Advance Your Career with an Engineering Management Graduate Degree
Engineering Managers Earn 70% More Than Engineers. Bridge the Gap with This Degree.
100% Online – Nationally Ranked
The M.S. in Engineering Management is built for working engineers ready to lead — combining technical modeling and analysis with core management and operations principles. 31 credit hours. No standardized entrance exam required.
Ranked among the best online engineering programs by U.S. News and World Report
No GRE or GMAT required
$13K in-state tuition, extremely competitive compared to similar programs
Built for Working Professionals Who Want to Lead
The M.S.E.M. is designed for engineers who solve problems and want to lead the teams solving them. Engineering managers earn a median of $167,740/year, compared to $97,310 for engineers without a graduate degree (Bureau of Labor Statistics). That’s a $70,000 salary gap — and this program closes it in 31 credit hours.
Learn on Your Schedule
Available part-time or full-time with asynchronous online classes designed for working professionals.
Accelerated Career Path
Ideal for engineers seeking management roles. Bridge the gap between technical innovation and business strategy.
Best Value in the Region
Compare $13,317 in-state tuition to $40,000+ at other NC schools.
Over 200 major employees offer tuition reimbursement for UNC Charlotte’s M.S. in Engineering Management program.
Tailor Your Education to Your Career Goals
10 Courses
31 Credit Hours
Three Specialized Concentrations
Choose a concentration that aligns with your professional aspirations, or take electives across disciplines for a broader management foundation.
Our program offers concentrations and electives you won’t find at other North Carolina schools, giving you a competitive edge that sets you apart in your field.
Wide Range of Electives: Beyond concentrations, select from courses in operations research, project management, quality engineering and more to customize your learning experience.
14,500
Engineering management-related job openings annually in the U.S.
$167,740
Median salary for engineering managers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
“My experience in the M.S.E.M. program at UNC Charlotte has been transformative both academically and professionally. The curriculum pushed me to strengthen my critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities, skills that now shape the way I approach complex systems and real‑world challenges.”
Richard Alaimo ’16, ’18 M.S.E.M.,’22 Ph.D.
Senior Data Scientist, Gap Inc.
Industry Involvement
Take a peek at some of the employers who hire our program graduates.
Your Questions Answered
If my GPA is lower than 3.0, should I apply?
Since applicants are evaluated on the entire application package, it is possible that students with significant relevant work experience or other strengths will still be admitted to the program even though the GPA is slightly below the stated minimum.
Why should I consider the UNC Charlotte M.S.E.M. degree?
- Cost effective: Competitive tuition for all students, especially for North Carolina residents
- Flexibility: Time, Location, Learning Style
- Project-based learning: Industrial and Research Projects
- Program-industry interactions: Seminars, Industry Advisory Board
- Concentrations: Systems Analytics, Logistics and Supply Chains, Energy Analytics
- Accredited: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Certified: United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
What can I do with my degree?
Since engineering management education covers general technical, management and business knowledge, M.S.E.M. graduates are able to work for a wide spectrum of industries, companies and government agencies, regardless of the production and service focus of the company.
What is the career outlook for this field?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $167,740 for engineering managers, with approximately 14,500 job openings annually. Demand is driven by the growing need for leaders who can bridge technical and business functions across manufacturing, energy, defense, supply chain, and technology industries — all of which have a significant presence in the Charlotte region.
Can I work full-time while completing the program?
Yes. The program is designed for working professionals. All courses are available online and asynchronous — there are no set class times. Most students maintain full-time employment while completing the degree in approximately two years.
When can I apply?
The program admits students for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Current deadlines:
Summer 2026: Apply by May 1
Fall 2026: Apply by August 1
Spring 2027: Apply by December 1
Ready to Advance Your Engineering Career?
Join the community of engineering professionals who have transformed their careers with UNC Charlotte’s M.S.E.M. program. Applications are now open for upcoming terms.