For many scientists, engineers, and technologists, a technical professional can eventually lead to leadership or managerial roles. However, a scientific background won’t completely train and prepare students to lead organizations or teams.
Also known as engineering management, an online Master of Business Engineering program will bridge the gap between business and engineering or technology.
Overview
Often thought of a degree that combines two topics, business and engineering, the online Master’s of Business Engineering degree will help guide you in your next step to leadership and management. Concentrations are available and this versatile degree will serve you well in your future endeavors!
The Benefits of a Master’s of Business Engineering Program
An online Master’s of Business Engineering program will strengthen students’ management/leadership skills. It also helps you learn solid fundamental knowledge in specific areas, including:
- Organizational Behavior
- Human Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Management
- Project Management
Completing an online Master of Business Engineering degree can teach students about the different aspects of engineering and business. Many of the programs also provide specializations, allowing students to focus more on their preferred area of interest.
The specializations can either be more on the business part of the program or the engineering side. In some cases, both business and engineering are given equal emphasis within the curriculum of the program.
While entrepreneurship is primarily designed for individuals with business ventures, business engineering will teach them how to apply data principles to leadership. For instance, an online MBA in Engineering program concentrates on engineering-specific studies, such as mechanical engineering, ideal for students interested in actual designing procedures. Students interested in building larger infrastructures can choose a specialization in civil engineering.
If you’re interested in completing a graduate degree in business engineering, you can start exploring the ten Best Online Master of Business Engineering programs we’ve listed as a start. We also include supplemental information to help you decide which online school best suits your preferences and schedules.
METHODOLOGY
Business Engineers possess some of the most sought-after skills in practically all industries! Be part of this excellent degree program by enrolling in some of the country’s outstanding programs and grad schools—all delivering the program online!
We put together the 10 Best Online Masters of Business Engineering Graduate Schools that showcase these outstanding program features:
- 100% online or hybrid instruction for convenient attendance and learning, particularly by student-professionals,
- Online coursework that is designed to seamlessly blend the principles of business and engineering to address organizational issues,
- A state-of-the-art learning platform for holding Masters of Business Engineering classes and lectures in the most engaging way possible,
- Strong student support services, particularly assistance to students when deciding on their career tracks,
- Financial options for eligible students,
- Accreditation from academic associations to demonstrate high educational standards.
Best Online Master of Business Engineering Graduate Schools
Purdue University
Online MSE-MBA In Interdisciplinary Engineering
In 1869, Purdue University began when the Indiana General Assembly selected the Lafayette area for the new institution and accepted the $150,000 donation from John Purdue. In 1874, the first classes started with 39 students and six instructors.
Today, Purdue University West Lafayette is the flagship university offering 200+ undergraduate programs, over 80 graduate programs, and professional degree programs in Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine.
- Purdue University’s Online MSE/MS + MBA dual degree program consists of three segments: MBA courses, bridge courses, and engineering/technical courses.
- Sixty credit hours are needed for the MSE/MBA dual program.
- To apply, students must have an undergraduate degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
- Students to submit an application form, statement of purpose, two official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, GRE/GMAT scores, current resume, and the Release of Information Document.
- For the MSE/MS Engineering requirement, students must accomplish 30 credit hours with a minimum of 18 hours in Purdue and up to two Indiana University courses.
Standout Features of Purdue University’s Online MSE-MBA In Interdisciplinary Engineering Program:
Purdue University’s online MSE-MBA in Interdisciplinary Engineering program is consistently recognized among the Top 3 programs by the US News & World Report. The program offers an accelerated option to earn both engineering and business-related graduate degree.
Instead of the traditional 80+ credit hours, the MSE/MBA dual degree option will only require 60 credit hours. Partnering with the Kelley School of Business – Indiana University, it is nationally ranked #1 by the US News & World Report and has recognitions from Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, and Forbes.
According to the Times Higher Education and The Wall Street Journal, Purdue University West Lafayette is a top-five American public university with the 4th highest international student admission. Kaplan University is now known as Purdue University Global which provides degree programs for students who don’t have the option to participate in traditional on-campus classes.
Purdue University Online is the university’s distance learning equivalent that consistently receives recognition from the US News & World Report.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Online Master of Engineering: Engineering Management
Since 1848, the University of Wisconsin-Madison has been a catalyst for the extraordinary. Located in the beautiful scenery between Monona and Mendota lakes, the 936-acre University of Wisconsin-Madison campus features historic establishments, wide-open areas, movie and shopping centers, and biking and hiking paths.
