Engineering and Industrial Management (E/IM) is a multidisciplinary field that provides the skills and knowledge for individuals to carry on planning and management of industrial or manufacturing operations while applying engineering principles.
Actual tasks are varied and some include cost estimations, worker safety, project management, budget adherence and more, in the broad scope of business, management, and communication. While most EM/IM graduate programs are designed for engineers who are seeking to gain management skills without completing an MBA degree, some programs are geared towards current managers seeking to learn some of necessary technical skills.
Careers in Engineering Management or Industrial Management
This article looks at the 25 best, most affordable, accredited online masters degrees in engineering or industrial management studies (E/IM for short). Careers or work environments for graduates may include any of the following (partial list). The online masters degree rankings start after the Methodology section.
- Automation Engineer
- Biomedical and Environmental Engineering Manager
- Chemical Process Consultant
- Chemical Process Engineer
- Client Services Analyst
- Construction Project Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Director of Hardware Engineering
- Economics Consultant
- eLogistics Management
- Engineering Manager
- Facility Manager
- Firmware Engineer
- Industrial Engineering
- Lean Director
- Logistics Manager
- Manufacturing Management
- Operations Manager
- Plant Engineer/Manager
- Process Engineer
- Production Supervisor
- Project/Program Management
- Project QA/QC Manager
- Quality Engineer
- Safety Supervisor
- Security and Safety Engineering
- Senior Engineer
- Supply Chain Management
- Technical Consulting
- Technical Manager
Affordable Degrees Ranking Methodology
Data for the colleges listed in this online master’s degree ranking article comes from NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) Data Center, both maintained by the U.S. Dept of Education.
- Step 1: Query NCES for public U.S. institutions offering “distance” graduate programs in Engineering/Industrial Management.
- Step 2: Refine the results with data from IPEDS, of colleges offering online master’s programs.
- Step 3: Combine the two resulting data sets based on IPEDS ID.
- Step 4: For each institution, find/ estimate the in-state program cost, using tuition, per-credit fees, and per-course fees.
- Step 5: Sort descending, by estimated in-state cost.
- Step 6: Manually verify that an institution actually has one or more online/ hybrid master’s degree programs in the above topics.
NOTES:
- Actual tuition for a master’s in engineering or industrial management at a given institution may vary from what is listed here when fees or any institutional financial aid is factored in. Verify all costs and requirements before applying to any college/ university.
- The estimated in-state cost listed for each ranked college is based on graduate tuition plus per-credit and per-course fees.
- For programs in which the tuition is variable on number of credits/ courses taken per semester and/or duration to complete, we have assumed two courses maximum per semester and calculated cost on that basis — unless program cost is explicitly stated on a college’s Web site.
- For programs with variable credits based on track options, estimated cost is based on the minimum credit requirement — unless program cost is explicitly stated.
- We have used only estimated costs. The academic institutions listed in this college ranking of online master’s degrees may charge additional fees, and overall charges are subject to change.
Best, Most Affordable Online Master’s Degrees in Engineering Management or Industrial Management
25. National University
La Jolla, California
National University (NU, est. 1971) is a private, nonprofit, veteran-founded institution and a member of the National University System. It serves students at over 20 locations plus online, and offers affordable associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs – over 75 degree programs alone.
NU has one low cost online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree with three Specialization options:Technology Management; Project Management; Systems Engineering.
The MSEM is 58.5 quarter credits, including a Capstone experience, with classes running four weeks each. While this economical master’s degree program is online, students have the option of choosing on-campuses classes, if they prefer. Students can customize their degree with one of the aforementioned specializations.
Sample core courses include: Engineering Management Concepts; Project Management Principles; Risk, Contracts, and Legal Issues.
- Cost: $25,857 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 16,930
- #grads: 9,195
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
24. Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Kansas State University (KSU, est. 1863) is a public institution and a member of the Kansas State University System. It serves students at multiple campuses plus online, and offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
KSU has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree.
This is a 30-credit, hybrid, master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering within the Ice College of Engineering. It is described as providing management skills for engineers, similar to what an MBA program would cover. This is a part-time masters degree expected to take 2-4 years. While courses are online, nearby students (within 250 miles of campus) are required to meet on location for the culminating experience.
