If you want to combine your knowledge of engineering with an education in business, administration, and management, these degrees are a perfect choice. With coursework in both engineering science and advanced leadership theory, the cheapest master’s in engineering management online can help prepare you to work at the top of the engineering industry.
Whether your background is in civil, construction, aerospace, industrial, or any other field of engineering, a master’s degree in engineering management can build your success.
This database includes 82 engineering management master’s degree online programs from 78 accredited colleges and universities. They all focus on management within the engineering sector, but you can choose to specialize in safety, leadership, project management, or technology. They are not only diverse in subject matter, but they also come in a wide range of prices.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$29,200
Least Expensive In-State: Montana Technological University ~$9,735
Least Expensive Out-of-state: Arkansas State University ~$10,200
You deserve a world-class engineering education. Scroll down to search the top engineering management online programs in this field. Below the list, read on to learn more about admissions, accreditation, careers, and salaries in engineering management!
47 Cheapest Master’s in Engineering Management Online
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Montana Technological University | (MT) | $9,735.00 $23,137.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $9,820.00 $34,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $10,200.00 | All Students |
4 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $11,516.00 | All Students |
5 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $11,710.00 | All Students |
6 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | (NC) | $12,618.00 $20,311.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Lamar University | (TX) | $13,671.00 $26,271.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | South Dakota School of Mines and Technology | (SD) | $14,114.00 $19,479.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Utah Valley University | (UT) | $14,460.00 $33,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Youngstown State University | (OH) | $14,722.00 $15,172.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | (NM) | $14,817.00 $45,606.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | University of South Florida | (FL) | $14,943.00 $28,315.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $15,648.00 $16,960.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Louisiana Tech University | (LA) | $15,675.00 | All Students |
15 | University of New Orleans | (LA) | $16,450.00 $21,350.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | University of Massachusetts-Amherst | (MA) | $16,557.00 | All Students |
17 | University at Buffalo | (NY) | $16,718.00 $19,538.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Morehead State University | (KY) | $17,970.00 | All Students |
19 | University of Houston - Clear Lake | (TX) | $18,068.00 $35,690.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $18,246.00 $9,546.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
21 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $18,720.00 | All Students |
22 | University of Alabama at Birmingham | (AL) | $18,843.00 | All Students |
23 | Indiana Institute of Technology | (IN) | $19,107.00 | All Students |
24 | University of Kansas | (KS) | $19,305.00 | All Students |
25 | The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga | (TN) | $19,371.00 $20,922.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Saint Cloud State University | (MN) | $19,418.00 $28,273.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | Saint Cloud State University | (MN) | $19,418.00 | All Students |
28 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | (NE) | $19,500.00 | All Students |
29 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $19,551.00 $20,295.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
30 | Western Kentucky University | (KY) | $21,210.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
31 | West Virginia University | (WV) | $21,450.00 | All Students |
32 | University of Houston | (TX) | $22,350.00 | All Students |
33 | Christian Brothers University | (TN) | $23,625.00 | All Students |
34 | University of Louisville | (KY) | $23,730.00 $7,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
35 | The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | (TN) | $24,450.00 $26,700.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
36 | Iowa State University | (IA) | $24,612.00 | All Students |
37 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | (WI) | $24,750.00 | All Students |
38 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $24,775.00 | All Students |
39 | Florida International University | (FL) | $25,000.00 | All Students |
40 |  Ohio University | (OH) | $25,058.00 $25,704.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
41 | University of Idaho | (ID) | $26,520.00 | All Students |
42 | University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $27,495.00 $31,091.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
43 | California State University-Northridge | (CA) | $28,031.00 | All Students |
44 | Auburn University | (AL) | $28,510.00 | All Students |
45 | Rowan University | (NJ) | $28,639.00 | All Students |
46 | National University | (CA) | $28,958.00 | All Students |
47 | Embry Riddle Aeronautical University | (FL) | $29,166.00 $24,450.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Colorado Boulder | (CO) | $29,281.00 $63,751.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
New England Institute of Technology | (RI) | $29,925.00 | All Students | |
Kettering University | (MI) | $30,160.00 | All Students | |
Oakland University | (MI) | $30,503.00 | All Students | |
University of Dayton | (OH) | $31,740.00 | All Students | |
Ohio State University | (OH) | $32,999.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $33,561.00 | All Students | |
Ohio State University | (OH) | $34,099.00 | All Students | |
New Jersey Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $34,290.00 | All Students | |
University of Arizona | (AZ) | $34,470.00 | All Students | |
Eastern Michigan University | (MI) | $35,293.00 | All Students | |
Purdue University | (IN) | $35,919.00 $42,639.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Missouri University of Science and Technology | (MO) | $36,000.00 $23,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Washington State University | (WA) | $37,110.00 | All Students | |
University of Wisconsin-Madison | (WI) | $39,000.00 | All Students | |
University of Michigan - Dearborn | (MI) | $39,615.00 $65,200.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Michigan Technological University | (MI) | $39,630.00 | All Students | |
Western New England University | (MA) | $39,750.00 | All Students | |
Temple University | (PA) | $40,135.00 $51,985.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
North Carolina State University at Raleigh | (NC) | $40,974.00 $75,072.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Maryland-College Park | (MD) | $41,820.00 | All Students | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $42,003.00 | All Students | |
Lehigh University | (PA) | $46,350.00 | All Students | |
Lawrence Technological University | (MI) | $52,910.00 | All Students | |
Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $55,800.00 | All Students | |
Syracuse University | (NY) | $56,260.00 | All Students | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $57,632.00 | All Students | |
Stevens Institute of Technology | (NJ) | $59,940.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $60,640.00 $54,601.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Stanford University | (CA) | $65,770.00 | All Students | |
University of Southern California | (CA) | $68,368.00 | All Students | |
Case Western Reserve University | (OH) | $78,064.00 | All Students |
Methodology of These Rankings
These rankings of online engineering management programs are based on our fall 2023 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online master’s in engineering management degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online engineering management master’s degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the master of engineering management online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the cheapest master’s in engineering management online?