The university has more than 9,000 courses, 200+ undergraduate certificates and majors, 250+ master’s, doctorate, professional programs, and more than 2,000 faculty members.
- Wisconsin’s online Master of Engineering has an Engineering Management program that is considered an excellent alternative to a traditional MBA for engineers.
- Depending on the students’ commitment, the online MSEM program can be accomplished within two to three years.
- Students spend approximately 20 hours per week and participate in team project activities.
- The curriculum of an online MSEM program includes 22 credits of required courses and 8-credit-hour elective courses.
- Students can apply during the summer, fall, and spring semesters.
Standout Features of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Online Master of Engineering: Engineering Management Program:
Completing an online Master of Engineering: Engineering Management program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an optional summer residency for distance learners who want to experience UW campus life. The multi-day sessions will include coursework from students’ summer semester courses and eventually leads to their fall courses with expert speakers and in-person group collaborations.
Since 2012, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is a consistent school in the Top 10 programs ranked by prestigious publications, such as the US News & World Report. The College of Engineering at WISC features Custom Courses, providing students with the option to design/develop their desired courses across a diverse range of engineering studies with the help of program directors and experts.
The initiative will offer training sessions for the entire team at a preferred location and tweak an existing course at the university and make it their own.
Arizona State University
Online MBA/MS In Industrial Engineering
Recognized as the nation’s most innovative university, Arizona State University is an institution where faculty and students work with NASA to create, improve, and lead state-of-the-art innovations in space exploration.
According to publications and recruiters worldwide, ASU features nationally ranked programs that produce top-qualified graduates and has made the university a top-tier hiring and recruiting institution by 50+ US top businesses and corporations.
- ASU’s online MBA/MS in Industrial Engineering program is offered through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering and W.P. Carey.
- A total of 56 credit hours is required to receive the MBA/MS in Industrial Engineering degree.
- The MBA/MS Industrial Engineering program has 18 classes, with 7.5 weeks per class.
- The dual degree program consists of eight courses from the MS program and eight courses from the MBA program.
- Students can complete their dual degree program within three years, depending on their learning commitment.
Standout Features of Arizona State University’s Online MBA/MS In Industrial Engineering Program:
Arizona State University’s online MBA/MS in Industrial Engineering program is a dual degree option through its W.P. Carey School of Business and Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. It provides students with the option to earn a degree quickly and at more affordable tuition in a graduate business engineering program instead of pursuing two separate degrees.
Arizona State University has been frequently recognized as one of the top institutions in the US for its online graduate and undergraduate programs. According to the US News & World Report, ASU is the Number 1 university in the US for innovation for six consecutive years.
The university is also a consistent school in the Top 10 for the Best Online MBA and Best Online Master’s in Engineering programs by the US News & World Report, 2021.
The University of Texas at Austin
Online Master’s In Engineering Management
The University of Texas at Austin constantly ranks as one of the 50 best universities worldwide. Founded in 1883, it caters to more than 51,000 diverse undergraduates and graduates enrolled in highly ranked programs across 18 schools and colleges.
As a leading research university in Texas, the university attracts $650+ M per year for innovation and discovery.
- UT-Austin’s online Master’s In Engineering Management program offers professional engineers a convenient replacement for a traditional MBA program.
- The MEM program requires 30 credit hours for completion, consisting of ten courses and two project courses.
- Students follow a standard course sequence that includes product development, engineering economics, marketing, negotiations, and management.
- The program includes onsite classes that only meet one Friday and Saturday per month.
- To qualify for the online MEM program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Engineering, or a related field, completed online application, college transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores, resume, statement of purpose, and three letters of recommendation.
Standout Features of The University of Texas at Austin’s Online Master’s In Engineering Management Program:
The University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering is ranked among the country’s Top 10 engineering programs and the #1 engineering school in Texas, renowned for its quality, accessibility, and affordability of the programs.
Students can also enroll in the Fast Track option, allowing them to attend two weekends per month instead of one. They can access several online resources, including writing appointments at the University Writing Center and academic coaching at the Sanger Learning Center.
The University of Texas at Austin began with just one building, 221 students, and eight professors. Today, the university has more than 40,000 undergraduate students, and 11,000+ graduate students and has produced more than 482,000 alumni! It is a consistent school found across many national, international, and research rankings. According to American City Business Journals, UTexas lands in the 7th spot for the Best US Public College.
