Table of Contents
1. Course Highlights
2. Why USA
3. Top Universities
4. MEM Vs MBA
5. Application Process
- How to apply
- Eligibility Criteria
- Documents Required
- Visa for International Students
6. Cost of MEM
- Pre-arrival Costs
- Cost of Living
7. Scholarships
8. Scope
9. Q&A
Masters in Engineering Management:
Course Highlights
- Masters in Engineering Management (MEM) in the USA is a 1-2 years extensive program, particularly for engineering graduates. The course generally includes business know-how and leadership concepts that complement advanced engineering concepts.
- There are currently more than 180 colleges in the USA offering a Masters of Engineering Management. World-class colleges come with hefty fees but various scholarships are in place to fix this issue.
- Students with a relevant engineering degree and valid GRE/GMAT score can pursue a master's in Engineering Management in the USA.
- Average tuition fees for universities in the USA offering a Masters in Engineering Management is around 30,000 USD to 150,000 USD.
- The average entry-level salary stands at around 80,000 USD after completion of an MS in engineering management.
Why Study Masters in Engineering Management in the USA?
The job growth for engineering managers is projected to be low till 2028 in the USA. Yet, the following factors contribute to the attractiveness of a master in engineering management program in the USA.
- The average salary of engineering managers in the USA is around 150,000 USD per annum. However, the average pay scale for other management occupations is around 105,000 USD.
- Total employment has shown a little rise in this sector
- The engineering and Architectural are sectors are employing the highest number of graduates from this field.
Another significant reason for studying for an MSc in Engineering Management in USA is the presence of some of the top world rank universities.
Top Universities for Masters in Engineering Management in the USA
Here are some of the top-ranked universities for an MSc in Engineering Management program in the USA:
| S.No. | University | Time | Program Fees (in INR) |
| 1 | Cornell University | 2 years | 81 lakhs |
| 2 | Dartmouth University | 1.3 years | 56 lakhs |
| 3 | Duke University | 1 year | 42 lakhs |
| 4 | John Hopkins University | 2 years | 82 lakhs |
| 5 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 year | 40 lakhs |
| 6 | Northwestern University | 1.3 years | 48 lakhs |
| 7 | TUFTS University | 1 year | 40 lakhs |
| 8 | University of California | 2 years | 26 lakhs |
| 9 | University of Texas | 2 years | 40 lakhs |
| 10 | University of Wisconsin | 2 years | 39 lakhs |
| 11 | Pennsylvania State University | 1 year | 57 lakhs |
| 12 | Washington University in St. Louis | 1.5 years | 63 lakhs |
| 13 | Ohio State University | 1 year | 23 lakhs |
MEM Vs MBA
| Basis | MEM | MBA |
| Curriculum | Six Sigma, Quality Systems, Project Management, Leadership and Law, Engineering Statistics and Information Systems | Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Organisational Behaviour and International Business |
| Skills Developed | Strategic Thinking, communication and innovation | Organisational Leadership, business communication and problem-solving |
| Eligibility | Engineering graduate or mid-career engineers with managerial experience | Minimum 2-3 professional work experience required |
| Placement | Preferably in Tech companies | Mostly in non-tech companies |
| Median Salary | 90,000 USD per annum | 100,000 USD per annum |
Application Process for Masters In Engineering Management in USA
It is not easy to get yourself enrolled for a master's in engineering management in the USA. Merely fulfilling the minimum eligibility requirements is not enough for this program.
The following information will guide you through the process and requirements for an international student applying for a master of engineering management in the USA:
How to Apply for MS in Engineering Management in the USA?
Students can fill up the application online, available on the university websites. Also some universities have a separate portal for admissions to their master’s programs.
Eligibility Criteria for MS in Engineering Management in the USA
Only if the following academic requirements are met, a student can proceed further in the admissions process.
- A 4-year bachelor in engineering or related fields
- An average GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale which is equivalent to 80% in engineering or STEM discipline along with 1-2 years of work experience
- An academic background in engineering, science, calculus, statistics
- Minimum GRE score: 330 or an equivalent GMAT score
Documents Required for MS in Engineering Management in the USA:
- Resume:
Detailed Summary of educational qualifications, professional work experience and Extra and Co-curricular activities
- Letters of recommendation:
2-3 letters of recommendation are required for each university
- Original Transcripts:
Applicants have to submit a scanned copy of their original mark sheets of 10th and 12th along with the undergraduate degree.
- Statement of Purpose:
This document helps the university to understand your purpose of applying for the program.
- GRE/GMAT Score:
The required GMAT/GRE scores must be submitted.
- Language Proficiency Test:
International students from non-English speaking countries are required to prove proficiency in this language by submitting an IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test score. The minimum score required is:
IELTS: 6.5 and higher
TOEFL(iBT): 90 and higher
US Visa for International Students:
- Students need to have a valid passport with expiry date exceeding two years of the postgraduate program.
- Sufficient bank balance to cover tuition fees and cost of living for the first year.
- Bank statements that stand as proof of scholarships, in case the applicant has applied for any.
