The MEM or the MBA: Which is right for you?
Where do you imagine yourself in 5 years? Are you thinking of graduate or professional school but finding the whole process a bit intimidating? You are not alone!
There are many factors that can impact the decision to pursue a graduate degree. From finding the right program to securing resources and making personal sacrifices, the decision process is undeniably hard.
We have created a checklist for you to help you make the decision that is right for you. For more information, you can always reach out to a member of our team by filling out the form on this page or by sending an email to our MEM Coordinator.
Preferred by Engineering & Technical Companies
- Primary focus on management and leadership of complex engineering operations or systems
- Tailor-made for those with STEM backgrounds
- Typically 30 credit hours (completion possible in 2 years)
- Enhances both technical/operational and business skills
Preferred by Nontechnical Companies
- Broader curriculum with a focus on making business decisions at the firm level
- Typically 48 credit hours (could take 4 or more years)
- May require GMAT or GRE
Key Features
Key Skills
- Translate engineering projects into business plans
- Gain skills in strategy, leadership, operations, quality, finance
- Specialized hybrid of technical/operational and business courses folow EMBOK (Engineering Management Body of Knowledge)
- Strategic planning of engineering and technology
- Leadership and design thinking
- Managing/leading technical people, projects, teams, operations
- Communication and presentation
- Decision and risk analysis
- Applied courses
- Immediate utility at the functional level
Key Skills
- Focus is on business management theory and practice
- Gain knowledge in leadership, teamwork, strategic thinking and time management
- General business courses like accounting, marketing, HR
- Strategic thinking for the business
- Leadership and organization
- Marketing innovation
- Communication
- Conceptual courses
- Focus is high: Firm/business level
What you'll need to earn a graduate degree
Engineering or science-related undergraduate degree
- 2 years of experience/tech work experience (Average is 5-6 years)
- Appeals to professionals at all levels
- Those aspiring to become manager or to become better employees
- Mid-career engineers to enhance their strategic and managerial skills
General bachelor’s degree (A to Z: Art to Zoology are eligible)
- Most require 1-2 years of paid work experience
- Average work experience is 3-5 years
- Demonstrated leadership experience: internships, other organizations/groups
Jobs and Opportunities
Average Salary – Engineering Manager
$111,000
Our graduates primarily work in:
High-tech companies
Construction Management
Research and Development
Biomedical; Biotech; Medical Devices companies
Engineering Services; Public or Private Utilities
Manufacturing
More than 90% of MEM graduates work in engineering and technology industries
Median salary/occupational outlook of engineering managers ($152,000+): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median salary of senior engineering managers ($175,000+): Salary.com
Average Salary Including Bonus
$102,495
Graduates primarily work in:
Economics
Banking, Finance, Investment
Marketing and Human Resources
Retail, hospitality, general services
Non-profit organizations
Less than 30% of graduates work in engineering and technology industries
Recommended Articles
- IEEE USA InSight. “Engineering Management Programs: The right move for you?”
- American Society for Mechanical Engineers. “The Rise of the Master of Engineering Management Degree”
- The Chronicle of Higher Education. “Their Graduates in Demand, Engineering-Management Programs Gain in Popularity”
- 3 Master’s Degrees That Pay Up To $200,000+ In 2024
Master's Degrees Comparison
Category | MEM | MBA |
|---|---|---|
Curriculum |
| Core Business & Marketing Knowledge for General Business |
Industry |
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Academic Background |
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Learning Env. & Experience |
| Academic Preparedness & Perspectives |
Credit hours | Most 30 Credits | Most in 40s and Higher |
Focus |
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Faculty |
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Finances |
| Confirm with Supervisor or HR |