Technology is present in every facet of human existence; therefore, it is no surprise that technology businesses are among the world's most significant enterprises. Most of these top IT organizations are searching for someone with both technical and business expertise.
In other words, they want persons with a Master's degree in Engineering Management (abbreviated MEM or MSEM (Master of Science in Engineering Management). This degree combines engineering and management. It explicitly intends for graduates to bridge the gap between engineering, technology, and business management.
The master's degree in engineering management is sometimes called the "engineer's MBA." Any undergraduate student with a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) background is eligible to pursue a master's in Engineering Management.
For many years, the United States has been the top study abroad destination in many fields, and many international students want to pursue a Master's in Engineering Management in the United States. They can work as engineering managers in manufacturing, construction, and technology.
This degree is also helpful for those seeking technical management and leadership roles in businesses, as it provides knowledge of management and engineering processes. Other countries, such as Canada and Australia, offer Masters in Engineering Management.
Studying Master of Engineering Management in the United States
A master's degree in engineering management (MEM) is a one to two-year STEM school established exclusively for engineering graduates in the United States of America. The Masters in Engineering Management program includes various business and leadership ideas associated with sophisticated technological techniques.
Many people desire to be in a managerial capacity after receiving a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or any other field.
Engineers have three alternatives: a project management course, an MBA, or an MS in engineering management. Choosing between these three is mainly determined by the industry and jobs you will be working on. An MBA will teach you corporate business and management.
However, while studying an MS in engineering management, you will learn about various business topics such as operations, organizational behavior, leadership, finance, etc.
In the United States, getting a master of engineering management requires a 1-2 year course designed for graduates in engineering-related professions. This course combines technology abilities with business acumen to enable engineers to advance into leadership positions.
Why pursue a master's in Engineering Management in the United States?
Even though job growth for engineering managers is only predicted to be 3% through 2028 (slower than the national average), the following aspects contribute to the attraction of MS in Engineering Management in the USA among study abroad aspirants:
- The average annual compensation for engineering managers in the United States is 144,000 USD. This is more than the average salary for management vocations, which is 105,660 USD per year.
- From 2017 to 2018, total employment in this industry increased by 1% to 194,250.
- Architectural and engineering sectors hired the most graduates from this discipline, totaling 51,020.
- However, engineering managers working in scientific research and development got the highest annual income of 177,840 USD.
Everything You Need to Know About Masters in Engineering Management in the United States
Although a master's in Engineering Management appears to be a management degree, it is more specialized than an MBA or a Masters in Management (MIM). The curriculum is primarily intended for engineers who want to advance to managerial positions in their careers.
The primary curriculum of the MS in Engineering Management in the United States covers finance, intellectual management, marketing, and management laws. The curriculum also teaches procedures such as personnel, planning or scheduling, and company monitoring.
Master of Business Administration vs. Master of Engineering Management (MEM)
Masters in Engineering Management and MBA programs in the United States are in high demand among overseas students. A distinction between the two is provided below to assist you in selecting an appropriate program:
| Regulators | MBA | MEM |
| Duration of the course | 2 years | 2 to 3 years |
| Fundamentals | Quality systems, Six Sigma, engineering statistics, Project management, information systems leadership, and law. | Human resources, organizational behavior, finance, accounting, marketing, and international business |
| Developed abilities | Organizational leadership, business communication and problem-solving | Strategic thinking, communication, and innovation. |
| Criteria | Engineering graduates or engineers in their mid-career with management experience | with at least 2-3 years of paid job experience |
| Placement | Preferably in Tech-companies | Mostly in non-tech companies |
| Salary Average (after 10 years) | 107,765 USD per annum | 98,626 USD per annum |
Top Engineering Management Masters Programs in the United States
MS in Engineering Management programs is available in full-time and part-time formats in the United States. A full-time study typically lasts 12 to 24 months, whereas part-time courses often last 6 to 9 months.