Texas A&M University
Online Master of Science In Engineering Management
In 1876, Texas A&M University was built as the state’s first public institution of higher learning. It is headquartered in the heart of the Austin-Dallas-Houston triangle and is home to 69,000 students on its College Station main campus. TAMU offers 133 undergraduate programs, 175 master’s degree programs, 92 doctorate degrees, and five professional degree programs.
It’s been accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Texas A&M University’s online Master of Science in Engineering Management program will train and educate engineers to help them prepare for a career in the management of technical and engineering systems and organizations.
- The 30-credit MSEM program is a non-thesis option.
- Students must take a set of four foundational courses as well as a set of four specialization courses.
- There are eight specializations to choose from: Business, Analytics, Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering, Systems Development/Project Management, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing Systems Management, Control, Engineering Risk/Decision Analysis, and Human Systems Engineering.
- Students will also complete six electives within their specialization major or in a different specialization outside their area of interest.
Standout Features of Texas A&M University’s Online Master of Science In Engineering Management Program:
Texas A&M University’s online Master of Science in Engineering Management program is one of the rare programs of its kind in Texas. Students will learn from world-class faculty members at the Wm Michael Barnes ’64 Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Professors are nationally recognized for their service to the profession and contributions to research. Many of them are fellows at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, the American Society for Quality, and the Institute of Industrial Engineers.
Texas A&M University has received accreditations from a diverse range of organizations and accrediting agencies. Some of the accreditations were granted by the Texas Education Agency, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the American Bar Association, and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
TAMU is also home to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which made the university one of the few of its kind to host a presidential library on campus. Former President George Bush once had active roles in TAMU, participating and hosting special events within the library.
The University of Arizona
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
The University of Arizona was founded in 1885. After 27 years, Arizona was recognized as a state. Despite many challenges in its venture to launch the university, the institution was persistent in building higher learning institutions in Tucson.
In 1895, its first graduating class consisted of three students only. Today, the University of Arizona caters to more than 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students across 300+ major programs.
- The University of Arizona’s online Master of Science in Engineering Management program requires a 30 to 33-credit hour program designed for scientists and engineers.
- The program is offered through the Systems and Industrial Engineering Department at the University of Arizona.
- Students have two options for their online MSEM program: the 30-credit Master’s Report Option and the 33-credit Coursework Option.
- GRE is required for funding opportunities at the College of Engineering or the Systems and Industrial Engineering Department.
- Required GRE subjects include Analytical, Quantitative, and Verbal.
Standout Features of The University of Arizona’s Online Master of Science in Engineering Management Program:
The University of Arizona’s online Master of Science in Engineering degree program is offered through the Systems and Industrial Engineering Department established in 1961. It is the country’s first department of systems engineering. SIE Department continues to achieve global recognition for its contributions to the multidisciplinary design of complex systems involving information, technology, and people.
The University of Arizona is #1 in Research and Development among Arizona public institutions and ranked 6th in NASA funding. With a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, distance learners can have more exclusive learning and personalized mentoring and support from the faculty members.
University of Arkansas
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
Headquartered in Fayetteville, the University of Arkansas consists of ten schools and colleges and offers 200+ academic programs. Its high-quality online courses and programs are created, taught, and supported by the university.
U of A participates in the Quality Matters Program, a nationally recognized institution that advocates effective design and quality standards for blended and online courses. U of A is a flagship institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Thirty semester credit hours or ten 3-hour graduate-level courses are required to earn the MS Engineering Management degree at UArk.
- The program consists of 12-credit hour core courses, 9-credit hour engineering sequence, and 9-credit hour electives.
- Students start the program in the spring, fall, or summer semester.
- To enroll, students must have an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
- The online MSEM program doesn’t require a thesis; however, students must pass a comprehensive examination when they’ve already completed 80% of the coursework.
Standout Features of the University of Arkansas’ Online Master of Science in Engineering Management Program:
Completing an online Master of Science in Engineering Management program at the University of Arkansas offers superior education at an exceptional rate. The College of Engineering is among the Top 100 doctoral-awarding public universities in the US Graduates can opt to have their names engraved on the University of Arkansas’ Senior Walk, a sidewalk that stretches three miles showing the names of graduates.
U of A is the state’s only university classified as receiving the highest research status by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, positioning the university among the top 3% of colleges and universities worldwide.
The university has earned numerous accolades and recognitions from various publications and organizations, such as the US News & World Report.
Oklahoma State University
Online Master of Science (MS) in Engineering and Technology Management
Higher Learning Commission-accredited, Oklahoma State University is a land-grant institution with 35,000+ students across five university systems. The university was founded in 1890 on Christmas Day and was formerly known as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College. With a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, OK State prepares students for the future by offering comprehensive academic support.
