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What is Engineering Management?

An engineering management degree is the area of study that specializes in fusing business management acumen with technical know-how to lead engineering professionals or engineering-based projects.  In its simplest terms, engineering management is the interface between engineering and business.  The term engineering manager can be used as a functional specialist, project manager, or both in an organization setting.  Students earning a degree in engineering management will be technically adept with the conceptual and interpersonal skills to lead, coach, and mentor small and large groups of engineers towards the successful completion of a project or activity.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$107,490

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

65.52%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

38,000

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Engineering Management Degree

Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH) is known as the smallest Ivy League university. The college is recognized for the quality education it provides to its students. The school follows a liberal arts curriculum providing interdisciplinary programs exposing students to more topics and subject areas. Some of the majors offered at Dartmouth College are focused on humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The top ranked Engineering Management degree is offered at the graduate level leading to a Master’s degree at Dartmouth. The program is open for students and professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or any science discipline. This program aims to train leaders across the industry. Admissions in the university are highly selective with an acceptance rate of 8.8% last school year. 

Acceptance Rate

7.93

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Duke University (Durham, NC) offers a wide range of programs for undergraduate and graduate students from business and marketing, public administration to engineering, biological sciences, and social sciences. The university administers two concurrent schools in Asia, located in Singapore and China. Master of Engineering Management provides management and interdisciplinary courses to  interested students and professionals. The program is offered both on-campus and online. The curriculum is flexible which is fit for working professionals. The school produced a long list of recognized and notable alumni in history including scientists that were awarded a Nobel Prize.  The school is affiliated with the United Methodist which is a contributing factor to its vision as an educational institution.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Stanford University (Stanford, CA) is a private university offering a wide range of programs from bachelor's to doctorate degrees. Stanford has courses related to business and marketing, engineering, legal, interdisciplinary, information technology, and others. Every program is taught to help students to grow and improve in their chosen field of study.  Management Sciences and Engineering program is available at both undergraduate and graduate level. Both programs train students to be leaders and scholars in the industry. Students will be equipped with management and business skills as soon as they complete either of the programs. Students are also assisted to be industry-ready. The university is highly selective with an estimated of only 7% of college applicants accepted every year.  

Acceptance Rate

4.34

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Cornell University (Ithaca, NY) is a notable public research university in the United States. Cornell fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum. The university is also active with their research  initiatives. Students in Cornell are expected to learn and apply their knowledge to practical benefits and economic prosperity in the country. A Engineering Management major is offered to students who take the Master of Engineering program. This discipline prepares students to be skilled engineers and leaders. The program is offered on-campus and online allowing professionals to have the flexibility to balance their work and studies. The school has a top-notch faculty in every area of study. Cornell also supports cross-college collaborations, allowing students to explore new fields of study.  

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) is a reputable private research university known for its academic excellence. The university is consistently among the list of the best undergraduate programs in the United States. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs; certification, and diploma courses. The Master of Engineering Management program is designed to train STEM professionals to develop their management and leadership skills. The core curriculum of the program integrates business and advanced engineering courses. Northwestern has a pool of esteemed faculty some are members of prestigious groups in the country including the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The university also has strong and well-accomplished alumni across a variety of fields of study.  

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

 Washington University in St Louis (Saint Louis, MO) is a private research university founded in 1853 and named after George Washington. The school has a wide range of areas of study offered by seven graduate and undergraduate schools. The Engineering Management degree is considered as the Engineering MBA. At WashU, the graduate program bridges technology and business. It is designed for STEM professionals who desire to lead in this particular discipline. Students who successfully finish this program can apply for a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management. Student life and experience in the university is considered one of the best based on some publication rankings. 

Acceptance Rate

13.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Georgetown University (Washington, D.C) is a private university and the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education in the United States but managed independently from church. Georgetown has ten colleges that offer undergraduate and graduate programs. Master of Professional Studies in Systems Engineering Management prepares students to be leaders and highly skilled professionals. The university gives undergraduate students the opportunity to design their courses of study. Georgetown exposes its students to a variety of learning experiences. Study abroad programs are available and the majority of students get to experience it. 

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, CA) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on undergraduate education. The college aims to help students to develop essential skills that are beneficial when pursuing a graduate education or seeking employment. Some of the popular programs are in business and social sciences. CMC is a member of the Claremont Colleges consortium. This allows students to enroll across affiliated colleges and universities. Management Engineering is a five-year undergraduate major that allows students to receive both a Bachelor of Arts in Management Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from two separate institutions. Graduates of this program are eligible to pursue graduate studies or immediately join the workforce. Admissions in Claremont McKenna College is highly competitive with only 10% off applicants accepted. 