According to the QS News World University Rankings for 2022, the best universities in the United States that offer a Master of Engineering Management degree are as follows.
| University | QS World Rankings 2022 | Programs Offered | Program Fees (in INR) |
| Cornell University | 21 | MEng Engineering Management; 2 years | 81 lakhs |
| Johns Hopkins University | 25 | Master of Engineering Management; 2 year | 82 lakhs |
| Northwestern University | 30 | Master of Engineering Management; 1.3 year | 48 lakhs |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 40 | MS in Engineering with the main subject as Engineering Management; 2 years | 26 lakhs |
| Duke University | 52 | Master of Engineering Management; 1 year | 42 lakhs |
| University of Texas at Austin (UTA) | 67 | Master of Engineering Management | 40 lakhs |
| University of Wisconsin (UW) – Madison | 75 | Master of Engineering Management | 39 lakhs |
| Pennsylvania State University (PennState) | 96 | Master of Engineering Management | 57 lakhs |
| Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) | 107 | Master of Engineering Management; 1.5 years | 63 lakhs |
| Ohio State University (OSU) | 120 | Master of Engineering Management | 23 lakhs |
Several reputable colleges offer Masters in Engineering Management degrees. Following a bachelor's degree in engineering, we'll go through the pricing structure, qualifying requirements, and other information you'll need to become a Master of Engineering Management.
Several reputable colleges offer Masters in Engineering Management degrees. Following a bachelor's degree in engineering, we'll go through the pricing structure, qualifying requirements, and other information you'll need to become a Master of Engineering Management.
Northeastern University
Northeastern was established in 1898. It enrolls 34% of international students from 144 countries and has 260,000 alumni from 179 nations. The MEM program is designed primarily for engineers with technical business backgrounds who wish to manage technology-based initiatives.
Individual consideration is given to students from diverse backgrounds. All students are prepared for various prospective engineering management careers, including product development, management, and technical organizations.
Courses available
- Engineering Management Master of Technology
- Engineering Management Postgraduate Diploma
- Engineering Management Postgraduate Certificate
- Engineering Management Master of Technology
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M Institution is a well-known university in the state of Texas in the United States. The state's only university is classified as land, marine, and space-grant school. The National Science Foundation ranked Texas A&M University as one of the top 20 research universities in the US in 2009.
Texas A&M University's College of Engineering in the United States offers an MS in Engineering Management. This is a Masters-level program that lasts 1.5-2 years.
The University of Texas at Arlington
Public research institution The University of Texas is a part of the Universities Research Association and the Oak Ridge Associated Universities. It is classified as a research-intensive university. The university offers 180 bachelor's and master's degree programs, business skills, remote learning, career growth, and management courses.
The Engineering Management program at the University of Texas at Arlington is a STEM program that teaches engineering and business techniques to engineers who will advance into leadership roles in strategic planning, product development, or managing the organization's technological resources. Graduates learn how to use a company's technical knowledge, abilities, and capabilities to gain a sustainable competitive advantage.
University of South Florida (USF)
University of South Florida (USF) is the state's southernmost research and high-impact university. Courses in the major include resource management, strategic planning, engineering management, and productivity. They combine qualitative and quantitative methods.
Students majoring in MSEM interested in doing practical research can write a thesis. The thesis option has the required minimum requirements of 18 core coursework credits, six electives, and six thesis credits. Courses are available both on-campus and online.
Master of Engineering Management Admissions Process in the United States
Admission to master's programs at US institutions is competitive. Simply meeting the essential criteria does not guarantee access to the university.
The method and prerequisites for an international student applying for a master's degree in engineering management in the United States are outlined below.
How to Apply for an MS in Engineering Management in the United States?
Students must complete the online application form available on university websites. Then, together with the application package, you must provide the supplementary papers requested to the admission departments of the individual colleges.
MS in Engineering Management Eligibility Criteria in the United States
- a four-year bachelor's degree in engineering or a related science
- GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale (equal to 80%) in engineering or STEM subject, with 1-2 years of work experience
- Educated in Science, Engineering, Statistics, and Calculus.
