MS in Engineering Management in USA: Universities, Fees & Jobs (2024 Updates)

Ever heard of ‘Engineer’s MBA’ or ‘MBA for Engineers?’ Sounds confusing as to why an engineer will study management? And if it is any fruitful? To begin with, a Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) student can expect an average base salary of $102,000 (per Payscale, June 2024). Now that is something exciting, isn’t it?

A Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) in the US spans one to two years and covers leadership and business concepts that sync with advanced engineering techniques. Over 180 institutions in the US offer it, and it is one of the most popular courses among international students.

To better understand, let’s dive into crucial aspects of an MS in Engineering Management in the USA.

What is MS in Engineering Management in USA?

Engineering spans multiple business sectors as it involves process, design, technology, and the management of projects and personnel. The MS in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree emphasizes the synergy between engineering and management application as an integral part of the strategic plan to maintain a competitive edge.

MSEM is considered the best engineering management program in the USA for students who can look at problems with diverse perspectives and give solutions by optimizing technology and business tools.

This degree program is relevant for organizations constantly working to bridge the gap between engineering, technology, and management to enhance performance. The MSEM or MEM graduates remain high in demand and are offered jobs in Data Analytics, Product Management, Quality Control, Performance Analytics, etc.

As a student, you will learn to:-

• Address challenges as a proficient technical contributor and ethical leader, making a global, economic, and organizational impact.
• Show proficiency in the application of scientific, engineering, and leadership principles.
• Be acknowledged as a professional leader in modern, multidisciplinary technical organizations.
• Utilize best practices as professionals; evaluate, discern, interpret data, and advocate for innovation.
• Achieve professional success and apply your educational preparation to build on your background for future advanced studies.

Masters in Engineering Management in USA: Program Highlights

Course	Masters in Engineering Management (MEM)
Duration	1 year
Mode of Study	On-campus & online
Core Modules	Data Analytics, Project Management, Economics, Organizational Behavior, Product Management, Engineering Leadership
Status	STEM-Designated
Average Fees	$30,000 - $60,000
Standard Requirements	Transcripts, 3 LORs, SOP, Resume, at least 3 GPA, 2 Years of Work Experience (may be needed), English Language Test scores.

Why Pursue MS in Engineering Management in the USA?

Engineering management in the USA is an excellent choice for engineering students. Here are some of the best reasons to study this course from the USA:-

• Job growth is steady for qualified engineering management professionals in the USA. 
• Median salaries have touched around $144,000 per year in this field. 
• The sector has witnessed handsome growth in employment over the last few years. 
• Engineering and architectural industries employ the maximum number of skilled graduates.  
• The growing ambit of research and innovation in the field.

Top 10 Universities for Master’s in Engineering Management in USA

When pursuing a masters in engineering management in US, selecting the right university is crucial for your academic and professional growth. The MS in engineering management courses are offered full-time and part-time. Regular courses usually span 12-24 months, while part-time programs cover 6-9 months.

The following table highlights the best universities in the USA for MS in engineering management:-

University Name	US Rankings (2024)*	Acceptance Rate*	Application Deadlines**
University of California--Los Angeles (Samueli)	#1	84%	December 1
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger)	#2	50%	May 30
Pennsylvania State University	#3 (tie)	94%	Rolling
Purdue University	#3 (tie)	53%	Rolling
University of Nebraska-Lincoln	#5	79%	May 1
Johns Hopkins University	#6 (tie)	7%	January 3
University of Michigan	#8 (tie)	18%	Feb 1
University of Southern California	#8 (tie)	20.6%	December 15
Arizona State University	#11 (tie)	48.5%	NA
George Washington University	#11 (tie)	49%	January 5

*Source: U.S. News & World Report National Rankings 2024
**Source: Official University Websites

Kindly note the application deadlines are indicative only. Aspirants are advised to check the official university website when applying for accurate, prevailing deadlines.

