MEM vs MBA Abroad: Which is Best Choice

Updated on 02 February, 2024

Students seeking managerial roles are often perplexed about the management degree they should pursue. Choosing between Master of Engineering Management (MEM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one such pivotal decision for students. While MEM fills the gap between technology and business, an MBA focuses on general management, enabling graduates to work in diverse industries. Read more for the ultimate comparison of  MEM vs MBA.

MEM vs MBA Highlights

Aspects

MEM

MBA

Eligibility Requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or any related technical field  Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Top Universities/B-School
  • Purdue University
  • University of Michigan Ann Harbor
  • The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business
  • The Wharton School of (The University of Pennsylvania)
  • Harvard Business School
Duration of Course

9–15 months

24 months

Curriculum Goal Integrates engineering and management principles to prepare graduates for managerial roles in engineering businesses.  Expands business knowledge and nurtures management skills for leadership roles in diverse industries.
Average Annual Tuition Fee

$64,000

$85,000

Average Annual Salary*

$127,502

$95,775

Source: Indeed*

Eligibility Criteria

MEM Program

  • MEM program typically requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or any related technical field with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
  • Candidates with relevant work experience are preferred. 
  • Admissions often require a letter of recommendation and a written statement explaining the candidate’s career goals and reason for pursuing MEM. 
  • GRE or GMAT scores may also be needed. 
  • TOEFL or IELTS scores are also asked by universities abroad as proof of English proficiency.

MBA Program

  • A student should hold a bachelor’s or equivalent degree from a recognized university. It is not mandatory that the degree should be in business or economics. 
  • Current CV/ Resume highlighting professional experience and accomplishments.
  • GMAT or GRE scores are often required. 
  • Written and video essays addressing the questions asked in the application form. These usually demonstrate the candidate’s motivation behind pursuing an MBA. 
  • Letters of recommendation from supervisors. 
  • IELTS or TOEFL scores for international applicants. 

MEM vs MBA: Top Universities

Some of the top universities in the world offering MEM include: 

University 

World University Rankings 2024

University of Michigan Ann Harbor

19

Northwestern University

31

Purdue University

32

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

33

Pennsylvania State University

36

Duke University

61

Rice University

82

North Carolina State University

101–125

University of Technology Sydney

101–125

University of Colorado 

101–125

University College Dublin

151–175

University of Ottawa

201–250

Source: THE World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Engineering

Some of the B-schools for MBA in the world are: 

B-Schools

World University Rankings 2024

Stanford Graduate School of Business

1

The Wharton School 

(The University of Pennsylvania)

2

Harvard Business School

3

London Business School

4

HEC Paris

5

MIT (Sloan)

6

Columbia Business School

7

IE Business School

8

Cambridge (Judge)

9

IESE Business School

9

INSEAD

10

Source: QS Global MBA Rankings 2024

MEM vs MBA: Course Duration

A full-time MEM course is generally 9 to 15 months. However, students with significant work experience can opt for a part-time MEM program lasting 2 to 3 years. This duration can vary depending on the university, the number of courses taken per semester, and the program's flexibility.

MBA, on the other hand, is generally of 2 years. Part-time MBA programs may take around 21 months to complete. The executive MBA (EMBA) program, made for mid-career professionals, typically takes 18 months to complete. Classes for such MBA programs are often scheduled on weekends, allowing professionals to continue working while pursuing the degree.

Curriculum Goal

An MBA program focuses on expanding business knowledge and nurturing leadership and management skills. It aims to enhance the student’s global business perspective and develop problem-solving and decision-making skills, requisite to thrive in top leadership positions. Students gain an understanding of fundamental concepts such as consulting, marketing, analytics, and entrepreneurship.

The MEM program aims to integrate engineering and management. It provides exposure to concepts like product management, supply chain management, product design, operations, and data analytics. Though it has a business focus, a student in a MEM program solves challenges and problems associated with engineering businesses. Thus, enabling them to apply their business concepts to the engineering world.

Overall Average Tuition Fee

The average tuition fees for an MBA program can vary depending on the country. For instance, in the US, the costs for two-year MBA programs can range from $50,000 to $80,000 (₹41,56,000 – ₹66,50,000). Fees for some reputed universities can even reach 
$85,000 (₹70,66,000) annually. However, in the UK, a 1-year MBA program can cost around £69,000 (₹72,48,622). 

On the other hand, the average tuition fee for MEM programs in the US is around $64,000 (₹53,20,000). In the UK, a MEM course at a reputed university can cost  £22,600 (₹23,74,186).

MEM vs MBA Salary

Engineering Managers in some countries can earn an annual salary ranging from $82,206 to $197,758. The salary for MEM holders may vary depending on the candidate's industry, location, and experience. MEM graduates have a thriving career path and can progress to coveted roles such as chief technology officer ($3,05,836/yr) and vice president of engineering ($3,34,433/yr). 

An MBA graduate can enter into diverse industries and seek coveted roles. Some of the leading positions for MBA graduates include chief executive officer ($3,59,607/yr), chief financial officer ($3,18,665/yr), management consultant ($1,49,729/yr), and financial manager ($1,17,906/yr). However, the salary earned will depend on work experience, location, and reputation of the MBA program. 

MEM or MBA: Which to Choose

Choosing between MBA vs MEM solely depends upon your career goals and interests. MEM might be the right fit if you are inclined towards technical fields and aspire to lead engineering or technology-focused projects. On the other hand, an MBA is a versatile degree suitable for various industries, offering a broader understanding of business principles, leadership, and strategy. Consider your passion, desired industry, and long-term objectives to make an informed decision. 

Disclaimer: All course fees and salaries mentioned are subject to change.

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FAQs

Which industries are more inclined towards hiring MBA graduates, and which prefer MEM graduates?

An MBA degree is versatile and applicable across various industries, commonly sought after in finance, consulting, marketing, and general management. In comparison, a MEM degree is well-suited for industries that require a strong technical background, such as technology, manufacturing, and engineering-focused sectors.

What career paths are typically associated with an MBA or MEM?

MBA degree opens doors to roles like business development, consulting, finance, marketing, and general management. On the other hand, a MEM degree leads to leadership careers in project management, technical leadership, product development, and innovation within the engineering and technology sectors.

How does the curriculum differ between MBA and MEM programs?

MBA offers a broad curriculum covering finance, marketing, operations, and strategy with some elective choices. MEM integrates technical coursework with business management principles, focusing on the intersection of engineering and leadership.

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Urvi Agrawal

Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.

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