennsylvania State World Campus
The Master of Engineering Management online program at Pennsylvania State World Campus prepares graduates to take on a technical leadership role in any engineering setting, whether it’s in private industry or the public sector. Students must complete 33 credits and 11 classes, with most earning their master’s degree in two years. Students will take classes year-round during continuous seven-week terms. This makes it possible for students to continue working full-time while they earn their degree.
All online classes are taught by the same faculty that teach the on-campus engineering management classes. Students will progress through the program as a group, using the cohort learning model. This helps prepare students for the collaborative and team-oriented professional work they are likely to encounter after they graduate. Students can earn a graduate minor in Engineering Leadership and Innovation Management without having to take additional classes.
Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in Engineering Management
Earning an online master’s in engineering management provides the convenience of online learning and management training that students cannot get from a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field. Let’s look at some of those advantages.
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Convenient learning
Because most online engineering management programs are fully online, students can take classes while continuing to work. Students can choose to attend class full-time or part-time pace and begin classes at various points during the year. Most programs offer their classes in an asynchronous format, allowing students to attend classes anytime and anywhere.
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Learn management skills
One of the most important skills students will learn in an engineering management program is how to take a leadership role during the design and production process. A master’s degree also gives engineering students the big picture perspective needed to understand the design parameters of a project and its production, marketing, and processes.
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Learn business skills
While earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, students learn the possibilities of innovation and how to execute a design concept from a technical perspective. The engineering management degree teaches students to take other considerations in mind and learn to adapt to diverse ways of thinking.
What You’ll Learn in an Engineering Management Degrees Online Program
Students will learn how to design a product from a technical standpoint, the scientific principles that dictate how the product will work, and how a product is created from the ground up. When producing a product for sale to consumers, many other factors come into play, such as customer needs, production costs, consumer delivery, and product marketing. Therefore, much of the curriculum will focus on management, business, and related concepts, as well as background engineering principles.
Popular Courses
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Engineering Management I
This course serves as a bridge between the management and engineering roles within an organization. Concepts covered include strategic planning, promoting creative thinking, and how to get through challenges many projects face during development.
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Project Management
This is one of the core classes in many master’s in engineering management online programs. It teaches strong foundational points on the various tools and skills needed to oversee a project from start to finish. Students will learn about project organization, cost controls, and how to use project management information systems.
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Technology Forecasting
Engineers are at the forefront of many new technologies. This course will provide tools for predicting technological improvements and advancements. This includes not only positive developments but also negative and unexpected consequences. Topics taught include trend extrapolation and the Delphi method.
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Finance and Accounting
This class presents introductory financial and accounting concepts, such as the time value of money, accounting statements, taxes, and financial modeling. The goal is to help engineering managers take a big picture approach when overseeing a project in an organization that aims to maximize shareholder value.
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Capstone Project
This is the final course in which students apply what they’ve learned in a comprehensive project. Students will analyze, design, and implement a plan to improve a complex system. In addition to considering the technical requirements, they will also consider business considerations, like profitability.
Specialization Tracks
Online master’s in engineering management programs offer several concentrations to choose from, many of which emphasize the business or financial aspects of engineering management. These concentrations can help students who want to manage in a particular area such as supply chains or product design.
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Systems Innovation Engineering
This unique specialization examines various systems across multiple disciplines, such as business, science, and engineering. Students will learn how to examine complex systems by breaking them down into their parts and accounting for external factors like regulations, economic influences, and technology, all of which may influence those systems.
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Customer Experience and Product Design
This area of study looks at a particular point of product design. Specifically, students will learn how to improve a product’s design by looking at customers’ needs and desires. The overall goal is to improve customer satisfaction in a product by listening to a product’s end-user.
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Operations and Supply Chain Management
This specialization teaches engineers how to apply their engineering knowledge about a product to improve how it’s produced and delivered to the customer. Students will take foundational courses covering project management, supply chain management, logistics, and production operations.
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Data Analytics and Machine Learning
Advanced software, artificial intelligence, and making use of big data are the emerging fields of business and engineering. This major teaches students how to apply those concepts to improve a business or increase profitability. Students will learn about machine learning and analytics and theories relating to quantitative analysis and data science.
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Product Management
This course teaches students how to oversee a product’s lifecycle. This includes designing, creating, marketing, and selling the product. Classes will cover subjects like design thinking, strategic competition, and managing innovation.
