MBA in Engineering Management Online Master’s of Business Administration Concentration
Program Overview Why get an MBA in engineering management online?
Part engineering. Part business. Earn the MBA that fits into both worlds.
Southern New Hampshire University has partnered with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) – one of the nation's most prestigious private technological universities – to offer the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Engineering Management program.
Developed and taught by WPI faculty, the online engineering management MBA program focuses on deepening your understanding of systems thinking concepts and systems engineering practices. You'll learn how to make informed and successful business decisions that foster improved efficiency, performance and effectiveness — all of which are prized outcomes in highly technical engineering environments.
Skills you'll learn:
- Solutions and decisions appropriate to various engineering disciplines
- Engineering management strategies that balance project constraints
- Data analysis and interpretation skills for decision-making purposes
- Adaptable approaches for developing and fostering organizations
- Models/processes that improve organizations and their practices
Courses & Curriculum Online engineering management courses that prep you for success
This MBA program allows you to gain traditional and relevant business skills in pivotal areas like finance, project management, technology and quantitative analysis. A concentration in engineering management opens the door for more tailored curriculum, too: You'll learn to lead in a technical environment, execute solutions to complex engineering problems and engage in ethical decision-making practices.
Online MBA in engineering management courses
The online MBA in engineering management includes 7 core business courses designed to match what the workforce is — and will be — seeking. With a deeper understanding of what it takes to lead people and organizations, measure success and manage strategic opportunity, you'll walk way from the program with job-ready skills that you can put to use right away.
In addition to your business courses, you'll take 3 engineering management classes to round out your MBA: Introduction to Engineering for Engineering Managers, Systems Thinking for Engineering Managers and Systems Engineering and Business Practices. These courses are designed to help you guide engineers and scientists to work collaboratively toward innovative, cost-sensitive project solutions.
And if you don't have a business background? No problem. Our MBA is accessible to everyone. Interested students must have a conferred undergraduate degree for acceptance, but it can be in any field.
Courses may include:
Introduction to Engineering for Engineering Managers
Course ID:
EMA 600
Explore the various engineering disciplines through a series of case studies that illustrate how an engineer's creativity, analytical nature, and curiosity are applied to develop, produce, and support products. Review key examples of engineered systems, new trends in the field, and concerns such as safety, security, and dependability of systems.
Systems Thinking for Engineering Managers
Course ID:
EMA 610
Examine the importance systems thinking plays in enabling program managers and engineers to identify, understand, and control systems, and to improve their efficiency, effectiveness, and performance. Explore examples of significant system failures, how they might have been avoided, and how organizations can learn from them in developing and participating in current systems.
Systems Engineering and Business Practices
Course ID:
EMA 620
Explore key components of systems engineering such as system lifecycles, system architecture, model-based engineering, and complex systems. Gain the knowledge and develop the skills required to make informed and successful business decisions in highly technical engineering environments.
Organizational Strategy in a Global Environment
Course ID:
MBA 540
Impactful leaders leverage business intelligence to make ethical decisions, solve complex problems, and craft strategic direction to improve organizational performance and agility in a dynamic global business environment. Students develop context and understanding of how organizations formulate a strategic direction and organize all business functions to complement each other to achieve organizational objectives. Students develop the strategy know-how to assess, inform, and form interconnected functional and organizational strategic direction.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MBA in Engineering Management curriculum.
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
MBA Technical Requirements
Video Communication Platform:
- Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
- Webcam
- Microphone
- Required: At least 1 Mbps upload/download speed
- Learn more about our detailed technical requirements
Internet Connectivity for Virtual Labs:
- Recommended: 5Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: March 24, 2025 | June 9, 2025
Next term starts:
Jan. 6, 2025
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Susan McKenzie
In her role at SNHU, she's responsible for defining and developing new and current programs and courses. She ensures that programs and courses are high quality with clear and relevant outcomes, assessments and student learning pathways.
Position
Senior associate dean of STEM programs
Joined SNHU
2006
Education
- EdD in Education Leadership from SNHU
- MS in Experimental Physical Chemistry from Boston College
- BS in Chemistry and Mathematics from Simmons University
Read more about McKenzie and other online faculty at SNHU.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 30-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$637
$1,911
$19,110
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$14,100
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,274 $2,548 $3,822If 2 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,836
If 4 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $16,562
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($637/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,288
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a MBA degree. Most master's degrees require 30 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 6 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Career Outlook What can I do with an MBA in engineering management?
If you're an engineer who wants to move into leadership roles in your current organization or elsewhere, SNHU's MBA with a concentration in engineering management could be the perfect fit for you. And, good news: The demand for engineering professionals who plan, direct and coordinate projects and manage teams in engineering and technology companies is on the rise.
Industries
With an MBA, you already position yourself for plenty of open doors — but your MBA in engineering management, in particular, qualifies you for leadership roles in an array of fields:
Manufacturing
Ensure operational efficiency by monitoring and managing mechanical engineering teams and tools.
Architecture
Lead a company's engineering department, from hiring employees to managing budgets.
Civil Engineering
Support teams charged with development of capital projects for public and private infrastructure.
Technical Engineering
Manage technology projects and teams, optimizing workflows for usability, functionality and visual appeal.
Consulting
Support businesses using knowledge of markets, economic conditions and professional experience.
Analytics
Manage usability of "big data" to inform financial, technological and operational decision-making.
4%
increase in architectural and engineering manager positions through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$165,370
median annual salary for architectural and engineering managers as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
I work as a design engineer, and even though I wanted to initially expand my understanding of business operations, I still wanted to remain involved with the technical aspects of my engineering discipline. I knew SNHU's partnership with a prestigious engineering institution such as WPI would give me exposure to the two areas of study that I was most interested in.
William Puksta '20G
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an MBA good for engineering?
An MBA would be an excellent fit for a person who is ready to move up in an organization.
And an MBA in Engineering Management from Southern New Hampshire University could take you even further. Especially if it was built in conjunction with a nationally recognized leader in engineering, technical and applied sciences: Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).
At SNHU, 7 of your 10 courses are part of the MBA core: These are courses that managers can use, no matter what industry they are in.
And these courses could be particularly useful for engineers, since management and organizational strategy is typically not part of their training. It's the ideal program for engineers to lead other engineers.
"Our program enables engineers to explore the intersection of engineering and business strategy,” said Dr. Jessica Rogers, senior dean of business.
The other 3 courses are in engineering management. They continue you on the management path, but these courses are specifically designed for engineering jobs. A bonus of the partnership with WPI is that these concentration courses are taught by WPI instructors – true experts in their field.
So while an MBA has its place within the engineering realm, it's up to you as to whether it's good for your own path.
Why do engineers go for an MBA?
Engineers might go for their MBA to take on a leadership role and manage other engineers. An MBA would also be useful for engineers who want involvement in strategic planning, systems thinking and engineering, and project leadership.
"Not only does this program allow engineers to lead a team of their peers, but it equips them to lead an engineering firm," said Dr. Jessica Rogers, senior dean of business.
That's why Southern New Hampshire University developed an MBA in Engineering Management. And it's also why we partnered with Worcester Polytechnic Institute – a leading technological university – to lead the 3 engineering courses within the program's concentration.
Plus, an MBA has the potential for quite the salary hike. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those who earn master's degrees earn about 15% more than those with only a bachelor's.1
Merging engineering experience with a business education can make you an attractive candidate in the job market.
What can you do with an engineering management degree?
By earning an engineering management degree, you better position yourself for leadership positions in nearly any area of engineering.
At Southern New Hampshire University, you can earn an MBA in Engineering Management – an opportunity to gain the business skills you need to move up in your organization. What's more, the engineering management courses are taught by faculty from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
"Engineers seeking to advance their careers into management and business development type roles may benefit from an MBA by mastering skills that they do not generally learn in dedicated engineering curriculums," said Patrick M. Guida, former senior manager of research and development at WPI. "This SNHU program also provides a basic understanding of engineering in general, and how an engineering team functions, for those students who do not have an engineering background."
With this degree, a few jobs you may be eligible for include:
- Cost systems analyst
- Director of engineering
- Engineering manager
- Engineering project manager
- Industrial management engineer
- Senior lead analyst
By earning your master's in engineering management, you develop the know-how to manage both people and projects and lead them to successful outcomes.
Is a master's in engineering management a STEM degree?
It can be. It may depend on more of the focus of the degree, whether it leans more toward engineering or management education.
Southern New Hampshire University offers an MBA in Engineering Management. Because the core of the program is rooted in business – 7 of the 10 classes – it is considered a business program.
However, the 3 engineering management courses at SNHU are taught by instructors from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, a prestigious STEM university.
Earning this part-business/part-STEM MBA is a great opportunity for those in engineering, since you'll be learning how to manage other engineers from some of the top engineering minds in the country.
Is a master's in engineering management worth it?
A master's in engineering management is worth it if it aligns with your goals.
Whether you have personal or professional goals you want to reach, a master's degree has the ability to teach you things you haven't learned yet. And that's useful at both work and in life.
"My experience with SNHU and going back to school to obtain my master’s not only gave me an understanding of new concepts, but how those concepts can actually be applied to real situations outside of the classroom," said William Puksta '20G.
And a master's in engineering management has the potential to boost your salary and set you on a new career track.
By enrolling in an engineering management degree program – like Southern New Hampshire University's MBA in Engineering Management – you'll develop business skills you may not have picked up in the workforce yet.
"This program enables engineers to learn more about the business aspects of leading an engineering organization," said Dr. Jessica Rogers, senior dean of business. "The business knowledge acquired will allow students to both apply their engineering skills and business skills to effectively lead an engineering firm."
If that's a direction in which you want to take your career, then a master's in engineering management is definitely worth it.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm (viewed July 3, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/bls/exit_BLS.htm?a=true&url=https://www.census.gov/topics/education/educational-attainment.html (viewed July 3, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.