Key Information:
- MIT and Stanford University are two top engineering management bachelor’s degree programs.
- Programs combine technical engineering knowledge with business management skills, preparing students for leadership roles.
- Graduates can pursue careers in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and technology.
- Online and on-campus options are available, offering flexibility for students to balance studies with other commitments.
Is an engineering management degree worth it? Some of the most common questions regarding a bachelor’s in engineering management include inquiries about the job market, the flexibility of the degree, the earnings associated with a bachelor of engineering management, along with many others.
The good news is that an engineering management bachelor’s checks nearly all the boxes. Does a bachelor’s in engineering management open up plenty of career opportunities? Do degrees in engineering management have a strong job outlook? Does a bachelor’s in engineering offer a means to well-paying positions?
Across the board, the answer to these questions is yes. This means that the only thing left to do is to find a good engineering management program. For that, future engineers will want to look for programs that offer the education and training they need to succeed as engineers and engineering managers.
Methodology: Ranking the Best Engineering Management Degree Programs
The editors at Bachelor’s Degree Center know prospective students want to see their education pay off. That’s why we feature only accredited colleges and universities known for their quality and ROI. Programs are ranked according to factors including tuition, student satisfaction, and potential salary, using current IPEDS and Niche data.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology has one of the best engineering management degree programs. MIT provides a foundation for systems engineering, systems architecture, and project management. This prestigious university uses in-class discussion, team projects, guest speakers, and individual assignments to explain complex engineering concepts. Topics covered include project planning, stakeholder analysis, concept generation, requirements definitions, system integration, validation, system safety, and risk management. Students also learn about different types of leadership styles. The school has one of the best engineering management degrees available. And its well-known brand draws immediate attention on any resume.
At MIT, most students can find some form of financial aid. In fact, 74% of students receive assistance. It’s incredibly competitive to get the nod from the admissions committee at MIT. Just 7% of candidates make it into the university. However, 95% of those who apply graduate from their chosen program. Of students surveyed 94% felt confident that they would get a job after graduation, exceeding the national average of 83%.
What We Like: MIT ranks at the top of many lists for the best college in America for engineering.
Program: Engineering Management
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Engineering Management
2. Stanford University
Stanford University’s Management Science and Engineering program is one of the best engineering management degree programs. Students learn from respected professors and the curriculum includes business, engineering, and public policy. As one of the best engineering management degrees, this program aims to advance the management, design, interaction, and operation of economic, technological, and social systems.
Stanford has an A+ rating based on student reviews of professor accomplishments and other factors. Engineering students enjoy an extremely low student-faculty ratio of 5:1. Additionally, 89% of students say professors come prepared and put a lot into their classes.
What We Like: This highly regarded university ranks number three among America’s best colleges.
Program: Management Science and Engineering
Stanford University Management Science and Engineering
3. Stevens Institute of Technology
The BSE in Engineering Management at Stevens Institute of Technology offers students one of the best engineering management degree programs. Organizations require technical leaders with broad expertise and knowledge, and the best engineering management degrees include a range of knowledge in technology, engineering, and business operations. It’s important to understand all of these systems to become an effective engineering manager. Additionally, Stevens Institute was one of first universities to offer an engineering management major.
This highly rated private college has just 3,600 undergraduate students. The admissions rate is just 40%, so candidates should prepare themselves for stiff competition. Popular majors include computer science, mechanical engineering, and business. The school graduates a phenomenal 85% of students.
What We Like: Stevens is the second-rated best College in New Jersey.
Program: BSE in Engineering Management
BSE in Engineering Management — Stevens Institute of Technology
4. Colorado School of Mines
The Colorado School of Mines has one of the best engineering management degree programs. students engage in research, outreach, and academic pursuits. the school aims to create impactful leaders who understand socio-technical problems and can provide a comprehensive solutions to complex issues. As one of the best engineering management degrees, the school promotes sustainability and social justice
School of Mines it’s located in the Denver area. This small institution has fewer than 5,000 undergraduate students and a competitive acceptance rate of 53%. Popular majors include mining and petroleum engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering. The school has a very high graduation rate of 83%, probably due to its thorough vetting during the admissions process
What We Like: The School of Mines is ranked at the top of best colleges and Colorado.