- OSU’s College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology offers a 100% online Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management program.
- The online ETM curriculum is divided into two major components, namely Required and Elective.
- Students must complete a 1-hour introductory course, a 3-hour decision analysis course, and a 4-hour capstone series. The remaining courses will depend on the students’ set of electives.
- A total of 32 credits is required to complete the online MS-ETM program of OSU.
- Students can earn their degrees in a minimum of 18 months and a maximum of seven years.
Standout Features of Oklahoma State University’s Online Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management Program:
Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Science (MS) in Engineering and Technology Management program is a rigorous, comprehensive program that includes a curriculum that teaches students with effective management, implementation, selection, and planning of technology.
CEAT has granted $3.2M in scholarships for the academic year 2020-2021 alone. Approximately 50% of all CEAT students complete their degrees with zero student loan debt.
Oklahoma State University is located in the heart of the country’s Friendliest College Town of Stillwater. In 2018, the university was recognized as one of the happiest colleges in America by CareerBliss more than once. It is also ranked 10th out of 1,600+ colleges and universities in the US on MSN’s The Best Schools of 2017.
Rowan University
Online Master of Engineering Management
Rowan University used to be a teacher preparation college in 1923. Now, the university is recognized as one of the best public universities in the North, according to the US News & World Report. It is home to 18,000+ students from more than 125 undergraduate and graduate programs and professional and doctoral programs.
The university is a Carnegie-classified national doctoral research university accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
- Rowan University’s online MEM program is offered through Global Learning & Partnerships.
- A part-time program is offered as an accelerated learning option, requiring ten courses or 30 semester hours for completion.
- The non-thesis program may include two courses per semester for five succeeding semesters, allowing students to complete their degree in less than a year.
- Students can choose one of two MEM tracks, namely Project Management or Construction Management.
- Applicants must submit their application form, documents proving completed foundation courses and baccalaureate degree, official transcripts, resume/CV, statement of professional objectives, and two letters of recommendation.
Standout Features of Rowan University’s Online Master of Engineering Management Program:
Rowan University’s online Master of Engineering Management program provides lifelong learners, working adults, and returnees to strengthen and diversify their credentials in business engineering studies. Offered through the Rowan Global Learning and Partnerships, students can choose from a large portfolio of non-credit products and services, including personal enrichment, corporate training, continuing education units, or professional development.
The online MEM program has a convenient learning format for working professionals to accomplish courses while pursuing their professional aspirations.
Rowan University consistently garners recognition from a diverse range of ranking organizations, prestigious institutions, agencies, and external publications, such as PayScale, The Princeton Review, Money, Fortune, and Forbes. In 1992, the historic $100M donation positioned the then-Glassboro State College on the fast lane.
It was the largest gift for a public institution in the country, facilitating the development of the College of Engineering.
The George Washington University
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
George Washington University is a learning hub that extends beyond its borders. It is home to over 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 50 states in the US and worldwide. GWU has the best of both worlds for unparalleled access to global media outlets, multinational corporations, governments, and leading international institutions.
- GWU’s online Master of Science in Engineering Management program is offered through the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering.
- Students pursuing an online program aren’t required to submit their GMAT/GRE scores; however, they can strengthen their application.
- Two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a CV/resume, and a bachelor’s degree are required for enrollment.
- Students pursue their degrees in one concentration area, such as knowledge & information management, environmental & energy management, engineering & technology management, economics, finance & cost management, and crisis, emergency & risk management.
- The online program is designed for technical managers, providing them with the skills and knowledge in the most current management strategies and techniques for scientific and technological organizations.
Standout Features of The George Washington University’s Online Master of Science in Engineering Management Program:
The online Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Management program at George Washington University promises in-depth expertise in engineering management. Students can benefit from the university’s numerous connections with governmental and industrial leaders.
GWU offers a thesis or a non-thesis option for its MSEM program. The university also has professional degrees and doctoral degree programs in engineering management should students further advance their studies.
George Washington University has connections to the world’s most influential institutions and organizations, where the majority of these are within walking distance of its Foggy Bottom campus. Undergraduate and graduate students have more than 12,000 internship opportunities and other hands-on learning experiences.
Students can also work in diverse organizations, including the World Bank, National Institutes of Health, Discovery Communications, The White House, and Bloomingdale’s.
