SuperScholar’s Smart Choice ranking of the best universities for online Engineering Management degrees was designed to help you make a smart choice about where to pursue an Engineering Management degree online. Engineers with a strong understanding of business, management and leadership are in high demand, and an online degree in Engineering Management from a top ranked university can help set yourself apart from the competition. 
The Value of an Engineering Management Degree
According the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2010 median pay for Architectural and Engineering Managers was $119,260 per year, or $57.34 per hour. A bachelor’s degree in Engineering and significant work experience is typically required to become an Engineering Manager, with a Master’s in Engineering or Technology Management preferred by many employers. Employment for Engineering Managers is expected to grow by about 9% over the next decade, which is slightly lower than the average growth rate for all other occupations. MSN Careers ranks architectural and engineering managers #6 in their list of the best-paying jobs of the 21st century.
Advantages of an Online Engineering Management Program
While just as intellectually demanding as a traditional Engineering Management degree program, online programs in Engineering Management offer increased flexibility and the opportunity for students to continue working while they study. With an increasing number of elite engineering schools and business colleges offering online Engineering Management degrees, student who choose to study online can now earn a degree with just as much prestige and marketing power as traditional on-campus students.
How We Selected the Smart Choice Colleges for Online Engineering Management Degrees
For our Smart Choice ranking of the top colleges for online Engineering Management degrees only regionally accredited colleges and universities listed in the National Center for Education Statistics database were considered. Qualifying schools were then evaluated and ranked based on publicly available information regarding academic reputation, special accreditation, student satisfaction, and cost. The result is a list of top online schools for Engineering Management that can help you decided the online Engineering Management degree that is the smartest choice for you.
#1. Purdue University
Located in West Lafayette, IN., Purdue University was established in 1869. In addition to its main campus, PU offers four regional campuses. The Princeton Review listed Purdue University among the top 150 Best Value colleges for 2013. Three of Purdue’s MBA programs are ranked in the top 20 in the world by Eduniversal.
Online Programs
Purdue University offers an online Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) with a concentration in engineering management and leadership. In addition to the MSE, students can earn a Certificate in Global Management. The MSE program prepares engineers for leadership positions in the 21st century. Students explore topics such as management economics, applied ergonomics, financial engineering and quality control while increasing their technical and engineering skills. Twenty-one credit hours are engineering courses from PU; 12 credits are business courses from the Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Accreditation
Purdue University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Purdue’s College of Engineering has special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#2. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a world-renowned private research university located in Los Angeles, California. USC enrolls more international students than any other university in the United States. The university’s graduate engineering school is ranked among the top 10 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Online Programs
USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering offers around 30 of its 50 master’s degree programs online through the university’s Engineering Distance Education Network. The Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEMT) degree is one of the degrees that can be earned completely online. Online students can also choose to hybridize the program by attending some classes on campus. The online MSEMT is the full equivalent of the onsite program. Requirements for the degree include 18 units from the Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) department, 9 elective units, and at least three more units for a minimum total of 30.
Accreditation
The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and has been a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) since 1969. The School of Engineering has special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#3. Stanford University
Stanford University is a top-ranked private research university in California’s Silicon Valley. The Stanford Center for Professional Development was established in 1954 as a part-time graduate program for professionals in the engineering and technology industries. Today, SCPD is a way for students to take Stanford University courses while maintaining a full-time career.
Online Programs
Students with an appropriate background in math and science can earn a degree online through the Stanford Center’s Master of Science Program in Management Science and Engineering. The degree requires at least five core classes, three or more courses in a concentration, a course in probability, a project, and elective courses. There are 45 units required in total, and most students earn their degrees in three to five years. The MS degree program in Management Science and Engineering must be completed within five years of the starting date. All courses are available online, and students have the option of attending many classes on campus.