Top Programs for Masters in Engineering Management in USA

Choosing the best colleges for engineering management in the USA involves considering various factors such as course content, duration, and cost. The MEM in the USA table below provides detailed information on the top programs available in the United States in 2024.

University Name	Course Name	Program Duration	Total Fees (in USD)
University of California--Los Angeles (Samueli)	MS in Engineering Management	1.5-2 years	$39,600
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Grainger)	Master of Science in Engineering Technology and Management for Agricultural Systems	18 months	$686 per credit
Pennsylvania State University	MS in Engineering Management	12-18 months	$1,915 per credit
Purdue University	MS in Engineering Management	1 year	$43,200
University of Nebraska	MS in Engineering Management	1 year	$20,250
Johns Hopkins University	MS in Engineering Management	18 months	$31,420
University of Michigan	MS in Engineering Management	1.5-2 years	$28,094
University of Southern California	MS in Engineering Management	1.5-2 years	$2,424 per credit
Arizona State University (Fulton)	Engineering MEng	1.5-2 years	$28,890
George Washington University	MS in Engineering Management	2-3 years	$2,130 per credit

Source: Official University Websites

What Does MS in Engineering Management Curriculum Include?

The Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Management curriculum is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive education that balances foundational knowledge, specialized expertise, and elective flexibility. The program ensures students are well-equipped to handle the complexities of engineering management in various industries.

The MSEM curriculum varies across universities, but here is the general structure of the program:-

• Required Foundation Courses (12 Credits)
• Areas of Specialization (12 Credits)
• Electives (6 Credits)

Required Foundation Courses (12 Credits)

Every student must complete 12 credit hours of foundational courses that lay the groundwork for advanced study in engineering management. These courses include:-

1. Engineering Data Analysis:

Techniques and methods for analyzing engineering data.

2. Survey of Optimization:

Introduction to optimization methods and their applications.

3. Human Operator in Complex Systems:

Study of human factors and ergonomics in system design.

4. Engineering Management Control Systems:

Examination of control systems within engineering management contexts.

Areas of Specialization (12 Credits)

Students are required to choose one area of specialization, each comprising 12 credit hours, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career goals. The available specializations and their courses are:-

1. Business:

• Survey of Management
• Survey of Finance
• Survey of Marketing
• Financial Accounting

2. Analytics (leads to a graduate Certificate in Industrial Analytics):

• Engineering Data Analysis
• Advanced Quality Control
• Design and Analysis of Industrial Experiments
• Simulation Methods and Applications

3. Supply Chain:

• Engineering Data Analysis
• Production and Inventory Control
• Quantitative Models for Supply Chain Coordination
• Lean Thinking and Lean Manufacturing

4. Systems Development:

• Cognitive Systems Engineering
• Industrial Case Analysis
• Lean Thinking and Lean Manufacturing
• Quantitative Risk Analysis

5. Systems Engineering:

• Cognitive Systems Engineering
• Systems Thinking and Analysis
• Systems Engineering Methods and Frameworks
• Management of Engineering Systems

6. Manufacturing:

• Advanced Quality Control
• Production and Inventory Control
• Lean Thinking and Lean Manufacturing
• Principles of Manufacturing Processes

Electives (6 Credits)

In addition to the core and specialization courses, students must complete six credits of electives. These electives can be chosen from courses within their chosen specialization or from other areas of specialization.

Below are some examples of elective courses available in the MS in Engineering Management program:-

• Legal, Ethical and Intellectual Property Issues for Engineering Managers
• Project Control
• Cost Estimating for Capital Projects
• Industrial Simulation
• Supply Chain Engineering
• Engineering Cost and Production Economics
• Systems Analysis and Simulation
• Distribution Logistics
• Engineering Procurement and Materials Management
• Benchmarking and Quality Function Deployment
• Engineering Reliability
• Industrial Quality Control
• Design for Manufacturability
• Legal Aspects in Construction

What are the Admission Requirements for MS in Engineering Management in the USA?

Let us now look at the common admission requirements for a MEM degree in the US.

