Why should I get a master’s in engineering management?
For engineers looking to cultivate their leadership skills, increase earning potential and advance their careers, a master’s in engineering management can be that next step.
Engineering management is a multidisciplinary field that combines technical expertise and leadership skills. According to the American Society for Engineering Management (ASEM), engineering management is the “art and science of planning, organizing, allocating resources, and directing and controlling activities which have a technological or systems component.”
Many working engineers find themselves transitioning into roles requiring a knowledge of engineering management – or looking to make this advantageous career shift – without having the necessary background. A master’s in engineering management is designed for these working engineers, as a flexible and customizable way to develop the expertise needed to advance in the field.
Here are five advantages to pursuing an advanced degree in engineering management.
Increased earning potential
According to the U.S. News and World Report, a master’s in engineering management can increase an engineer’s earning power by as much as 13%. This boost is reflected in the median pay for engineering managers, which the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported as $165,370 per year in 2023. The increased earnings stem from the advanced skills and strategic knowledge that engineering management graduates bring to their roles, making them valuable assets to their organizations.
Career advancement
The growth projected in the field is another reason many engineers are looking to move into engineering management. The BLS projects a 4% growth in jobs from 2022 to 2032. In addition to this steady growth, graduates see opportunities for promotion within their current workplace open to them before graduation.
Develop business expertise
A master’s in engineering management teaches engineers comprehensive business concepts, such as financial analysis, contract negotiation and project management. Combining these skills with an engineering background emphasizes the intersection of business and technology, preparing graduates to manage technical resources and solve problems requiring collaboration between technical and non-technical workers.
Online program flexibility
For most working engineers, pursuing an advanced degree while balancing work commitments is nearly impossible. With online programs available, this stress can be negated, allowing engineers to further their education without pausing their careers. At the VCU College of Engineering, our master’s in engineering management is designed to be flexible, accessible and accommodating to students while providing the same benefits and resources of an on-campus experience.
Become an industry leader
Engineering managers are integral to the success of complex technical projects, responsible for the strategic decisions that drive innovation and technological advancement. With a master’s in engineering management, graduates will not only fast-track their advancement to senior-level engineering positions, but become an impactful leader at the forefront of their field.
Our graduates gain opportunities for engineering leadership roles in diverse career sectors, such as:
- Aerospace
- Construction
- Defense
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Biotechnology
- Semiconductor Processing
- Materials Development
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about the master’s in engineering management from the VCU College of Engineering.
Categories General College