Sample courses include: Advanced Industrial Management; Engineering Project Management; Advanced Production and Inventory Control.
- Cost: $25,728 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 22,221
- #grads: 4,352
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
23. Rowan University
Glassboro, New Jersey
Rowan University (Rowan, est. 1923) is a public institution offering cost-effective bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs. Rowan has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Engineering Management (MEM).
This is a high-value, 30-credit, online master’s degree program of 10 courses taken part-time, two courses per semester (under two years). It prepares engineers for roles in management, combining technical and managerial skills, and covers topics such as “budgeting, strategic decision making, and supervising.” Business courses for the MEM are delivered by the AACSB-accredited Rohrer College of Business. This economical, online master’s degree program is designed for working professionals, allowing students to work and study simultaneously.
Sample courses include: Management Skills for Engineers; Managing Engineering Teams; Strategic Risk Management.
- Cost: $24,960 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 19,465
- #grads: 3,345
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
22. University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee
University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UT, est. 1794) is a public institution and a member of the University of Tennessee System. It offers low-cost bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UT has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science (MS) in Industrial Systems Engineering (ISE) degree with a Concentration in Engineering Management.
This is a high-value, 32-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Tickle College of Engineering. Students have a choice of Thesis (3cr) or Non-thesis (6cr) tracks, and up to 12 qualified credits can be transferred to the MS. This inexpensive, online master’s degree program supplements the skills of engineers with necessary management concepts similar to what may be found in an MBA program.
Sample courses include: Statistical Methods in Industrial Engineering; Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis; Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis.
Alternatives: Graduate certificate program in Engineering Management.
- Cost: $24,480 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 28,894
- #grads: 6,079
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
21. Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Western Kentucky University (WKU, est. 1906) is a public institution serving students on four campuses, plus online. It offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
WKU has one low cost online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Technology Management (MSETM) degree.
This is a low-priced, 33-credit, online master’s degree program with a choice of Thesis or Graduate Project. It prepares graduates to manage teams and resources, guide technological change, and more, integrating and managing technology that is used in multiple departments of an organization, in either the public or private sector.
Sample courses include: Resource Management; Project Management; Operations Leadership.
- Cost: $23,331 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 19,456
- #grads: 2,426
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
20. University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Louisville (UofL, est. 1798) is a public institution and a member of the Kentucky State University System. It offers associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UofL has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management degree.
This is a top-value, 30-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Speed School of Engineering. It consists of 10 8-week courses and is 100% online, with no thesis. Courses are eight weeks each, and expected program timeline is two years. This inexpensive, online master’s degree program is designed for engineers seeking to increase the skills needed to manage engineering projects, products, etc., No GRE/ GMAT is needed, and students can transfer in up to six credits. Note: no visas are given for this program to international students.
Sample courses include: Operations Management; Project Management; Management Science.
- Cost: $22,920 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 21,430
- #grads: 5,789
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Awards: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs – Grad Engineering)
19. Christian Brothers University
Memphis, Tennessee
Christian Brothers University (CBU, est. 1871) is a private, nonprofit institution affiliated with the Lasallian Brothers/ Roman Catholic Church. It offers economical associate’s through master’s level degree programs.
CBU has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree.
This is a top-value, 33-credit, online master’s degree program with a choice of Thesis and Non-thesis (Capstone or Research) tracks that is expected to take 19 months full-time, two years part-time. While classes are online, some are delivered live (synchronous). The program helps professional engineers add the skills needed for leadership and business while applying a scientific approach. Topics covered include ethics and legal issues, financial management, leadership, project management, strategic planning and more.
Sample courses include: Engineering Management Theory and Applications; Engineering Financial Management and Accounting; Technical Project Management.
Alternatives: Graduate certificate program in Engineering Management.
- Cost: $20,625 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 2,034
- #grads: 298
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
18. University of Houston-Clear Lake
Houston, Texas
University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL, est. 1971) is a public institution and a member of the University of Houston System. It offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degree programs.
UHCL has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree.
This is a cheap, 36-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the College of Science and Engineering, designed for professionals in engineering or science backgrounds who are seeking senior leadership or management roles. The program can be completed in as little as 16 months.
