Build Your Own
The Build Your Own Concentration is built for engineers and leaders seeking a fully customizable blend of technical and business expertise.
Last Updated: 07/06/2026 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date
In the Build Your Own Concentration, professionals can tailor their engineering and management competencies to reflect their career objectives. This customizable program empowers you to select courses aligned with your aspirations.
With the guidance of advisors, you can craft a curriculum personalized to your goals and interests. Delve into diverse topics such as health systems performance, data mining, and supply chain management under the mentorship of seasoned faculty across multiple colleges.
This concentration allows you to fine-tune your studies to match your career ambitions and personal aspirations effectively to succeed in your chosen field. The program’s flexibility enables you to navigate your educational journey strategically, focusing on specific areas like supply chain management and data analytics to adapt effectively to industry shifts. This tailored approach enhances your skill set and expertise, preparing you for success as you progress in your chosen field. The mentorship and support from faculty members instill confidence, ensuring you acquire the essential tools for ongoing success and growth in your professional endeavors.
Why Choose the Build Your Own Concentration?
This concentration is ideal for professionals who:
- Want to combine multiple disciplines into one cohesive skill set
- Are transitioning into a new industry or leadership role
- Have career goals not fully aligned with existing concentrations
- Need a program tailored to their organization or role
- Want flexibility to adapt to evolving industries and technologies
Unlike traditional tracks, this option allows you to build a degree that fits your career—not the other way around.
How It Works
- Define Your Goals
Identify your career direction, interests, and desired skill set - Design Your Curriculum
Select courses across disciplines with guidance from faculty advisors - Refine Your Focus
Ensure your concentration is cohesive, relevant, and aligned with industry need
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Build Your Own Concentration are prepared for a wide range of leadership and technical roles, including:
- Engineering Manager
- Program or Project Manager
- Clinical or Technical Operations Leader
- Product Manager
- Systems or Data Analyst
- Process Improvement or Lean Specialist
Industries include:
- Healthcare and life sciences
- Technology and software
- Manufacturing and operations
- Energy and infrastructure
- Government and defense
- Consulting and professional services
Curriculum
| CONCENTRATION: Build Your Own | Credits |
|---|---|
| CORE Subtotal | 15 |
| Take four courses: (No more than 12 credit hours may come from MBA courses) | 12 |
| Engineering discipline 500-level or above electives (currently offered and open to non-majors) | |
| Management discipline 500-level or above electives (currently offered and open to non-majors) | |
| Take one course: (or substitute practicum with approval) | |
| EM 675 Engineering Management Masters Project | 3 |
| ISE 521 Health Systems Performance Improvement II* *ISE 520 is a prerequisite for ISE 521 | 3 |
| ISE 554 Introduction to Product Development | 3 |
| ISE 677 Industrial Engineering Projects | 3 |
| MAE 526 Fundamentals of Product Design | |
| ITAO 549 Supply Chain Management Practicum | 3 |
| ITAO 559 Business Analytics Practicum | 3 |
| MIE 572 Venture Opportunity Analytics | 3 |
Student Responsibilities
Determine which 500-level engineering or management electives to take. Ensure they meet prerequisites. Seek approval from MEM DGP.