No matter your goals, interests, and skills, here are some of the best reasons to consider an online engineering management master’s degree:
- Lead an innovative industry: With a master’s degree in engineering management, you’ll be positioned to lead one of the most innovative and impactful industries on the planet.
- Rocket-boost your career: Many of the top engineering positions, including engineering management, only require a bachelor’s degree. After a master’s in engineering management online, you’ll set yourself apart from other engineering professionals.
- Top-of-the-field salaries: Engineering managers have a median salary of $159,920, while the top 10% earn over $221,550 a year.
Master of Engineering Management: Program Cost
In this database, you’ll find 82 degrees from 72 accredited schools. They range in price from less than $10,000 to over $78,000, so you need to carefully select a program that fits your budget.
The average in-state cost for online master’s engineering management programs in this database is $29,200. Most students will need roughly two years to complete the degree, so the typical annual cost is around $14,600.
There are plenty of options below the average price, including the cheapest master’s in engineering management online, which is the Master of Science in Project Engineering & Management from Montana Technological University, at a cost of $9,735 for Montana residents. For all students, the most affordable option is the Master of Engineering Management from Arkansas State University, which has an estimated cost of $10,200 for both in- and out-of-state learners.
Within this database, you’ll find 49 degrees priced below the average (in-state estimated cost), including 31 programs priced below $20,000.
The most expensive comes from Case Western Reserve University, which has an estimated cost of $78,064. This degree costs about $10,000 more than the second most expensive, which comes from the University of Southern California.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Engineering Management Degrees?
Numerous programs offer affordable rates on high-quality engineering management degrees. These three, however, offer the cheapest master’s in engineering management online, including one that provides affordable rates for students from all over the country:
#1. Montana Technological University
Degree: Master of Science in Project Engineering & Management
Cost: $9,735 (In-state, Montana)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
The cheapest master’s in engineering management online comes from Montana Technological University, which has an MS degree in engineering and management for less than $10,000. However, this low price is only available to students living in Montana. If your residency is outside the Treasure State, the price is $23,137, which, while higher than the in-state price, is still below the national average.
This program is designed to build efficient program managers. It builds a student’s skills in technical and management issues. Coursework is entirely online with a final in-person presentation. This allows students to maintain a busy lifestyle, including an ongoing engineering career. The 30-credit program encompasses six core courses and four technical courses.
#2. University of Central Florida
Degree: Master of Science in Engineering Management
Cost: $9,820 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This is another program with an in-state price below $10,000. But, like the Montana Technological University program, this degree also has a higher price for out-of-state students. In this case, the estimated out-of-state cost is nearly $35,000. With a focus on industrial engineering, this program develops effective decision making in engineering and technology.
Students can complete this program entirely online through a specialized platform known as the Florida Engineering Educational Delivery System, or FEEDS.
#3. Arkansas State University
Degree: Master of Engineering Management
Cost: $10,200 (All students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
If you are working as an engineer but desire stronger leadership and technical skills, this completely-online degree is a reliable option. Best of all, the price of $10,200 is available to all students, not just Arkansas residents, making it the cheapest master’s in engineering management online for students nationwide.
This program consists of five core courses and a variety of electives. The core courses cover subjects critical to engineering leadership and management, including project management, quality control, and engineering statistics. Arkansas State provides online learning through A-State Online, a high-quality remote platform that includes an online writing center and accelerated programs.
Engineering Management Master’s Degrees: Program Types
These programs come in various types and a variety of specializations or concentrations. Understanding these types will help you choose the best option for you and your future career options and earnings potential.
