What is an engineering management degree?

Engineering, industrial production, and construction managers use their education and experience to direct projects from start to finish. Traditionally, professionals gained leadership skills through extensive on-the-job training separate from the engineering education they received as undergraduates. A bachelor's program in engineering management helps students develop these essential management and leadership skills while providing a rigorous engineering education.

Find out how an engineering management degree can prepare you for a rewarding career.

What can you expect from an engineering management degree program?

Depending on your college, you may major in engineering management or engineering with a concentration in management. These degrees feature a core curriculum emphasizing:

• Work analysis and design
• Risk management
• Systems dynamics

You'll also take engineering courses aligned with your career goals. Your program may offer focus areas (e.g., business analytics, software design, sustainable engineering) or let you create a custom curriculum.

Beyond electives, your program may offer a 4+1 bachelor's/master's program, allowing you to earn both your undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years. Consider this track if you want to develop your engineering knowledge and skills further. A master's may also help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Career opportunities in engineering management

Below, find jobs that you can pursue with an engineering management degree, including salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Engineering manager

Engineering managers coordinate the construction or maintenance of large projects. Typical responsibilities include mentoring staff, coordinating teams' work, and maintaining budgets. Their work also involves close collaboration with architectural engineers and other specialists.

Over half of engineering managers work in manufacturing and architectural services. Professionals spend much of their workday in an office setting.

Median annual salary (2024):$167,740

Projected job growth (2024–34): +4%

Industrial production manager

Industrial production managers oversee production at manufacturing plants. Their work involves increasing production efficiency, providing feedback to plant workers, and suggesting equipment upgrades. These managers also act as points of contact for customers.

Industrial promotion managers work across the transportation, equipment, chemical, and food manufacturing industries. They split their time between an office setting and the production floor.

Median annual salary (2024):$121,440

Projected job growth (2024–34): +2%

Construction manager

Construction managers make sure that construction projects stay on track and within budget. They use their communication and leadership skills to choose suppliers, hire builders, and maintain workers' safety on the job site. Construction managers also collaborate with architectural and engineering managers.

Over one-third of construction managers are self-employed. They spend much of their day monitoring construction from an on-site office.

Median annual salary (2024):$106,980

Projected job growth (2024–34): +9%

Other possible careers for engineering management graduates

Engineering management careers include nontraditional roles, such as project management specialist. These professionals work in nearly every industry and must have the same leadership and management skills students develop in engineering management courses. Other potential career tracks include operations or facilities manager.

Use your college's career center resources to explore related jobs you can pursue with an engineering management degree.

How to choose the right engineering management program

Use these questions to guide your engineering management research and find the best program for you.

• Does the college or university hold institutional accreditation?
• Does the engineering management program hold programmatic accreditation?
• What average salary do engineering management students earn in their first job after graduation?
• Does this program prepare students to succeed in a master's in engineering program?
• Would I benefit most from online or in-person education?
• Which colleges offer institutional aid to students majoring in STEM?

Is an engineering management degree right for you?

Now that you know what engineering management is, compare programs and consider whether the degree aligns with your career goals. Spending time performing independent research can help you make an informed decision.

Once you're ready to commit to a degree, start exploring edX engineering courses and programs.