2025 Most Popular Online Master's Degrees in Engineering Management
Our list of the most popular online master's in engineering management programs showcases accredited schools ranked by the number of program graduates. This reflects strong institutional trust, student demand, and program reach.
Key Takeaways:
- Duke University ranks #1 overall with 266 graduates from its Master of Engineering Management.
- Trine University Online takes the #2 spot and leads in both graduation and retention rates at 100%.
- Johns Hopkins University hosts a total of 25,000 online students.
For more details, visit our methodology. We also spoke with a technical recruiter, who offered his perspective on how this degree prepares students for leadership in engineering.
2025 Most Popular Online Master's Degrees in Engineering Management
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke University | 266 | $33,456 | $150,672 | 98% | |
| Trine University Online | 170 | $17,250 | N/A | N/A | |
| University of Arkansas | 156 | $9,390 | $88,207 | 93% | |
| Johns Hopkins University | 136 | 2 years."> $26,350 | N/A | 93% | |
| Arkansas State University | 129 | $9,000 | N/A | 91% | |
| Tufts University | 119 | $26,475 | $159,091 | 93% | |
| The George Washington University | 113 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $21,600 | $133,602 | 87% | |
| Stanford University | 110 | $42,300 | $227,320 | 99% | |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | 104 | $28,950 | N/A | 91% | |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | 97 | $17,145 | $107,013 | 89% | |
| California State University - Northridge | 97 | $18,033 | $114,580 | 91% | |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology | 94 | $12,000 | $104,240 | 82% | |
| Indiana Tech | 88 | 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $9,735 | N/A | 100% | |
| Florida International University | 85 | $25,000 | N/A | 93% | |
| University of Central Florida | 69 | $17,275 | $158,974 | 94% |
2025 Most Popular Online Master's Degrees in Engineering Management - Program Details
- Graduates: 266
- Annual Tuition: $33,456
- Median Salary: $131,407
- Recommendation: 98%
Why we like them: Duke's engineering management program is the most popular with 266 successful graduates last year. We also appreciate that Duke integrates a required internship and a consulting practicum, ensuring hands-on professional experience before graduation.
- Graduates: 170
- Annual Tuition: $17,250
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: N/A
Why we like them: At Trine Online, you can choose among a self-designed focus, an in-depth Systems Engineering track, or an operational excellence pathway featuring Lean Six Sigma and design thinking. The program also includes a range of of industry certifications, such as a Green Belt in Lean Six Sigma and Project Management Prep, which are embedded within the coursework.
- Graduates: 156
- Annual Tuition: $9,390
- Median Salary: $83,085
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: At UA, you benefit from instruction delivered exclusively by the College of Engineering’s graduate faculty — faculty who are associated with a top-100 public doctoral-granting engineering institution.
- Graduates: 136
- Annual Tuition: 2 years."> $26,350
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: JHU has several specialty tracks within the Engineering Management program, including highly contemporary fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Healthcare Systems Engineering. Faculty here are drawn from senior roles in the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Fortune 500 companies, and leading engineering firms.
- Graduates: 129
- Annual Tuition: $9,000
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: What sets A-State's MSEM apart is its alignment with professional licensure needs, offering coursework that satisfies 30 post-baccalaureate credit requirements for licensure in certain states.
- Graduates: 119
- Annual Tuition: $26,475
- Median Salary: $145,710
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: Tufts’ MSEM integrates individualized leadership coaching as well as optional live remote sessions that foster interactive learning within asynchronous coursework. You may also enhance your curriculum with on-campus "immersives," earning graduate credits through short, intensive experiences in Boston.
- Graduates: 113
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $21,600
- Median Salary: $125,960
- Recommendation: 87%
Why we like them: GWU's engineering management curriculum combines the usual technical coursework with significant training in negotiation, conflict resolution, and law, giving you a cross-disciplinary edge. It's also designed to directly prepare you for the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification exam.
- Graduates: 110
- Annual Tuition: $42,300
- Median Salary: $165,232
- Recommendation: 99%
Why we like them: Unlike most engineering management degrees that blend business coursework with basic tech principles, Stanford roots this program in engineering systems and quantitative methods, not business school fundamentals. It’s built by the School of Engineering, which shifts the focus toward optimization, analytics, and systems design.