Sample courses include: Engineering Management Planning; Service and Operations Management; Professional Project Management.
- Cost: $20,040 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 8,961
- #grads: 2,749
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
17. University of Michigan-Dearborn
Dearborn, Michigan
University of Michigan-Dearborn (UMD, est. 1959) is a public institution and a member of the University of Michigan System. It serves students on campus and online, and offers high-value bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UMD has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree.
This is a low-priced, 35-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering within the College of Engineering and Computer Science. It has 11 required courses and one elective, and gives students a choice of Thesis or Capstone tracks. It is designed for professionals in engineering or science who are seeking roles in managing an organization’s “manage the engineering function and the technology assets.”
Sample courses include: Management for Engineers; Developing and Interpreting Financial Information.
- Cost: $19,900 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 9,460
- #grads: 2,283
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
16. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts-Lowell (UML, est. 1894) is a public institution and a member of the University of Massachusetts System. It serves students on campus and online, and offers low-cost associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UML has one affordable online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree with three Concentration options: Engineering Services / Infrastructure Management; Design and Manufacturing; Operations and Supply Management.
This is a high-value, 31-credit, online master’s degree program with 12 courses and a choice of Capstone or Non-Capstone tracks. It prepares professionals for various leadership roles, including in consulting services, engineering services, facilities management and more by expanding students “cross-functional knowledge of management and engineering.” GRE waiver possible for qualified students.
Sample courses include: Engineering Project Management; Financial Accounting; Managing Organizational Change.
- Cost: $18,290 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 18,242
- #grads: 4,238
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Awards: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs – Graduate Engineering)
15. Morehead State University
Morehead, Kentucky
Morehead State University (MSU, est. 1887) is a public institution serving students at three campuses and online. It offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – with nearly 70 grad programs in total.
MSU has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management (MSETM) degree with two Specialization options: Engineering and Technology Management; Computer Information Systems and Analytics.
This is an affordable, 30-credit, online master’s degree program, with a choice of Thesis or Research tracks. Admission requirements include holding any bachelor’s degree; but the program is designed for those with course work experience in engineering, computer science, business, mechanical design or other science or tech-related topics. Students gain the skills necessary for roles of leadership/ management in “engineering, manufacturing, industry,” etc.
Sample courses include: Emerging Technologies and Impact; Total Quality Control; Advanced Project Management.
- Cost: $17,970 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 10,195
- #grads: 800
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
14. University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC, est. 1886) was originally founded as a private institution, and is now a public institution and a member of the University of Tennessee System. It offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UTC has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science Engineering Management (MSEM) with a concentration in Engineering Management.
This is a low-cost, 33-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Students can choose part- or full-time studies, and courses run 15 weeks each (total time is 24 months or longer). It is designed for professionals with engineering or another technical background seeking a managerial role.
Sample courses include: Decision Making and Optimization Techniques; Concepts in Engineering Management; Technical Project Management.
- Cost: $17,746 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 11,638
- #grads: 1,399
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
13. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Old Dominion University (ODU, est. 1930) is a public institution that was originally founded as part of the College of William and Mary. It offers inexpensive bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
ODU has one low cost online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree.
This is a high-value, 31-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering within the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. It consists of six core courses, four electives and a 1-credit Capstone. Students learn to apply engineering principles to business practice, including gaining skills in project management and tools. Note: some online courses may require live attendance.
Sample courses include: Cost Estimating and Financial Analysis; Analysis of Organizational Systems; Information Systems for Engineering Managers.
- Cost: $16,957 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 24,176
- #grads: 4,804
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
12. Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Trine University (Trine, est. 1884) is a private, nonprofit institution. Trine’s Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses division includes distance/ online programs. The university offers low-priced associate’s through master’s level degree programs, and serves students on campus and online.
Trine has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree.
This is an affordable, 30-credit, online master’s degree program with classes running every 8 weeks. It is intended for engineering professionals seeking a management role. Students will gain skills in finance, leadership, marketing, operations strategy, and more.
Sample courses include: Executive Communication; New Product Development and Innovation Strategies; Business Strategy and Decision Making.
