MS in Engineering Management - anyone done this degree?

[nixium]

Has anyone heard of this degree? Is it better than an MBA for engineers?

Was planning to get an MS degree in STEM.. instead of a pure science degree, I was thinking of getting this and then maybe an MBA later. The STEM requirement is for reimbursement of the course work (I'm an engineer right now)

I def want to get into management in the future, just wondering if this would be helpful at all.

an example of this degree:

http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/engineering-management-masters/courses

Note - different schools have different options for the courses, but for most part they follow the same trend.

EDIT: forgot to mention - I'm a telecoms engineer.

 

[Baasha]

If you want to scale the corporate ladder, getting a management degree in addition to a STEM degree (Bachelor's or even Master's) is the way to go.

Engineering Management straddles both sides of the fence and can be beneficial if you are clear as to where you want to be career-wise.

An MBA in an of itself is only worth it if you can get into the top 5 programs (may be top 10). The MBA has diminished in perceptible value over the years due to technologists, primarily due to the dynamics of Silicon Valley, commandeering management positions in many successful companies (Google etc.).

Of course, if your goal is to be a manager at a large supply-chain conglomerate, shipping, manufacturing etc., then an MBA, even from a second tier program would be quite valuable.

As a telecoms engineer, you have to do a SWOT analysis on yourself! This is something that most people just don't care to do and suffer later on for it.

Look at your goals, immediate and otherwise, and plan accordingly. Do thorough research on the different programs out there and go for it!

A pure STEM degree at the graduate level (Master's not Ph.D) may be needed to scale the corridor of engineering managers and directors. However, in that case, an Engineering Management degree would be better.

If you're into research (R&D) and are passionate about what you do (ie. not working for only money/position), then there is no substitute for a pure STEM degree. At that point, a Ph.D is the way to go.

 

[Drako]

I personally think that getting an MSEE would be a better, that's what I did back in the day. I had many chances and opportunities to go the management route, but for whatever reason, I've stayed on the technical side. It worked out for me. In short, I don't think there is any advantage to getting a MS Eng Mng over a technical degree, even if you choose the dark side later. 🙂

 

[z1ggy]

Guess it depends on what you like, and the company you are in.

Here at my job, I know a few people with BS in Engineering & Management. They are either buyers (fill purchase orders) or QA people.

Not my cup of tea, but you could probably climb the ol' ladder with a degree like that if you knew the right folks.