- Graduates: 104
- Annual Tuition: $28,950
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: SIT embeds artificial intelligence into its graduate curriculum. Notably, the program offers a graduate cooperative education option, allowing you to bridge classroom theory and industry experience. As part of the Department of Systems and Enterprises, you can also engage with state-of-the-art MakerSpaces and research labs.
- Graduates: 97
- Annual Tuition: $17,145
- Median Salary: $100,440
- Recommendation: 89%
Why we like them: NJIT’s online M.S. in Engineering Management boasts ABET accreditation, a rigorous industry standard not all peer programs meet. And unique to NJIT, you benefit from a program recognized in the top 2% of computer engineering universities for return on academic investment.
- Graduates: 97
- Annual Tuition: $18,033
- Median Salary: $99,046
- Recommendation: 91%
Why we like them: CSUN's online master's program includes an embedded certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation within the general track. The curriculum incorporates hands-on data analytics skill training, like programming in Python and advanced visualization.
- Graduates: 94
- Annual Tuition: $12,000
- Median Salary: $86,781
- Recommendation: 82%
Why we like them: MST’s program is one of the few in the nation certified by the American Society for Engineering Management. And it has deep historical roots. It pioneered the field with a dedicated department that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, reflecting decades of curriculum refinement.
- Graduates: 88
- Annual Tuition: 2 years, and the tuition per credit, which is ."> $9,735
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 100%
Why we like them: The M.S. in Engineering Management at Indiana Tech gives you the flexibility to pursue a dual master's in science and MBA degree. This option blends advanced management, human resources, or marketing coursework alongside engineering management.
- Graduates: 85
- Annual Tuition: $25,000
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 93%
Why we like them: FIU's online program follows a cohort model, which builds peer collaboration. And the program's Total Quality Management (TQM) training aligns with Six Sigma and Project Management certifications.
- Graduates: 69
- Annual Tuition: $17,275
- Median Salary: $143,537
- Recommendation: 94%
Why we like them: UCF’s program covers specialized topics like Innovation in Engineering Design and Project Engineering, ensuring you become adept at driving both technical and organizational advancement. UCF's strong research partnerships and industry connections are other strong attributes.
An Expert Weighs in on Pursuing an Online Engineering Management Master's Degree
We spoke with Archie Payne, who places engineering management graduates in real-world leadership roles. His insights highlight the practical opportunities these degrees can unlock as well as some of the critical gaps students must bridge on their own.
In this interview, he shares what employers are really looking for, how candidates can stand out, and why hands-on application matters just as much as academic credentials.
A Tech Recruiter’s View on Online Engineering Management Degrees
Tech Talent Finder
How well do online engineering management programs prepare students for real-world leadership roles?
"The top-tier, accredited online engineering management programs do a solid job preparing students for their future roles, especially those students who have work experience in the field already. These degrees give students a blend of technical and business education so they can manage cross-functional teams and lead projects effectively after graduation.
I will say, however, that even in a strong program, the individual student’s initiative and commitment to learning are very important for online degrees, especially. The candidates who come out of these programs best prepared to lead are those who supplement their academic activities with internships and hands-on projects that let them apply what they learned."
What types of career paths are common for graduates?
I’ve placed students with online EM Masters in a range of roles. Some common titles are:
Operations Manager
Project Manager
Product Manager
Engineering Manager
R&D Manager
Essentially, [they are] positions related to technical domains that also involve leading and managing a team. I’ve also seen this degree lead to technology consulting and technical program management roles."
Do certain industries offer stronger opportunities?
"I would say the industries with the most opportunities for graduates are energy, manufacturing, and aerospace and defense. There are often opportunities available in technology and software firms, especially larger firms that need people who can bridge engineering and business/operational expertise."
How valuable are specializations within this degree?
"They’re highly valuable in today’s employment market.
Choosing a specialization can give a candidate a clearer path into a niche leadership track and gives their resume more credibility during the hiring process.
The most broadly useful specialization in my experience is project management, although for those who plan to build a career in the aerospace or manufacturing sectors, supply chain specialization can be very useful."
