What is Engineering Management | NC State University
What is Engineering Management?
Last Updated: 05/21/2024 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date
What is Engineering Management, and How Will it Benefit Me?
Engineering Management is a special type of management needed to lead engineering and technical employees and organizations successfully. First, it combines the problem-solving skills of engineering with the planning and administrative skills of management. This combination, in turn, helps you oversee the operations of engineering-focused companies.
Next, to be a successful engineering manager, you need to know how to mentor and motivate technical professionals. These skills often differ from those required to effectively manage people in other fields.
Furthermore, the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree helps you in two main ways. First, it improves your science and engineering skills. Second, it enhances your critical management abilities. With an engineering management degree, you gain the skills needed to manage and succeed in today’s complex engineering environments, making you highly sought after.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an engineering manager’s median salary in 2023 is $165,370 per year.
Why is NC State the Right Place for me to get my MEM Degree?
The NC State MEM program is designed to meet the industry’s demand for tech-savvy leaders, focusing on giving you flexibility in both the program and the curriculum. First, we use regularly taught courses whenever possible. Additionally, we personalize the coursework to fit your needs while adapting to the future needs of the industry.
Moreover, our program offers eight concentrations, including “Build Your Own” and professional practice options. These concentrations benefit from our expertise in areas like advanced manufacturing, health and human systems, supply chain management, facilities engineering, entrepreneurship and analytics. These specialized tracks not only help you plan for your future career but also provide flexibility. As a result, you can connect with industries that employ MEM graduates:
- Pharma and life sciences (17%)
- Computer hardware and software (14%)
- Defense and aerospace (26%)
- Civil, environmental and energy (7%)
- Other tech industries (26%)
- Other (10%)
Furthermore, our concentration in Facilities Engineering meets the degree requirements and certification from US military branches for MEM degrees
What does the Curriculum look like?
| Requirement | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Core courses | 15 |
| Concentration courses (includes practicum) | 15 |
| Total | 30 (10 courses) |
Transfer Policy. You can transfer up to 12 credit hours from your non-degree studies into the MEM program, following the guidelines in the Graduate Student Handbook.