Engineering Management

Engineering Management Masters: All About It

Engineering Management is a specific type of executive that is required to effectively lead designing or specialised workforce and tasks. The term can be utilised to depict either practical administration or venture executives. In simple terms, Engineering management is the application of the practice of management to the practice of Engineering.

What is an Engineering Management Master?

An Engineering Management Master's program is designed for engineers who want to enhance their technical skills while gaining expertise in managing projects, teams, and resources effectively. It typically covers topics like project management, organisational behaviour, strategic planning, and leadership, preparing graduates for leadership roles in engineering and technology companies. Essentially, it combines engineering knowledge with management principles to equip professionals with the skills needed to lead engineering projects and teams efficiently.

3 Reasons To Earn An Engineering Management Degree

Versatile Career Opportunities

With an engineering management degree, you open doors to a wide array of career paths. Not only are you equipped with technical skills from your engineering background, but you also gain invaluable management and leadership skills. This combination allows you to explore roles in project management, product management, operations, consulting, and even entrepreneurship. Engineering management graduates are sought after in various industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and construction, offering you the flexibility to switch industries or roles as your interests evolve.

Career Advancement Potential

Earning an engineering management degree can significantly accelerate your career progression. By developing expertise in both engineering and management, you become a valuable asset to companies seeking leaders who can effectively bridge the gap between technical teams and business objectives. Whether you aim for promotions within your current organisation or seek new opportunities elsewhere, the advanced knowledge and skills acquired through this degree program will position you for higher-level roles with increased responsibilities and greater impact.

Higher Earning Potential

One of the compelling reasons to pursue an engineering management degree is the potential for a higher salary. As you ascend the ranks into management positions, you command greater compensation packages due to your specialised skill set and leadership abilities. Engineering managers often earn significantly more than their purely technical counterparts, reflecting the added value they bring to organisations through their strategic vision, decision-making prowess, and ability to drive innovation while ensuring project success. Additionally, with the versatility of the degree, you can leverage your expertise to negotiate competitive salaries across different industries and geographic regions.

Eligibility Criteria for Engineering Management Masters

Masters in Engineering Management (MEM) programs are widely available in the USA, as well as in select universities in Canada, Australia, and other countries, offering both full-time and distance learning options. While specific admission criteria can differ among institutions and program formats, here's a general overview:

1. Educational Background: Prospective students typically need an accredited bachelor's degree in engineering or a related scientific field, or its equivalent, with a solid CGPA.

2. Standardised Test Scores: Many universities require applicants to submit scores from either the GMAT or GREs. However, exceptional professional experience may lead to waivers for these requirements.

3. Letters of Recommendation: Candidates are often asked to provide two or three letters of recommendation that showcase their academic achievements, professional accomplishments, and leadership capabilities.

4. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are usually required to submit a statement of purpose or personal statement, detailing their motivations, career aspirations, and suitability for the program.

5. Language Proficiency: International students whose native language is not English typically need to provide TOEFL or IELTS scores as proof of English proficiency.

6. Transcripts: Complete transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended are typically required.

7. Work Experience: MEM programs are tailored for individuals with limited or no professional experience, usually recommending applicants with no more than five years of work experience. However, this requirement can vary between universities.

8. Pre-requisite Programs: Some institutions may mandate completion of pre-requisite courses or demonstrate proficiency in technical skills such as calculus and statistics before admission.

By addressing these criteria, prospective students can better prepare themselves for admission to Masters in Engineering Management programs, ensuring they meet the necessary qualifications and prerequisites for success in their chosen field.

Subjects Covered under Engineering Management Masters

The Masters in Engineering Management program is an immersive journey, blending multiple disciplines to equip students with a comprehensive skill set. Alongside core courses, students delve into electives tailored to their interests and career aspirations. These elective offerings are diverse, encompassing fields such as:

• - Computer Simulation for Risk & Operational Analytics
• - Project Management
• - Product Management
• - Manufacturing Management
• - Systems Engineering and Architecture
• - Environmental Systems Analysis, Economics & Public Policy
• - Applied Machine Learning
• - Data Science for Business Intelligence
• - Operations and Supply Chain Management
• - Technology Development and Commercialisation

Moreover, students engage in compulsory internship modules, providing hands-on experience and further refining their expertise in specialised areas. Core courses, integral to the program, cover vital topics like Leadership and Organisational Behaviour, Strategic Management, and Accounting and Finance, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares graduates for success in the dynamic landscape of engineering management.

What skills do you learn in an engineering management program?

Here are some skills you might learn in an engineering management program:

• Leadership and team management: Developing skills to lead teams effectively, delegate tasks, and inspire team members to achieve goals.

• Project management: Learning how to plan, execute, and monitor engineering projects, including scheduling, budgeting, and risk management.

• Strategic thinking: Understanding how to align engineering projects with broader organisational goals and objectives.

• Communication skills: Enhancing written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey technical information to various stakeholders.

• Decision-making: Developing techniques for making sound decisions based on data, analysis, and stakeholder input.

• Problem-solving: Learning approaches to identify, analyse, and solve complex engineering problems.

• Financial management: Understanding principles of finance and accounting relevant to engineering projects, including budgeting and cost estimation.

• Quality management: Learning techniques for ensuring quality in engineering processes and deliverables.

• Innovation and entrepreneurship: Exploring methods for fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within engineering teams and organisations.

• Ethical considerations: Understanding ethical issues relevant to engineering management, including social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

Duration of Masters in Engineering Management

The length of the Master in Engineering Management program varies based on its delivery mode. A full-time program typically spans 12 to 24 months, while part-time or distance learning options may extend from 6 to 9 months to a year.