Published:Mar 28, 2025
Reviewed By Luna Magpili, PhD, CPEM
An accredited masters in engineering management degree meets recognized standards (ASEM), ensuring a strong curriculum and meaningful outcomes.
Students can pursue in-person or online master structures, accommodating diverse schedules–making engineering manager aspirations achievable from anywhere.
Typical courses blend project management, engineering economics, technology management, along with capstone or real-world project experiences.
Graduates often move into leadership roles in manufacturing, construction, IT, and beyond, commanding competitive salaries and strong growth potential.
Check each school’s requirements, but most require a relevant bachelor's degree, possibly GRE scores, a statement of purpose, and references. Tuition varies widely; research scholarships, federal aid, and employer sponsorship.
What makes an engineering manager truly effective? Is it technical expertise? Business acumen? People skills?
A masters degree in engineering management accredited by the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) ensures engineering professionals develop all three. And that’s what will prepare them for success in any industry.
Tell us about your interests and we’ll recommend the best fit MEM programs in less than 60 seconds. Get the information you need to make an informed decision and compare your options from one list!
ASEM is a global society dedicated to advancing the profession of engineering management. The organization sets benchmarks for graduate education in the field and certifies programs that meet those rigorous standards. ASEM certification indicates a quality education—in both the program’s curriculum and how it’s run. It’s an important credential for students and employers to consider.
This article will explore the value of ASEM-certified engineering management programs. We’ll look at what it takes to become certified, including curriculum requirements and admissions criteria. Whether you’re considering an in-person or online program, understanding ASEM certification and expected career outcomes will help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
Accredited masters in engineering management degree programs must meet ASEM’s academic standards for faculty, curriculum, and administrative support.1
Qualified professors are vital for a quality education. ASEM-certified engineering management MS programs require:
At least one full-time faculty member lead the program.
Faculty members with expertise in engineering management teach at least one-third of the courses.
A reasonable and appropriate workload for faculty.1
These three requirements ensure professors have enough time to plan the curriculum, advise students, etc. They also ensure students like you get a quality education from experts in the field.
ASEM certification ensures the program curriculum is up-to-date and properly prepares you for a career in engineering management. It requires:
A balance of qualitative and quantitative courses that reflect current research and practices in engineering management
A minimum number of courses in management, statistics or quality engineering, engineering economics or financial management, and quantitative analysis
A capstone project, thesis, or cumulative class projects that show you can apply theory to real-world situations
Course materials that are relevant to knowledge workers in today’s global environment1
Beyond qualified faculty and minimum curriculum, ASEM certification requires engineering programs to provide you with specific resources. This includes:
An academic advisor, who ensures your course of study meets both program requirements and your professional goals
Access to literature about engineering management theory and practice, usually through a campus library1
Other organizations, like the Master of Engineering Management Programs Consortium (MEMPC), also focus on best practices in engineering management education. However, they do not certify programs like ASEM. This group of leading universities—including Cornell University, Purdue University, and MIT—connects students with employers through their outreach and partnerships.6 So earning your degree from a consortium member school can give your career an added boost.
In-Person Programs
School Name & Overview: Land-grant institution, recognized for strong engineering.
Program Highlights: Emphasis on engineering economics, leadership, manufacturing engineering.
Type of Learning: Campus-based or possibly hybrid; verify.
Unique Features: Collaboration with local industries, smaller class sizes.
Program Formats: Typically 1–2 years; part-time for working professionals.
Ideal For: Engineers seeking advanced management roles in Midwest’s manufacturing or agribusiness.
Admissions Process: Bachelor’s in engineering, transcripts, possible GRE, check official site.
Tuition & Payment: In-state/out-of-state differences; departmental scholarships.
School & Overview: A top public research university, UW–Madison.
Program Highlights: Core in project management, advanced leadership, R&D oversight.
Type of Learning: Predominantly on-campus with potential online modules.
Unique Features: Ties to Wisconsin’s robust manufacturing, biotech industries; strong research emphasis.
Program Formats: 2-year typical.
Ideal For: Students wanting a recognized public education with strong industry-lab partnerships.
Admissions Process: STEM undergrad, references, GRE might be required.
Tuition & Payment: UW system tuition, possible assistantships.
School & Overview: Known for engineering and tech programs; part of the UM system.
Program Highlights: Industrial engineering fundamentals, technology leadership, supply chain.
Type of Learning: On-campus or possibly hybrid.
Unique Features: Kummer Institute fosters R&D, entrepreneurship.
Program Formats: 1–2 years full-time, flexible.
Ideal For: Students seeking a specialized R&D environment.
Admissions Process: Bachelor’s in engineering, statement of purpose, transcripts.
Tuition & Payment: In-state vs. out-of-state rates; scholarships or fellowships available.
School & Overview: Located in Minnesota, recognized for industrial & manufacturing focus.
