EML 530 — Competing Strategically

What are some resources for aspiring engineering managers?

There are many different organizations dedicated to supporting engineers, offering resources, training and networking opportunities. Some of the biggest and most popular include:

• Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)
• IEEE Technology and Engineering Management Society
• American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
• Society for Engineering and Management Systems (SEMS)
• The Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

What is engineering management?

Engineering management is the practice of engineering and the business of managing other engineers to complete technically complex projects. It has been defined as the art and science of planning, organizing, allocating resources and directing and controlling activities that have a technological component.

Is it difficult to become an engineering manager?

The challenge of engineering management will largely depend on your ability to leverage your technical engineering skills while developing managerial and leadership skills. If you prefer the actual work of engineering and aren’t comfortable as a team leader, then you’ll find it very difficult. However, if you enjoy collaboration, mentorship and similar interactions, then you’ll find engineering management to be a natural fit.

How long does it take to become a manager in engineering?

The time it takes to become a manager in engineering will vary depending on your level of education, work experience, performance and the specific company or industry you’re working in. In general, it may take anywhere from seven to 15 years or more to enter the engineering field and work your way up to engineering manager.

What do engineering managers do?

There are many responsibilities and day-to-day duties that make up the foundation of the engineering manager role. Common overarching responsibilities include: analyzing, proposing and managing project resources and budgets; keeping projects on track and on budget and delegating responsibilities. Day-to-day tasks can be: leading daily standup meetings, attending stakeholder meetings and conducting one-on-ones with individual team members.

How can I build the skills needed to become an engineering manager?

It’s possible to improve the skill set you already have, or develop new skills from the ground up, as you set out on your journey toward becoming an engineering manager. You can cultivate the skills you’ll need by earning a master’s degree, through current work experience and continuing education.

What’s the best way to become an engineering manager?

There’s no one right path to follow on the road to becoming an engineering manager. However, earning an advanced degree (such as a master’s in engineering management), getting on-the-job experience in your current role and pursuing continuing education opportunities are all good starting points.

What hard skills do engineering managers need to have?

Having hard skills such as process development, proficiency in programming languages (or other technical concepts) and budget setting can make your job as an engineering manager easier.

Do I need technical skills to become an engineering manager?

Even though an engineering manager’s job description doesn’t leave much room for technical tasks, it’s crucial that the person in this role has a technical background. Not only does having this kind of know-how make explaining complex concepts easier to non-technical stakeholders, clients and higher-ups, it builds credibility with the engineers you’ll manage.

What are some helpful resources for engineering managers?

There are many different organizations dedicated to supporting engineers, offering resources, training and networking opportunities. Some of the most prominent include:

• National Society of Professional Engineers
• American Society for Engineering Management
• American Society for Engineering Education
• Production and Operations Management Society

What kind of experience do you need for this program?

Students who want to apply to engineering management and leadership programs are expected to have at least a few years of experience within the field of engineering — preferably some prior management experience having led teams or projects.

Why should engineers study management?

Not every great engineer makes a great manager. If you’re interested in advancing to management or leadership roles, especially at the executive level, then you’ll need to master a variety of skills related to team, project and business management.

What do you learn in engineering management?

The curriculum of engineering management programs is meant to supplement a professional’s existing engineering expertise with instruction on managerial skills, effective communication, an understanding of markets and how to understand and achieve organizational goals.

What’s the difference between a degree in engineering management and an MBA?

While an MBA program with a focus on engineering can provide a general understanding of business processes, a master’s program in engineering management will focus on issues and elements that are specific to the engineering field. These programs will pull problems, challenges and examples directly from industry and instruct students how to apply solutions to the engineering space.

How many units is my program?

The MS-EML program is a total of 30 units.

Students will enroll in two prescribed 3-unit courses each semester for a total of 6 semester units.

How much is my tuition?

Tuition for the MS-EML program is $925 per unit.

Tuition amounts shown on this website, or in other university publications or web pages, represent tuition and fees as currently approved. However, the University of San Diego reserves the right to increase or modify tuition and fees without prior notice and to make such modifications applicable to students enrolled at USD at that time as well as to incoming students. In addition, all tuition amounts and fees are subject to change at any time for correction of errors. Please note that the displayed tuition covers only the cost of courses, and additional expenses such as books and other fees are not included.