Career Options in Business Engineering
After completing the online Master of Business Engineering program, graduates can find numerous career opportunities in a diverse range of sectors, including government, scientific research, mining, architecture, and manufacturing.
Due to the program’s multidisciplinary nature, graduates with an online Master of Business Engineering program have the best of both worlds in the fields of business and engineering. Although they may encounter strong competition within the industries, applicants with advanced technical knowledge and credentials can easily find their ideal work.
Graduates can pursue career opportunities which include the following but are not limited to:
Aerospace Engineers design and build different technical equipment, products, and components for aircraft and other related equipment. They conduct research, test, prototype, and develop their designs, ensuring that all products follow budget and safety guidelines.
Biomedical Engineers innovate and improvise technologies, medical equipment, and healthcare outcomes through manufacturing and product designs. They perform their own research and collaborate with healthcare professionals to evaluate specific areas of need and improvisation.
Civil Engineers supervise the design and construction of private and public infrastructures and other establishments. They work on numerous construction developments and projects, including improving transportation networks within states and creating weight-bearing infrastructures.
Electrical Engineers handle electrical components and products, developing new and upgraded products for manufacturing. They also follow internal operations processes, address consumer requests and concerns, and work exclusively with production.
Engineering Managers supervise operations and projects in engineering organizations and departments. They administer project management activities, including research and development, training, logistics, and budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Business Engineers are a hybrid of two major roles – a technical and commercial role. They can work as a liaison between technical and commercial teams to develop solutions for their companies and other organizations in which business engineers collaborate. They are professionals who understand how the business world works at the macro level, integrated with how organizations function at the micro level.
They create solutions based on various key components. Business Engineers also guide organizations through challenging decisions by reducing risks, navigating ambiguity, and evaluating quantitative data.
Some of the key components that are associated with business engineering and require an in-depth understanding of numerous areas and disciplines include:
- Business Administration
- Business Model
- Business Practices
- Innovation
- Law and Economics
- Management Science
- Organizational Structure
- Technologies and Information Processes
When it comes to learning, business engineering is a discipline between technology and business administration. Since more and more companies/businesses have adopted innovation, it’s crucial to understand and implement technical processes and products by combining old and new business strategies and models.
Admission to the online Master of Business Engineering program can be competitive, and each school has its requirements. Each student’s most common admission requirement is a baccalaureate degree in an engineering or science-related field from a regionally accredited college or university. Some online schools also require applicants to accomplish specific prerequisites before being admitted to the actual program.
Many programs also prefer students with relevant professional experience. Prospective students may also be required to submit their GRE/GMAT scores and a minimum GPA requirement. They can also submit their updated resume/CV, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation to supplement their application.
Engineering management/business engineering programs attract individuals with organizational, interpersonal, and problem-solving proficiencies. The online Master of Business Engineering programs often takes one to two years of study, depending on the students’ course load and preferences. The majority of these programs also integrate lab work, internship programs, and practical training into the curriculum.
The majority of the graduate programs in engineering management or business engineering can be classified into three types: a Master of Engineering Management, a Master of Science, and an MBA with an Engineering Management concentration. Some schools also offer a dual-degree option of the program.
The MS program has advanced professional development training for engineers, the MBA combines business management studies, and the Master of Engineering Management programs provide students with engineering-specific project management or leadership training.
Distance learners in some programs can also choose their preferred specialization, preparing them for careers in specific fields within the engineering industries. For MBA, engineering-related specializations can help students strengthen their business-related skills and expertise and make them more applicable in the engineering field.
As of May 2021, PayScale reports the average annual wage for Business Engineers is $64,375. The overall salary potential for these professionals is between $35,000 to $84,000, including bonuses.
On the contrary, Glassdoor indicates $78,095 as the base median annual salary for Business Engineers. However, graduates can earn more lucrative earnings as they progress in their careers. Facebook and eBay, for instance, have an annual income base of $140K and $117K, respectively.
Graduates who are more inclined to work as Architectural and Engineering Managers can earn a median pay of $152.350 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. The career outlook for these professionals is 4%, as fast as average compared to other occupations in the country.
Key Takeaways
- If you are a working professional in the business and/or engineering field who is interested in career advancement, perhaps earning an online Master’s degree in Business Engineering will benefit you.
- Most graduates can look forward to a leadership or management position.
- An online Master’s of Business Engineering degree can be very versatile and can be used in most any type of industry.
Additional information:
- The Best Online Master’s of Business Informatics Graduate Schools
- Best Apps for Grad School Students
- The 10 Best Online Master’s of Management Graduate Schools
