What is a Master of Engineering Management?

A master of engineering management (MEM) is a cross-disciplinary postgraduate qualification that provides simultaneous training in the fields of both management and engineering. Most universities that offer this degree draw on faculty members and other resources from two distinct departments in delivering a blended curriculum. Depending on the individual's background, a master of engineering management degree holder might be considered as either an engineer prepared for a management role or a manager who has gained a specialist knowledge of engineering.

While studying in a master of science in engineering management program, students might find themselves attending classes alongside management and engineering students in courses that also occur in the curriculum of those programs. It is also possible, however, to find courses that were specifically designed for the MEM program itself. The names of such courses reflect their uniqueness, such as "Accounting, Finance and Engineering Economics," "Engineering Statistics and Quality" or "Engineering Entrepreneurship."

As with many postgraduate degrees, master of engineering management programs will change in structure and content from institution to institution. The duration of the program can vary, but in most countries, it lasts one to three years. Online and part-time programs also are available for people who want to attain this degree without interrupting their careers. With respect to content, some programs might be based on a traditional management curriculum with only a few courses related to engineering added to form the specialization, and others might be the opposite — an engineering degree with supplementary coursework in administration. It is important, therefore, for prospective students to review the curriculum and structure of any program they are considering to make sure that it matches their own career and learning objectives.

One thing that most programs do have in common is a practice-based methodology. Lecture-style instruction typically is supported by workshops and analysis of case studies. An important focus is on working and learning in groups because, in their careers, engineering managers will need to lead teams that are often diverse in terms of their professional and educational backgrounds.

Students in a master of engineering management program will find a degree of diversity in each academic cohort that is similar to what they will encounter in the working world. A bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline is a prerequisite for most programs, but the specializations of students gained through prior formal and experiential learning, as well as their intended career paths, will vary. Many master of engineering management graduates will pursue careers as managers in an engineering company, but others will find work in other businesses as leaders with a marketable level of technical expertise. A master of engineering management degree can also form the basis for subsequent doctoral studies and an academic career in a field that likely will continue to grow.