Engineering Management Degrees

What is engineering management? 

Engineering management is a specialised field focused on managing within the engineering sector. With growing demand for engineers with management skills or managers with engineering knowledge, many universities now offer engineering management degrees.  

These programmes blend industrial engineering skills with business and management strategies, preparing students for leadership roles in engineering industries. 

Types of engineering management degrees 

The titles for engineering management degrees can vary by institution and may include options such as Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management (BSEM), Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management (BSc), Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) with a focus on Engineering Management, Bachelor of Engineering in Engineering Management (BEEM) or Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM).  

Degree names and structures can differ, so it’s important to review the specific curriculum before applying. 

Engineering Management: Typically, a multidisciplinary programme that combines theoretical and practical knowledge from various engineering fields with advanced project and personnel management skills.  

These programmes offer various paths, such as MS in Engineering Management, which focuses on both engineering and business strategies. The curriculum often includes specialised engineering management subjects like project management, operations management, and strategic planning. 

[Branch of Engineering] with Management: These programmes, such as ‘chemical engineering with management’, ‘mechanical engineering and business management’, or ‘construction engineering management’, integrate a specialised engineering focus with business and management modules. 

[Branch of Engineering] (Engineering Management): Degrees like ‘systems and control engineering (engineering management)’ or ‘chemical engineering (business management)’ emphasise the business aspects within the engineering discipline. They offer a blend of engineering and business courses. 

Business Administration major with Engineering Management option: Predominantly available in the US, this pathway combines business administration with an engineering management focus. Typically, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), it may include a liberal arts core alongside business and engineering courses. 

Dual-Degree Programmes: Some institutions offer dual-degree programmes where students earn two bachelor's degrees; one in engineering and one in management. Students may split their time equally between the degrees or choose to focus more on one area. 

Professional accreditation 

In the UK, if your degree is accredited by the Engineering Council through institutions such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), you may fully satisfy the educational requirements for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status or partially satisfy those for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.  

To complete the educational base for CEng, you would need to pursue an accredited postgraduate programme, continue your professional development, and undergo a professional review. 

In the US, the primary accreditation body for engineering programmes, including engineering management, is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Completing a four-year ABET-accredited programme qualifies you to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, the first step towards becoming a licensed professional engineer.  

Accredited degrees are often preferred by employers and are widely recognised, both nationally and internationally. 

Entry requirements 

Most engineering management degrees are offered at the postgraduate level, though some undergraduate programmes are also available. 

In the UK, for an undergraduate engineering management degree, typical entry requirements include A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) in mathematics and a science subject, with specific grade requirements varying by institution.  

For postgraduate degrees, applicants usually need an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related field, often requiring a 2:1 or higher classification. Relevant work experience may also strengthen an application. 

In the US, undergraduate programmes in engineering management typically require a high school diploma with a strong background in mathematics, physics, and possibly chemistry. SAT or ACT scores may also be required.  

For postgraduate entry, applicants generally need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related discipline, with a minimum GPA requirement (often around 3.0 on a 4.0 scale). Some programmes may also require GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and professional experience. 

What to expect from engineering management degrees 

An engineering management degree combines technical engineering education with business and management skills, delivered through a variety of teaching methods. You can expect a mix of lectures, some given by industry leaders, along with case studies, hands-on workshops, laboratory practical, engineering design activities (EDAs), tutorials, and both group and individual project work.  

Assessment is typically continuous, involving practical exercises, project work, essays, presentations, coursework, and exams. In your final year, an individual project or dissertation will likely be a significant focus. 

Throughout the programme, you'll work with industrial software used in 3D modelling, project management, quality control, inventory management, and process simulation.  

In the first year, you'll focus primarily on the fundamentals of your chosen engineering discipline. As the programme progresses, business and management topics – such as legal studies, contract management, project evaluation, and corporate management – will become more prominent. 

You may also have the opportunity to engage in engineering or business research projects funded by industry, government, or research councils, applying your knowledge to real-world challenges.  

Some institutions offer the chance to conduct research abroad or participate in a salaried industrial placement for a year (often referred to as a ‘sandwich’ course).  

These placements can be in sectors like automotive, aerospace, electronics, consumer goods, software, food processing, and manufacturing, either locally or internationally, providing valuable practical experience and industry connections. 

Engineering management topics 

You’ll likely start your engineering management degree with a general foundation in the core engineering and management topics within your chosen engineering field (or within general engineering, depending on your degree programme).  