What skills are especially critical for success in engineering management?
"Specific to these roles, I would say the key communication skill is the ability to translate technical details into business impact, and vice versa. Engineering managers need to be able to speak both of those languages fluently and serve as an effective go-between for team members who don’t."
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting an online engineering management program?
"Don’t wait until graduation to start applying what you learn. If you currently have a job in a relevant area, let your manager know you’re pursuing this degree and ask to be considered for projects where you can put your new skills to use. If you’re not yet employed in the field, seek out an internship or independent projects.
Talking to your professors or fellow classmates can help you identify these opportunities, and having them on your resume can give you head start on finding the right role once you’ve earned your degree."
Online Master's in Engineering Management Overview
Master's degrees in engineering management teach the leadership skills needed to supervise teams of engineers and engineering projects. Graduate-level courses often include lessons in financial management, organizational behavior, statistics, lean manufacturing, and business ethics.
Most online master's programs feature asynchronous classes without live meetings.
You may spend as little as a year completing your courses as a full-time student. But two years is more common, because most schools offer part-time or flexible options for working enrollees.
Program Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a science-related field from a program that the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredits. You typically need a 3.0 GPA or higher and some engineering-related work experience.
Engineering management master's programs usually contain 30-36 credit hours of coursework. Some programs require a thesis paper on an original research topic. You may need to complete an internship or externship near the end of your program. But this is fairly uncommon in engineering management graduate programs because most students already have some professional experience in the field.
Master's in Engineering Management Courses
Most engineering management master's degrees have a generalist curriculum. You're, therefore, likely to find similar courses in any program you choose. But some master's degrees offer specialized concentrations that let you focus your coursework. Examples of concentrations include systems engineering, product management, and lean manufacturing.
Below, we've detailed a few courses commonly found in engineering management master's programs:
Engineering Risk Analysis
This course's faculty cover many common risks in engineering projects and how to identify and mitigate them. Enrollees learn about advance risk planning, organization theory, and human factors.
Financial Accounting
Students learn the accounting skills needed to be engineering leaders. They usually practice budgeting, financial planning, legal disclosure requirements, and writing reports for stakeholders.
Organizations and Decision-Making
Engineering managers need to be decisive. This class emphasizes data-driven decision-making in engineering contexts. Students practice mathematical modeling using software tools and learn to communicate their decisions to employees and upper management.
Statistical Quality Analysis
Professors discuss how to monitor a project's success across its life cycle. They generally cover project scoping, measures of quality, risk management, and reviewing for continuous improvement.
Careers in Engineering Management
An education in engineering management is most common for professionals who want to manage engineering teams and projects. But master's learners tend to develop valuable leadership and soft skills that can serve well in other .
Below, we've listed some of the relevant careers for engineering management graduates:
Administrative Services and Facilities Manager
oversee operations and employees at physical locations. An engineering management degree may be useful in this work with its emphasis on efficient processes and organizational behavior.
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Not every engineering management student is eligible to be a . But those with a background in software engineering or computer engineering might have the necessary technology skills combined with the management insights from their master's degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this is the highest paying management occupation in the country.
Engineering Manager
guide employees through engineering work for businesses or government agencies. They hire staff, monitor their career progress, and shepherd special projects from conception to completion. This career field is growing slower than the average rate for U.S. jobs, but the BLS projects a stronger outlook for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering managers.
Industrial Production Manager
aim to keep manufacturing facilities running smoothly. Engineering management specialists might qualify for this work if they have an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering or systems engineering.
What Else Should You Consider?
It's best to have all the information you can before committing to graduate school.
Feel free to ask yourself the questions below as you think through the features you want from your master's degree program in engineering management.
Is this school accredited?
It's important to only apply to institutionally accredited graduate schools that have passed an independent quality review. Institutional accreditors evaluate a college's educational programs and faculty to make sure they meet high standards. You can search the to find out if a school is accredited.
Is this program accredited?
Individual programs can also be accredited separately from institutional accreditation. ABET is an influential organization that accredits individual engineering and engineering management programs. You can in ABET's searchable database, including both in-person and online options.
