15 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management for 2021

masters in business engineering

If you want to further your engineering knowledge while gaining skills similar to what you would learn in an MBA program, enrolling in a mater’s in engineering management program may be the right choice for you.  Earning your engineering management masters degree online gives you several advantages over attending a brick-and-mortar MEM program. A flexible schedule, no need to commute, and lower tuition costs make an online engineering management master’s one of the smartest investments for an engineering professional.   

Jobs for masters in engineering management are on the rise as organizations become more complex.  Even companies that aren’t directly involved in engineering may post openings for engineering management master’s jobs.  These companies and organizations are quickly recognizing the need to recruit team members with a STEM background and management savvy.  

Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management

For students who want to see a real career impact, Great Business Schools editors feature only accredited, trusted colleges and universities offering master’s programs in engineering management. Programs are ranked according to cost, potential salary, and student reviews. 

1. UCLA

UCLA offers the best online Masters in Engineering Management to students who want to complete their education. The online courses allow students to learn engineering and management skills they need to be considered for leadership roles within their chosen career fields. By attending school online, they are able to work a full-time job. With a Master of Engineering Management, graduates have what they need to effectively manage any size engineering project within their department and successfully see it through to its completion. 

UCLA is one of the most well-known and well-respected universities in the United States. The university offers the highest quality curriculum with a wide range of resources that students have access to while they are attending their online courses. Faculty members offer guidance and insight to students who are working toward completing their degrees. 

Highlight Once they graduate, they will have a degree they can be proud of from a university that will stand behind them throughout their careers.
Degree Master of Engineering Management

2. Johns Hopkins University

John Hopkins University offers the best online engineering management master’s degree program on the east coast. A degree in engineering management provides skills that involve technologically advanced problem-solving and innovative techniques that can be used to improve the development processes associated with any project. Management skills are also taught that will allow you to keep the project moving forward at a steady pace. With an MS in Engineering Management, the graduate will be able to oversee any type of project as well as the individuals who are staffing the development team.

Johns Hopkins University is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. It is well-known for its award-winning curriculum programs and faculty members who are above reproach in terms of ethics and professionalism. Although its thought of as an “elite” school, the online course offerings make it possible for almost anyone to attend the university and earn their degree. 

Highlight After graduation, students can utilize their knowledge by applying for the most advanced positions being offered in their respective fields.
Degree MS in Engineering Management

3. University of Maryland

The University of Maryland gives students an opportunity to enroll in the best online engineering management master’s in the state of Maryland. Advanced engineering and management skills are taught, giving each student an advantage over their competitors who are also vying for engineering management positions. By earning a Masters in Engineering Management, graduates are able to oversee the operations and processes within each engineering project.

For the last several years, the University of Maryland has offered online degree programs that provide the same quality education as their traditional classroom programs. In addition to the online format, students have access to highly experienced faculty members who have spent many years honing the skills of their craft. 

Highlight Graduates who choose the online format can take advantage of the flexible schedule that allows them to work and support their families at the same time.
Degree MEng in Engineering Management

4. The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University provides one of the best online master’s in Engineering Management to its students who need to be able to remain on the job while they are attending school. The students receive engineering skills and concepts that they can rely on during the developmental stages of the project. They also have access to managerial skills that they can call on to oversee the engineers and guide the project along to its completion. Earning a Master of Engineering Management gives students the advantage they need to pursue positions with more responsibility and higher pay.

Ohio State’s online degree programs provide students with an online education that is second to none in terms of academic excellence and flexibility. Students can receive the education they need while being allowed to maintain their current employment. 

Highlight Faculty members make themselves available so that any questions a student may have are answered in a timely fashion so they can continue to move forward with their career with confidence and clarity.
Degree Master of Engineering Management

5. Washington State University

Washington State University offers one of the best online Master’s in Engineering Management degree programs available on the west coast. The skills and concepts taught in the program are essential when it comes to being an effective and innovative leader. Students who choose the online format often do so because that is the only way for them to complete their education and attain their degree in Engineering & Technology Management.

Washington State University is a leader in its field when it comes to online education. The university is able to offer state of the art technology in addition to complex management skills to students through an online platform that ensures them that they will get the highest quality education possible. Faculty members provide valuable advice and insight that students can rely on for guidance when pursuing their career goals. 

Highlight Graduates are able to embark on their careers as soon as they finish their coursework.
Degree Engineering & Technology Management

6. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus offers students a chance to enroll in one of the best online engineering management master’s degree programs. All of the engineering and management skills a student will need as they embark on their career are taught through the online platform. Students are able to enjoy a flexible schedule that allows them to work while they continue to attend classes. This type of Master of Engineering Management degree program works well for students who are already employed but still need to finish their education.

Penn State World Class is one of the most well-respected online learning facilities in the country. Students who choose the university know that they are getting the highest quality education possible. Each faculty member has made an individual commitment to help their students face any challenge that comes their way so they can continue to forge ahead on their career path. 

