Is a Masters in engineering management worth it? This question may often be posed by several aspirants in the field. As you will find below, engineering management can be a lucrative global career. While engineering is a broader spectrum comprising the building, design, improvement and maintenance of systems, structures, devices, machines, materials and more, it is sub-divided into mechanical, chemical, structural, civil and electrical engineering with sub-divisions in every category.
Engineering management brings planning, strategy, coordination, project management, human resources, financials, technology, natural resources and other aspects into the equation.
Is it worth doing MS in engineering management? Before answering this question, you should first strive to gain more knowledge about this degree. Engineering management is a highly specialized field where students develop specific skill-sets and knowledge for managing, operating and steering engineering-driven businesses.
Some of the engineering management degrees include the following:
1. B.Sc in Engineering Management
2. BEEM or Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Management
3. BSEM or Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management
1. Multi-disciplinary curriculum fusing academic and practical knowledge of almost all engineering categories and mathematics along with diverse projects, people management, and more
2. Some courses may offer management lessons for a specific branch of engineering such as mechanical engineering and business management or even chemical engineering and management
3. A few programs offer knowledge of a specific field within the engineering management spectrum itself, i.e. control and systems engineering management
4. Many students do a business administration course with engineering management as their chosen specialization. Such options are mainly available in the United States and a few other countries
5. Dual-degree programs are sometimes available where you will have two degrees in engineering and management respectively
6. You can apply for professionally accredited engineering management programs with the institutions being the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (U.S.) or the Engineering Council (UK). Taking part in an accredited course naturally enhances your career prospects and qualifications
7. Expect a mix of academic lessons and college lectures along with hands-on training, workshops, classes at the laboratory, case studies, engineering and design projects, group projects and continual assessment via practical exercises and projects
8. You will learn how to use industrial software programs for project management, 3D modelling, inventory management, quality checking and process simulation. The first year is likely to revolve around the primary engineering branch that you have selected, with management and business aspects coming a little later
9. You may get opportunities to participate in government or industry-funded projects while building up your CV and practical experience simultaneously.
10. You may also get salaried industrial placements or internships depending on your educational institution
Eligibility Guidelines
In general, most engineering management programs are available for graduate students. The usual requirements include the following (may vary from one institution to another):
1. bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, business or any related field
2. some institutions will have minimum marks and degree program criteria for applicants
3. many institutions mandate subjects like mathematics and physics or a background in business and economics
4. scores in entrance examinations including English language proficiency tests
Is a masters in engineering management worth it? Coming back to the original question, here are the skills and knowledge that you gain from these courses:
1. specific skills and knowledge of engineering management systems, strategies, practices and theories
2. better knowledge of core engineering principles, organizational management, behavior, business systems and practices
3. learning about the links between engineering and business management
4. solid mathematical and scientific insights along with awareness of the global market and prevalent engineering management markets, issues, gaps and opportunities
5. knowledge of using advanced software for building and operating mathematical models
6. knowledge of CAD and other advanced technologies along with testing, manufacturing, quality assessment, engineering drawing, teamwork, project management, data analysis and interpretation, etc
7. developing leadership and managerial attributes while learning about economic, health and safety, environmental and ethical regulations
8. boosting communication, planning, quantitative, analytical and interpersonal skills along with learning how to create cutting-edge presentations, write performance reports and solve problems
How much do engineering managers earn?
Wondering which masters in engineering management jobs pay the most? Here is some information compiled as per Payscale and Glassdoor that will sweeten the overall proposition for you.
The average annual salary is $118,977 (INR 89.23 lakh) globally for engineering managers. The list of leading recruiters includes some of the world’s biggest corporations:
1. Boeing
2. Cargill
3. Apple
4. Dell Technologies
5. Nestle Purina U.S.
6. Intel Corporation
7. VMware
8. Lockheed Martin
9. Johnson & Johnson
10. Google
11. Salesforce
12. ExxonMobil
13. Fidelity Investments
14. Siemens
15. GE Power
16. PayPal
As can be seen, engineering management is certainly a fulfilling future career, provided you have the necessary technical knowledge, aptitude and passion!
Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Markete...
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