- Cost: $16,950 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 652
- #grads: 349
- Has housing: No
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
11. Louisiana Tech University
Ruston, Louisiana
Louisiana Tech University (La. Tech, est. 1894) is a public institution and a member of the University of Louisiana System. It offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
La. Tech has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a MS Engineering and Technology Management (MSETM) degree with two Concentration options: Engineering Management; Management of Technology.
This is a low-cost, 33-credit, online, non-thesis master’s degree program delivered by the College of Engineering and Science. Students learn skills for “technical managerial and leadership roles in a business environment.” Compared to an MBA program, the MSETM focuses on both technical and business management skills.
Sample courses include: Engineering Administration; Economics and Decision Making; Project Management.
Alternatives: MBA with concentration (36 credits, no thesis); MS in Engineering.
- Cost: $15,280 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 11,909
- #grads: 1,287
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
10. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, South Dakota
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT, est. 1885) is a public institution governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents. It offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
SDSMT has one high-value online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree.
This is a cheap, 32-credit, online master’s degree program intended for professionals seeking to augment their technical skills with management, leadership, operations research and other business function experience. It is designed to allow students to continue working while studying.
Sample courses include: Engineering Economics for Managers; Engineering Management and Labor Relations; Project Planning and Control.
- Cost: $14,905.6 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 2,654
- #grads: 350
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
9. Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Saint Cloud State University (SCSU, est. 1869) is a public institution and a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It offers inexpensive associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs – including over 60 graduate programs.
SCSU has one of the lowest-cost online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Engineering Management (MEM).
This is a high-value, 30- to 33-credit, online master’s degree program with a choice of Capstone or Thesis tracks. The program takes 12 months full-time, 18-24 months part-time, and is intended for professionals in engineering, science, technology or mathematics who are seeking a management role. Admission requirements include two years work experience in engineering-related job. Graduates qualify to test for a CAEM (Certified Associate Engineering Manager) certification through the ASEM (American Society of Engineering Management).
Sample courses include: Engineering Project Management; Engineering Ethics and Leadership; Production and Operations Management.
Alternatives: Executive Master of Engineering Management (EMEM).
- Cost: $14,683.5 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 13,928
- #grads: 1,800
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
8. University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
University of South Florida (USF, est. 1956) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. It offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
USF has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree with six Specialization options:
- Technical Management
- Quality Management
- Safety Management
- Systems Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Regulatory Affairs for Medical Devices
This is an affordable, 30-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the College of Engineering, and aimed at engineers or other technical professionals seeking a management or executive role. Students learn to combine “qualitative approaches and quantitative techniques” to gain technical management skills. Competency areas include engineering analytics, entrepreneurship, process optimization, quality control/ continuous improvement, safety, and more.
Sample online courses include: Principles of Engineering Management; Management of Technological Change; Engineering Management Policy and Strategy (Capstone).
- Cost: $12,537 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 43,846
- #grads: 11,606
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
- Awards: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs – Graduate Engineering)
7. Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO, est. 1873) is a public institution originally founded as a teacher training school. It serves students on four campuses plus online, and offers top-value associate’s through master’s level degrees, plus certificate programs.
SEMO has one of the least expensive online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Technology Management (MSTM) degree with seven concentration options:
This is a cheap, 33-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and giving students a choice of Thesis, Applied Project or Class tracks. The MSTM is a bit more broad in scope than most of the masters programs listed in this article, and is aimed at not just engineers but also production supervisors, technical managers, technicians looking for leadership roles.
Sample online courses include: Managing Technology Innovation; Technology Supervision in a Diverse Workplace; Knowledge Management. A comprehensive or oral exam is part of the curriculum, depending on selected track.
Alternatives: Online MS in Management; on-campus MS in Industrial Management; MBA with a concentration in Industrial Management.
- Cost: $12,045.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 11,071
- #grads: 1,030
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
6. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Socorro, New Mexico
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech, est. 1893) is a public institution. It offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
NM Tech has one affordable online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree.
This is a low-priced, 30-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Business and Technology Management. It is designed for professionals with a background in engineering, science, or technology who are seeking to manage project teams particularly in technical organizations. The MEM is more analytical than the typical MBA program, being geared as it is towards engineers and scientists.