Program Highlights: Emphasizes industrial management, leadership, and process optimization.
Type of Learning: Primarily on-campus but may offer partial online classes.
Unique Features: Partnerships with regional manufacturing and tech firms.
Program Formats: ~2 years.
Ideal For: Students wanting a midwestern campus environment with direct industry ties.
Admissions Process: BS in engineering or related, ~3.0 GPA.
Tuition & Payment: Reasonable state rates; potential graduate assistantships.
School & Overview: Known for its engineering college, strong R&D in mechanical, civil, electrical fields.
Program Highlights: Mix of engineering economics, leadership, operational management.
Type of Learning: Campus-based with optional remote classes.
Unique Features: Collaboration with Northwest regional industries, smaller cohorts.
Program Formats: 1–2 years typical.
Ideal For: Those wanting a close-knit campus environment with emphasis on engineering leadership.
Admissions Process: Undergrad in engineering, official transcripts, possible GRE.
Tuition & Payment: In-state discount, departmental scholarships.
School & Overview: Prestigious private institution in Houston, Texas.
Program Highlights: Leadership, technology management, agile project oversight.
Type of Learning: Fully online; flexible for working professionals.
Unique Features: Rice brand prestige, small cohorts, synergy with Houston’s medical/energy sectors.
Program Formats: Usually ~2 years; part-time or full-time.
Ideal For: Mid-career engineers seeking advanced leadership without relocating.
Admissions Process: STEM undergrad, GRE might be required, references, SoP.
Tuition & Payment: Private rates, possible scholarships or corporate reimbursements.
School & Overview: Drexel in Philadelphia with a strong co-op tradition and reputable online platform.
Program Highlights: Focus on project management, system design, real-world case studies.
Type of Learning: 100% online, asynchronous or limited synchronous sessions.
Unique Features: Long history of online education, robust digital resources.
Program Formats: ~2 years standard, flexible pacing.
Ideal For: Working adults wanting a recognized private university degree.
Admissions Process: Undergrad in engineering or STEM, references, possible GRE.
Tuition & Payment: Per-credit cost, potential financial aid.
School & Overview: Missouri S&T known for engineering excellence. Kummer Institute fosters innovation.
Program Highlights: Emphasizes manufacturing engineering, R&D, supply chain, engineering leadership.
Type of Learning: Fully online or hybrid.
Unique Features: Kummer philanthropic funding for STEM expansions, advanced labs.
Program Formats: 30-credit typical, ~2 years.
Ideal For: Engineers aiming for advanced technical + managerial roles.
Admissions Process: B.S. in engineering, transcripts, possible GRE.
Tuition & Payment: Competitive public rates, some departmental scholarships.
School & Overview: ODU in Virginia, recognized for online engineering grad programs.
Program Highlights: Project leadership, engineering economics, lean processes.
Type of Learning: Online, consistent with ODU’s established distance education.
Unique Features: Real-time web conferencing or asynchronous classes; strong support for active-duty military.
Program Formats: 2-year average.
Ideal For: Students wanting flexible scheduling, possibly military personnel.
Admissions Process: STEM undergrad, references, transcripts, possible GRE.
Tuition & Payment: Out-of-state vs. in-state rates differ, financial aid available.
School & Overview: UArk’s College of Engineering with strong research ties in supply chain and manufacturing.
Program Highlights: Focus on engineering economics, advanced management theory, engineering project oversight.
Type of Learning: Fully online with flexible start times each year.
Unique Features: Proximity to Walmart HQ fosters unique supply chain projects.
Program Formats: ~30 credits, typically 2 years part-time.
Ideal For: Professionals balancing a career wanting advanced management skill sets.
Admissions Process: B.S. in engineering or STEM, possible GRE.
Tuition & Payment: Reasonable public tuition, plus various scholarships or assistantships.
As you consider your ASEM-certified program options, let’s review the graduate admission requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to apply and get into a MEM program.
As a graduate program, a master’s in engineering management (MEM) requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. And not any bachelor’s degree will do. Admissions officers prefer graduates of ABET-accredited programs.7 Most commonly, this will be a Bachelor of Engineering Technology or Bachelor of Science in fields like civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, or computer engineering.7,1
Graduate schools will ask for official transcripts from all previous higher education you’ve completed. Most engineering management programs require a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Some programs, such as the one at Western Michigan University, only require a minimum GPA for math courses.8 But students admitted to highly competitive programs like Stanford University’s tend to have a much higher GPA requirement, averaging around 3.9.9
Many graduate programs require at least a few years of professional experience in a technical or engineering role. But some programs will consider applicants who have less work experience but strong academic credentials and recommendations.
Some graduate schools require a standardized test like the GRE. Others will waive the requirement for applicants with extensive professional experience. And some programs are entirely test-optional. Be sure to review each program’s requirements before applying.
