Masters Degrees in Engineering Management – MS vs MBA

Engineering management is a great career option to explore if you’re experienced in the engineering field and want to take on a leadership role. This type of position requires a master’s degree in most cases, but earning this degree allows you to qualify for high-paying jobs where you’ll work with teams of engineers to complete major projects. Let’s take a look at the different types of master’s degree programs you choose if you’re interested in the engineering management field.

Types of Engineering Management Degrees

A Master of Science (MS) in engineering management is the most common choice among students who want an advanced degree in this field. Most MS programs in this field include both a theoretical and a practical aspect, so you can move on to either a career in research or a career in the field, working as an engineering manager. Your degree will cover some advanced engineering skills, but most of your education will focus on topics such as policy, administration, sustainability, information technology, and administration.

In opposition, you could instead earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in engineering management. With this type of degree, your education will instead focus on the business aspect of being an engineering manager. Although you’ll also have classes specific to the field of engineering, many of your classes will be more general, applicable to management in any industry. This is the less popular choice, but as the engineering field continues to grow, graduate schools are increasingly offering this option to students.

Advantages of an MS in Engineering Management

An MS in engineering management program is designed specifically for those working in the engineering field, so nearly every class you take will be tailored to teach you how to work as a manager in this industry. Because the education is so specific, you can graduate knowing that you’re fully prepared for a career in engineering management, and employers will have the same peace of mind upon seeing your resume. MS in engineering programs are more plentiful, so you have more options with this kind of degree, including several online options. Many programs, both online and off, even have a special emphasis, so you can earn an engineering management degree in, for example, software engineering. Another important advantages? MS in engineering management programs are usually the most affordable, so even if your scholarships and grants don’t cover the full cost of your education, you won’t have high student loans of out-of-pock costs.

Advantages to MBA in Engineering Management Programs

MBA programs in this field are less specific, but this can be an advantage to some students. First, you’ll be prepared to take more of a business role in the engineering field. MBA programs will go more in-depth about topics such as finance and budgeting, whereas other degree programs may only touch on these money-related topics. If you want to someday own your own business or work in a top engineering position, an MBA might be a better choice. Second, the less specific education you’ll receive will still include some engineering classes, making you a strong job candidate, but you also have the flexibility to change careers more easily. You may not want to work in engineering forever, and if you have and MBA, you can more easily transition to another field. MBA in engineering programs are less readily available, but MBA programs are extremely available, and because they are so popular, many equate this type of degree with a prestigious education (even though in actuality, MBAs and MSs require about the same amount of work). While most MS in engineering management programs require you to have work experience, this is less common as a requirement with an MBA program – you simply need an undergraduate education to start earning your MBA.

MS and MBA Similarities

Although MS and MBA programs for engineering management programs differ in some important ways, there is a lot of overlap. In both cases, some schools require you to complete a thesis project while others do not. In general, these two types of degrees are on par with one another when it comes to amount of work and difficulty, and most students will spend two to three years completing their degree program. It depends on the college you attend and whether you’re able to go to school full time or part time. At the end of the day, the best way to find a program that meets your needs is to check out both MS and MBA programs to see what each individual program has to offer.

Top Online Masters in Counseling Degrees

A Masters In Engineering Management Degree is a priceless asset that will carry forward with you for the rest of your career. New opportunities for advancement in your field await you. A Master's in Engineering Management can be used in many fields such as chemical engineering, industrial engineering, and welding engineering. Get started today by finding out more information from our programs below.

Master of Eng. Mgmt.	Ohio University. Engineering managers need to be able to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical teams in their respective profession. Enrollees in Ohio University's Master of Engineering Mangement will partake in probabilistic systems analysis, Six Sigma, information systems, engineering management including project management and engineering writing, and managerial decision making analysis. A degree can be obtained in as little as 2 years and can be completely done online.
MBA in Mgmt Eng. & Tech	Northcentral University. The MBA in Engineering & Technology from Northcentral University offers engineers advanced study in productivity, systemic quality control, and technology control. Courses include Emerging Technologies as well as managerial classes in Strategic Leadership and Industrial Management.
MS in Eng. Mgmt.	New Jersey Institute of Technology. The foci of NJIT's MS in engineering management program are predicated on technologically-based and project-oriented enterprise with an emphasis on both the theoretical and practical aspects of managing. Curriculum includes case studies, role playing, and various coursework. Eligibility for admission requires completion of an undergraduate degree in engineering or a closely related area, a minimum undergraduate GPA of at least 2.8.
MS in Systems Eng.	Colorado Technical University. The Colorado Technical University MS in Systems Engineering program instructs documentation and analysis of computer system designs. The curriculum focuses on the analysis of completed work, budgeting, scheduling, Graduates of the program find themselves in system engineering or project managers.
MS in Eng. Mgmt.	Drexel University. Drexel University's MS in engineering management is designed for the working engineering professional. With convenient online courses, students are successfully able to balance work, school, and life commitments. Students proclaim the program has excellent professors that both engage and excite.
MS/IS: Software in Eng Mgmt	Strayer University. At Strayer University's MS/IS: software in engineering management program, a diverse curriculum covers technical, managerial, and policy issues. Concentrations are available in Computer Security Management, Network Management, and Software Engineering Management.
Master Info. Systems Mgmt.	Keller Graduate School of Management. The Master of Information Systems Management from Keller provides its graduate with the skills and tools to be an effective leader in any area of information systems management. The program has the choice of 10 concentrations, provides a real-world blend of theory and application that can be put to use immediately in the workplace. For students seeking a career-oriented master's degree program while working, the program offers an online option.
MS/IT: Software Eng.	University of Maryland University College. The University of Maryland offers an MS degree in information technology with a concentration software engineering. Such programs provide a foundation in technical concepts and design techniques, as well as management and teamwork approaches, for building software systems. The degree program allows it students to apply proven and innovative practices that overcome the shortcomings of an undisciplined approach.
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