Eligibility for MS in Engineering Management in USA

• Four-year undergraduate degree in engineering or related fields. 
• An educational background in engineering, science, calculus, and statistics. 
• A GPA of 2.8 on a scale of four points (roughly B grade or 80%) in any STEM or engineering discipline with one to two years of professional experience. 
• The GRE score of 300 (minimum) or equivalent score in GMAT (may be considered).

Know More: A Guide on IELTS Score to Study in the USA

Necessary Documents for MEM Degree

Students should first apply online at the portals of their chosen universities while dispatching all required documents. They must submit the following documents:-

• Detailed CV or resume, highlighting work experience, accomplishments, educational qualifications, and co-curricular activities. 
• GMAT or GRE test scores (may help in admissions). 
• LORs or letters of recommendation (at least two to three hard copies are needed for every institution). 
• Academic transcripts and mark sheets of 10th, 12th, and undergraduate degrees. 
• SOP (Statement of Purpose) is also necessary.

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English Proficiency Test for International Students

International students com non-English speaking countries must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. 6.5 to 7.5 is a good IELTS score while scoring between 89-100 in TOEFL iBT is recommended. A GRE score of 300 (minimum) or equivalent in GMAT is also required.

How to Apply for MS in Engineering Management in the USA

• Students must complete an application form available on the university’s website. For master’s programs, some universities have different graduate admissions portals.
• Submit the documents as required by the admission departments of individual universities.

Cost of MS in Engineering Management in USA

Let us now look at the total cost of studying Master's in engineering in USA which includes components like pre-arrival costs, post-arrival costs, and estimated cost of living.

Pre-Arrival Cost

Factors	Cost (in USD)
Annual Tuition fees	$30,000-$60,000
Visa Application Charge	$185
Program Application Costs	$100-$200
GRE Cost	$220
IELTS Cost	INR 17,000
GMAT Cost	$275
TOEFL Cost	INR16,900

Post-Arrival Cost

Factors	Cost (in USD)
Accommodation	$1,000- $1200 per month
Food	$350 per month
Transportation	$100 per month
Miscellaneous expense	$200 per month

Cost of Living in USA

Living expenses in the USA depend on the city and lifestyle. On average, students should budget between $20,000 and $25,000 yearly for rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

What are Visa Requirements for International Students?

International students must obtain a student visa to study in the United States. The type of visa required depends on the engineering management in the USA course of study and the type of school.

Different Types of Student Visas in USA

1. F-1 Student Visa

To study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at an English language institute.

2. J Exchange Visa

For participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study.

3. M Student Visa

For non-academic or vocational study or training in the US.

Steps to Apply for a Student Visa

1. Apply and Be Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School

Receive a Form I-20 from the school's international student office after acceptance.

2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

3. Complete the Online Visa Application (Form DS-160)

Upload your photo and print the application confirmation page.

4. Schedule an Interview

Schedule an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Wait times vary by location.

5. Gather Required Documents

• Valid passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, application fee receipt, and photo.
• Academic transcripts, financial evidence, and proof of intent to depart the US after studies.

6. Attend the Visa Interview

• A consular officer will interview you to determine your eligibility for a student visa.
• Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken.

Scholarships for Engineering Management in USA

Even if you are faced with the high costs of engineering management degrees in the USA, there are scholarship options available across universities to lower your financial burden. Some of them include:-

Name of Scholarship	Institutes Granting Scholarships	Scholarship Amount
Engineering Management Diversity Fellowship	Cornell University	Up to $40,000
Master of Engineering Committee (MEC) and Dean’s Fellowships	Cornell University	Up to $20,000
Knight Scholarship	Cornell University	Up to $60,000
Graduate Assistantship	Johns Hopkins University	Covers up to 80% of the tuition fee
Al Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship	Northwestern University	May Vary
Warren V. Musser Fellowship in Entrepreneurial Studies	Pennsylvania State University	$25,000

Source: Official Websites

Other Scholarships Include

• The Fulbright-Nehru Foreign Student Program, which is applicable for all USA postgraduate courses. 
• Go Clean scholarships, with a value of approximately $3,500 for tuition fees, are also offered for Engineering Management students in the USA.
• The BrokerFish International Student Scholarship amount can be used only for paying off tuition costs. It is worth approximately $1,000.
• Global Study Awards (awarded by the ISIC Association and British Council and StudyPortals) are available for up to $12,995 for tuition and living costs.