Highlight Graduates who eventually earn their degree can rest assured that they have everything they need to pursue their career goals.
Degree Master of Engineering Management

7. Kansas State University

Kansas State University gives students a chance to enroll in one of the best online Masters in Engineering Management degree programs. Each online degree program offers skill sets that are needed in both the engineering and management career fields. Since classes are all offered online, students are able to study when it is easiest for them to gain the most from each lesson. With an online Master of Engineering Management, students are able to utilize their skills as soon as they are learned and move forward with their career plans.

Kansas State University is a leader when it comes to its online learning platform. Degree programs are well-known for their level of academic excellence and advanced technology. Students have access to faculty members when they need it the most so that they can face any obstacle that may arise. 

Highlight Once a student graduates, they will be able to take advantage of any career opportunity that appears on the horizon. Having a successful career is the ultimate goal for those who attend online Masters’ programs.
Degree Master of Engineering Management

8. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln has one of the best online Masters in Engineering Management degree programs available to students who are already employed but wanting to complete their degree program. The engineering skills and business management strategies they learn can pave the way for them to create the career path that best suits their needs. Earning an online Master of Engineering Management degree gives students exactly what they need to be able to move forward with their career goals.

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln is well-respected when it comes to providing state of the art technology and advanced academics over an online platform. Students who choose to learn over an online platform are able to learn everything they need to know about their chosen career without ever setting foot in a classroom. 

Highlight Faculty members who teach the online courses are available whenever their students have questions or concerns about their coursework.
Degree Master of Engineering Management

9. Texas Tech University

Students can enroll in one of the best online Masters in Engineering Management degree programs at Texas Tech University. This online degree program teaches skills, concepts, and theories in both engineering and business management that are required if a student wants to be taken seriously. Graduates who have earned a Master of Engineering through an online degree program can learn while they remain on the job. This allows them to apply what they are learning in real-time before they have a chance to forget what they have been taught.

Texas Tech University is one of the most well-respected schools in the state of Texas. The online programs offer the same quality education that is found in the university classrooms. Every faculty member who is chosen to teach an online course is hand-picked for their years of experience and personal commitment to their students. 

Highlight After graduation, students are able to continue to move forward, taking the necessary steps to jumpstart their careers.
Degree Master of Engineering

10. George Washington University

George Washington University has one of the best online engineering management master’s degree programs. The online courses reinforce many of the skills taught in prior courses and also introduces more advanced abilities as well. Both engineering and management concepts are taught, giving students every advantage when it comes to moving forward on either career path. An MS in Engineering Management makes it possible for students to meet and even exceed the expectations of potential employers.

George Washington University has a long-standing tradition of providing students with degree programs that are known for academic excellence. In addition to the state of the art online platform, students have access to advanced technological resources that give them every advantage. 

Highlight Faculty members are able to provide solid advice to students as they guide them through the various steps they must take to complete their education.
Degree MS in Engineering Management

11. Oregon State University

Oregon State University provides students with the best online engineer management master’s degree online. Students are able to learn the skills they need to succeed in both the engineering and management fields. By completing their coursework over an online format, students do not have to stop working or supporting their families. The flexible schedule associated with online learning makes it possible for students to earn their MEng in Industrial Engineering Management from almost any location and on their own time.

Oregon State University is one of many universities on the west coast that has embraced the concept of a global campus. By transitioning to an online learning environment, students are given every opportunity to learn and complete their advanced degree programs. 

Highlight Faculty members who have years of experience both in and out of a classroom have been chosen to teach many of the online courses. This gives each graduate the ability to complete their degree and moves forward with their engineering or business management career.
Degree MEng in Industrial Engineering Management

12. Rowan University

Rowan University gives students a chance to enroll in one of the best online engineering management master’s degree programs. Engineering skills and business management strategies are taught through online classes that utilize the most advanced technological tools available. The online format makes it possible for students to learn from almost any location. By taking the time to earn a Master of Engineering Management degree, students can embark on a new career while they are still working and supporting their families.

Rowan University is quickly becoming one of the most well-respected universities on the east coast when it comes to online learning. Academic excellence and cutting edge technology go hand in hand to provide each student with all of the tools and resources they need to build a career they can be proud of.

Highlight Faculty members are always close by to offer support and encouragement to new graduates who are taking the first tentative steps on their chosen career paths.
Degree Master of Engineering Management

13. Drexel University

Drexel University gives students the best online Master’s in Engineering Management degree programs. These online degree programs are designed to provide the necessary skills for both engineering and business management. By utilizing both of these skill sets, a graduate can work with the team during the development process and also manage the project as a whole. The MS in Engineering Management makes it possible for the graduate to achieve success in both career fields.

Drexel University’s online campus gives students who are interested in both engineering and management positions an opportunity to pursue both. The online format gives them a chance to earn their degree, work a full-time job, and fulfill family obligations. At the same time, they are putting things in order so that they can move forward and embrace new opportunities for advancement as they are offered. 

