Is Engineering Management a Good Degree? Your Comprehensive Guide

As software and systems processes have evolved and grown in complexity, the role of engineering managers has become increasingly vital. Engineering managers play a pivotal role in managing projects, optimizing processes, and aligning technical innovation with strategic business goals. They use their education and skills in technical engineering, business administration, project management, and leadership development to deliver innovative solutions on time and within scope. Engineering managers typically have a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree.

Engineering management can be described as the intersection of engineering and management skills. More specifically, the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM) defines engineering management as “the art and science of planning, organizing, allocating resources, and directing and controlling activities that have a technological or systems component.”¹ 

Engineering and management principles share a common foundation in problem-solving, efficiency, and systematic thinking. Both involve examining complex problems, using systematic approaches, and making the best use of available resources to achieve successful results. Just as engineering principles guide the design, development, and execution of technical solutions, management principles focus on planning, organizing, and leading teams to drive business success.

How is engineering management different from management in general? The key difference is that people who work in engineering management have the technical skills of an engineer in addition to the business skills of a manager. While general managers work in various industries and focus on business functions such as finance, marketing, and operations, engineering managers apply management principles specifically within engineering contexts. A general manager can manage engineering projects, but an engineering manager will have a deeper understanding of the processes and solutions that can be modified in an engineering project to reach business goals. Engineering managers are uniquely suited to developing technical solutions to meet corporate objectives.

If you’ve considered a degree in engineering management, you may have also thought about project management or business administration. All three disciplines are related: they each focus on management and leadership. So how do they compare?

Project management centers on planning, executing, and completing projects. Project managers work in various industries. No matter their field, project managers are responsible for meeting specific goals within set constraints, such as time, budget, and scope. Their duties include defining project objectives, coordinating team efforts, managing resources, and ensuring timely delivery or completion. Project managers usually hold a degree in business or management, though they may earn a degree in a different subject, such as engineering. Additionally, many project managers acquire additional certifications, like the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, to enhance their skills and credibility.

Business administration encompasses a broad understanding of business operations, including finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) program provides students with the technical, managerial, and leadership skills needed for successful management careers in various fields. MBA graduates work in many organizations, including engineering firms.

As you've learned, engineering management degrees go beyond typical engineering degrees to integrate technical engineering expertise with business and leadership skills. Engineering managers oversee engineering teams and manage technical projects, ensuring that engineering solutions align with organizational objectives. Engineering management degree programs typically cover topics like systems engineering, project management for engineers, and engineering decision-making.

Anyone interested in engineering and business should consider pursuing a master's in engineering management. In particular, it's an ideal degree for engineers who are working in the field and want to develop their leadership skills, regardless of their engineering discipline. 

For instance, if you are working as an electrical engineer and want to go into management, a graduate degree in management engineering will better suit your goals than a master's in electrical engineering. Likewise, an industrial engineer who wants to lead other engineers may consider pursuing an MEM rather than a Master of Industrial Engineering (MIE). An environmental engineer who wants a leadership role managing an environmental engineering team may benefit more from earning a master's in engineering management than a master's in environmental engineering.

If you decide to pursue a master's in engineering management, you can expect the degree program to feature courses in the core subjects of engineering management: business, engineering, and management.

The American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), the premier accreditation body for the engineering management profession, outlines 11 key domains that form the foundation of engineering management practice and certification exams. Degree programs that are ASEM-certified include courses in these domains:

1. Engineering Management 

2. Leadership & Organizational Management 

3. Strategic Planning and Management 

4. Financial Resource Management 

5. Project Management 

6. Quality Management System 

7. Operations & Supply Chain Management 

8. Management of Technology, Research, and Development 

9. Systems Engineering 

10. Legal Issues in Engineering Management 

11. Professional Codes of Conduct and Ethics

Specific courses vary from university to university, of course. Here are some sample classes: 

Cornell University’s Master in Engineering Management curriculum includes a course in Project Management, which covers techniques for planning, executing, and overseeing engineering projects to ensure they meet objectives within constraints.

The MEM program at Stevens Institute of Technology features a course in Engineering Economics and Cost Analysis that covers topics such as cost estimation, allocation, and analysis and capital investment strategies.

Rutgers University’s engineering management program includes a course called Ethics for Science and Technology Management. The course explores ethical challenges specific to STEM-based organizations, focusing on principles like corporate social responsibility, organizational ethics, and whistleblower responsibilities and emphasizing practical problem-solving tools and strategies for addressing ethical dilemmas.

In addition to courses like those detailed above, some engineering management degree programs give students the option to choose a specialization or an area of concentration to provide deeper learning in a specific area related to the field. Most specializations focus on a particular engineering discipline or management area. Popular concentrations and specializations include: 

• Systems Engineering

• Project Management

• Chemical Engineering

• Analytics or Data Science

• Supply Chain and Logistics

• Mechanical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Construction Management

• Electrical Engineering

• Industrial Engineering

• Leadership

• Software Engineering

• Transportation

• Quality Management

• Computer Engineering

• Entrepreneurship

A good MEM program prepares graduates to take on leadership roles in engineering-driven organizations. Developing leadership capabilities is key to managing people effectively, coordinating large-scale projects, and navigating cross-functional teamwork. By refining their communication skills, students learn to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, present ideas persuasively, and foster a collaborative work environment. Additionally, MEM graduates gain business management skills like decision-making and risk management, which are critical for addressing challenges such as project delays, budget constraints, or technological uncertainties.