Some employers might not require engineering management applicants to hold an ABET-accredited degree. But other employers might, so this stamp of approval may potentially affect your career path.
Is online learning right for me?
Many graduate students hope to balance work with school, family, and other responsibilities. Online distance learning may grant the flexibility to do this because it lets them work in a learning management system at any convenient time of day. But you may learn better in a structured classroom environment. It can also be hard to build a network of like-minded professionals if you never meet them face to face.
What extra features am I looking for?
Your answer to this question could include dozens of variables, from cost and financial aid to disability services and alumni networking events. Be creative and compare these factors across each school you're considering.
Is cost your top concern? Then see our list of the most affordable online master's degrees in engineering management.
FAQs About Engineering Management Degrees
What's the Difference Between an Engineering Management Degree and an MBA?
MBA programs have broader business curricula than master's degrees in engineering management do. The engineering master's programs focus narrowly on leading teams of engineers and overseeing projects in the design and production of products and services. Business practices such as marketing aren't as important in this work.
Note that there are many types of MBAs, including some that have a concentration in engineering management.
What Can I Do With an Engineering Management Master's Degree?
You can become an engineering manager with a master's degree in engineering management. You might also seek industrial production or computer systems management roles. If you have an engineering bachelor's degree, you might pursue engineering jobs or continue your existing role while you look for management positions.
Is An Engineering Management Degree Worth It?
There's a good chance that an engineering management master's degree will be worth the cost in money, time, and effort. This credential may pave a path to an occupation with a that's more than three times the median wage in the U.S. The engineering management field is growing slowly, but it's worth noting that many of these jobs only call for a bachelor's degree and some work experience. A master's degree might give a competitive edge among the field of applicants.
Is a Master's in Engineering Management a STEM Degree?
Most people would consider a master's in engineering management to be firmly in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) category. Students take some business and leadership courses but also technical engineering classes in quality improvement, systems engineering, and risk analysis.
Student Reviews of Online Engineering Management Programs
Liberty University is an excellent institution that has a lot to offer its students. One of the most impressive aspects of the university is the quality of its professors. It's clear that the faculty are knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to helping their students succeed. It's great to hear that you've had a positive experience with them and that they've been able to answer your questions and provide support throughout your time at the university. In addition to the great professors, Liberty... Read More
Review Date: 2/16/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My experiences with SDSMT for the online MENGM degree have been great. The professors have been engaging in their courses. They've been knowledgeable on their subjects with industry experience and relevant anecdotes. They have been flexible with scheduling, which is appreciated as a student who is working full time. The school worked with me to transfer over credits from some external courses and the process was no-hassle.
Review Date: 11/20/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Engineering Management degree is a great program for people working and trying to earn a degree. It applies lessons in the classroom such as theories and strategies to the real world. Often times our projects in the classroom are tied to work, because of this I can present my work to my bosses resulting in praising, bonuses, and raises. Because you have class with other workers you get to network and work with a diverse team. Overall this is a fantastic degree.
Review Date: 2/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Christian Brother is an excellent school so far, this is my second semester and i am very happy with the help i am getting from the professors and my classmates. My undergraduate degree is in biochemistry at middle Tennessee state university and I am now pursing my MS in Engineering sciences management.I am learning so much from the professors and classmates who's background is in engineering. Great school over all.
Review Date: 3/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Arizona State has offered me the opportunity of getting knowledge that will help me advance in my career. The best of all, in this time of willing or unwilling segregation, ASU offers you access to a diverse student body that will make you more open to other cultures.
Review Date: 6/20/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
My experience at the University of Texas at Tyler has been exceptional. I have contacted school personnel in several different aspects including financial aid office, academic advisors, bookstore, librarians, as well as curriculum professors. Every time I have been met with sincere and genuine interest in having my questions answered, issues resolved, and redirection towards the best route to take for academic success. The courses I have been enrolled provided me with very informed and educational... Read More
Review Date: 8/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Overall my experience was good, it was a good pace with good coverage of the material. There were a number of courses I had to take that I neither wanted to or needed for my career. It would be helpful if you could pick and choose some courses from other programs as needed. I can't say that it helped or hurt my career in any way, it's a program you take more for your own personal educational achievements than to 'wow' an employer to be hired for a new job or get a promotion at an existing job. For... Read More
Review Date: 8/2/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
University of Tyler at Tyler is a great school. There are good facilities on campus. The environment is friendly and great. Opportunity to meet with other international student from other countries. Great library facilities. Accommodating l staffs and professors.