The majority of these degrees are master of science (MS) programs. These programs focus on the science and mathematical concepts of engineering and management. They are often used for professional development in the private sector, but they can also be beneficial for research positions and academic advancement. Engineering experts who want to complete a doctorate often hold a master of science.
The other type of degree in this database is a master of engineering. These programs emphasize professional skills that directly apply to a career in engineering.
In addition to the types of degrees, you should also understand the various concentrations:
- Applications of engineering management
- Information engineering
- Technology management
- Engineering leadership
- Project management
- Management science
- Engineering innovation
Accreditation for Engineering Management Degrees
When a school or program receives approval from an official organization, it becomes accredited. Accreditation, which acts like a quality-control process for academia, is important for schools and students.
Schools can become accredited through regional groups, receiving regional institutional accreditation. Another type of accreditation is programmatic. This type applies only to the specific program, not the entire school. For engineering master’s programs, however, there is no major accrediting body.
All the degrees in this database, despite not having programmatic accreditation, come from accredited schools. This gives greater authority and legitimacy to the education.
Typical Admission Requirements
A master’s degree is a high level of academic achievement. For admission into one of these programs, you need the right academic background and a variety of documents. While most aspiring students will gain enrollment, you should prepare for an admissions process that is more selective and comprehensive than for your undergrad degree.
The basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. For these engineering management online programs, a degree in project management, manufacturing, or business may suffice, but there must be some engineering background to your studies.
Many programs also have experience requirements. You may need experience in engineering or manufacturing to enroll in these programs.
If you meet the basic background and education requirements, you’ll need to submit a range of documents, including letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose. The admissions process for a master’s degree is rigorous, so start early and prepare documents as soon as possible.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Engineering managers rarely need licensing. It’s possible to obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license, but this isn’t a requirement for most managers and leaders in the engineering field.
Experience, however, is a common requirement for engineering managers. In fact, roughly five years of experience, at a minimum, is required for managers in virtually all sectors. This requirement, however, depends on the employer and could be reduced with a master’s degree. In other words, to become a manager an engineer with a bachelor’s degree may have higher experience requirements than an engineer with a master’s.
Various certifications, which are voluntary, can boost a career. For instance, an engineering manager can become certified through the American Society of Engineering Management, which offers the Certified Associate in Engineering Management (CAEM) and the Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM) credentials.
Salary and Career Information
Businesses and organizations, including engineering firms and research facilities, need engineering managers. The demand is high, but the talent pool is limited, which means engineering managers enjoy some of the highest salaries while working in a steady, consistent career field.
Here are some important factors to look at when considering engineering management careers versus the overall engineering field and the national job market as a whole.
All Occupations | Engineers (All) | Engineering Managers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Pay | $46,310 | $100,030 | $159,920 |
| Expected growth | 3% | 7% | 4% |
| Minimum education | N/A | Bachelor’s (most) | Bachelor’s |
| Experience | N/A | None | 5+ years |
Engineering managers have a median salary that is roughly 3.5 times the median for all occupations. Even engineers, who enjoy excellent salaries in their own right, don’t earn as much as engineering managers. This is predictable, as management and leaders typically earn more than the employees they oversee.
With a master’s degree, you are likely to earn an income above the median. The top 10% in this profession earn over $221,000. With dedication, experience, and an MS engineering management online degree, you could reach this high level of income.
While the overall engineering field, which consists of numerous specialties, is expected to grow by 7%, engineering management will grow by 4%. (It’s worth noting that growth for engineers as a whole will be driven by certain specialties. Industrial engineers, for instance, will grow by 12%, while nuclear engineers will only grow by 1%.) The need for engineering managers will increase because of a renewed focus on infrastructure, combined with a need for cost and time efficiency.
The best state to earn a living as an engineering manager is California, where the median salary is $193,600. New Mexico, which has a large footprint in the aerospace industry, is second with a median salary of $191,880. Michigan, however, has the highest concentration of engineering managers. In this state, there are 2.94 engineering managers for every 1,000 jobs. Second place goes to New Hampshire, which has 2.46 for every 1,000 jobs.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Engineering Management Program?
Whether you need the perfect degree for a strategic career change, or you simply want the cheapest master’s in engineering management online, making the right choice can be difficult. However, by following a clear, specific process, you can quickly identify the top master in engineering management online degree for your future.
Start by researching program costs. Our database provides an excellent resource, as you can easily review the estimated costs for online master’s in engineering management programs. Accreditation is essential; these programs all come from regionally-accredited institutions, so you know you’re making a solid investment in your education.
When you find a handful of programs, review the delivery method and schedule. Many programs are 100% online and have completely flexible schedules. Some, however, require limited in-person attendance or have specific times for online lectures. Review the program’s delivery method to ensure it meets your needs.
With a step-by-step process, you can find the perfect degree for your future. If you need more help finding the right program, the resources and information from GetEducated.com are always available!