You will then expand on those core topics and get the chance to specialise in a chosen area. By the end of your degree, you should have gained specialist depth in your chosen aspect of engineering (or an all-encompassing foundation in all areas of general engineering) and a thorough understanding of management principles, concerns, techniques and strategies. 

By its very nature, engineering management is a multi-disciplinary subject, so the scope of topics available for specialisation is broad – you can choose from a wide range of topics within engineering and within management, as well as some topics that blend both fields.  

Due to this variety, students wishing to pursue graduate degrees may progress to master’s and PhD programmes in management sciences, business, all fields of engineering, law and even medicine. 

Some popular undergraduate topics you can specialise in include: 

Project management 

A specialisation in project management within an engineering management degree equips students with the skills needed to plan, execute, and oversee engineering projects from start to finish.  

This specialisation typically covers topics such as project planning, risk management, budgeting, resource allocation, and team leadership. Students learn to use project management software and methodologies like agile, waterfall, and critical path method (CPM) to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.  

The coursework often includes real-world case studies and may involve managing simulated or actual projects, giving students hands-on experience in leading engineering teams and coordinating complex tasks. 

Operations management 

The field of operations management focuses on optimising business and industrial processes to ensure maximum efficiency and productivity while minimising resource use.  

This discipline emphasises not only traditional goals of high output with minimal inputs but also integrates sustainability and digital transformation. You’ll learn to oversee, design, and improve production processes to convert inputs (like raw materials, labour, and energy) into outputs (goods or services) efficiently.  

The curriculum covers key topics such as performance metrics, production systems design, analytical and simulation modelling, and contemporary issues like sustainability, digital twins, and AI-driven process automation. Safety, risk management, and regulatory compliance remain critical areas of focus. 

You might instead want to explore operations research, which applies advanced analytical and computational methods to develop optimal solutions for complex decision-making challenges.  

This area of specialisation increasingly incorporates big data, machine learning, and human-technology interaction. This multidisciplinary field aims to maximise performance, yield, and profit while minimising risks, costs, and losses in real-world settings.  

The integration of AI and data-driven strategies into operations research allows for more precise modelling and simulation, providing insights that drive strategic decisions in both industrial and service-oriented sectors. 

Business statistics 

A business statistics specialisation within an engineering management degree focuses on the application of statistical methods to solve business problems and make data-driven decisions.  

Students in this specialisation learn how to collect, analyse, and interpret data to support decision-making processes in engineering and management contexts. The coursework typically includes topics such as probability theory, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and statistical quality control.  

Students will also gain proficiency in using statistical software and tools for data visualisation, predictive modelling, and forecasting. This specialisation equips students with the skills to manage and analyse large datasets, enabling them to optimise business operations and drive strategic initiatives with empirical evidence. 

Accounting for engineers 

An accounting specialisation within an engineering management degree equips students with the financial acumen necessary to manage engineering projects and businesses effectively.  

This specialisation typically covers topics such as financial reporting, cost analysis, budgeting, and project costing. Students learn how to interpret financial statements, manage budgets, and apply cost accounting principles to engineering projects.  

The coursework often includes the study of financial decision-making tools and techniques, like net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR), which are crucial for evaluating the financial viability of engineering projects.  

This specialisation bridges the gap between technical engineering skills and the financial management needed to ensure projects are completed within budget and generate value for the organisation. 

Human resource management 

A human resource management specialisation within an engineering management degree focuses on effectively managing the workforce within technical and engineering environments.  

Students in this specialisation learn about recruitment, training and development, performance management, and employee relations, all tailored to the unique challenges of engineering teams.  

The coursework covers strategies for fostering innovation, managing technical talent, and ensuring compliance with labour laws and industry regulations.  

Specific topics might include leadership in engineering contexts, conflict resolution, and organisational behaviour, all aimed at optimising the performance and well-being of engineering personnel in high-stakes environments. 

Management in engineering enterprises 

A specialisation in management in engineering enterprises focuses on the strategic and operational leadership of engineering-driven organisations. This specialisation covers organisational behaviour, strategic planning, innovation management, and technology leadership, focusing on managing engineering teams while aligning projects with broader business goals.  

Specific areas of study may include corporate governance, risk manag  ement, and the commercialisation of new technologies. The coursework often integrates case studies and real-world scenarios, preparing students to lead engineering enterprises in competitive, rapidly evolving industries. 

Environmental and energy management 

An environmental and energy management specialisation in an engineering management degree focuses on integrating sustainable practices into engineering and organisational operations.  