Acceptance Rate

10.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is a premier public university that provides a quality education.  The curriculum is focused on academics, research, and medical healthcare training. The Engineering Management graduate program at JHU has been ranked as the best online master’s program for the area of study according to the U.S. News & World Report. The program is offered at the master’s and doctoral level including post-graduate certificates. Courses are delivered through a hybrid approach and online. The school offers accessible education across the Baltimore-Washington area and internationally. JHU also manages campuses in China and Italy. The university has nine schools that follow different academic calendars. JHU is situated in an environment packed with arts and culture and  community engagements. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Tufts University (Medford, MA) is a private institution with a wide range of graduate and undergraduate programs. The university offers other ways of learning opportunities. Tufts has international affiliations, thus internationalism and study abroad programs. The university has programs from performing arts up to science and engineering. Master of Science in Engineering Management is offered both on-campus and online. Students who are admitted to this program will gain advanced business, strategic, and leadership skills. The program fosters a flexible curriculum allowing working professionals to pursue studying. Tufts University has a competitive admission process.  

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA) has a variety of program options, giving the students more areas of study to choose from. This esteemed private university is divided into seven colleges and independent schools and all are offering interdisciplinary programs. Carnegie Mellon has an international exposure. MS in Engineering & Technology Innovation Management prepares the next generation of engineers and scientists to be innovative leaders. The program integrates business and technology and addresses real-life situations through these disciplines.  The university has locations around the world, campuses in Qatar and Silicon Valley that offer several degree programs. It is also active on research with 20 research partnerships for support. Faculty and alumni of the university are also award-winning and internationally recognized. 

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

United States Military Academy (West Point, NY) is a four-year federal service academy providing a wide range of degree programs. Programs are designed to help every candidate for their growth and development. Students who aim to enter the academy must directly apply and receive a nomination, usually from a member of Congress. Engineering Management is one of the majors in the academy. The program offers multi-disciplinary courses. Cadets receive a bachelor of science degree upon completion based on their chosen specialization.

Acceptance Rate

12.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university. It is the largest higher educational institution in the United States. NYU has 16 schools and colleges managing a wide range of academic programs. Students can gain a more global perspective because of opportunities NYU can offer through its study abroad facilities located around the globe. Tandon School of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs that provide courses that train students to be leaders. Business and Technology Management is an undergraduate program that is designed for future business leaders who are into innovation and technology. Financial Engineering and Management Technology are both graduate level programs that lead to a master's degree. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) is a non-profit private institution. The university has various degree programs giving interested student applicants to choose which major is right for them. Among the popular programs in LU are business and marketing, engineering, psychology, and physical sciences. Management Science & Engineering program is offered at the graduate level. The program is offered to mid-career professionals and recent graduates with a background in STEM disciplines who aim to develop their leadership and managerial skills. Compared to other universities, LU has a fairly low population with an average of 7,000 students enrolled per year. LU offers graduate programs on Engineering Management. It prepares students and professionals to assume roles as leaders across the industry.  

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) is a public university and best known as the flagship institution for the expansive UT higher education system. UT is known to be a public Ivy. The school is also considered a major center for academic research. There are sixteen colleges and schools within the University of Texas at Austin. The university offers undergraduate and graduate as well as interdisciplinary programs. The Master’s in Engineering Management offers courses that develop students’ leadership and management skills as well as technical engineering instructions. The student population is diverse coming from all over the country and over 100 foreign countries.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) is a recognized private research university. The school is known for its research works focused on electrochemistry and electrochemical engineering. The university is consistently ranking among the top universities in the United States. Some of the popular CWRU undergraduates are engineering, nursing, research and science, accounting and financial services, and information technology. The Master of Engineering and Management is a one-year program that offers advanced courses and internships. Students will gain real-life experience before joining the industry as leaders. Admission process of the university is highly selective. 

Acceptance Rate

27.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL) is a private research university that values teaching and learning. Programs offered at the University of Miami are designed to teach students new knowledge that can be beneficial for their future careers. UM has 12 colleges and schools that manage a variety of courses in psychology, law, social sciences, business and marketing, etc. Engineering Management is offered as a program concentration under the BS Industrial Engineering. The undergraduate program integrates business and management preparing students to be leaders in the industry. UM has a diverse and social-friendly environment. Students come from the 50 states and over a hundred foreign countries. 

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, CA) is a private Jesuit university and the oldest higher learning institution in California. SCU is divided into six colleges and three offers undergraduate programs. College of Arts and Science, the School of Engineering, and the Leavey School of Business offer 45 majors students can choose from. SCU offers all levels of educational degrees but the school is particularly recognized for its doctoral programs. It is classified as a “Doctoral/Professional” university by the Carnegie Classification. Engineering Management and Leadership is a technical management program that leads to a master’s degree. Professionals are trained to be leaders while enhancing engineering skills. Management courses are taught by Silicon Valley professionals.

