What Does a Career in Engineering Management Entail?
Engineering is necessary in many industries, whether it's behind the scenes or part of the everyday function of a company. It is practically impossible to go a day without encountering an infrastructure object designed by an engineer including computers, lamps, automobiles, construction, toothpaste, railroad tracks, and airplanes. Engineering uses math, science, and technology for problem-solving by determining the ways in which things function and creating practical solutions to issues. However, the focus on problem-solving doesn't mean that engineering management isn't a necessity. Engineering management graduates have learned not just the basics of engineering, but also how to handle the people that make engineering projects successful and the project management and business management techniques that keep whole departments happy and up to speed. While you might find yourself in an engineering management career without the degree, your certain to have better access to engineering management jobs after you earn a master's in engineering management degree and develop leadership skills, project management and supply chain management knowledge, and skills directly tied to engineering and technology management.
With the ever-changing world of technology and innovation being their main focus, the engineering field is in constant need of highly skilled engineering management personnel. It's possible for all types of specialized engineers to pursue an engineering management degree including those specializing in architectural, aerospace, electronics, operations research, industrial, construction, computer engineering, project engineering, electrical, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, electronics, civil engineering, and materials science engineers. The growth of innovation, construction, and other engineering sectors have made it so that engineering management graduates are in high demand, and will continue to be in demand for years into the future. They can find positions in which they lead technology projects, offer their technical expertise in engineering economics and engineering statistics as architectural and engineering managers, consult on technology management and engineering projects, quality control and quality management, and more.
Components of A Successful Career In Engineering Management
Technical and engineering employees often require a unique approach to management. Engineering management majors will require a specific understanding of and experience in the engineering discipline which they are to manage, such as mechanical engineering or computer engineering. In addition to engineering skills such as mathematical, analytical, and organizational skills, engineering management professionals must possess the soft skills required to mentor and motivate professionals of the technical variety.
Communication is an essential component for any managerial leader. Such managers must be able to lead by example and communicate with other departments and senior business management executives.
Emotional intelligence develops trust and comradery amongst teams and leadership skills are a must. Engineering managers must be willing to have an open door and answer questions despite the fact that it may disrupt their own work.
People skills and technical skills are also required. Engineering managers must be able to balance both technical problems and the best ways to interact with different team members at the same time. This is why an engineering management degree exists.
Macro management will be necessary on occasion. Engineering managers have to know when to step in and help and when to back off and let their team work independently. They will also set policy and best practices to make sure a whole company or department runs smoothly with the current and future team.
Typical Online Engineering Management Degree Requirements
An online associate degree requires roughly 60 credit hours for completion. This will vary based on the school.
An online bachelor’s degree typically requires 120 credit hours from a 4-year college or university for completion. This may vary if you transfer schools.
An in-person or online master’s requires roughly 30 credit hours for completion. This may be broken down into core courses, elective courses, and fieldwork. A non-research degree, such as one in business management or an engineering management program, may require 34 credit hours with a combination of core classes, elective classes, and an exam.
Typical Engineering Management Certifications Needed
While an engineering management degree is required for most positions, certifications are not commonly required for jobs, but they are a way to demonstrate to potential employers that you are serious about your continual learning and new developments in engineering. This way, you will continue to be seen as an industry expert long after you finish your undergraduate degree or even an online Master of Science in Engineering Management. These programs might include engineering management courses or engineering courses in specific fields, such as mechanical engineering.
It's possible to pursue certifications in skill development, such as engineering management leadership, computer science or IT project management, or a lean six sigma black belt. Or you might consider a professional association certification, such as the Engineering Manager Professional Certification from the American Society for Engineering Management.