Program: Engineering, Design, and Society
Colorado School of Mines Engineering, Design, and Society
5. Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has a BS in Management Engineering widely regarded as one of the best engineering management degree programs. The management engineering (MGE) major allow students to focus on technical interest as well as management principles. The program focuses on creating practical leaders with the knowledge of their industry makes it one of the best engineering management degrees available. Graduates often find jobs in product development, manufacturing and service delivery. Many students choose MGE as a double major to enhance their primary majors.
Worcester Polytechnic was one of the nation’s first universities to focus on technology and engineering. Its strong basis in science, mathematics and technology attracts students interested in these subjects. WPI has a unique curriculum that allows students to work closely with professors and instructors. The school aims to convert classrooms into think tanks.
What We Like: WPI ranks ninth among Massachusetts’ best value colleges.
Program: BS in Management Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute BS in Management Engineering
6. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania’s Fisher Program in Technology and Management is widely considered to be one of the country’s best engineering management degree programs. The legendary Wharton school of business offer students’ exposure to some of the best business minds in the world. This is key for students who want to collaborate with future leaders of industry while also attending one of the best engineering management degrees.
The University of Pennsylvania received an A+ rating from surveyed students based on faculty accomplishments and additional factors. UP has an enviable student-faculty ratio of 6 to 1. Meanwhile, 75% of students surveyed say that professors put a lot of energy into their classes.
What We Like: The University of Pennsylvania is ranked best in class for its prestigious business school.
Program: Fisher Program in Technology and Management
University of Pennsylvania Fisher Program in Technology and Management
7. Carnegie Mellon University
One of the best engineering management degree programs, the Engineering and Public Policy major at Carnegie Mellon University helps students developed the skills to resolve some of the greatest challenges faced by humanity. As one of the best engineering management degrees, it includes a challenging curriculum that covers national security, fighting misinformation, climate change, critical infrastructure challenges and other political hot buttons that require a working solution.
Carnegie Mellon University ranks among the top 25 universities on many lists. Successful graduates become experts in their field and work in Fine Arts, business, computer science, and engineering, among other industries. Students get hands-on experience in the classroom, lab, studio, and other instructional venues. Students who come to Carnegie Mellon learn how to think outside the box and work toward positive changes.
What We Like: Carnegie Mellon is highly respected and students can benefit from the brand name when looking for jobs or applying for postgraduate programs.
Program: Engineering and Public Policy
Engineering and Public Policy — Carnegie Mellon University
8. Princeton University
At Princeton University, students earning their engineering degrees can add a management certificate to their academic resumes. This is one of the best engineering management degree programs for students who want to take engineering management as a minor to enhance their other interest. As one of the best engineering management degrees, the program offers students an opportunity to earn their certification. The program attracts students who want careers as managers or consultants.
Princeton is an elite university located in New Jersey. It has just over 5,300 undergraduate students who choose from hundreds of degree options. The university only accepts 6% of those who apply, making competition for open slots fierce. Popular majors include economics, computer science, and public policy. Although the university has an emissions process that it’s highly selective, 90% of students who begin their academic career they are also complete their studies.
What We Like: Princeton University ranks number six among the best colleges in the country.
Program: BS in Engineering — add Management Systems certificate
Princeton University BS in Engineering — Management Systems
9. Cornell University
Cornell University’s Operations Research and Engineering degree is also one of the best engineering management degree programs. What places it in among the best engineering management degrees? Within its engineering school, Cornell offers 14 different majors and a plethora of minors for students to choose from. First year students take general engineering courses and decide on their area of specialization. the wide selection of majors and minors allows students to tailor their studies to match their career goals.
