Ever heard of ‘Engineer’s MBA’ or ‘MBA for Engineers?’ Sounds confusing as to why an engineer will study management? And if it is any fruitful? To begin with, a Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) student can expect an average base salary of $102,000 (per Payscale, June 2024). Now that is something exciting, isn’t it?
A Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) in the US spans one to two years and covers leadership and business concepts that sync with advanced engineering techniques. Over 180 institutions in the US offer it, and it is one of the most popular courses among international students.
To better understand, let’s dive into crucial aspects of an MS in Engineering Management in the USA.
Engineering spans multiple business sectors as it involves process, design, technology, and the management of projects and personnel. The MS in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree emphasizes the synergy between engineering and management application as an integral part of the strategic plan to maintain a competitive edge.
MSEM is considered the best engineering management program in the USA for students who can look at problems with diverse perspectives and give solutions by optimizing technology and business tools.
This degree program is relevant for organizations constantly working to bridge the gap between engineering, technology, and management to enhance performance. The MSEM or MEM graduates remain high in demand and are offered jobs in Data Analytics, Product Management, Quality Control, Performance Analytics, etc.
As a student, you will learn to:-
Address challenges as a proficient technical contributor and ethical leader, making a global, economic, and organizational impact.
Show proficiency in the application of scientific, engineering, and leadership principles.
Be acknowledged as a professional leader in modern, multidisciplinary technical organizations.
Utilize best practices as professionals; evaluate, discern, interpret data, and advocate for innovation.
Achieve professional success and apply your educational preparation to build on your background for future advanced studies.
Masters in Engineering Management in USA: Program Highlights
Transcripts, 3 LORs, SOP, Resume, at least 3 GPA, 2 Years of Work Experience (may be needed), English Language Test scores.
Why Pursue MS in Engineering Management in the USA?
Engineering management in the USA is an excellent choice for engineering students. Here are some of the best reasons to study this course from the USA:-
Job growth is steady for qualified engineering management professionals in the USA.
Median salaries have touched around $144,000 per year in this field.
The sector has witnessed handsome growth in employment over the last few years.
Engineering and architectural industries employ the maximum number of skilled graduates.
The growing ambit of research and innovation in the field.
Top 10 Universities for Master’s in Engineering Management in USA
When pursuing a masters in engineering management in the US, selecting the right university is crucial for your academic and professional growth. The MS in engineering management courses are offered full-time and part-time. Regular courses usually span 12-24 months, while part-time programs cover 6-9 months.
*Source: U.S. News & World Report National Rankings 2024 **Source: Official University Websites
Kindly note the application deadlines are indicative only. Aspirants are advised to check the official university website when applying for accurate, prevailing deadlines.
Top Programs for Masters in Engineering Management in USA
Choosing the best colleges for engineering management in the USA involves considering various factors such as course content, duration, and cost. The MEM in the USA table below provides detailed information on the top programs available in the United States in 2024.
University Name
Course Name
Program Duration
Total Fees (in USD)
University of California--Los Angeles (Samueli)
MS in Engineering Management
1.5-2 years
$39,600
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger)
Master of Science in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems
18 months
$686 per credit
Pennsylvania State University
MS in Engineering Management
12-18 months
$1,915 per credit
Purdue University
MS in Engineering Management
1 year
$43,200
University of Nebraska
MS in Engineering Management
1 year
$20,250
Johns Hopkins University
MS in Engineering Management
18 months
$31,420
University of Michigan
MS in Engineering Management
1.5-2 years
$28,094
University of Southern California
MS in Engineering Management
1.5-2 years
$2,424 per credit
Arizona State University (Fulton)
Engineering MEng
1.5-2 years
$28,890
George Washington University
MS in Engineering Management
2-3 years
$2,130 per credit
Source: Official University Websites
What Does MS in Engineering Management Curriculum Include?
The Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Management curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive education that balances foundational knowledge, specialized expertise, and elective flexibility. The program ensures students are well-equipped to handle the complexities of engineering management in various industries.
The MSEM curriculum varies across universities, but here is the general structure of the program:-
Required Foundation Courses (12 Credits)
Areas of Specialization (12 Credits)
Electives (6 Credits)
Required Foundation Courses (12 Credits)
Every student must complete 12 credit hours of foundational courses that lay the groundwork for advanced study in engineering management. These courses include:-
1. Engineering Data Analysis:
Techniques and methods for analyzing engineering data.
