What can I do with a Master of Engineering Management degree?

What can I do with a Master of Engineering Management degree?

If you’re an engineer who is ready to lead projects and innovate, a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) may be the next step in your career. Blending engineering expertise with business and leadership skills, an MEM degree opens the door to roles that shape the future of a number of industries. If you’re wondering, “what can I do with an engineering management degree?” The answer is: A lot more than you might think!

What is engineering management?

So, what is an engineering manager, and what does an engineering manager do? Engineering management sits at the intersection of technology and business. It equips professionals with the tools to lead complex projects, manage interdisciplinary teams, and make data-informed strategic decisions. Think of it as an MBA tailored specifically for engineers where you’re not only managing material and human resources, you’re managing innovation.

Career opportunities with a master’s in engineering management

Engineers who pursue a Master of Engineering Management often transition into leadership roles across sectors like aerospace, manufacturing, health care, energy, defense, and technology. Whether you’re looking to step into a team lead position or move up to senior management, the skills gained through an engineering management master’s can prepare you to drive results on a larger scale.

Job roles and titles for engineering management graduates

With a master’s in engineering management, graduates are prepared for titles such as:

• Aerospace engineer
• Automotive engineer
• Chemical engineer
• Civil engineer
• Computer hardware engineer
• Industrial engineer
• Industrial production manager
• Wind energy engineer

If you’ve ever wondered “what can I do with an engineering management degree,” this list is just the beginning. These roles combine deep technical knowledge with strategic oversight, making you a vital link between engineering teams and executive decision-makers.

Salary expectations and career growth

Engineering management degree salary expectations are strong across the board. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineering managers earn a median salary of $167,740 per year. Regional and industry variations can push salaries higher, especially in high-demand sectors like tech and energy.

Beyond salary, career growth for engineering managers is projected to remain steady, with the BLS projecting a 6% growth over the next decade. So if you’re asking “is a master’s in engineering management worth it,” the return on investment in terms of salary and upward mobility speaks for itself.

Benefits of pursuing a master’s in engineering management

1. Enhanced leadership and management skills

A Master of Engineering Management equips you with the skills to lead with clarity and confidence. You’ll gain practical knowledge in areas like project management, financial oversight, organizational behavior, and strategic decision-making. These tools are essential for navigating high-stakes environments, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and delivering results under pressure. Whether you’re overseeing a complex engineering initiative or managing a department, this degree helps you bridge the gap between technical execution and effective leadership.

2. Promotion and career advancement

Earning a Master of Engineering Management can be a catalyst for career advancement, opening doors to roles like program manager, engineering director, or operations lead.

In Ohio State’s online Master of Engineering Management program, you’ll gain strategic skills in financial statement analysis, managerial accounting, project leadership, and equipping you to drive innovation and support organizational goals. You’ll also learn to lead diverse teams, communicate with business leaders, analyze large data sets using visualization techniques, and understand global trends linking science, engineering, and public policy. This powerful combination of technical and managerial expertise positions you for faster promotions and broader leadership opportunities.

3. Increased marketability and job prospects

Standing out in the job market requires more than technical know-how. Employers are looking for engineers who understand business, lead teams, and drive innovation.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most in-demand jobs include industrial engineers, with projected growth of over 12% within the next 10 years. The second most in demand are chemical engineers, with 10% projected growth. Bioengineers, biomedical engineers, and computer hardware engineers expect more than 7% growth, while aerospace engineers are expected to grow by 6%. No matter what corner of the engineering industry you come from, there is plenty of growth expected in the near future and a need for well-educated engineering managers.

How long does it take to get a master’s degree in engineering?

At Ohio State, the online MEM program is designed to be flexible, allowing you to complete your degree in about two to three years, depending on your course load and schedule. All engineering courses in this program are asynchronous as well. This allows you to balance work, life, and school without putting your career on hold.

Whether you’re balancing a full-time job or planning your next career move, Ohio State’s programs are designed with flexibility and rigor in mind so you can earn your degree on your terms, without compromising on quality.

How to choose the right Master’s in Engineering Management program

Not all MEM programs are created equal. Here are some things to look for:

Instruction type and flexibility

How courses are delivered can make a huge impact on your schedule when you are earning a master’s degree, so choose wisely. Many engineering management programs require you to attend a class at a set time for every single course. Some programs even make you spend weeks on their physical campus, disrupting your life and work schedule. Every course in Ohio State’s Master of Engineering Management program is 100% online, and all engineering courses are offered asynchronously, which means you have the flexibility to complete coursework on your schedule. Courses are taught by the same professors who teach on campus, so you are still getting the highest quality instruction with no campus visits required.

Accreditation and program reputation

When choosing a master’s program, reputation matters. An accredited program ensures that the curriculum meets rigorous academic and industry standards giving you confidence in the education you’re investing in.

Accreditation also signals quality to employers, which can impact hiring decisions and salary negotiations. By selecting a degree from a well-respected institution like Ohio State, you benefit from a legacy of academic excellence, strong alumni networks, and industry partnerships that support career advancement long after graduation.

The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission, or HLC, is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Ohio State’s online Master of Engineering Management degree is also is ranked #13 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. So not only are you earning a master’s degree from the comfort of your own home, but you are earning a degree from one of the best programs in the nation.

Curriculum and specialization options

The online Master of Engineering Management program at Ohio State offers a flexible, 30-credit curriculum that blends technical expertise with business and leadership skills, ideal for engineers ready to lead. Core courses cover project management, financial and managerial accounting, technology strategy, and data visualization, while electives allow customization in areas like sustainability, public policy, and Lean Six Sigma. The program culminates in a hands-on capstone focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Why choose Ohio State’s online MEM program

The Ohio State University offers a dynamic, fully online learning experience grounded in collaboration and excellence. The Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program is shaped by partnerships with the Fisher College of Business and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, giving you access to world-class faculty and real-world leadership expertise in the fields of engineering, business, and public affairs. With a program that’s ranked #13 in the nation and the flexibility of many asynchronous classes that you can take from anywhere, it’s clear that engineering excellence starts at Ohio State.