Located in Ithaca, New York, Cornell is a large institution with 15,000 undergrad students. It has a fierce admissions process and just 11% of those who apply gain acceptance into the university.
The school graduates 95% of students with majors that range from biology to hospitality to computer science.
What We Like: Cornell ranks number seven among the best business schools in America. It’s also well known for its engineering program, giving graduates a powerful brand to include on their resume.
Program: Operations Research and Engineering
Cornell University Operations Research and Engineering
10. Case Western Reserve University
Case Western Reserve University also has one of the best engineering management degree programs. This challenging program actually consists of a double major where students complete a management and business major along with general engineering. It’s one of the best engineering management degrees because it allows students to study multiple areas of interest. While steeping students in engineering concepts, it also allows them to explore a non-technical interest such as history, business, art, or psychology. This multidisciplinary approach helps students become more well-rounded citizens.
Case Western Reserve University aims to create a supportive environment for students. It encourages every learner to become involved in the school’s culture of achievement. Faculty and staff members make themselves available to students who want to pursue new experiences in the field. Advisors help students choose their major end minor, if applicable, to match their career and educational aspirations.
What We Like: This highly competitive school accepts just 27% of students who apply. However, financial aid is available to 89% of those who study here.
Program: General Engineering (double major with business/management)
Case Western Reserve University
11. Johns Hopkins University
As one of the country’s best engineering management degree programs, the general engineering program at Johns Hopkins University is also set up with a double major in management and business in mind. What qualities contribute to including this school in the list of the best engineering management degrees? The BA in general engineering help students learn fundamental engineering principles such as innovations, new technologies and engineering research. The program attracts students who want to learn about engineering without sacrificing a liberal arts education. It’s a great alternative for students seeking a background in technology and engineering who may not become engineers in their professional life. Many graduates go on to study architecture, law, business and medicine. It’s also a useful major for learners who want to work in jobs that require a good understanding of technology and engineering. This could include public policy, intellectual property law and patent law.
Johns Hopkins sets the bar when it comes to how American research universities should operate. Colleges and universities around the world emulate Johns Hopkins, which is known for groundbreaking discoveries and high achievements. Faculty members support interdisciplinary research that can help students learn how to approach problems from various angles. Graduates emerge as accomplished scholars and independent thinkers. Only 11% of students who apply received an acceptance letter from Johns Hopkins University. with just 67% of students receiving financial aid, it can be assumed that most students have the backing of financial resources prior to coming to the university.
What We Like: Johns Hopkins is a prestigious institution that has been educating Americans and international students for more than 140 years.
Program: General Engineering (double major with business/management)
12. Michigan Technological University
Michigan Technological University has a BS in Engineering Management that is widely considered to be one of the best engineering management degree programs in America. Students who choose this major receive a solid background in business as well as science, Math and engineering. The university helps students tailor their education to meet their future goals. Many graduates go on to become leaders in engineering or other fields.
Besides offering one of the best engineering management degrees, Michigan Tech has 120 other majors. Founded in 1885, the university has a long history of educating students from The United States and abroad. In fact, 54 countries are represented in its current student body. More than 7,000 students attend, choosing majors such as mathematics, health professions, humanities and social sciences.
What We Like: Michigan Tech ranked the second-best value college in the state.
Program: BS in Engineering Management
Michigan Technological University BS in Engineering Management
13. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University offers an interdisciplinary engineering science major that has become established as one of the best engineering management degree programs. So, what makes it one of the best engineering management degrees? The program is set up as a minor requiring 15 hours of courses. Students can use this program to enhance their primary course of study. It consists of five classes that include four core courses and one elective that students can choose from an approved list.
Vanderbilt has six graduate schools and four undergraduate schools and is located in Nashville, TN. The beautiful campus and excellent academic environment attract some of the brightest minds in the world. Students can also enjoy a vibrant campus life and gain exposure to other students from around the world. U.S. News & World Report Consistently includes the university and there top 20 best colleges in the country.
