Find your perfect college degree
Struggling to find the cheapest master’s in Engineering Management online? After graduation, this topic caught my attention when I looked at staggering tuition fees for online master programs.
Consider me your fellow graduate if you’re also worried about high academic expenses and accreditation issues. Three years ago, I went through the same phase. After thorough research, here are my top picks.
10 Cheapest Online Masters in Engineering Management Degrees
Thousands of public and private institutions have active online master’s programs in Engineering Management. However, online grad school costs are ridiculously high. That’s why I enlisted the cheapest options after a thorough analysis. This list will unveil the reputed yet affordable options for pursuing your dream degree without paying hefty sums.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, NC
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $288.82 per credit hour (in-state) $536.98 per credit hour (out-of-state) $1,098.21 per credit hour (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours: | 31 |
| Completion Time: | Less than 24 months |
UNC Charlotte offers a research-based online MSEM program known for its affordability and accelerated format. Full-time students can complete the program in less than a year.
Students can tailor their education with concentrations in Energy Analytics, Systems Analytics, or Logistics & Supply Chains. It includes advanced project management, capital cost estimating, and engineering systems integration. This program is ideal for those seeking to become architectural and engineering managers, providing the necessary skills to excel in these roles.
University of Houston Clear Lake
Houston, TX
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $9,796 per year (resident) $19,408 per year (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours: | 33 |
| Completion Time: | 1.5 – 2 years |
UHCL’s online MSEM is one of the cheapest online programs with an interdisciplinary approach to Engineering Management. However, unlike its on-campus counterpart, this might not be suitable for those who plan to pursue a doctoral as this format is a non-thesis track.
The curriculum includes systems engineering economics, new business development, professional project management, and technology planning and management.
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $10,200 total tuition |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
| Completion Time: | 12 months |
Arkansas State’s online 1-year MSEM, with an annual tuition of just 5,100, is among the most affordable and fast-paced programs. The curriculum covers essential topics such as Engineering Statistics and Quality Control and Improvement. Furthermore, a capstone course is also a pivotal program component, cementing the knowledge and skills acquired.
Graduates are well-prepared for various roles, including emerging products manager, operations manager, and mechanical engineering supervisor.
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $303.88 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
| Completion Time: | 1 – 2 years |
In addition to being one of the cheapest master’s in Engineering Management programs online, UArk’s online MEM program is a sought-after program for out-of-state students. Non-residents can apply for the New Arkansan Non-Resident Tuition Award Scholarship.
Being affordable doesn’t impact its curriculum quality at all! The graduates are well-equipped for high-caliber positions with courses like Introduction to Risk Management and Systems Thinking.
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
Online Master of Science in Quality Engineering and Management
| Tuition: | $11,268 per year (resident) $28,170 per year (non-resident) |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
| Completion Time: | 1 – 2 years |
Students looking to enhance their expertise in quality assurance within engineering environments should consider SIU’s online MS in Quality Engineering and Management. Depending on their schedules, students can complete the program with asynchronous or synchronous course delivery.
The program is designed to cultivate the professional skills necessary for quality assurance and leadership roles in engineering. Students can pick between a thesis or non-thesis track, allowing for academic flexibility. Course highlights include Reliability Analysis, Project Leadership, and Quality Assurance.
Florida International University
Miami, FL
Online Master of Science Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $25,000 total tuition cost |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
| Completion Time: | Less than 24 months |
FIU’s online MSEM program is a nationally ranked degree designed to provide a broad base of skills and knowledge to prepare graduates for various roles in the field.
The curriculum includes courses such as total quality management for engineers, business law and intellectual property for engineers, and advanced engineering project management. With three start dates each year, the program offers flexibility for professionals looking to advance their careers without stepping away from their current roles.
University of Massachusetts – Lowell
Lowell, MA
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $19,315-$19,810 total tuition cost |
| Credit Hours: | 31 |
| Completion Time: | 18 – 24 months |
The MSEM degree program at UMass Lowell offers an affordable yet comprehensive curriculum that can be completed via full-time or part-time study. UML distinguishes itself by offering three specialized concentrations:
- Design and Manufacturing
- Engineering Services/Infrastructure Management
- Operations and Supply Management.
The curriculum is carefully curated to enhance key management and leadership competencies, including Decision Analytics, Marketing Fundamentals, and Financial Accounting courses.
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, IN
Online MBA with a concentration in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $12,900 total tuition cost |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
| Completion Time: | 12 months |
USI’s online MBA in Engineering Management is among the best options for students who want to have a broad knowledge of the general approach to management. In addition to its vast curriculum, this online MBA program offers grad students networking opportunities across all industries.
The program’s curriculum includes pivotal courses such as Managerial Economics, Marketing Strategies, and Practices of Supply Chain Management. These courses prepare graduates for high-level positions like engineering managers, industrial managers, and civil engineering managers.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Online Master of Science in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $383 per credit hour |
| Credit Hours: | 30 |
| Completion Time: | 1 year |
Kennesaw State offers one of the cheapest MSEM programs with a Quality Management track. The curriculum includes courses in Managing and Leading Work Behavior, Data Analytics, Project Management Processes, and Business Finance.
In addition to its affordable per credit hour cost, qualified MSEM students will have various scholarship opportunities to reduce tuition expenses. Online students will also access advanced labs and facilities, including the Center for Advanced Materials Research and Education, enabling year-round innovative and collaborative research projects.
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
| Tuition: | $619 per credit |
| Credit Hours: | 45 |
| Completion Time: | 2 years |
If you’re looking for a cheap and high-quality MEng degree, OSU’s MEng in Engineering Management is for you. This online MEng program is designed for working professionals who want a course-based learning instead of a research-based curriculum.
The Engineering Management concentration explores Project Management in Engineering, Operations Management, Management for Engineers and Scientists, and Advanced Engineering Economics Analysis courses.
Why Pursue a Career in Engineering Management?
The allure of this program lies in its fusion of technical prowess with leadership finesse. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in architectural and Engineering Management is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is a testament to the expanding frontier of engineering projects and the need for adept managers to steer these initiatives to success.
While some might choose this field for its massive pay scale, the odds are slightly different for me. I had chosen this field for the desire not just to be part of the innovation to drive it. Simply put, I’d love to harness a team’s collective skills to turn visionary ideas into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are online Engineering master’s degrees respected?
Yes, an online engineering master’s degree is worth the same as an in-person degree as long as you earn from a reputed institute. You must establish that the online education format should complement your learning style.
Is a Master’s in Engineering Management worth It?
Yes, Engineering Management roles are worth the time and effort. According to Glassdoor, these make an average of $153,100 a year. A master’s degree can further give it a potential boost of around 50 percent. These numbers can vary based on your expertise and company of employment.
Is it cheaper to get a master’s online in Engineering Management?
An affordable online master’s in Engineering Management is potentially cheaper than an on-campus degree because the latter usually requires relocation and a dedicated learning schedule. In contrast, you can study at your own pace for an online degree.
Key Takeaways
These online master’s programs offer diverse opportunities for aspiring professionals. The best part is that they provide the knowledge needed to excel in leadership roles within the engineering field without breaking the bank! With affordable tuition and flexible formats, these programs can pave the way for a better career in engineering management.
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