2. Survey of Optimization:
Introduction to optimization methods and their applications.
3. Human Operator in Complex Systems:
Study of human factors and ergonomics in system design.
4. Engineering Management Control Systems:
Examination of control systems within engineering management contexts.
Areas of Specialization (12 Credits)
Students are required to choose one area of specialization, each comprising 12 credit hours, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career goals. The available specializations and their courses are:-
1. Business:
Survey of Management
Survey of Finance
Survey of Marketing
Financial Accounting
2. Analytics (leads to a graduate Certificate in Industrial Analytics):
Engineering Data Analysis
Advanced Quality Control
Design and Analysis of Industrial Experiments
Simulation Methods and Applications
3. Supply Chain:
Engineering Data Analysis
Production and Inventory Control
Quantitative Models for Supply Chain Coordination
Lean Thinking and Lean Manufacturing
4. Systems Development:
Cognitive Systems Engineering
Industrial Case Analysis
Lean Thinking and Lean Manufacturing
Quantitative Risk Analysis
5. Systems Engineering:
Cognitive Systems Engineering
Systems Thinking and Analysis
Systems Engineering Methods and Frameworks
Management of Engineering Systems
6. Manufacturing:
Advanced Quality Control
Production and Inventory Control
Lean Thinking and Lean Manufacturing
Principles of Manufacturing Processes
Electives (6 Credits)
In addition to the core and specialization courses, students must complete six credits of electives. These electives can be chosen from courses within their chosen specialization or from other areas of specialization.
Below are some examples of elective courses available in the MS in Engineering Management program:-
Legal, Ethical and Intellectual Property Issues for Engineering Managers
Project Control
Cost Estimating for Capital Projects
Industrial Simulation
Supply Chain Engineering
Engineering Cost and Production Economics
Systems Analysis and Simulation
Distribution Logistics
Engineering Procurement and Materials Management
Benchmarking and Quality Function Deployment
Engineering Reliability
Industrial Quality Control
Design for Manufacturability
Legal Aspects in Construction
What are the Admission Requirements for MS in Engineering Management in the USA?
Let us now look at the common admission requirements for a MEM degree in the US.
Eligibility for MS in Engineering Management in USA
Four-year undergraduate degree in engineering or related fields.
An educational background in engineering, science, calculus, and statistics.
A GPA of 2.8 on a scale of four points (roughly B grade or 80%) in any STEM or engineering discipline with one to two years of professional experience.
The GRE score of 300 (minimum) or equivalent score in GMAT (may be considered).
Students should first apply online at the portals of their chosen universities while dispatching all required documents. They must submit the following documents:-
Detailed CV or resume, highlighting work experience, accomplishments, educational qualifications, and co-curricular activities.
English Proficiency Test for International Students
International students com non-English speaking countries must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. 6.5 to 7.5 is a good IELTS score while scoring between 89-100 in TOEFL iBT is recommended. A GRE score of 300 (minimum) or equivalent in GMAT is also required.
How to Apply for MS in Engineering Management in the USA
Students must complete an application form available on the university’s website. For master’s programs, some universities have different graduate admissions portals.
Submit the documents as required by the admission departments of individual universities.
Cost of MS in Engineering Management in USA
Let us now look at the total cost of studying MS in Engineering Management in the USA which includes components like pre-arrival costs, post-arrival costs, and estimated cost of living.
Pre-Arrival Cost
Factors
Cost (in USD)
Annual Tuition fees
$30,000-$60,000
Visa Application Charge
$185
Program Application Costs
$100-$200
GRE Cost
$220
IELTS Cost
INR 17,000
GMAT Cost
$275
TOEFL Cost
INR16,900
Post-Arrival Cost
Factors
Cost (in USD)
Accommodation
$1,000- $1200 per month
Food
$350 per month
Transportation
$100 per month
Miscellaneous expense
$200 per month
Cost of Living in USA
Living expenses in the USA depend on the city and lifestyle. On average, students should budget between $20,000 and $25,000 yearly for rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses.
What are Visa Requirements for International Students?
International students must obtain a student visa to study in the United States. The type of visa required depends on the engineering management in the USA course of study and the type of school.
Different Types of Student Visas in USA
1. F-1 Student Visa
To study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute.
2. J Exchange Visa
For participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study.
3. M Student Visa
For non-academic or vocational study or training in the US.
Steps to Apply for a Student Visa
1. Apply and Be Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School
Receive a Form I-20 from the school's international student office after acceptance.
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
3. Complete the Online Visa Application (Form DS-160)
Upload your photo and print the application confirmation page.
4. Schedule an Interview
Schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Wait times vary by location.
5. Gather Required Documents
Valid passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, application fee receipt, and photo.
Academic transcripts, financial evidence, and proof of intent to depart the US after studies.
6. Attend the Visa Interview
A consular officer will interview you to determine your eligibility for a student visa.
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken.
Scholarships for Engineering Management in USA
Even if you are faced with the high costs of engineering management degrees in the USA, there are scholarship options available across universities to lower your financial burden. Some of them include:-
Name of Scholarship
Institutes Granting Scholarships
Scholarship Amount
Engineering Management Diversity Fellowship
Cornell University
Up to $40,000
Master of Engineering Committee (MEC) and Dean’s Fellowships
Cornell University
Up to $20,000
Knight Scholarship
Cornell University
Up to $60,000
Graduate Assistantship
Johns Hopkins University
Covers up to 80% of the tuition fee
Al Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship
Northwestern University
May Vary
Warren V. Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies
Pennsylvania State University
$25,000
Source: Official Websites
Other Scholarships Include
The Fulbright-Nehru Foreign Student Program, which is applicable for all USA postgraduate courses.
Go Clean scholarships, with a value of approximately $3,500 for tuition fees, are also offered for Engineering Management students in the USA.
The BrokerFish International Student Scholarship amount can be used only for paying off tuition costs. It is worth approximately $1,000.
Global Study Awards (awarded by the ISIC Association and British Council and StudyPortals) are available for up to $12,995 for tuition and living costs.
Graduates with a Master of Engineering Management or MEM in the USA can look forward to promising career opportunities in different industries. Below is an overview of the potential job titles and their respective salary ranges.
Master of Engineering Management (MEM) Jobs by Salary
Here's a breakdown of salaries for some of the most common job titles held by graduates of the masters in engineering management in the USA:-
Job Title
Annual Salary Range
Average Annual Salary
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General)
$66k - $132k
$93,985
Mechanical Engineer
$69k - $115k
$87,535
Project Engineer
$64k - $117k
$84,096
Manufacturing Engineer
$64k - $105k
$80,234
Project Manager, Engineering
$71k - $145k
$102,165
Process Engineer
$65k - $110k
$84,804
Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer
$65k - $116k
$86,328
Which Cities in USA Offer Best MEM Salaries?
The city where you choose to work can significantly impact your salary. Here are some of the top cities in the USA offering the best salaries for MS in engineering management in the USA graduates:-
City
Average Annual Salary
San Francisco
$113,000
New York City
$90,000
Seattle
$91,000
Boston
$88,000
Austin
$81,000
Source: Payscale, June 2024
Which are Top Recruiters for MEM Graduates in USA?
Several leading companies actively seek MS in engineering management for USA graduates, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. Here are some of the top recruiters for MEM graduates:-
How Does MS in Engineering Management in USA Compare to Other Countries
When considering an MS in Engineering Management (MEM), it is essential to evaluate how best universities in the USA for MS in engineering management compare to those in other countries.
Factor
USA
UK
Germany
Canada
Tuition Costs
$30,000 - $60,000 (₹25,06,000 - ₹50,12,000)
£10,000 - £30,000 (₹10,68,255 - ₹32,04,767)
€10,000 - €20,000 (₹9,02,952 - ₹18,05,905)
CAD 20,000 - CAD 40,000 (₹12,16,138 - ₹24,32,276)
Duration of the Program
1-2 years
1 year
1.5-2 years
1-2 years
Curriculum Focus
Balanced technical and managerial
Managerial focus
Strong technical and management integration
Practical and managerial blend
Language
English
English
German and English
English
Work Opportunities After Post-Graduation*
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 3 years for STEM degrees
stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing a course in the UK
18-month post-study work visa
You need a work permit to work in Canada.
