MEM DEGREE

The Master of Engineering Management is designed for managers from all backgrounds that may be asked to lead technical teams, providing them with the expertise they need to do so effectively.  The MEM is specifically designed for those who will be managing engineers or other technical professionals.

The MEM Curriculum

The MEM curriculum consists of 38 credits, with 26 credits (14 courses) from the MBA program and 12 credits (6 courses) specifically designed for the MEM. 

The program requires five 500-level MBA courses (10 credits):

MBA 504 Business Law
MBA 510 Financial Accounting
MBA 520 Financial Management
MBA 530 Marketing Management
MBA 550 Psychological Foundations of Management

In addition it requires six 600-level MBA courses (10 credits):

MBA 601 Business, Technology and the Natural Environment

MBA 602 Managing Innovation and Technology
MBA 603 Managing the Natural Environment

MBA 642 Operations Management
MBA 645 Information Systems and Information Technology
MBA 670 Strategic Thinking and Action for a Changing World

Students may also choose three of seven MBA courses (6 credits):

MBA 610 Accounting Information for Decision Analysis

MBA 630 The Customer Challenge
MBA 650 Creating High Performance Organizations
MBA 651 Leadership and Team Development
MBA 652 Developing People

MBA 741 Global Supply Chain Management

MBA 750 Entrepreneurship

Note: It is highly recommended that each student take at least one elective from among MBA 650, 651, and 652.

The program also requires six MEM courses (12 credits):

MEM 701 Managing Emerging Technologies

MEM 702 Managing International Teams

MEM 703 Best Practices for Managing Technical Teams

MEM 704 Intellectual Property

MEM 705 Creativity and Innovation

MEM 706 Project Management

One of these six MEM courses is taught in each of the six MBA terms, and they can be taken in any order.  This means that MEM students can start six times a year!

Sample Schedule 

These 20 courses are offered in such a way that it is possible to complete the entire program in twelve months, as demonstrated in the following chart:

Fall 1

Fall 2

Spring 1

Spring 2

Summer 1

Summer 2

Monday

MBA 601

MBA 520

MBA 504

MBA 550

MBA 670

MBA 652

Tuesday

MBA 645

MBA 530

MBA 630

MBA 651

MEM 705

MEM 706

Wednesday

MBA 510

MBA 602

MEM 703

MEM 704

Thursday

MEM 701

MEM 702

MBA 603

MBA 642

  

Method of Delivery

All courses involved in the MEM program will be offered on-line as well as in-person. The courses will be taught in the classroom, but the course will also be sent live over the Internet and recorded for students who are unable to attend in person.

Eligibility for Admission

Candidates for the MEM must submit the same admission materials as for the MBA.  Subject to the Director's discretion, there is a “No GMAT” option for highly qualified candidates.  Applicants may possess an undergraduate degree in any discipline and are not required to have an undergraduate degree in Engineering. 

MEM Courses

The six MEM courses that are offered as part of this program can also be put to other uses.  These additional uses are summarized below:

MBA Electives:  MBA students can take up to two MEM 700-level courses as MBA electives. 

MBA Plus: The MEM courses are available to applicants who already hold a graduate degree. By taking four of the six (excluding any they took during their MBA program) students will earn an MBA Plus Certificate in Engineering Management.

Engineering Management Certificate: Finally, prospective students who do not desire a master’s degree but would like a professional certification in this area will be able to complete just these six courses and earn a Graduate Certificate in Engineering Management.  The admission requirements and application process for the Engineering Management Certificate will be identical to those for the MEM degree.

MEM Course Descriptions

MEM 701 Managing Emerging Technologies

Cr. 2. This course will help students understand the nature of emerging technologies and how they impact the management of technical teams.  Students will gain an understanding of currently emerging technologies, as well as a historical context to help them understand the long-term technological trends that impact business in all fields.  Required for MEM students, open to MBA students as an enhancement elective.

MEM 702 Managing International Teams

Cr. 2. This course helps students understand the critical role that international teams play in successfully managing technical teams. Special consideration will be given to managing virtual global teams and accommodating cross-cultural differences. Required for MEM students, open to MBA students as an enhancement elective.

MEM 703 Best Practices for Managing Technical Teams

Cr. 2.  This course introduces and discusses issues that affect managers of technical teams.  The topics to be discussed will evolve, but they will typically include six sigma, lean manufacturing, and ISO 9000.  Required for MEM students, open to MBA students as an enhancement elective.

MEM 704 Intellectual Property

Cr. 2. This course introduces the issues surrounding copyrights, trademarks, and patents and their significance to a manager of a technical team.  Special emphasis will be placed on patent law, patent applications, and working with patent attorneys.  Required for MEM students, open to MBA students as an enhancement elective.

MEM 705 Creativity and Innovation

Cr. 2. This course deals with the cycle of product and service development. This process includes generating innovative ideas, evaluating their potential, and championing them through to become successful products and services. Required for MEM students, open to MBA students as an enhancement elective.

MEM 706 Project Management

Cr. 2. This course introduces the skills and tasks of project management. A variety of different types of projects and the needs of each are explored. The course focuses on defining projects; identifying objectives, outcomes, and customer needs; building a plan and identifying resource needs; identifying team members and various roles; creating a schedule and establishing milestones; and conducting reviews, meetings and communication.  Required for MEM students, open to MBA students as an enhancement elective.