Acceptance Rate

48.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ) is one of the oldest technological universities in the United States. The institute is also notable for being the first college to offer a mechanical engineering program in the country. The school has four colleges that manage undergraduate and graduate programs. The school aims to address the challenges facing engineering and science by being true to the institute’s vision. Engineering Management is an undergraduate minor. Courses on the fundamentals of economics, accounting, statistics, project-management methods, and analysis tools are given to interested students. The program is open to all engineering and engineering technology majors.

Acceptance Rate

39.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo, CA) is one of two polytechnics in the California State University system. The school offers a wide range of bachelor’s and master's degree programs. Most Cal Poly programs are focused on technical and applied science courses. The school fosters a combination of technical and professional curriculums with the arts and humanities. The university is also highly recognized for social mobility, research, and service to students and the community. Engineering Management program leads to a master’s degree. Students are trained to be leaders and critical thinkers in their chosen industry. 

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) has a long list of academic majors and minors at the undergraduate and graduate levels. GW offers both on-campus and off-campus modes of learning allowing flexibility for students. The Princeton Review listed GWU at number 1 among the Top Colleges or Universities for Internship Opportunities. The Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering offers a wide range of academic programs for students who aim to be leaders in the field. All program curricula integrate research, teaching, and public service in the disciplines of technology management and engineering systems. The school has alumni who are internationally recognized in governance, entertainment, and others. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY) is a public research university offering a range of high-ranking degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. A large percentage of the student population experience study abroad programs. Students can choose and customize the experience. Middle East and Florence, Italy are just two of the many locations for the school’s study abroad programs. Among the top programs in SU are information studies and library science, architecture, communications, business administration, and engineering. Master of Science in Engineering Management is a comprehensive and competitive graduate program at the university. Graduates are expected to be leaders and game changers in the industry. Syracuse University has an excellent faculty and notable alumni. 

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Colorado School of Mines (Golden, CO) is a public research university that offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Major programs are on engineering management, science, and mathematics while humanities, arts, and social sciences are offered as minor degrees. The university is also very active with their research programs. Engineering and Technology Management is a one-year accelerated program offered to STEM undergraduates. Students are exposed to different business management tools that can be used to address the needs of engineering and technology. Mines has a fairly high acceptance rate.    

Acceptance Rate

53.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Champaign, IL) is the flagship university of the state's higher education system. The university is among the universities with very high activity on research works. The university offers a wide range of academic and professional programs. It recently launched an online learning system to expand academic offerings. UIUC is among the Top 25 American Research Universities according to The Center for Measuring University Performance. Technology & Management is an undergraduate minor offered by the Grainger College of Engineering. The program integrates traditional engineering and business education.

Acceptance Rate

59.03

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) is nationally ranked comprehensive research university. The school is recognized for the quality of teaching and research programs. The university has programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across eight schools. SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering offers a master’s degree program in Engineering Management. The program is open to students who have already earned engineering and technical degrees. Students are trained to be leaders and managers of technology-driven businesses.

Acceptance Rate

47.29

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Engineering Manager Role

An engineering manager is a professional problem-solver and translator. As a problem solver, professionals analyze and synthesize information to arrive at optimal solutions for a given situation. Solutions may range from technical problems to interpersonal issues to conceptual complications with a project. A professional engineering manager will also be an effective translator by taking complex jargon or abstract data and make technical issues a business reality for subordinates and executive management. In reality, an engineering manager can sit around a drafting table and discuss technical issues with a group of engineers and quickly switch hats to then sit at the conference room table to discuss business objectives with upper management.

Engineering Management Careers

At many accredited colleges and universities, an engineering management student can elect to be a generalist or specialist in the field. Below you will find a quick list of specialties within the engineering management field to help you better understand the options in the field of study.

  1. Quality Sciences The quality sciences applied to engineering management focus on overall quality improvement, business strategy, and value creation.
  2. Commercialization Specializations in engineering management related to commercialization teaches students to take products to market. From product development and innovation to marketing and entrepreneurship, students learn the life cycle of product creation through completion.
  3. Research Methods The concentration of research methods teaches engineering managers statistical acumen and data analysis from multiple perspectives. This unique way to think helps professionals solve real-world problems by blending technical and business expertise in a seamless fashion.
  4. Project Management The most popular path for engineering managers is via project management. Project management courses utilizing advanced software and cutting-edge industry tools combine with systems engineering to arrive at unique business solutions.
  5. Leadership The field of leadership within the context of engineering management teaches students to effectively mix technical and conceptual knowledge with the personal touch required of leaders. Engineering management students will learn about discourse, empathy, active listening, and ethical considerations of leading a group of engineers in an organization.