Highlight New opportunities may include more responsibility as well as higher pay.
Degree MS in Engineering Management

14. University of Maine

The University of Maine offers students the best online Master’s in Engineering Management in New England. Students are taught skills and concepts that are used in both engineering and business management. With these skills, students are able to pursue engineering projects as well as use their talents as an effective manager to keep those projects moving forward. Earning a PSM in Engineering and Business is the next step in building a successful career in which they can be proud of.

The University of Maine has become one of the most prominent online schools of higher learning in New England. The online degree programs offered by the school provide everything the student needs to succeed. The flexible schedule and technologically advanced resources allow students advantages they may not have had in a classroom. 

Highlight Faculty members provide students with personal guidance and encouragement that will help them gain confidence in their newfound abilities.
Degree PSM in Engineering and Business

15. Ohio University

Ohio University provides students with the best online engineering management master’s available in the state of Ohio. With the engineering management skills they learn in the online courses, students are capable of building a career in either field. With online degree programs, each student has a chance to pursue their career goals and learn the skills they need, while still maintaining a full work schedule. Earning a Master of Engineering Management degree can open doors of opportunity in terms of more responsibility and higher pay rates.

Ohio University is one of many schools that are offering online degrees that provide academic excellence to students who want to build a career and pursue their goals while they earn valuable experience in the field. 

Highlight Faculty members who have spent years honing their skills can pass on what they have learned to their students. This, in turn, gives them the confidence they need to establish themselves as professionals in their own right.
Degree Master of Engineering Management

Why Should I Get My Engineering Management Masters Degree Online?

Pursuing an online engineering management masters degree program gives you considerable flexibility.  For the most part, you can study whenever and wherever it’s convenient, as long as you have a reliable internet connection.  Not having to spend time and money commuting gives you more time to devote to your classes.  Plus, you’re not limited to attending a school close to home. 

Enjoying some flexibility means you don’t have to follow such a rigid schedule, allowing you to work at your own pace.  While there are still deadlines and final exam dates, you can spend more time on classes that prove more challenging, while progressing more quickly through material that comes easily to you.  If you’re having difficulty with a concept that’s presented via video, you can review it over and over again — something that isn’t possible with an in-person lecture, unless you record it, which most students don’t do.

Completing an online masters degree in engineering management is a smart choice for people who want to continue their studies while working full-time.  Since you can study on your own terms, you can stay late at the office without possibly missing class and falling behind.  Likewise, if your job requires you to travel often, you don’t have to choose between staying in your position and getting a degree.  In fact, many online engineering management masters degree programs are designed for people who want to further their employment prospects without putting their current careers on hold.

Even though you are not face-to-face, you still have multiple opportunities to connect with instructors and classmates when you’re working on an online master’s degree in engineering management.  Students who have difficulty speaking up in class or approaching their professors in-person may prefer remote learning.  They can communicate with classmates through digital discussion forums and social media groups.  They can reach out to professors via email, instant messaging, and sometimes video conferencing, too. 

While the costs vary depending on the school, getting your engineering management masters degree online may save you money.  Some universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students regardless of whether they attend in-person or online.  Others, however, charge a flat rate for remote learning.  According to US News, you can expect to spend anywhere between $9,000 and $35,000 on an online masters degree in engineering management program.  That translates to about $300 to $980 per credit hour.  When researching various schools that offer an online masters degree in engineering management, be sure to get a breakdown of costs so you know where your money is going.  

What Can I Do With a Master’s in Engineering Management?

Earning your MEM can open the door to higher positions and a bigger paycheck.  Masters of engineering management jobs include construction management engineer, engineering project manager, industrial management engineer, cost systems analyst, and senior lead analyst.  

If you’re looking for engineering management masters jobs that put you on the front lines of developing new products, designs, and processes, then becoming an engineering project manager might just be your calling.  In this capacity, you will lead research teams and coordinate project development, come up with detailed plans, and make crucial decisions regarding budgets, staffing, and equipment.

If you like masters in engineering management jobs that center around designing buildings and infrastructure, then you will likely thrive in construction management.  Jobs for masters in engineering management in this field allow you to collaborate with architects, contractors, suppliers, clients, engineers, and other stakeholders to plan and execute projects.  Construction is a rapidly-growing industry.  Through 2026, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 11% growth in this sector, much faster than average.

People who want to put their science and math skills to work in manufacturing are well-positioned to work as industrial management engineers.  Master of engineering management jobs in this field allow you to make production processes more efficient and cost-effective.  You’ll need good analytical and people skills for these masters in engineering management jobs.  

Those interested in jobs for masters in engineering management that focus on accounting skills may want to become cost analysts.  People in this position analyze a company’s costs and available resources.  Senior analysts hold masters in engineering management jobs that require them to make complex decisions in business, but their roles vary.

Carrie Morris
Author

Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief