Engineering Management

The Master of Science in Engineering Management at Northwestern University is a comprehensive program designed to equip engineering professionals with the leadership skills and managerial expertise necessary to excel in today’s dynamic technological environment. This interdisciplinary degree combines core principles of engineering, business management, and strategic decision-making, preparing graduates to lead complex projects, innovate processes, and drive organizational success. The curriculum emphasizes a blend of technical proficiency and managerial acumen, covering essential topics such as project management, operations, financial analysis, supply chain management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Students have the opportunity to tailor their education through elective courses aligned with their career goals, including areas like data analytics, quality management, and technology innovation.

The program is structured to accommodate working professionals, offering flexible scheduling options that facilitate a balance between academic advancement and professional responsibilities. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, industry-focused projects, and collaborative learning, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills fundamental to effective engineering management. Northwestern’s strong connections to industry leaders and innovative companies provide valuable networking opportunities, internships, and real-world applications that enhance career prospects upon graduation.

The Engineering Management program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging students to engage in case studies, group projects, and research initiatives that simulate real-world challenges. Faculty members are renowned experts and industry practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and fostering an environment of academic excellence and professional growth. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for leadership roles such as project managers, operations managers, consultants, and entrepreneurs in a variety of engineering-based industries. With its rigorous curriculum, flexible delivery, and emphasis on leadership development, the Northwestern University Engineering Management master’s program offers a solid foundation for engineers aspiring to move into strategic roles and accelerate their careers in the technical domain.

A minimum number of 12 courses is required to earn the Master of Engineering Management degree. Among them are:

REQUIRED COURSES (7 COURSES)

• MEM 402: Engineering Management
• MEM 403: Accounting for Engineers
• MEM 404: Financial Issues for Engineers
• MEM 405: Marketing Issues for Engineers
• MEM 407: Decision Tools for Managers
• MEM 424: Leadership and Organizational Behavior*
• MEM 437: Strategic Management for Engineers

*Starting with the incoming class of Fall 2015, MEM 424 Leadership will be a required core course - increasing the required core from six to seven courses. Students enrolled prior to Fall 2015 are grandfathered into the six core requirement.

ADVANCED ENGINEERING METHODS FOR MANAGEMENT (2 COURSES)

You must select at least two from this list of advanced engineering courses. These courses differentiate MEM from other business programs because they rely on your engineering or quantitative background. These are courses that will help you get in-depth knowledge in the field you want to pursue in the future.

• MEM 415: Computer Simulation for Risk & Operations Analysis (offered every other year)
• MEM 417: Product Development
• MEM 420: Organizing for Innovation
• MEM 426: Project Management
• MEM 414: Supply Chain Management (offered every other year)
• MEM 412: Operations Excellence
• MEM 410: Managerial Analytics
• MEM 490: Systems Engineering and Architecture
• ENTREP 495: NUvention Medical (count as one course)
• EECS 473: NUvention Web (count as one course)
• ISEN 430: NUvention Energy

ELECTIVES (3 COURSES)

You choose three electives from a variety of courses within MEM and programs within Northwestern University (limit of two courses from outside the engineering school). These courses give you the flexibility to tailor the program to meet your needs. You may choose courses from:

MEM Electives:

• MEM 416: Business Process Change Management
• MEM 419: Technical Entrepreneurship
• MEM 429: Negotiation for Engineers

Other Schools/Departments have limited courses available:

• Department of Industrial Engineering & Management Sciences
• Kellogg School of Management
• Learning and Organizational Change Program from the School of Education and Social Policy
• Master of Science in Analytics
• Master of Science in Information Technology
• Master of Project Management Program

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science discipline.
• Minimum of three years of technical work experience after having received a technical undergraduate degree
• 3.0 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale in undergraduate work
• Transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate education attempted
• $50 application fee payable in US funds
• Three letters of recommendation that attest to the candidate's work performance and management potential. At least two should be business related (not academic such as a professor) and one must be a current supervisor
• Personal statement that is part of the online application
• Calculus based statistics course (Note: Incoming students will be required to complete a summer MEM online statistics course to meet this requirement.  This course is free to MEM students.)
• TOEFL or IELTS scores for all interntional applicants whose undergraduate training, in whole or in part, was taken at an institution in a country where English is not the native language
• GMAT or GRE scores are optional, but highly recommended

The Engineering Management program at Northwestern University offers comprehensive financing options to support students throughout their studies. These include a variety of scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships designed to reduce financial burdens and promote diverse participation. Merit-based scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, leadership, and professional promise, providing partial to full tuition coverage. Additionally, need-based financial aid is available for eligible students, determined through the university’s standard financial aid application processes, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and institutional forms. Graduate assistantships in research, teaching, and administrative roles also offer stipends and tuition remission, allowing students to gain practical experience while offsetting costs. Northwestern University’s Engineering Management program encourages students to explore external funding sources such as industry-sponsored fellowships, government grants, and private foundations, which can supplement university-provided financial aid. The university’s financial services office provides personalized counseling to help students identify suitable funding opportunities and develop effective financial plans. Payment plans are available to spread tuition payments over the duration of the program, making budgeting more manageable. International students can access specific scholarships and support services tailored to their needs. The university is committed to providing transparency regarding tuition and associated costs, which are published annually on its official website. Overall, the program’s financing options aim to make advanced engineering management education more accessible and affordable, fostering diversity and excellence within the student body.

The Engineering Management program at Northwestern University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in engineering and technology-driven industries. This interdisciplinary program integrates principles of engineering, business, and management to equip graduates with the skills needed to oversee complex projects, lead diverse teams, and drive innovation within organizations. The curriculum typically covers core topics such as project management, systems engineering, financial management, supply chain, operations, and strategic planning, blending technical expertise with managerial acumen.

Students in the program have access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborate with industry partners to gain practical experience through projects, internships, and research initiatives. The program emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills, effective communication, and ethical considerations in engineering contexts. It aims to prepare graduates for roles such as engineering managers, project leaders, product managers, and consulting professionals across various sectors including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and energy.

The Northwestern University Engineering Management program often offers flexible learning options, including full-time, part-time, and online formats, to accommodate working professionals. Furthermore, the program benefits from Northwestern’s strong network of alumni and industry connections, providing students with career development opportunities, mentorship, and a pathway to leadership positions in the engineering domain. Admission requirements typically include a demonstrated academic record, relevant work experience, and a clear motivation to advance in engineering management careers.

Graduates of the Engineering Management program are equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with strategic thinking and leadership skills that are essential in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving technological landscape. They are prepared to tackle complex engineering challenges, implement innovative solutions, and contribute to organizational growth and sustainability. Overall, the program aims to cultivate well-rounded professionals capable of making significant impacts in their respective fields, supporting technological advancements, and fostering organizational excellence.