Academic Standards for an Online Engineering Management Degree
As with any job, the higher your grade point average (GPA) the better your chances for gainful employment. Most employers will require a minimum of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for an online bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a similar field of study. If you wish to pursue any online master’s degrees in engineering management, most reputable postgraduate, accredited degree programs will require the same to be considered for admission into the program. It is also imperative to have at least two years of real-world working experience before you apply for a postgraduate degree. People with a technology degree will require a 3.8 from their online bachelor’s and up to 8 years of work experience. You will still have an opportunity for an entry-level position and entry into a master's engineering management degree if you earn at least a 2.50 or higher.
Exam/Experience Needed for an Online Engineering Management Degree
You will not require a higher learning exam to work in engineering management nor to pursue an online Master of Engineering Management program. Industry professionals consider work experience to be of far greater value for such positions and higher learning opportunities. Be sure to choose a specialty on which to focus your education and work experience, as that is likely to be the area in which you will work as an engineering manager.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to earn an Engineering Management bachelor’s degree online?
Anyone who pursues an accredited online engineering management bachelor’s degree taken online might expect 7.5 weeks per class with a total of 75 classes and 120 credit hours. If you are able to follow this outlined curriculum as a full-time student, you should finish in 4 years. It is possible to finish more quickly with summer classes, and it is possible to take it more slowly if you have work or family obligations at the same time.
How much does an online Engineering Management bachelor’s degree cost?
An online bachelor’s degree in engineering management will vary significantly based on the type of university you select. Some online schools are likely to have a similar cost per credit fees; however, with an online school, you will save money on travel, food, housing and other areas.
The following is an average online bachelor’s degree cost in the US:
- Public four-year school, in-state tuition cost is $9,716 annually
- Public four-year school, out-of-state tuition average cost is $21,629 annually
- Private four-year school average tuition cost is $35,676 annually
Does the online school have the major(s) you’re considering?
Before you begin your university selection process, it is essential to consider whether or not the schools offer an academic path to your end goal of becoming an engineering manager. The courses offered within majors and minors will shape your career development.
If you wish to pursue a specialized field of engineering, make sure that field is offered as an engineering degree. If it is not, be sure you can minor in it or take a few electives to gain some academic experience in the niche you prefer.
How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?
The ability to graduate in four years is an important factor for most undergraduate students. In many instances, the ability to achieve on-time graduation status is in your control. Four-year colleges and universities are listening to the concerns of students and making changes accordingly. Schools that have implemented on-time graduation initiatives have seen an increase of roughly 20% since 2012. Many reputable, accredited schools experience on-time 4-year graduation rates of over 70%. You can find the exact graduation rate of your preferred schools on the Department of Education’s College Scoreboard website.
What kind of accreditation does then online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?
Two types of widely accepted accreditation exist for all schools. Those are regional and national accreditation. Schools with regional accreditation are often considered to have greater influence over potential employers and higher learning institutions. Regional accreditations typically have higher standards and more difficult measurements than national accreditations. This is a highly important distinction for people looking to work for prestigious and highly reputable companies. It can even affect the pay of the position for an engineering manager.
Professional Engineering Management Organizations
ASEM
American Society of Engineering Management
The ASEM is a professional society with global membership that works to promote and advance technical and engineering management professions. The organization focuses on the challenges of managerial professionals working in technical and complex businesses with highly knowledgeable team members. Such managers might work in a variety of areas, such as biology and chemistry, information technology, operations, or manufacturing. The organization was founded in 1979.
IEEE
IEEE Technology and Engineering Management
IEEE work to improve humanity through excellence and technological innovation. This is a global organization with significant industry impact and members are featured in publications, conferences, and more. Members often participate and offer insights and feedback. The focus of the group is on improving the global impact of technology and engineering through innovation whilst following compliance regulations and remaining highly ethical.
ATMAE
Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering
ATMAE is a professional organization for innovative individuals who work in the areas of applied engineering, management, and technology. The members discuss ideas, applications, and research that are able to impact the future in a positive manner. Participants also work with accredited educational institutions, host a conference, provide scholarships and awards, host a job board, and offer a career center for members so that everyone can develop their professional lives to the fullest.