Engineering Management degree programs have arisen to answer a demand for managers with specialized engineering training. Engineering managers direct and coordinate technology research and development, manufacturing processes, and quality control. To do their job effectively, they need a foundation in both business management skills and advanced technical knowledge.
The Engineering Management program offers a combined curriculum in business management and engineering training. Coursework ranges from MBA-style classes in leadership and organizational communication to industry-specific classes such as reliability engineering, materials handling and plant layout, computer science, systems engineering, etc.
Engineering Management programs typically offer a certificate or degree at the post-baccalaureate level. The typical student is a mid-career professional with a bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, computer science, or a related field. Master's programs in Engineering Management offer specializations in Risk Management, Information Security, Environmental and Energy Management, Economics, Finance, and Cost Accounting, Information Systems Management, Operations Research, and more.
The Engineering Management degree prepares graduates for positions such as project managers, cost analysts, and industrial management. Master's program graduates typically enjoy salaries above the median $97,630. Salary expectations depend on the engineering specialty. Managers in semiconductor and electronic component manufacturing enjoy some of the best salary prospects, with a median $116,400 in 2004.
The Department of Labor predicts average growth across engineering management careers, but cites strong demand for managers in high-demand engineering sectors such as environmental and biomedical engineering.
The Engineering Management degree offers managers a sense to develop their business administration and technical skills concurrently, positioning themselves for professional advancement.