What We Like: With a competitive acceptance rate of 9%, students who want to be here have to work hard to do so. Students should also secure their funding prior to committing to Vanderbilt as just 60% of students receive financial aid.
Program: Interdisciplinary Engineering Science
Vanderbilt University Interdisciplinary Engineering Science
14. University of Maryland
The University of Maryland has an engineering project management minor that is one of the best engineering management degrees. Students can combine this minor with majors in business, public policy, or other fields. Students get just what they want without taking on a full-time engineering degree. That’s what makes this one of the best engineering management degrees. Employers increasingly choose candidates with and understanding of science, including engineering. Students master project management concepts, techniques and tools and prepare for leadership roles in a variety of settings.
The University of Maryland lies within the Washington DC area and has 28,000 undergraduate students. This large school only accepts 44% of candidates who apply. Those who do get in can choose from numerous majors including biology, economics and computer science. The school graduates a phenomenal 87% of students.
What We Like: The University of Maryland is the top public university in this state according to Niche.com.
Program: Engineering Project Management Minor
University of Maryland Engineering Project Management Minor
15. University of Illinois
The University of Illinois has one of the best engineering management degree programs. As one of the best engineering management degrees, the technology and management minor can be added to a variety of primary majors. The curriculum includes both engineering and business courses to help graduates fast-track leadership roles. This may be ideal for those who are changing careers or who want to move up in engineering or other technical firms.
The University of Illinois has captured the imagination of students and supporters for more than 150 years. Illinois has produced 23 Nobel laureates, 26 Pulitzer Prize winners and was home to the inventors of PayPal and YouTube. Students who want to do great things can follow in the footsteps of giants at the University of Illinois.
What We Like: The University of Illinois is the top-ranking public university in the state.
Program: Technology and Management minor
University of Illinois Technology and Management Minor
16. Southern Methodist University
Southern Methodist University has one of the best engineering management degree programs. Management science involves mathematically based approaches to operations, management, decision making, and other areas of leadership. As one of the best engineering management degrees, this goes BS in engineering management science helps students understand the intricacies of manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, retail, defense, finance, and other areas of expertise.
Southern Methodist has roots as a Christian university and attracts conservative students who want to maintain their lifestyle while attending school. Located in University Park, Texas, this midsize school has approximately 6,500 undergraduate students. The school accepts less than half of those who apply and has a 47% acceptance rate, making it extremely competitive to get into the school. However, it graduates 81% of students.
What We Like: Southern Methodist University ranks number six among the nation’s best Christian colleges.
Program: BS in Engineering Management Science
Southern Methodist University BS in Engineering Management Science
17. University of California, Davis
The University of California Davis allows engineering majors to add a Technology Management minor. The versatility of this program makes it one of the best engineering management degree programs for students who want to get on the management track after graduation. This minor includes courses in both business in management and engineering. Students learn invaluable leadership skills as well as scientific concepts needed to understand project management in an engineering or scientific setting. It’s one of the best engineering management degree.
UC Davis is a huge university with more than 30,000 undergraduate students. It’s located in the Sacramento area and has a competitive acceptance rate of 39%. Students choose from hundreds of majors and minors in order to meet their career expectations.
What We Like: With a low acceptance rate of 39% and financial aid rate of 66%, UC Davis may prove difficult to fund for students who don’t have parents who can pay most of the costs.
Program: Add Technology Management minor
University of California Davis Technology Management Minor
18. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University also has one of the best engineering management degree programs. Its interdisciplinary engineering degree allows students to develop unique skills they cannot obtain in traditional approaches. As one of the best engineering management degrees, this program allows students to specialize in emergency technical fields or other immersive programs. Students appreciate the exposure to multidisciplinary learning which can help them become more balanced in their careers.
Texas A&M is located in College Station, TX. It is a huge institution with 40,000 undergraduate students. The school only accepts 58% of those who apply in majors such as agricultural business, liberal arts and psychology. Additionally, the school graduates 82% of its students.