Important Resources for Study in USA:
MBA in USA: Top Universities, Eligibility, Fees & Jobs	Why study in USA?	Difference Between L1 and H-1B Visa
Study in USA After Class 12	Post Study Work Permit in the USA	Salary After MS in USA
Best Cities to Study in USA	Study in USA for Indian Students After 12th	Masters in USA Costs
Requirements for Studying in USA	Study in the USA from India	Cost of Studying in USA

Jobs and Salary After MEM in USA

Graduates with a Master of Engineering Management or MEM in the USA can look forward to promising career opportunities in different industries. Below is an overview of the potential job titles and their respective salary ranges.

Master of Engineering Management (MEM) Jobs by Salary

Here's a breakdown of salaries for some of the most common job titles held by graduates of the masters in engineering management in the USA:-

Job Title	Annual Salary Range	Average Annual Salary
Project Manager, (Unspecified Type / General)	$66k - $132k	$93,985
Mechanical Engineer	$69k - $115k	$87,535
Project Engineer	$64k - $117k	$84,096
Manufacturing Engineer	$64k - $105k	$80,234
Project Manager, Engineering	$71k - $145k	$102,165
Process Engineer	$65k - $110k	$84,804
Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer	$65k - $116k	$86,328

Which Cities in USA Offer Best MEM Salaries?

The city where you choose to work can significantly impact your salary. Here are some of the top cities in the USA offering the best salaries for MS in engineering management in the USA graduates:-

City	Average Annual Salary
San Francisco	$113,000
New York City	$90,000
Seattle	$91,000
Boston	$88,000
Austin	$81,000

Source: Payscale, June 2024

Which are Top Recruiters for MEM Graduates in USA?

Several leading companies actively seek MS in engineering management for USA graduates, offering competitive salaries and opportunities for career growth. Here are some of the top recruiters for MEM graduates:-

Company	Average Annual Salary
Northrop Grumman Corporation	$97,293
The Lincoln Electric Company	$79,450
Amazon.com Inc	$90,276
Ford Motor Company	$99,387
Raytheon Co.	$113,860
Medtronic, Inc.	$85,290
The Boeing Company	$95,000
Booz, Allen, and Hamilton	$101,736

Source: Payscale, June 2024

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How Does MS in Engineering Management in USA Compare to Other Countries

When considering an MS in Engineering Management (MEM), it is essential to evaluate how best universities in the USA for MS in engineering management compare to those in other countries.

Factor	USA	UK	Germany	Canada
Tuition Costs	$30,000 - $60,000 (₹25,06,000 - ₹50,12,000)	£10,000 - £30,000 (₹10,68,255 - ₹32,04,767)	€10,000 - €20,000 (₹9,02,952 - ₹18,05,905)	CAD 20,000 - CAD 40,000 (₹12,16,138 - ₹24,32,276)
Duration of the Program	1-2 years	1 year	1.5-2 years	1-2 years
Curriculum Focus	Balanced technical and managerial	Managerial focus	Strong technical and management integration	Practical and managerial blend
Language	English	English	German and English	English
Work Opportunities After Post-Graduation*	Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 3 years for STEM degrees	stay in the UK for at least 2 years after completing a course in the UK	18-month post-study work visa	You need a work permit to work in Canada.

Source: Official University Websites
*Source: Official Immigration Websites

Recommended Read: Cost of studying engineering in USA for Indian students

Conclusion

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the Engineer’s MBA and its scope, you can choose a Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) program that best suits you. Keep in mind to build the skill sets required for the job role you are most inclined to. Get ready to embark on a rewarding career with an MEM degree in the USA.