A Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree is an asset to those who wish to pursue management careers in technical areas. But is a candidate required to have an undergraduate degree in engineering?
Hardly. Candidates in the online MEM program at Arkansas State University (and many other schools) do not need a bachelor’s in engineering. While many candidates have an engineering degree, others have undergraduate degrees in science, technology and math. This opens the door for those with a technical background to go for the MEM instead of the better-known Master of Business Administration degree.
Most online MEM programs combine a blend of advanced technical knowledge and skills with knowledge of management systems and business skills.
What Is an MEM?
Online MEM programs typically help those employed in technical fields gain the staffing, operational and project management skills needed to supervise units and oversee companies.
According to Grad School Hub, most online MEM degree programs help working professionals take over the business side of engineering by:
- Teaching leadership and administration skills needed to complete engineering projects within time and budget limits.
- Offering programs with a rich blend of math, business and engineering classes, giving students flexible academic plans that meet their needs.
- Teaching students to evaluate and solve complex problems related to leadership, communications and management issues within engineering environments.
Why ABET Accreditation Matters
In your search for an online MEM degree program, make sure it has ABET accreditation. Accreditation ensures a college program has met standards essential to enter the critical fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education.
According to ABET.org, accreditation:
- Verifies your education meets the global standard for technical education in your profession.
- Enhances employment opportunities. For example, multinational corporations require graduation from an accredited program.
- Supports your entry into technical professions through licensure, registration and certification. All often require graduation from an ABET-accredited program.
- Establishes your eligibility to work globally. ABET accreditation is recognized worldwide by international agreement.
Admissions Requirements
Although many MEM candidates have undergraduate degrees in engineering, schools such as Arkansas State University encourage graduates of other disciplines to enroll. A-State’s online MEM curriculum provides students an accelerated interdisciplinary education designed for engineers on a career path as well as those managing technology in engineering, manufacturing and high-tech organizations.
A-State’s admissions policy requires candidates to have a baccalaureate degree or master’s degree with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited institution.
Also required is an undergraduate degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited university or a bachelor’s degree that includes 18 undergraduate hours in engineering with a grade of C or better in upper-level math courses, and an overall GPA of 2.75 or better or a grade of C from a regional accredited university.
Offering a management and leadership curriculum with a focus on technical disciplines, an online MEM is an excellent post-graduate degree for those who have ambitions to move higher in the technology and engineering fields.
Learn more about A-State’s online Master of Engineering Management program.
Sources:
Grad School Hub: What Is a Master’s in Engineering Management?