What is an Engineering Management Masters Degree?

A Master of Engineering Management (MEM) enables engineers to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business leadership. Graduates learn to integrate technologies, manage risk and deliver sustainable results across complex systems.

Traditionally, engineering management roles were most common in construction, defense, and large-scale infrastructure. Those opportunities remain strong, but new paths are emerging in product development, manufacturing, and technology integration. As companies push for accelerated innovation and global collaboration, they need professionals who understand both engineering systems and strategic management.

What you can do with a Master’s in Engineering Management

You can manage complex projects, lead multidisciplinary technology development and make data-informed decisions to move organizations forward.

Current Student Jen Harjar who works in the manufacturing industry sums it up this way:

At Gonzaga University, the MEM program is designed for working engineers ready to take the next step – advancing from subject-matter expert to technology leader.

What kind of jobs can I get with an Engineering Management Master’s Degree?

Whether you are leading innovation or pivoting into a new role, a Master of Engineering Management provides the tools to thrive at the intersection of technology and business.

Common jobs for graduates include:

• Technical Project Manager – Plans, executes, and delivers engineering projects on time and within scope, coordinating across technical and business teams.
• Product Manager – Translates customer needs into engineering priorities, guiding new product development from concept through launch.
• Systems Engineer – Integrates multiple engineering disciplines to deliver reliable, efficient, and sustainable systems.
• R&D Manager – Leads innovation initiatives, managing research teams and bringing new technologies to market.
• Entrepreneurial Engineer – Builds and grows technology-based ventures or leads internal innovation projects.
• Corporate Strategy or Technology Analyst – Evaluates emerging technologies, supports strategic investments, and aligns innovation with organizational goals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for project management specialists is expected to grow by 6% over the next decade, adding more than 78,000 new openings. Median salaries in this field are more than double the average for all occupations, providing clear evidence that organizations value professionals who can connect technical insight with business results.

Graduates of Gonzaga’s MEM program leave with more than a degree. They gain the confidence and skills to lead people, manage systems, and guide technology toward meaningful impact.