- A minimum GRE score of 300 or comparable GMAT scores is required.
Case-by-case admissions are evaluated for those who do not meet this academic limitation. However, this is hardly a strong endorsement for admittance.
Documents Required for an MS in Engineering Management in the United States Admission
- A resume thoroughly explains one's school credentials, personal characteristics, employment experience, and extracurricular interests.
- Letters of reference: Applicants must provide 2-3 physical copies of letters of recommendation to each university.
- English proficiency exam scores, as well as GRE/GMAT test scores, must be presented.
- Mark sheets: Applicants must produce the essential academic credentials, such as 10th and 12th-grade pass certificates and undergraduate degrees.
- Statement of Purpose: The idea of purpose should describe why you choose the program.
- Transcripts: This is a quick scorecard from the applicant's most recent academic institution.
English Proficiency Proof
IELTS, TOEFL, or comparable test results from international students from nations where English is not the primary language are required to prove English proficiency. For admission to engineering management master's programs in the US, the following requirements must be satisfied:
- TOEFL (iBT): 89 to 100
- IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5
Visa to Study in the United States
- Students must have valid passports with expiry dates beyond the two years of the postgraduate program.
- The bank balance must be sufficient to support the first year's tuition and living expenses.
- The candidate should apply for bank statements that serve as verification of scholarships granted by institutions in the United States.
- Forms of eligibility, such as I-2O in the case of an F-1 visa.
- Pay SEVIS fees of 180 USD or 200 USD in the event of an F-1 visa.
- Schedule visa appointments and bring a DS-160 visa application form to the interview.
- Visa acceptance rates vary per university, although more than 80% of students typically acquire one.
The Cost of a Master's Degree in Engineering Management in the United States
A student must pay a hefty sum to study abroad because it includes several components such as test scores, registration costs, tuition fees, living expenses, etc. This section goes through such costs in more detail, breaking them into three basic categories: Pre-arrival Fees, Tuition Fees, and Living Expenses.
Pre-arrival Costs
Even before traveling to the United States, students must consider significant expenses such as airfare costs, visa fees, application fees, registration fees for examinations necessary to study in the United States, and so on. These one-time expenses are listed below:
| Type of Expense | Cost (in INR) |
| Program Application Fees | 7,489- 14,979 |
| Visa Application Fees | 11,983 |
| IELTS Fees | 14,230 |
| TOEFL Fees | 11,983- 18,724 |
| GRE Fees | 15,353- 17,226 |
| GMAT Fees | 18,724 |
Living expenses in the United States
In the United States, living expenditures mainly involve housing costs, varying between $1,000 and $2,000 per month. This equates to 74,000 INR. The details of some of the spending an overseas student will regularly face while studying in the United States are included below.
| Expense type | Monthly Expenses (in INR) |
| Hostel/ Share rentals | 14,979 |
| Groceries | 14,979 |
| Eating outs | 11,234 |
| Transport | 7,489 |
| Entertainment and shopping | 18,724 |
| International calls | 1,123 |
Scholarships for Masters of Engineering Management in the United States
Regarding tuition prices for MS in Engineering Management, overseas students confront a significant financial burden when pursuing higher education in the United States.
To address this issue, colleges, non-profit organizations, and other third-party organizations offer students scholarships, fellowships, and loans.
Some of the funding sources for students seeking a Master of Engineering Management in the United States are listed below:
| Scholarship | Awarding Institute | Amount (in USD) |
| Knight Engineering Management Diversity Fellowship | Cornell University | Up to 40,000 |
| Master of Engineering Committee (MEC) Scholarships | Cornell University | Up to 20,000 |
| Knight Scholarship | Cornell University | Up to 40,000 |
| Teaching Assistantship | John Hopkins University | 16.50 per hour |
| Albert H. Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship | Northwestern University | Varies |
| Warren V. Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies | Pennsylvania State University | 25,000 |
In addition, some of the most popular scholarships available to overseas students in the United States are listed below:
BrokerFish International Student Scholarship:
The BrokerFish foreign student scholarship program aims to help international students save money during their school years. The award value is $1,000 and is applied to tuition costs.