Accreditation
Stanford University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The School of Engineering is accredited by The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#4. University of Texas at Austin
With over 50,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the University of Texas at Austin has the fifth-largest enrollment of any campus in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks UT Austin as the 46th best university in the nation. The publication also ranks UT’s Cockrell School of Engineering as the 8th best graduate engineering school.
Online Programs
UT offers an online version of its Master of Science in Engineering degree with a concentration in Engineering Management. Students can earn the degree in two years. Like the onsite version, online classes are held on one Friday and one Saturday each month. The degree program consists of courses in engineering management, integrated circuits and systems, and software engineering.
Accreditation
The University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Commission on Colleges (COC) of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Cockrell School of Engineering is specially accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#5. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is a public research university in Norfolk, Virginia. The school was established in 1930 and achieved university status in 1969. The graduate engineering programs at ODU are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Online Programs
ODU is a leader in distance learning, and the university offers a complete Engineering Management (MEM) degree program online. The MEM degree at ODU is run by the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering of the university’s Frank Batten College of Engineering & Technology. Students can watch live streaming videos of their classes on a website, allowing them to interact with teachers in real time. They can also attend a combination of online and onsite classes. To earn a degree, students must complete 18 credit hours of core classes, 12 credit hours of electives, and a capstone course.
Accreditation
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC). ODU’s College of Engineering & Technology also has special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#6. University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university that can trace its roots back to the founding of the state of Wisconsin in 1848. The academic institution has the distinction of being the location of many significant scientific findings throughout its history. U.S. News & World Report has rated the graduate engineering programs that are available through the university’s online branch as the eighth best in the country.
Online Programs
University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an online Master of Engineering in Professional Practice (MEPP) degree program. Coursework is geared toward engineering professionals with experience in the field, and the academic experience is intended to prepare current engineers for managerial and supervisory positions. Classes focus on engineering concepts, leadership in the field of engineering and quality assurance. The length of the program varies according to student schedules, but most students earn their degree within two years.
Accreditation
University of Wisconsin-Madison is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The University’s College of Engineering has special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#7. Duke University
Duke University is a prestigious private research university in Durham, North Carolina. The university spent just under a billion dollars on research in 2010. Duke is ranked 8th among United States universities by U.S. News & World Report and the Pratt School of Engineering is widely regarded as one of the best in the nation.
Program Overview
Duke’s online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program is offered by the Pratt School of Engineering, with support from the university’s Fuqua School of Business and the Duke School of Law. The distance option is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals. The onsite requirement of this Distributed Master of Engineering Management Program (d-MEMP) consists of three one-week residencies on campus. Online students can choose from Commercialization, Finance, or Operations Management for their concentrations. The addition of technical electives gives students a broad framework of engineering knowledge. Distance learners receive the same degree as onsite students, and the method of obtaining the degree is not indicated on transcripts or diplomas.
Accreditation
Duke is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Pratt School of Engineering has special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#8. University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado-Boulder was founded a few months before Colorado became a state in 1876. U.S. News & World Report ranks CU-Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science as the 35th best engineering school in the country. The university is described as a “Public Ivy League” university in the book The Public Ivies: America’s Flagship Public Universities.
Program Overview
Since it was established in 1987, the Lockheed Martin Engineering Management degree program at CU-Boulder has been available through distance learning. The Master of Engineering (M.E.) degree in Engineering Management requires 30 credits. The credits must be earned through six core classes, four electives, and either a master’s exam or a capstone project. Applicants must have two years of post-baccalaureate work experience, a degree in engineering or a technical field, and a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Accreditation
The University of Colorado-Boulder is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The College of Engineering and Applied Science enjoys accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#9. Arizona State University
Arizona State University was established in 1885 as the Tempe Normal School, and it became an accredited university in 1958. Today, in addition to the main campus in Tempe, ASU has several satellite locations throughout the state. U.S. News and World Report rated ASU 15th out of public universities in the country for its online degree programs, and the online graduate engineering program was ranked 23rd in the nation by the same publication.