What We Like: The school ranks second among the state’s public universities.
Program: Interdisciplinary Engineering
Texas A&M University Interdisciplinary Engineering
19. Clarkson University
Clarkson University offers a BS in Engineering and Management that is one of the best engineering management degree programs. The program’s interdisciplinary approach is a product of the schools of business and engineering. Students learn the importance of cross-functional decision-making and multitasking.
Finding the best engineering management degrees is just one reason that students come to Clarkson University. The school has core strengths that help all students learn the importance of technical problem solving and understanding the science behind their choice of a major.
What We Like: Clarkson has a robust research program that makes it attractive to students who want to pursue that track.
Program: BS in Engineering and Management
Clarkson University BS in Engineering and Management
20. Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University’s engineering program allows students to include a minor that focuses on entrepreneurship or leadership, among other choices. As one of the best engineering management degree programs, it provides students with valuable insight that will serve them well in entry-level positions or graduate school.
Penn State University has 66,000 undergraduate students and its main campus is located in State College, PA. It has a competitive admission process and only admits 76% of those who apply. Information science, economics, and biology are just some of the majors that Penn State students choose. The school graduated 71% of its students.
What We Like: The Penn State name can open up doors for graduates all over the world
Program: Engineering Leadership Development or Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor
21. University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder offers an engineering plus program that’s one of the best engineering management degree programs. As one of the best engineering management degrees, it allows students to design their degree to meet their needs. There’s a great amount of flexibility for students at every level of their education. Many students go on to graduate school, careers, and other activities.
University of Colorado enjoys a solid reputation and is based in Boulder. It has 29,000 undergraduate students and accepts 78% of those who apply. The generous acceptance policy allows more students to get the education they need. Topics include public relations, business, and psychology. the school graduates tomorrow 69% of its new students.
What We Like: The University of Colorado is ranked as the second top public university in the state.
Program: Engineering Plus
University of Colorado Boulder Engineering Plus
22. Auburn University
Auburn University has one of the best engineering management degree programs. The business engineering technology major blends business and engineering into an integrated major. Students who choose a BET can take advantage of participating in one of the best engineering management degrees. The minor consists of 16 credits that students can spread out over 4 semesters. This program provides an advantage when it comes to understanding international products. graduates emerged with a competitive edge over other candidates.
Auburn University has educated students for more than 160 years. The university aims to inspire its students with timely, comprehensive coursework. Auburn has been on Forbes best value college list and it also appeared on the “100 Best Values in Public Colleges.”
What We Like: The school accepts 81% of those who apply and 72% of students receive financial aid.
Program: Business Engineering Technology
Auburn University Business Engineering Technology
23. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona has an affordable engineering management option that’s one of the best engineering management degree programs available. As one of the best engineering management degrees, the program exposes students to skills and knowledge needed to become leaders and hi-tech industries. Students learn add sharing design concepts and business subjects too supplements other majors to prepare for careers in different industries.
The University of Arizona has 29,000 undergraduate students and is located in Tucson. The college has a generous acceptance rate of 85%, giving students who want to come here a good chance of making the cut. The school graduated 68% of students in a variety of majors from psychology to Physiology to liberal arts.
What We Like: The University of Arizona is the second-best college in the state according to niche.com.
Program: Engineering Management
University of Arizona Engineering Management
24. Miami University of Ohio
Miami University of Ohio ranks among the best engineering management degree programs. As one of the best engineering management degrees, it takes an interdisciplinary approach that addresses the complexities of modern work for us. Global businesses require employees that have a background in technology and technical fields such as engineering. However, to become well-rounded employees and leaders, a good deuce of liberal arts education makes a huge difference. by shaking up their education with business, engineering, math, science, and softer subjects, students gain a unique perspective that helps them solve real-world problems in a creative way.
Approximately 61% of Miami University’s graduates have at least one additional major or a minor. Over half of students spend time studying abroad and almost all students take advantage of internship opportunities. The school has 2000 undergraduate students focused on scholarship activities.