Top Degrees in Engineering Management

For students considering a future in engineering management, you will need to understand the degree options and details around each program type. A summary is provided below to help you better understand the different degree types and associated details in engineering management. Programs span from certificate programs through doctorate degrees that reflect in the world university rankings and our rankings.

Bachelor Degrees in Engineering Management

An online bachelors degrees engineering management is a 4-year program conferred as a Bachelor of Science (BS) at most accredited colleges and universities. The bachelors degree melds liberal arts classes such as philosophy, English, and sociology with core engineering management courses to help students effectively process information. Core classes include engineering projects, chemistry, math, managing engineering & technology, physics, quality management, project management, design & integration, operations management, marketing, complex systems, accounting, and financial management. A BS degree in engineering management can include specializations that include:

  • General Emphasis focusing on the convergence of business, technology, engineering, and innovation.
  • Industrial Engineering with a focus on productivity and optimization in both service and manufacturing companies.
  • Technology Management is the specialization of managing budgeting, scheduling, systems design, logistics, marketing, sales, and information systems.

Master Degrees in Engineering Management

A master's degree in engineering management is a one to two-year program for full-time students and is conferred as a Master of Science or MS degree. Upper level coursed include advanced classes such as: management for engineers, management of scientists, project management, financial management, and operations management. Most MS degree programs allow students to choose to complete a thesis project or offset a thesis project with additional approved classes. Thesis projects must be approved and may be in areas of study such as Six Sigma, technical analysis, automated simulation systems, strategic inventory analysis, and web-integrated designs.

Doctorate Degrees in Engineering Management

The doctorate degree track in engineering management is a 4-6 year program after meeting all lower-level degree requirements. The doctorate degree in engineering management is conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at most schools. Students may be allowed to choose their unique area of emphasis in the PhD program and associated courses towards degree completion. In addition to work experience and residency requirements, students will need to complete a board-approved dissertation to help advance the field of study in engineering management.

Certificate in Engineering Management

The certificate programs for engineering managers are graduate programs designed to help working professionals and students in the field advance their knowledge in the industry. Certificate programs can include an array of tracks to help propel students in their existing career track or help prepare for a pending career transition. Online certificates in engineering management can include financial engineering, engineering management, human systems integration, leadership in engineering companies, military construction management, Six Sigma, project management, safety engineering, or construction management.

Engineering Management Courses

A degree in engineering and industrial management provides students with the skills and education necessary to design, test, implement and maintain the means of production in an industrial setting. Individuals will learn about the methods used to design such production lines, the various costs associated, the obtaining of material used in manufacturing a given product, the use of computers to aid in design, and the measurement of overall efficiency in a given line.

Students will utilize various studies in order to better understand the various aspects of production, developing practical skills necessary in order to apply the knowledge gained in a real-world setting. A bachelor's degree will provide students with an education in engineering, production and management, with a master's degree providing greater depth in the design of a production line, including the use of computers to design model productions and test their efficiency prior to implementation.

A curriculum in engineering and industrial management will typically require students to earn credit in the following learning domains:

  • Statistics
  • Accounting
  • Principles of Management
  • Supply Chain
  • Production

Top Engineering Management Colleges

To find a top college in engineering management, you will need to first establish a personal priority list of what is important to you. Without a priority list, you will spend hours chasing best school lists and top school ranking reports from companies looking to sell magazine subscriptions and far-flung websites hawking discount timeshares in Monaco.

To help you establish a working priority list, take the time to read our Complete Guide to the College Admissions Process followed by our guide on How to Reduce the Cost of College. Both guides, read in tandem, will help you understand how to effectively navigate the college admissions process and keep your investment in school in check. Once you have read both resources, simply visit the schools located on this page to request information or use our proprietary matching portal to find the best college degree in engineering management for you.

Jobs for Engineering Management Graduates

An individual pursuing a career in engineering and industrial management will be responsible for determining the needs to produce a given product, identify the most cost-efficient materials for production, develop a production system that proves to be the most efficient, and develop the methods for testing and maintenance of a given system. Engineering management graduates will also be responsible for employees related to production, educating them on the various aspects of the production line, and ensuring they operate within given parameters.

Managers will also be responsible for keeping costs low, while maintaining the expected level of quality as provided by the product being produced. Entry level positions, often working under a more experienced manager typically require a bachelor's degree. A master's degree will have an individual working more closely with the design and implementation of production techniques, and the overall management of a given production line or system.

Where Do Engineering Majors Work?

Engineering management careers can span various industries across varied sectors of the economy. Engineers can work for a number of institutions and organizations around the country. The most popular type of employer is and architectural and engineering firm which employs approximately 35% of engineering managers nationwide. The next largest employers are management consultants followed by scientific research organizations, instrumentation manufacturers, and the federal government. Given the size and scope of each organization, it is easy to see the job functions of an engineering manager will vary greatly from organization to organization.

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