Sample online courses include: Management Science for Engineering Management; Financial Management; Marketing Technology. A Capstone is part of the requirements.
- Cost: $11,883.60 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 1,895
- #grads: 483
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
5. University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
University of Arkansas (UARK, est. 1871) is a public institution and a member of the University of Arkansas System. It offers economical bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UARK has one low-cost online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a 100% online Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree.
This is a top-value, 30-credit, online master’s degree program consisting of 10 courses and expected to take 1-2 years. It is designed for engineers looking to add management and leadership skills to their technical skills, in order to lead teams, and to develop and deliver new products and services for technical organizations. For qualified students, the GRE test score requirement *may* be waived. (See Web site or contact admissions for details.)
Sample online courses include: Introduction to Engineering Management; Decision Models; Economic Decision Making.
- Cost: $10,616.4 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 27,778
- #grads: 4,392
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4. Purdue University Northwest
Hammond, Indiana
Purdue University Northwest (PNW, est. 2016) is a public institution and a member of the Purdue University System. Formed from the merger of the two original campuses, it serves students there and online. The university offers high-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
PNW has one cheap online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master’s in Engineering Management and Leadership (ENML) degree.
This is an affordable, 33-credit, online master’s degree program delivered in partnership with Indiana University (Kelley School of Business). Students will gain systems-level engineering and technical skills, as well strategic management skills. Note: both the grad engineering program and Kelley School are highly-ranked in their categories by U.S. News & World Report.
Curriculum topics include Accounting and Decision Making; Strategic Business Planning; Strategic Marketing and Operations Management; Systems Design and Development.
- Cost: $10,439.22 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 10,473
- #grads: 900
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Awards: U.S. News & World Report (Best Online Programs – Graduate Engineering)
3. University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC, est. 1946) is a public institution and a member of the University of North Carolina System. UNCC comes in third in our ranking of the best, most affordable online master’s degrees in engineering/ industrial management. It offers some of the cheapest and highest-quality bachelor’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UNCC has one low cost online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree with four Concentration options:
- Energy Systems
- Lean Six Sigma
- Logistics and Supply Chains
- Systems Analytics
This is an affordable, 31-credit, online master’s degree program with Project or Thesis tracks, and delivered by the Lee College of Engineering. It is designed for professional engineers seeking management skills. Students learn to combine their existing technical skills with skills that include managing teams, managing business or technological operations, solving problems, and more.
Sample online courses include: Quality and Manufacturing Management; Advanced Project Management; Logistics Engineering and Management.
- Cost: $10,159.50 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 29,710
- #grads: 5,323
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
2. University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
University of Central Florida (UCF, est. 1963) is a public institution and a member of the State University System of Florida. UCF earns second place in our ranking of the most affordable online masters degrees in engineering or industrial management. It offers top-value associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
UCF has one of the cheapest online/ hybrid programs in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree.
This is an affordable, 30-credit, online master’s degree program delivered by the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems within the College of Engineering and Computer Science. The MSEM is expected to take at least two years. Students gain knowledge of leadership and decision-making, systems management, process management, people management, and more.
Sample online courses include: Project Engineering; Systems Engineering; Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis. NOTE: Some elective courses may only be available on campus.
Alternatives: Professional Engineering Management (PEM) track.
- Cost: $9,819.60 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 68,475
- #grads: 9,654
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
1. Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Arkansas State University (A-State, est. 1909) is a public institution and a member of the Arkansas State University System. A-State wins first place in this college ranking of affordable online master’s degrees in engineering and industrial management. It offers affordable associate’s through doctorate level degrees, plus certificate programs.
A-State has one inexpensive online/ hybrid program in engineering or industrial management: a Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree.
This is a low-cost, 30-credit, online, non-thesis master’s degree program consisting of 10 7-week courses and can be completed in 12 months. It is aimed at both engineers seeking a management career and anyone in a technology management role for engineering, high-tech or manufacturing.
Sample online courses include: Engineering Management; Quality Control and Improvement; Engineering Law and Ethics.
- Cost: $9,510.00 (estimated in-state program cost)
- #students: 13,709
- #grads: 4,359
- Has housing: Yes
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
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