What We Like: Miami University in Ohio is ranked third among the state’s top public schools.
Program: BSE Engineering Management
Miami University of Ohio BSE Engineering Management
25. Illinois Tech
Illinois Tech rounds out the list of the best engineering management degree programs. Students who complete the program learn how to prepare business plans and make strategic marketing and financial decisions for projects or entire departments. As one of the best engineering management degrees, it includes courses that help students learn how to create new products, assess business processes or evaluate emerging technologies.
Illinois Tech offers modern facilities, amazing faculty, and research opportunities for students from a variety of majors. The highly engaged student body takes advantage of many clubs and organizations that meet their needs.
What We Like: Approximately 60% of students who apply get accepted into Illinois Tech. However, almost all those who do it receive some sort of financial aid.
Program: BS in Engineering Management
Illinois Tech BS in Engineering Management
Is Accreditation Important?
Finding a good school and a good bachelor’s in engineering management program starts by seeking out ABET-accredited programs. ABET (the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) is the single most important accreditation for engineering management programs.
This also answers the is ABET accreditation important question and ensures students that these programs have met the ABET accreditation requirements. How much does ABET accreditation matter? When it comes to engineering school accreditation, a traditional or ABET-accredited online degree is the only one recognized by the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers). In fact, ABET was actually founded by ASME and this is the basic litmus test for schools seeking to become accredited.
Graduates of schools that have met the ABET accreditation requirements, and that are ABET-accredited, also provide many benefits to employers. ABET-accredited programs teach the skills, principles, fundamentals, and approved curriculum of the ASME. That also means that employers can trust that they are getting employees that are capable, tested, and prepared for careers in engineering management.
As it was alluded to earlier, a bachelor’s degree in engineering management can open the door to many career paths, and a good income. Do these facts alone answer the is engineering a good career question though? Job opportunity and income are a good start, but there is more to a good career than just job security and wages. Looking past the income and job market aspects, what else does a career in engineering management offer, and is it a good career?
Is Engineering Management a Good Career?
An engineering management career path can be an exciting, fast-paced, and lucrative career path for the right candidates. The positions available on the engineering manager career path also offer more than a good salary though.
Engineering management careers also offer prestige and a sense of accomplishment. Those pursuing engineering manager careers will ultimately be in the position of a difference-maker. That is because those on the engineering management career path often find themselves in the role of being the problem solver or the architect of the solutions.
You may go into engineering management with a background in many areas, from the engineering field and elsewhere, including:
- business administration
- industrial engineering
- electrical engineering
- human resources
- operations management
- quality control
- information technology
- supply chain management
Your previous work experience and management skills, coupled with engineering management courses, can help you move easily into management positions in engineering.
Here are a few of the important, exciting, and impactful roles and career opportunities in engineering management.
- Construction management engineer — this position is responsible for the oversight, completion, budget, and other concerns over company projects.
- Engineering project manager — this role is similar to that of a construction management engineer but the job description places a much greater emphasis on the engineering aspects of the project.
- Industrial management engineer — these team and project lead positions generally work with other project teams (e.g. engineering and construction).
- Cost systems analyst — those with an engineering management degree can often make horizontal employment moves into roles such as cost systems analyst.
The engineering manager career path also offers an impressive engineering management career outlook. According to recent data from the US Department of Labor Statistics, the outlook for engineering jobs appears to be holding steady at 3%, along with plenty of job opportunities too.
The engineering project manager career path, engineering manager curriculum, or construction-related courses all add up to the same thing, well-paying, and good careers. Engineering management graduates hold positions of esteem, recognition, and great value. Engineering is the lifeblood of many businesses in many industries, and it is the job of engineers to keep the company’s heart beating, and even fix it when it isn’t.
There’s a lot you can do with an undergraduate degree, but professional development can only go so far. A master of engineering management graduate degree can help you advance even farther. With a master’s degree, employers will know you’re a real professional.
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