An engineering master’s degree (M.Eng.) in engineering management or an engineer can advance in their company or industry with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). It raises a query that more and more prospective graduate students are running into as the degree’s popularity grows: What are the advantages of an engineering management master’s degree over a Ph. You can learn more about these two degrees, including the MBA, by reading this article.
MBA
People interested in taking on leadership positions across a range of industries or fields should consider getting an MBA. However, MBA students often pursue more traditional business professions, such as finance or marketing. Few MBA students want to work in engineering.
Most MBA programs offer a broad range of leadership skills, but they rarely focus on particular industries. Supply chain management, accounting, organizational behavior, project management, economics, and statistics are some of the topics covered in the curriculum.
Graduates of MBA programs will be equipped with the knowledge and abilities to boost organizational and corporate performance and return on investment. A full-time MBA typically takes two years to complete.
Master Of Engineering Management
A master’s in engineering management is designed for those with a background in STEM who want to move into leadership roles. Students enrolled in an M.Eng. program because it serves professionals in technical fields in engineering management program will collaborate with peers and professors who have similar experiences and goals.
These commonalities will enable students to build connections with other leaders in their industry. Despite coming from various engineering specialties, all of the program’s participants will have a STEM background.
The main goal of an M.Eng. in engineering management curriculum is the application of management principles to the engineering and technology industry. Although the topics covered frequently overlap with those in an MBA program, they are presented in the context of engineering-specific responsibilities.
For instance, an M.Eng. in engineering management program looks at how resources, personnel, and technical requirements all contribute to the effectiveness of an engineering or tech organization and how these elements affect the end result.
Students who enroll in Vanderbilt’s online master of engineering in engineering management program take courses in the following areas:
- Engineering design process and project management
- How to make software-assisted decisions
- Intellectual property law as it applies to engineers and scientists
- Marketing for technology products
Because engineering is a technical field that requires creative problem-solving and a desire to build and test new ideas, many master’s in engineering management programs include hands-on projects as a part of the curriculum.
Students at Vanderbilt apply what they learn in the online Master of Engineering Management program to enhance complex business systems, and they also produce a change management plan and final presentation.
Master of engineering management graduates will be prepared to take on leadership roles within engineering, technology, and scientific organizations and companies. They will be in a position to market themselves as multifaceted experts who can combine their technical engineering knowledge with their organizational and interpersonal skills.
If organizations outside of the tech sector are influenced by engineering or technology, graduates may also go on to lead those organizations.
Typically, it takes two years to complete a master’s degree in engineering management. The duration of the online Master of Engineering Management program at Vanderbilt is as little as 12 to 15 months.
Upon graduation, an MBA and a Master of Engineering Management are recognized by employers as advanced professional degrees.
Key Differences Between MEMs And MBAs
MEM and MBA are distinguished primarily by the following characteristics: A master’s degree in engineering management has a stronger emphasis on engineering and other technical fields. As a result, the career opportunities that MEMs open up are more constrained than those that an MBA can.
Additionally, there are a number of other clear distinctions between these two business management degrees:
A MEM Is Primarily Concerned With Data Science, Analytics, And Statistics
Students without a background in technology or engineering may find it difficult to follow the curriculum because engineering management is so heavily focused on technical skills.
An MBA, in contrast, places more of an emphasis on finance and marketing, which may be difficult for students who are very technical.
A Much Wider Range Of Topics Is Covered In An MBA
You will learn managerial skills with an MBA in a variety of areas, such as marketing, operations, finance, human resources, and IT. This indicates that it might be a more difficult degree, but one that has a more satisfying result.
Long-term, MBA Graduates May Be Able To Command Higher Salaries
Despite the fact that the starting salaries for MBA and MEM graduates are comparable, top-level MBA salaries can reach up to $400,000.
An MBA Is More Highly Regarded
Very few businesses consider a MEM to be superior to (or even comparable to) an MBA degree. The MBA has long been regarded as the most comprehensive management degree and will continue to be the top choice for managerial positions.
Career Path Differences
Master Of Business Administration (MBA)
Whether you excel in engineering or agriculture, having an MBA positions you for a rewarding and diverse career. All MBA programs emphasize the following five key areas: accounting, management, economics, finance, and marketing.
The fundamental principles of business are thought to be these five topics. Success in these areas is expected of anyone who wants to run a business or launch their own.
Many MBA graduates go on to work in executive-level positions across a range of industries, giving them a wide range of options should they decide to change careers.
Chief executive officer (CEO), director of finance, operations manager, HR director, marketing executive, and business development manager are typical positions held by MBA graduates..
Master Of Engineering Management (MEM)
Students pursuing a MEM must complete courses in finance, accounting, project management, leadership, and communication. Additional elective courses frequently cover a variety of topics like business law for engineers, decision-making, entrepreneurship, and quality management systems.
MEM students typically have prior experience in an engineering or technical role and are frequently constrained to continuing down this career path. A MEM is a more constricting degree, though there are still many positions in technology and engineering that are available.
Typical positions held by MEM graduates include chief technology officer (CTO), chief of engineering, project manager, engineering logistics manager, and chief of research and development.
Common Entrance Requirements
Like the majority of graduate degree programs, the Master of Engineering Management and Master of Business Administration programs usually require applicants to complete the necessary applications and submit official transcripts, the necessary test results (GRE or GMAT), letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and/or a resume.
A minimum 3.0 GPA, a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a STEM field, and/or work experience may be added requirements for the master of engineering management programs. A strong foundation in engineering, statistics, calculus, science, and physics coursework may also be recommended or required by these programs.
The minimum GPA requirement for some Master of Business Administration degree programs may be as low as 2.0. Candidates for these degree programs might also need professional experience.
When compared to a Master of Business Administration, which is a more comprehensive program for business professionals, a Master of Engineering Management is a more specialized degree intended for engineers.
Although their course offerings and admissions requirements are very similar, both degree programs prepare their graduates for careers in leadership positions.