Program Overview
The Master of Engineering in engineering management is offered through the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. This is an online interdisciplinary program that assists students in building their technical and analytical skills and provides valuable leadership and management training. ASU’s online programs feature rolling admission dates, and courses are taught by the same highly qualified instructors who teach regular classes.
Accreditation
ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. The online program is part of the Quality Matters review program, which is designed to maintain the integrity of online classes. The Fulton School of Engineering has special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#10. University of Dayton
University of Dayton is a private university affiliated with the Catholic Church. The urban campus represents the largest private university in Ohio, and the academic institution is primarily a research university. The university is listed as having one of the top 100 engineering programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. There are approximately 11,000 students enrolled in a degree program through the on-campus and online branches of the school.
Program Overview
University of Dayton offers an online Master of Science in Engineering Management degree. The degree program allows current engineering professionals to study for a managerial position within their field. Courses are available throughout the year to accommodate the schedules of busy professionals, and a student may begin the program at any time. Coursework is balanced between learning leadership and technical skills, and the entire program requires the completion of 36 credit hours.
Accreditation
University of Dayton is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The School of Engineering enjoys special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#11. Colorado State University
Founded in 1870 as the Agricultural College of Colorado, Colorado State University has grown into an internationally known research institution that offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees through eight colleges. U.S. News and World Report ranked CSU 67th among public universities nationwide in 2013. Forbes ranked CSU among the top 100 Best Buy Colleges in 2012. Based in Fort Collins, Co., CSU has a second campus in Pueblo; its online Global Campus was established in 2007.
Program Overview
Colorado State University’s online master’s degree in engineering management merges the fields of engineering and business. Students learn how to integrate managerial concepts with the technical skills acquired as an undergraduate. Managerial concepts include business communication, analysis and finance; project management; and acquisition and supply change management. A minimum of 30 credit hours is required. Completing the program prepares students to lead engineering projects and teams in the public, private, government and military sectors.
Accreditation
Colorado State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges. The College of Engineering has special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#12. Drexel University
Drexel University is a private Philadelphia university that was founded in 1891. The university has won the 2010 Sloan-C Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Education and the USDLA 21st Century Distance Learning Award. Drexel’s College of Engineering is ranked among the best by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Overview
Drexel’s online Engineering Management master’s degree program is designed to prepare scientists and engineers for executive positions. Students can choose to further specialize in Infrastructure Engineering Management. The program consists of 36 quarter credits of core classes and five elective courses. These courses are available in 10-week quarters. The program is flexible, and students work with advisors to create personalized plans. They can choose both the number of courses taken each term and the number of terms attended in a year. Most online students take one or two classes a quarter and earn their Engineering Management master’s degrees in two to four years.
Accreditation
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS). Drexel has special accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#13. Washington State University
Washington State University was established in 1890, and the university has been awarding Master’s degrees since 1902. The university is ranked 57th in the U.S. News and World Report of 2011. Two professors in the College of Engineering and Architecture are members of the National Academy of Engineering, the most prestigious honor in the field.
Program Overview
Washington State University offers an online Master of Engineering and Technology Management. The university’s Engineering and Technology Management program was initially established in 1982. The degree requires 30 semester hours of coursework. Additionally, students must complete a non-thesis project or an examination to be awarded the degree. The program utilizes video-streaming and video-conferencing to provide classroom material. Beginning this year students can choose to specialize in Construction Management.
Accreditation
Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The College of Engineering and Architecture is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#14. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the oldest university in Nebraska, was established in 1869 to provide a center of research and education to the state. The university has produced three Nobel Prize winners and recipients of other prestigious awards. The College of Engineering has offered distance learning options for more than 25 years.
Program Overview
University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers an online Master of Engineering (MEng) degree with a concentration in Engineering Management. The Management courses are offered through the College of Business Administration. The program is intended for students with an existing degree in engineering or significant experience in a related field. This non-thesis program was created for working professionals. This 100% online program is completed in four 10-week sessions.