Students will explore topics such as energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory compliance related to environmental protection.  

The coursework often covers strategies for reducing carbon footprints, managing waste, and optimising resource use. Specific areas of study may include environmental policy, green engineering practices, and energy management systems.  

Students will gain practical skills in implementing sustainable solutions and ensuring that projects comply with environmental regulations while promoting energy conservation and sustainability in various industries. 

Engineering management careers 

As you may have gathered, the field of engineering management offers a vast array of specialisations and career paths. This diversity not only provides a wide range of choices for students but also translates into strong job prospects for graduates.  

With expertise in complex engineering processes, management principles, and interdisciplinary teamwork, you'll be highly sought after across various sectors. 

The breadth of knowledge and skills gained through an engineering management degree opens doors to careers in numerous industries. Common careers in engineering management include: 

Engineering manager 

Of course, the most obvious career for an engineering management graduate is that of an engineering manager. This role involves a dynamic mix of responsibilities, including overseeing engineering projects and operations, managing diverse teams, and driving innovation in research, product design, development.  

Engineering managers are pivotal in creating strategic plans and fostering collaboration among employees from various engineering disciplines, as well as cross-functional and global teams. 

You’ll be tasked with managing budgets and financial aspects of projects, coordinating with different departments to move a product from conceptualisation to market delivery.  

Strong analytical and quantitative skills are essential for solving complex technical problems and making data-driven decisions.  

Additionally, effective technical communication and an understanding of both technical and behavioural aspects of decision making are crucial to succeed in this role. 

Looking ahead, engineering managers can advance to senior leadership roles such as Director of Engineering, VP of Engineering, or even Chief Technology Officer (CTO).  

Opportunities are not limited to engineering-focused industries. As an engineering manager, your skills are highly transferable and valuable in general management positions across sectors like manufacturing, technology, and technical services. 

Engineering management consultancy 

Popular with companies who need the expertise of an engineering manager on occasion or who do not have the budget to afford an in-house engineering manager (this is common in engineering firms which tend to be small partnerships), engineering management consultancy involves providing ad-hoc management advice specific to engineering. 

Consultants in this field offer strategic guidance on the development, optimisation, implementation, and evaluation of integrated engineering systems. 

This includes assessing and improving the coordination of various factors such as personnel, finances, equipment, energy, materials, and processes to enhance the overall efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability of the organisation.  

You may be tasked with designing new processes, products, or systems from scratch, or refining existing ones. 

Modern engineering management consultants often employ advanced tools such as computer simulation, modelling, and data analytics to inform their recommendations.  

Leveraging your expertise in engineering principles and best practices, you’ll help organisations achieve seamless integration and operational excellence.  

As companies increasingly adopt digital transformation and automation, the demand for consultants who can navigate and optimise these complex systems continues to grow. 

Research and development 

Roles in research and development (R&D) focus on creating new products or enhancing existing ones by leveraging advancements in scientific and technological fields.  

R&D remains a crucial driver for business growth, innovation, and operational improvement. You might work on developing cutting-edge technologies or improving processes across diverse areas such as high-speed computation, bioengineering, earthquake prediction, power systems, nanotechnology, and construction.  

Your role may involve pioneering new concepts, experimenting with innovative solutions, and applying your engineering expertise to achieve significant advancements in your field. 

Graduates with an engineering management degree are typically well-prepared to enter specialised roles within the R&D sector or related fields. Some common career paths include: 

• Production engineer: Focuses on optimising manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

• Manufacturing engineer: Involves planning, designing, and monitoring manufacturing systems and processes. 

• Business systems analyst: Acts as a bridge between business needs and technology solutions, optimising methods and systems through technology architecture and tools. 

• Project manager: Oversees and coordinates complex projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within scope. 

• Design engineer: Engages in the research and development of new ideas and technologies, as well as enhancing existing products. 

• Construction engineer: Specialises in the design, planning, construction, and management of infrastructure projects. 

Additional career options for engineering management graduates include roles such as: 

• Customer liaison engineer 

• Customer relationship manager 

• Decision engineer 

• Industrial engineer 

• Logistics manager 

• Operations manager 

• Purchasing manager 

• Quality control engineer 

• Sales engineer 

• Software engineer 

• Supply chain manager 

• Technical marketing specialist  

Each of these roles leverages the combination of engineering knowledge and management skills to drive success in various sectors and industries.