Fulbright-Nehru Foreign Student Program:
This scholarship program is available to postgraduate students at all universities in the United States. The Fullbright-Nehru scholarship, on the other hand, requires students to return to their home country after completing their studies.
Global Study Prizes:
This scholarship program was created by the British Council (IELTS), the ISIC Association, and StudyPortals to encourage students to study abroad. This well-known award is worth USD 12,995 and can be used for tuition and living costs.
Go Clean scholarship:
Go Clean scholarships are available to postgraduate Engineering Management students in the United States. The award is worth $3,500 and can only be used for tuition payments.
Career Opportunities in Engineering Management after an MS:
A Master in Engineering Management in the United States is a degree gained by an engineer who wishes to learn management strategies and more about basic engineering ideas.
You will stand out in the employment market with this degree and exceptional communication and technical abilities. The following are some vocations that can be pursued after earning this degree.
| Job Prospect | Average Salary (USD) |
| Technical and Project Manager | 101,000 |
| Process Engineer | 75,800 |
| Automation Engineer | 88,500 |
| Design Engineer | 86,100 |
| Product Engineer | 79,200 |
| Quality Control Manager | 75,900 |
| Project Coordinator | 79,000 |
| Chemical Process Manager | 92,300 |
The engineer manager
The engineer manager's responsibility is to coordinate and direct projects by planning project requirements and processes with the management, production, and marketing teams. For the project to succeed, they must also examine the technology, resource requirements, and customer demand. As a result, they might earn an average of $76,000 to $131,000 yearly.
System Engineer
Their responsibilities include system monitoring, configuration, installation, and application software testing. They must also oversee infrastructure development. A bachelor's degree in computer science, including a MEM degree, is required for this position. They can make up to $77,100 per year on average.
Project Manager
A project manager's responsibility is to manage a project while considering needed specifications and client needs, estimating time requirements, coordinating activities, resolving difficulties, and so on. As a result, they might earn an average of $120,000 yearly.
Financial/Business Analyst
A business or financial analyst's job is to find answers to company and financial difficulties. They must also implement fresh ideas and plans that will aid in the expansion of the company's sales. They may make $78,000 per year on average.
Entrepreneur
If you have funds, having management and technical experience will be beneficial in starting a new firm.
Consultants
They also assist clients by offering suggestions for future growth. A consultant might be associated with education, jobs, and so on. They may make $70,000 each year on average. As a result, they might earn an average of $76,000 to $131,000 yearly.
Work Permit in the United States Post MEM
The post-study work visa is essential for students planning to further their education in the United States. International students with an F1 student visa can work for up to a year in temporary jobs relevant to their field of study.
F1 students can also apply for Optional Practical Training after finishing their studies (OPT). OPT is a one-year work and stays permit granted to overseas students upon completion of a degree program in the United States.
Students must understand everything regarding the post-study work permit in the United States before applying for MEM in the United States.
Conclusion
It's no surprise that technology firms are among the world's largest enterprises. Along with technical talents, these companies need graduates with business savvy.
In other words, top firms in the United States hunt for persons with a master's in Engineering Management because it bridges the gap between technology, engineering, and business management.
Any undergraduate student, not just those with an engineering degree but also those with a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, Technology, or Mathematics, can pursue an Engineering Management MS in the United States.
After earning an MS in Engineering Management in the United States, you can work as an engineering manager in manufacturing, construction, or technology.
More than an MBA, pursuing Engineering Management Master's in the United States would be more appropriate if you are highly concerned about not losing sight of the foundations of your industry.
With the opportunity to boost your earning potential, it is time to look at colleges that offer Engineering Management MS in the United States. In this post, we have covered everything from eligibility scores to curriculum, compensation, and the scope of engineering management.