- Eligibility forms like I-20 in case of F-1 Visa
- Pay SEVIS fees of 180-200 USD in case of F-1 Visa
- Schedule Visa Appointments and carry an online form for DS-160 visa for the interview
Cost of Studying Masters in Engineering Management in the USA
The cost of studying can be very expensive for international students as many components like pre-arrival expenses and cost of living are attached to it. This section will further discuss various costs involved in studying in the USA:
Pre-arrival Expenses:
These involve the costs incurred by students before reaching the study destination. The following table shows all the pre-arrival costs:
| Type of Expense | Approximate Cost (in INR) |
| Program Application Fees | 7,000 to 15,000 |
| Visa Application Fees | 12,000 |
| IELTS Fees | 15,000 |
| TOEFL Fees | 15,000 |
| GMAT Fees | 18,500 |
| GRE Fees | 15,800 |
Cost of Living in the USA:
Living expenses may vary from city to city. For example, the average cost of accommodation can be as low as 800$ in Birmingham to 1000$ in San Francisco. So, let's talk about the average cost of living in the USA:
| Type of Expense | Monthly Expenses (in USD) |
| Hostel/Share Rentals | 800 to 1200 |
| Groceries | 150 |
| Electricity | 20 |
| International Calling cards | 15 |
| Home Internet | 15 |
| Transport | 100 |
| Entertainment and Shopping | 250 |
Scholarships for Masters in Engineering Management in the USA
Due to high tuition fees of MS in Engineering Management, international students often feel the financial burden while pursuing their studies. However, several universities, government and non-government organizations provide financial aid to these students in the form of scholarships and loans.
You can find various scholarships on the university website as some amount is provided to students with outstanding academic performance.
Also, some of the popular scholarships available for students pursuing a Masters in Engineering Management are discussed below:
- PEO International Peace Scholarship for Women:
These scholarships are awarded to women students pursuing graduate programs in the USA.
Benefits: $12,500
- Obama Foundation Scholars Program:
These scholarships are awarded to individuals who want to make a difference in civil society, in the private and public sectors.
Benefits: Full tuition fees, monthly living expenses, funding for books and course material.
- Civil Society Leadership Award:
These scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a master's degree in USA demonstrating academic excellence.
Benefits: Tuition and travel expenses, living expenses and a monthly stipend.
- Fully-Funded Rotary Peace Fellowships:
These scholarships are awarded to international students pursuing a Professional Development Scholarship Program or Masters Degree Program related to peace and conflict resolution.
Benefits: Tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and all internship and field-study expenses.
Documents Required for Availing US Aid:
- A completed scholarship application form
- Copy of passport/id
- Copy of Transcripts
- IELTS/TOEFL score
- Statement of Purpose / Letter of Motivation
- LOR for USA
- CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Parent’s financial information, including tax returns
Scope of Masters in Engineering Management in the USA:
The graduates of masters in engineering in management earn an average salary of 100,000 USD per year. However, the pay scale depends upon the organization, location and range of skills. Top recruiters in the USA give high preference to skills like project management, leadership and people management.
Some of the job roles available to engineers in the USA are:
| Job Roles | Average Salary (in USD) | Job Roles | Average Salary (in USD) |
| Design Engineer | 77,405 | Quality Control Manager | 76,462 |
| Chemical Process Manager | 76,137 | Process Engineer | 77,627 |
| Product Engineer | 84,660 | Project Coordinator | 72,981 |
| Technical Project Manager | 80,600 | Automation Engineer | 110,868 |
Lets see the top recruitment companies hiring Ms in engineering management graduates in the USA:
| S.no. | Company | Average Salary Range (in USD) |
| 1 | Boeing Company | 70,000 - 180,000 |
| 2 | Ford Motors | 80,000 - 160,000 |
| 3 | Lockheed Martin | 70,000 - 170,000 |
| 4 | Amazon | 72,000 - 160,000 |
| 5 | Northrop Grumman | 78,000 - 190,000 |
Q&A
Q. How much a master's in engineering management costs in USA?
A. A master's in engineering management in the USA can cost you around 30,000USD to 50,000USD per year depending upon the university. Also a major part of the cost is tuition fees only.
Q. What is the ranking for masters in engineering management in USA?
A. The USA has some of the top-ranked universities to pursue a masters in engineering management. For example, Cornell University (#14 FT rankings); Dartmouth College (#10 FT Rankings); Massachusetts Institute of Technology (#5 FT Rankings); Duke University (#29 FT Rankings) and so many others.
Q. What is the salary range after completing a master's in engineering management in the USA?
A. The average starting salary of an engineering management graduate is around 75,000 USD per year. However, the average engineering salary is around 122,810USD per year and some of the highest-paid engineers earned more than 160,000USD per year.
Q. Is it possible to apply for masters in engineering management without GMAT/GRE for universities in the USA?
A. Some of the top universities require a good score in GMAT/GRE for admissions to their master's program. However, if you want to apply without a GMAT/GRE score you must have a strong academic record and professional background.
Q. Is work experience mandatory to apply for a masters in engineering management in the USA?
A. In most cases, universities in the USA don't ask for experience from the applicants but some of the top-ranked universities might ask.
Q. What are the jobs available after masters in engineering management in the USA?
A. A masters degree in engineering management opens a wide pool of opportunities. Various jobs such as Automation Engineer, Chemical Process Engineer, Client Services Analyst, Construction Project Engineer, Design Engineer, Director of Hardware Engineering, Economics Consultant, Firmware engineer etc are available in the USA job market.
Q. What is the eligibility criteria to apply for the master's in engineering management in the USA?
A. International applicants are required to have a four-year bachelor's degree, IELTS/TOEFL score, GRE/GMAT score or relevant work experience for admissions to MS in Engineering Management in the USA.