Your Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement is your opportunity to explain why you’re applying to the program. Describe any relevant experience you have and how the specific program you’re applying to aligns with your career goals.
Many MEM programs will ask for 2-3 letters of recommendation from your employers or professors. Choose people who can speak to your academic abilities, leadership potential, and work ethic.
If you are an international student or English is not your first language, you may also need to submit your TOEFL or IELTS score. The typical minimum score is 80–100 for the TOEFL and 6.5–7.0 for the IELTS.
An ASEM-accredited masters in engineering management program is designed to equip engineers with the management skills to lead in a technical organization. The curriculum aligns with the Engineering Management Body of Knowledge (or EMBoK for short). This ensures what you learn reflects current research and practices in engineering management.10
Specific courses will vary by program. But ASEM-accredited programs must have the following required courses:1
Statistics or Quality Engineering
Engineering Economics or Financial Management
Quantitative Analysis
Other core subjects for an engineering management degree include:
Project Management
Technology Management
Systems Engineering
Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Elective courses allow you to customize your education to your interests or career goals. Electives may include:
Supply Chain Management
Risk Analysis and Management
Product Development
Data Analytics
Most engineering management programs include a capstone project to meet ASEM requirements.1 This final project combines the technical and managerial strategies you learn throughout the program. It’s a chance for you to apply engineering management theories and best practices to real-world business situations.
Students who are interested in a career in academia or research may opt for an MS program with a thesis option. Here, you conduct in-depth, original research on a specific topic, guided by a professor. Your research should offer new insights and prepare you for further study in a Ph.D. program. While a master’s program focuses on applying theories in a professional context, a Ph.D. program focuses more on developing theories through advanced research.
Engineering management online programs must meet the same ASEM academic requirements as in-person programs. Online masters offer more flexibility for working professionals and parents. Classes are often asynchronous, and group projects can be completed entirely online.
In-person programs offer more face-to-face collaboration and networking opportunities. Some online college programs try to simulate the classroom experience with live sessions or interactive platforms. Choose the format that works best for you based on your lifestyle and career goals.
If you prefer to remain in highly technical roles and lead teams developing cutting-edge technology, you might consider a master’s degree in engineering technical management (METM) instead. Compared to the MEM’s broader business focus, this specialized degree focuses more narrowly on advanced technical problem-solving and technology commercialization.
If you’re not ready for the commitment of a full degree program, you can still continue your education while you work. Graduate certificate programs–like Business Foundations from Duke University or Quality Management Across Product Lifecycle from Penn State World Campus–can level up your business and management skills in as little as four courses.11,12
So what can higher education do for your engineering management career? A lot!
ASEM accreditation has global recognition. That means you can advance your career in almost any technical organization around the world. Industries like technology, healthcare, construction management, and manufacturing rely on MEM graduates to lead projects and manage high-functioning teams.
The unique combination of business and technical skills you gain prepares you for a variety of business administration roles. Some common career paths include:13
Oversee technical projects to ensure they are completed on time and within budget.
Lead the development of technical products that meet market demands and business objectives.
Oversee the design and integration of complex systems.
Ensure engineering processes and products adhere to quality standards.
Consult with businesses looking to introduce new technologies, build effective remote teams, and more.
Demand for these roles continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% increase in job openings for engineering managers between 2023 and 2033.14 Plus, engineering managers earn a median annual salary of $165,370.14 That’s almost $75,000 more than the median for engineers across all industries.15
Choosing an ASEM-certified engineering management program is a strategic investment in your future. With a rigorous curriculum aligned to industry standards, these programs teach you the technical and management skills you need to excel in engineering leadership roles.
As you explore your options, consider each program’s length, specializations, tuition costs, and online vs. in-person learning. When you’re ready to apply to grad school, review the official university websites for application deadlines, specific admission requirements, and scholarship opportunities.
Each program has unique strengths, so it’s about choosing the program that’s the best fit for you and your career goals. That’s how you can be confident in your next step toward higher education and a successful engineering management career.
1 https://www.asem.org/resources/Website/Education_Certification/Graduate_Program_Cert/2020-10%20EM_Masters_Program_Certification_Academic_Standards.pdf
2 https://www.asem.org/Graduate-Program-Cert#Info
3 https://www.asem.org/CAEM
4 https://www.asem.org/CPEM
5 https://www.asem.org/EM-Professional-Certifications
6 https://www.mempc.org/
7 https://www.abet.org/accreditation/
8 https://wmich.edu/ieeem/engineering-management-masters
9 https://msande.stanford.edu/academics-admissions/graduate/admission/ms-admission-statistics
10 https://www.asem.org/EMBoK
11 https://masters.pratt.duke.edu/management/business-foundations/
12 https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-engineering-management-masters-degree
13 https://ep.jhu.edu/news/9-engineering-management-career-paths
14 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm
15 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/