Review Date: 2/27/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
One of the best school for International Students. It provides and supports students with numerous financial aids. The Industrial Management program here helps students to get 3 certifications which would be an advantage to a student career. I recommend this school to every aspiring International students.
Review Date: 7/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The University of Texas at Tyler is one of the best universities in the Texas education system. It provides students with numerous scholarships which would be an added advantage to the International students. I personally suggest every aspiring international student to apply.
Review Date: 7/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Faculty and staff are friendly and help you in all possible ways. They answer all your questions from your admission till you graduate. Lovely campus and engaging student life. Excellent student services. Good on-campus dining options and academic facilities.
Review Date: 11/30/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Faculty and staff are friendly and helpful. They answer all your questions from admission till you graduate. Student and faculty interaction is the best. Lovely campus with a lake in the middle. Good on-campus dining options. Excellent student services. Fun and engaging student life.
Review Date: 11/30/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am currently doing MS in Industrial Management and my experience at UT Tyler has been very good up till now. Though it is relatively smaller school, it has state-of-art technology and low student-teacher ratio allows you to build good understanding with faculty members, not to mention it is the part of giant UT system. The Graduate school at UT Tyler tries its level best to provide New Graduate Fellowship to most of the applicants/returning students which makes the tuition fees very less (around... Read More
Review Date: 8/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Rutgers University has an amazing MBS (Master of Business & Science) program. My concentration is Engineering Management and I am specializing in Pharmaceutical Engineering. The courses I took towards my degree were taught by pioneers in their respective fields. Rutgers is a Research power-house, and one of the few universities working in tandem with industry for Continuous manufacturing in Pharmaceuticals. The courses are not only rich in content, they also provide knowledge of current practices... Read More
Review Date: 3/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Rutgers University has an amazing MBS (Master of Business & Science) program. My concentration is Engineering Management and I am specializing in Pharmaceutical Engineering. The courses I took towards my degree were taught by pioneers in their respective fields. Rutgers is a Research power-house, and one of the few universities working in tandem with industry for Continuous manufacturing in Pharmaceuticals. The courses are not only rich in content, they also provide knowledge of current practices... Read More
Review Date: 3/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently getting my MS in Industrial Management and my experience at UT Tyler has been very good so far. Though it is a relatively small school, it has state-of-art technology and a low student-teacher ratio, which allows you to build a good understanding with faculty members; not to mention it is part of the giant UT system. The Graduate School at UT Tyler tries its level best to provide New Graduate Fellowships to most of the applicants/returning students, which makes the tuition fees very... Read More
Review Date: 8/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have done my Masters in UT Tyler, it is a very good place to work on our masters because the faculty and staff are really friendly and Tyler is a place which I think is a second home for me. The Practical experience that UT Tyler has give is really good and it has a curriculum which is required in Industries.
Review Date: 8/23/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Florida International University is a growing University. It isn't well known for many people outside Florida but it is a University that will be ranked a top 20 school in a couple of years. I graduated with My EE degree and i have to say it was a really good program and learned a lot to prepare myself after graduation. I recently enrolled again to pursue my Masters Degree in Engineering Management and I have to say the program is currently on of a kind if you are pursuing anything Management within... Read More
Review Date: 8/10/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Engineering Management program was a hybrid of online and in-class Friday/Saturday once per month sessions. There was a great mixture of management, engineering and business related classes. Some of these included engineering reliability, project management, patent law, accounting and marketing. The investment from the professors in online classes was more than expected; often times, I was expected to skype the professor or have teleconferences in order to build the one on one relationship. I... Read More
Review Date: 12/29/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The program was fun and challenging at times centric around working in teams. I appreciate all of the real world experiences that the professors brought to the curriculum. I cannot say the same for my peers, but before I even attended graduation, I was offered a job over six figures with a 45 percent pay raise.
Review Date: 5/13/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No