Accreditation for Engineering Management Degree Online Programs
Accreditation is how an independent organization ensures that a particular academic program or institution meets basic quality standards. Accreditation is essential because other academic institutions and financial aid providers may not recognize an academic credential from an unaccredited institution.
Accreditation usually occurs at the institutional and programmatic levels. Institutional accreditation applies to the entire college or university. Institutional accrediting bodies typically exist at the regional level, although some national accrediting organizations do exist.
Programmatic accreditation refers to accrediting a specific academic program. The accrediting organization for engineering programs is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., more commonly known as ABET. However, ABET has accredited only one engineering management program at the master’s level.
Given this, a prospective student should confirm that they plan to apply to has institutional accreditation, preferably from a regional accrediting body. Please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to learn if a school is accredited.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in Engineering Management
One of the biggest reasons to get a master’s in engineering management is to take on leadership or supervisory roles that rely on advanced expertise and experience. As the need for more professionals in the STEM fields continues to rise – including the demand for engineers – there will be a need for those who can manage them while also understanding foundational scientific and engineering concepts. Here are some jobs you may be eligible for once you graduate with your degree in engineering management.
Industrial Production Manager
As the name implies, industrial production managers manage production operations. They may work in plants, factories, and research and development departments. Many industrial production managers will oversee the production of products with high levels of engineering or technical complexity. Therefore, they need a combination of engineering skills and management expertise, something that master’s degree graduates from an online engineering management program possess.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$65,050 |
$105,480 |
$176,070 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Construction Manager
Construction managers supervise construction projects. This can include a number of duties, including planning and budgeting the project. Civil, architectural, and related engineers can take on this role, but only after receiving adequate training in management and business topics from a master’s in engineering management online program.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$56,140 |
$95,260 |
$164,790 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Engineering Manager
Becoming an engineering manager is a popular career prospect for students thinking about starting an online master’s degree in engineering management. Engineering managers can be found at manufacturing and engineering companies, overseeing engineering projects and operations related to engineering or design. To take on this role, engineering experience is usually insufficient, resulting in special training need to fill the engineering management role.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$92,510 |
$144,830 |
$208,000+ |
Source: PayScale, 2019
Postsecondary Engineering Teacher
Postsecondary engineering teachers provide formal instruction to students who are pursuing higher education. They are commonly found at technical or vocational educational institutions, requiring instructors to possess at least a master’s degree. Some postsecondary engineering teachers may also be involved in the research.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$53,030 |
$101,010 |
$185,720 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Information Systems Manager
Information systems managers coordinate the information systems operations and activities of an organization. In addition to this managerial role, they need technical knowledge to help identify the organization’s needs and create a plan to address those needs and oversee the plan’s implementation.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$87,480 |
$146,360 |
$208,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering Management
Earning a master’s in engineering management online is convenient, but it can also be rather pricey. Luckily, there are a number of ways to get financial aid to help pay for your education. Common forms of financial aid include scholarships, grants, fellowships, student loans, and employer tuition assistance. The latter is perfect if you are already working before school and plan on returning to work for the same employer after graduation. To learn more about how to pay for your education, check out our financial aid page.
What Your Online Master’s in Engineering Management Could Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 |
$737.00 |
$22,110.00 |
|
|
30 |
$1,888.80 (est) |
$56,664.00 |
|
|
45 (quarter credits) |
$1,342.00 |
$60,390.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Engineering Management Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in engineering management?
Each master’s in engineering management online program will have specific policies and qualification standards, but there will be many parallels in most programs’ admissions process. If you’re planning to apply to an online master’s program in engineering management, you will most likely need to provide the following:
- A completed online application
- Application fee
- Official transcripts showing that you’ve graduated from an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree program majoring in engineering or another STEM field
- Statement of purpose
- Letters of recommendation
- Resume or curriculum vitae
When it comes to previous work experience and GRE test scores, they are optional and strongly recommended for others.
How long will it take to finish my master’s in engineering management online?
Many master’s in engineering management online programs consist of 30 to 33 credits and offer students a significant degree of flexibility, not just in when they complete their coursework but also in that coursework’s intensity. For example, those who attend class full-time or in an accelerated track can graduate in 12 months. But for most students, like those attending Duke University, who attend on a part-time or standard track, will graduate in about two years.
Can I earn a master’s in engineering management 100% online, or do I need to visit campus?
The majority of online engineering management programs offered at the master’s level are 100% online, with no campus visits required. However, a few programs require residencies, which usually consist of workshops, roundtables, and other activities that provide an opportunity for students to interact with their classmates and professors, creating stronger, career-building relationships.