Accreditation
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is nationally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#15. Kansas State University
Established in 1863, Kansas State University is the oldest public university in Kansas. The university enrolls almost 24,000 students from 90 countries and all 50 US states. When compared to other public universities, K-State stands out for its numerous Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholars.
Program Overview
The Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) program at Kansas State is offered by the university’s Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering department (IMSE). All courses are delivered online, and the program is open to students worldwide. Students are taught the skills necessary to manage resources and accomplish complex technical tasks. The MEM degree at K-State consists of 30 credit hours, and a 3.0 GPA or higher is required for completion. Students must also complete three years of full-time work experience before they get their degrees. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in either engineering or natural science.
Accreditation
Since 1916, Kansas State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The College of Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#16. New Jersey Institute of Technology
The New Jersey Institute of Technology was established in Newark in 1881. The university trademarked the term “virtual classroom” and offers a variety of degrees and courses online. U.S. News & World Report ranked NJIT as the 115th best university in the nation in 2010.
Program Overview
NJIT’s online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MS-EM) degree program combines the resources of the university’s Newark College of Engineering and the School of Management. Students must complete 18 core units in courses such as Management Accounting and Decision Support Systems for Managers. The degree also requires 12 units of cost engineering courses. Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree in science, engineering, or a closely related area with a GPA of 2.8 or higher.
Accreditation
The New Jersey Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). NJIT’s Master of Science in Engineering Management degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC of ABET).
#17. Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public university in Lubbock, Texas founded in 1925. TTU’s Whitacre College of Engineering has been ranked among the top 100 engineering schools in the country, and in the top 50 for online engineering programs by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Overview
Texas Tech University offers an online Master of Science in Systems and Engineering Management through the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering. The program was designed in response to the growing demand for managers with business and management savvy along with strong engineering, science and tech backgrounds. The program requires 36 credit hours for completion and students can choose to take as many, or as few, courses per semester as they would like. Courses are completed primarily online, with some Interactive Video Conferencing also required.
Accreditation
Texas Tech University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Many of its engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#18. Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State was founded in 1890. It has over 19,000 students and operates five campuses. Forbes ranked it the 134th best research university in the United States.
Program Overview
Oklahoma State University offers a 32-credit Engineering and Technology Management degree. This is an online master’s degree for scientists, technical managers and engineers. The program’s courses are provided by the Spears School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. Students learn how to manage people, equipment, projects and money. The courses also provide information on manufacturing, communication and accounting. The university only offers this degree to professionals with technical careers. It uses streaming video to facilitate online instruction. Students can participate in live classes and watch recorded lectures.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission accredits Oklahoma State University. The three schools that supply courses for this degree also possess separate accreditation. The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#19. Ohio University
Ohio University is located in Athens, OH. Established in 1804 through an act of Ohio’s General Assembly, OU opened its doors in 1808. In addition to its Athens campus nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians, Ohio University serves students through five regional campuses located in central and southern Ohio. In 2012, U.S. News and World Report ranked OU 65th in the nation among public universities. Twelve of the university’s graduate programs have been ranked in the top 100 nationwide by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Overview
Ohio University offers a 100 percent online Master of Engineering Management degree through the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. The program offers students the opportunity to supplement their technical expertise with management and leadership skills. Courses include engineering law, engineering writing, engineering statistics and project management. Students can complete the program in about two years.
Accreditation
Ohio University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. It maintains accreditation through the Academic Quality Improvement Program. The Russ College of Engineering and Technology is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#20. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina at Charlotte is a public research university that was originally established to serve returning World War II veterans. The university currently serves more than 25,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. The College of Engineering has been providing education in different areas of engineering for almost 50 years.
Program Overview
University of North Carolina at Charlotte offers an online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree. Some professors may require proctored exams. The fast-track program to degree completion requires 12 months to graduate. The fast-track option requires four courses in the spring, four courses in the fall, and two courses in the summer. The program requires a total of 30-credit hours, and it can be completed with or without a thesis.
