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?” https://insight.ieeeusa.org/articles/engineering-management-programs/ (April 6, 2019)
- American Society for Mechanical Engineers. “The Rise of the Master of Engineering Management Degree”, https://www.asme.org/career-education/articles/career-and-education/rise-master-engineering-management-degree (May 2018)
- The Chronicle of Higher Education. “Their Graduates in Demand, Engineering-Management Programs Gain in Popularity”, https://www.chronicle.com/article/Their-Graduates-in-Demand/245185 (Nov. 28, 2018)
Master's Degrees Comparison
Category | MEM | MBA |
|---|---|---|
Curriculum | Technical & Operational knowledge/skills; Aligned with EMBOK: Engineering Management Body of Knowledge | Core Business & Marketing Knowledge for General Business |
Industry | Managing & Leading Engineering & Technology | General Business Management |
Academic Background | STEM; Mostly Engineering Work experience | No Restriction (A to Z: Art to Zoology) Work Experience (Mixed) |
Learning Env. & Experience | Streamlined Courses & Resources Cross Pollination of Ideas | Academic Preparedness & Perspectives |
Credit hours | Most 30 Credits | Most in 40s and Higher |
Focus | Operations & Functional Level Applied; Immediate Job Utility | High; Firm/Business Level Conceptual |
Faculty | Engineering degrees With engineering industry experience | Business degrees Academic experience or lacking engineering experience |
Finances | Employer Tuition Reimbursement Benefits | Confirm with Supervisor or HR |