Beyond leadership, an engineering management degree offers skills that combine technical engineering knowledge with business administration and strategic thinking. Students gain a deeper understanding of core management concepts like operations management, financial planning, and quality control while learning to analyze technical data within the context of broader business goals. This interdisciplinary approach allows graduates to bridge the gap between technical teams and executive leadership, ensuring that engineering projects align with organizational strategies and market demands.

By combining these competencies, an engineering management program empowers students to excel in roles that require both technical expertise and business acumen. Whether leading product development, implementing process improvements, or overseeing resource allocation, master's in engineering management graduates are well-prepared to drive innovation and efficiency in today's fast-paced, technology-driven industries.

A master's in engineering management can open the doors to diverse career opportunities across various industries. You can put your business management and engineering education to good use as you manage an engineering team, engineering projects, or both in leadership roles like these:

Engineering Manager 

Leads an engineering team, overseeing project planning, execution, and completion to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Engineering Project Manager

Oversees engineering projects from conception to completion, managing budgets, timelines, and team coordination to ensure successful project delivery. 

Operations Manager

Manages daily operations within engineering or manufacturing settings, focusing on process optimization, resource allocation, and efficiency improvements. 

Product Manager

Leads the development and marketing strategies of engineering products, balancing technical specifications with market demands to drive product success.² 

Each of these roles leverages the interdisciplinary training provided by MEM programs, allowing graduates to bridge the gap between engineering and management. Career advancement for MEM graduates could involve progressing to senior management or executive positions, where they can influence organizational strategy and drive innovation.

Engineering managers work across industries, including manufacturing, technology, construction, retail, finance, chemical engineering, and more. Top engineering management employers include companies like Northrop Grumman, Marriott International, The College Board, Lockheed Martin, JP Morgan Chase, Raytheon Technologies, and Citigroup.³

To determine whether engineering management is the right career path, assess your interests, skills, and long-term goals. Consider whether you enjoy overseeing projects, coordinating teams, and making strategic decisions that integrate technical and business aspects. If you have a passion for both engineering and leadership and want to take on management responsibilities, this field might be the right choice for you.

You should also consider how long it takes to become an engineering manager. First, you'll need to complete an undergraduate program to earn a bachelor's degree, which usually takes four years of full-time schooling. Next, you may want to begin working in an entry-level engineering or business role to gain practical experience. Then, a Master's in Engineering Management is usually a requirement for engineering management roles.

Earning an MEM can equip you with the crucial blend of technical skills and managerial expertise that managing engineering teams and projects requires. Typically, students need one to two years to earn an MEM degree. Some institutions offer part-time programs, often online, designed for working professionals. On a part-time basis, it may take two to three years to earn an MEM.

The field of engineering management is dynamic, with evolving technologies and methodologies. Engaging in continuous learning through professional development courses, certifications, and staying updated with industry trends is essential for sustained success and adaptability in this career.

You can consider several factors when deciding between master’s in engineering management programs. To make an informed decision, consider the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by one of the three recognized groups that validate the quality and rigor of engineering management curricula: the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), and the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). 

• Faculty Expertise: Look at the qualifications and industry experience of the faculty members to gauge the depth of knowledge and mentorship you can expect.

• Curriculum Breadth: Look for programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum that covers both technical engineering subjects and management principles. Consider programs that offer concentrations in an area that interests you. 

• Industry Partnerships: Programs with strong ties to industry can provide valuable networking opportunities, internships, and real-world project experiences.

• Flexible Degree Formats: Consider whether the program offers on-campus, online, or hybrid options, and which best accommodates your learning style and suits the time you have available to pursue a graduate degree in engineering management.

• Cost: The costs for MEM degrees vary. Be sure to consider the full cost of a degree program before you apply to engineering graduate school.

Rankings: Another aspect to consider is U.S. News and World Report rankings for engineering graduate degree programs.⁸ The top 10 programs are:

• Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering: Master of Engineering Management

• Purdue University College of Engineering: Master of Engineering Management and Leadership

• Duke University Pratt School of Engineering: Master of Engineering Management

• Missouri University of Science & Technology: Master of Science in Engineering Management

• University of Arizona: Engineering Management Master of Science

• Columbia Engineering and Columbia Business School: Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering

• Cornell University: Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Engineering Management

• Pennsylvania State University World Campus: Master of Engineering Management 

• University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Engineering: Master of Science in Engineering Management 

• Stanford University: Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering

Lesser-known MEM graduate programs certainly can provide the accredited, high-quality engineering management education you need for the career you want. Earning a degree in engineering management is worth it when your budget and your goals align.

The role of engineering managers is rapidly evolving due to technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the globalization of supply chains. AI and automation are streamlining traditional engineering tasks, enabling managers to focus more on strategic decision-making and innovation. This shift necessitates a deep understanding of emerging technologies and the ability to integrate them effectively into projects. Additionally, managing global supply chains requires proficiency in coordinating diverse teams across different time zones and cultures, emphasizing the importance of cross-functional collaboration and adaptability.

The future scope for individuals with a Master's in Engineering Management is promising, as industries increasingly seek leaders who are skilled in both engineering and management. The demand for such interdisciplinary skills is expected to grow, offering career opportunities in a variety of fields.

To thrive in this dynamic environment, continuous learning is essential. Engineering managers must stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and technological innovations. Maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning is key to adapting to changes, driving progress, and maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving landscape of engineering management.

An engineering management degree opens doors to career advancement, which can lead to higher salaries and roles that drive innovation and efficiency across sectors. With global trends like AI, automation, and sustainable development shaping the future, the demand for engineering managers is set to grow. As you consider becoming an engineering manager, reflect on your passion for both engineering and leadership, as well as your long-term career goals. If you're ready to take on the challenge, engineering management offers a rewarding opportunity to lead and excel in today's technology-driven world.