Accreditation
University of North Carolina at Charlotte is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#21. University of Michigan-Dearborn
The University of Michigan-Dearborn was established in 1959 on 196 acres of land donated by the Ford Motor Company. One of three campuses in the University of Michigan system, the Dearborn campus offers 90 academic majors, 28 graduate programs, and three doctoral degree programs. According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Michigan-Dearborn is the 4th best master’s-level public school in the Midwest.
Program Overview
The M.S. in Engineering Management program is one of five graduate degree programs offered by UM-Dearborn’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. The program requires 36 credit hours and is available entirely online. 31 credit hours are earned through 13 required courses. The remaining five can be completed through a thesis or a project seminar. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree in engineering. They can also qualify with a degree in math, computer science, or a physical science coupled with at least five years of engineering experience.
Accreditation
The University of Michigan-Dearborn is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The College of Engineering and Computer Science is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#22. University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is one of three other universities and two affiliates in the University of Tennessee system. The university is known for its outstanding athletics and nationally ranked programs. U.S. News & World Report ranks UTC as one of the best universities in the South.
Program Overview
The M.S. Engineering Management program at UTC is available in its entirety online. The degree is for students with backgrounds in engineering or science who intend to begin careers in management. Courses are available in subjects such as strategic management, leadership and entrepreneurship, and engineering finance. The program requires at least 18 semester hours in core classes and 15 semester hours of electives. Like the other graduate programs at UTC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, the M.S. Engineering Management degree program fully prepares students for professional careers.
Accreditation
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga is fully accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS-COC). The College of Engineering and Computer Science is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#23. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus became the 25th campus of The Pennsylvania State University in 1998. The World Campus is Penn State’s distance learning institution, and all of its classes are conducted online. Penn State World Campus’ engineering programs are consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Program Overview
The Penn State online Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree program is taught by faculty from Penn State Great Valley and Penn State Harrisburg. The program is designed to prepare students for engineering management careers in areas like biomedical engineering, research and development, medical manufacturing, the federal government, and the aerospace industry. MEM students at Penn State World Campus learn technical skills in engineering as well as business and leadership skills. The program consists of 33 credit hours. Applicants are required to have earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math, science, or physics.
Accreditation
Penn State World Campus and all of its programs are accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS).
#24. Robert Morris University
Robert Morris University, founded in 1921, is a private university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university currently enrolls more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students. SuperScholar listed Robert Morris University as one of its top 10 “Smart Choice” schools for online Master’s degrees.
Program Overview
Robert Morris University offers an online Master of Science (MS) in Engineering Management degree. Students can pursue a thesis or non-thesis program course, but students must complete 30 credit hours of coursework for either option. The School of Engineering, Mathematics, and Science boasts a 96% job placement rate for graduates, and many graduates report a higher annual salary after completing the MS in Engineering Management degree.
Accreditation
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is the accrediting body for Robert Morris University. While Master’s programs in engineering are rarely granted accreditation, the undergraduate engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
#25. Western New England University
Western New England University is a school in Springfield, Massachusetts that has been awarding baccalaureate degrees since 1922. Engineering programs at the university were introduced in the 1950s. The university now offers degree programs ranging from bachelor’s degrees to Ph.D programs that can be pursued both on-campus and online. Nearly 4,000 students are currently enrolled in the university.
Program Overview
Western New England University offers an online Master of Science in Engineering Management program that is designed to provide the flexibility that engineering professionals need while pursuing higher education. Depending on how many terms a student enrolls in the online program each year, it is possible for a student to earn their M.S. in engineering management in only one year. Coursework is related to quality assurance, supply chain management, project management and cost analysis. Students must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering prior to enrolling in the graduate program.
Accreditation
Western New England University is regionally accredited the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The College of Engineering is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).