Source: Official University Websites *Source: Official Immigration Websites
Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the Engineer’s MBA and its scope, you can choose a Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) program that best suits you. Keep in mind to build the skill sets required for the job role you are most inclined to. Get ready to embark on a rewarding career with an MEM degree in the USA.
FAQs
Is an MS in engineering management worth it?
The best engineering management programs in the USA can be worth it for individuals looking to bridge the gap between engineering and management. It prepares students for leadership roles in technical fields, combining advanced engineering knowledge with business and management skills.
Is Engineering Management a good degree in the USA?
Yes, Engineering Management is a well-regarded degree in the USA for engineers who aim to advance into managerial roles. The engineering management course in the USA is recognized for its blend of technical and managerial training, which is highly valued by the technology, manufacturing, and healthcare sectors.
What is the scope of Engineering Management in the USA?
Engineering management is growing in popularity throughout the USA, with innumerable students choosing it as their preferred career option. Engineering management salaries hover between $81,000 and $113,000 on average. Some job roles in this field include process, automation, chemical process managers, design engineers, product engineers, and project coordinators.
Is Engineering Management a STEM Course in the USA?
Engineering management in the USA is a STEM-designated course at several universities and educational institutions. The popularity of this course has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, contributing to the high demand from international students with engineering degrees.
Which is better: MBA or MEM degree?
A master’s in engineering management (MEM) is a postgraduate degree in management, though it is different from a regular MBA.
An MBA prepares students majorly from a business context, teaching technical attributes and skills, decision-making, and so on. A MEM degree teaches overall skills in management and leadership along with specific and technical business skills.
It all comes down to the student’s future objectives. Those studying an MBA will ultimately focus more on the business end of things, while MEM is more about engineering and project-related aspects.
How will studying engineering management help you in the future?
Engineering management is a field that will help aspirants immensely in the future. This qualification will open new doors if you seek opportunities beyond conventional engineering degrees and professions.
It will give you the practical and academic knowledge you need to earn higher remuneration and advance to senior positions. These include operations managers, production managers, and production designers, among others.
Engineering management helps engineers sync their core skills with industry, business, and financial/commercial decision-making. The project-oriented outlook is another plus point for aspirants.
Is engineering management in demand in the USA?
Yes, there is a huge demand for professionals with an MS in engineering management in the USA. According to LinkedIn, there are around 150,000 engineering manager job openings. Many roles require a blend of Industry 4.0 tech, business management, and leadership skills.
Which country is best for an MS in engineering management?
The USA is considered the best country for engineering management programs due to its robust educational infrastructure, numerous top-ranking universities, and strong industry connections.
What is the scope after MS in engineering management in the USA?
Graduates of an MS in Engineering Management (MEM) in the USA can pursue a wide range of roles, including:-
Engineering Manager
Project Manager
Operations Manager
Product Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Technical Consultant
What is the cost of an MS in engineering management in the USA?
The cost of the best engineering management programs in the USA varies depending on the institution. On average, the annual tuition fees are around $25,000 to $60,000.
Is GRE required for MS in engineering management?
Many universities in the USA have waived this requirement or offered waivers based on professional experience or academic performance. It is best to check the updated requirements at the official websites of the engineering management universities in the USA.
Can I do an MBA after a Masters in Engineering Management?
You can pursue an MBA after completing an MS in Engineering Management in the USA. Doing so can enhance your business and managerial skills and open up more senior leadership positions globally.
Is a master's in engineering management a STEM degree?
Yes, a Master's in Engineering Management is considered a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree.
What is the difference between a STEM MBA and a MEM?
A STEM program incorporates STEM-focused coursework, blending business education, technology, and analytical skills. In contrast, a master's in engineering management in the USA (MEM) targets the intersection of engineering and management, a more technical focus, and management training.
Do MEM courses accept GMAT?
Some engineering management courses in the USA programs accept the GMAT as an alternative to the GRE, but this varies by institution. Prospective students should check the university's admissions requirements they are interested in.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT, and has now scaled up as a 360-degree content professional well-versed with the intricacies of digital marketing and different forms of content used to drive and hook the target audience.
She is also a co-author of 2 stories in an anthology based on the theme- women empowerment.
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