How To Get A Ph.D. In Engineering Management In 2024 | Schools, Cost

To climb to the senior management level in your engineering organization, you must earn your credentials. Hence, a Ph.D. n engineering management will go a long way to boost your portfolio and help you qualify to secure your place at the top management level of your organization.

Generally, a Ph.D. provides more options for you after a successful undergraduate or master’s degree program. And, with so many construction and expansion plans in the public and private sectors, professionals with the proper education are sorely needed. So, various doctoral degree programs are available for engineering management, especially in the U.S.

So, by the time you’re finished with this article, you’ll not only have your questions about how to get your Ph.D. in Engineering management answered, but you’ll also be on your way to picking the best schools that offer this program from our comprehensive list of schools.

Table of contents

What is Engineering Management?

Engineering management is a profession that brings together the technological problem-solving capability of engineering and the organizational, administrative, and planning skills of management to supervise the operational execution of complex engineering-driven enterprises.

Furthermore, engineering management is an area of study that deals with business and engineering principles. It equips students to take leadership positions in engineering environments and deal with difficulties efficiently.

Also, students in these programs learn how to lead teams in designing and developing computer hardware, medical equipment, or electrical devices.

What is a Doctoral in Engineering Management?

The Ph.D. in engineering management is designed to produce engineers competent in addressing complex systems analysis, design, operation, and transformation issues. It assists students in developing an understanding of the high-level concepts within the field of engineering management, covering the order of subjects such as engineering supply chain, research methods for engineering management, project management, and more.

The Ph.D. programs not only focus on the technical processes and tools needed to succeed in technology-based enterprises but also on the analytical thinking skills critical to managing and accomplishing the completion of multiple projects efficiently.

The program is perfect for learners seeking research positions or jobs in academia. Students learn using lectures, case studies, modeling exercises, and other learning methodologies.

Why Choose Ph.D. in Engineering Management?

The program’s philosophy is to graduate students who can generate, evaluate, improve, design, and control complex human technological systems.

Additionally, students will show the strength, through dissertation research, to add to the body of knowledge in engineering management. The systems include engineering/manufacturing, service, and logistical systems.

Check this out: How Long Does it Take to Get a Ph.D. in 2024 | Ph.D. FAQ Guide

What will you study In Engineering Management Ph.D.?

The Ph.D. in Engineering Management concentrates on advancing skills required to conduct proper research in improving, designing, and managing projects and programs within multiple human-technological systems.

Postgraduate students must take five core courses in Engineering Supply Chain, Optimization Methods I, Project Management, Seminar/Research Methods for Engineering Management, and Advanced Engineering Cost Estimation.

It would help if you created a study plan and advisory in consulting with a faculty advisor after completing core courses to complete the remaining requirements.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. in Engineering Management?

A Ph.D. in Engineering Management program takes 3 to 6 years to complete with full-time study. Several colleges also offer online and part-time programs to assist students in fitting the classes into their schedules.

What can I do with a Ph.D. in Engineering Management?

A Ph.D. in engineering management will qualify graduates for the highest level of professional responsibility in the engineering management department. A doctoral degree will give you the credentials to earn the highest salaries in your field. Doctoral degree programs equip students with highly specialized training that enables them to stand out in their field.

So, suppose you want to apply to a doctoral degree program. In that case, you should know the professional role you want to qualify for after graduating. Some of the most coveted professions in engineering management are:

  • Architectural and Engineering Managers: Architectural and engineering managers design, execute, and supervise large architectural and engineering companies. They make an average yearly salary of about $137,720.
  • Nuclear Engineer: Nuclear engineers research and design procedures, materials, and systems that enable them to harvest and use nuclear energy and radiation. Many nuclear engineers work to produce medical diagnoses and treatment equipment. They make an average yearly salary of about $105,810.
  • Aerospace Engineer: Aerospace engineers work on aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They make an average yearly salary of around $113,030.

What Is The Average Tuition for Graduate Engineering?

Tuition costs for a graduate degree program in engineering depend on the type of engineering program and the academic institution. Public colleges, such as state universities, often have cheaper tuition rates than private universities.

Many graduate schools also impose fees, such as application, registration, and book fees, which increase the total amount it costs to attend. Determining average tuition costs is challenging since rates differ significantly among institutions, and some schools even vary rates per semester.

The U.S. News & World Report ranks public and private engineering graduate schools yearly depending on the program’s quality, teachers, and student outcomes. Currently, the yearly in-state, full-time tuition rates (including fees) for some graduate engineering schools are as follows:

  1. East Carolina University: $6,997
  2. George Washington University: $1,965/credit
  3. Western New England University: $34,874
  4. Indiana State University: $8,428
  5. Old Dominion University: $9,750

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Although no two Ph.D. in Engineering degree programs are similar, universities nationwide share several requirements. However, candidates for the Ph.D. in Engineering Management should possess the following documents before applying for admission:

  • A master’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering or any related discipline.
  • For admission, a cumulative GPA score of at least 3.5 (4.0 scale) will be needed.
  • Candidates’ below-established GPA and GRE requirements will be judged case-by-case.
  • Candidates whose primary language is not English will have to demonstrate proficiency in English.
  • An ABET-accredited graduate or undergraduate degree
  • Official transcripts from previously attended institutions
  • Applicants must also possess proof of completion of a probability and statistics course with a grade of at least a “C” and be able to show proficiency in at least one structured programming language (C++, FORTRAN, Visual BASIC, etc.).
  • One to three years of work experience in the field of engineering
  • A Personal Essay
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
  • The GRE requirement is usually debated regarding whether it should be regarded as a standard for admission into these programs. Many schools are dropping the GRE requirement for doctoral programs, explaining that students enroll in a doctoral program after earning a master’s degree. Hence there is no need to demand these scores for admission.

Read Also: How to get a Ph.D. in Information Systems Online in 2024: Schools, Cost & Requirements.

List Of Schools that offer a Ph.D. in Engineering Management

Do you already have a background in Engineering? Are you ready to raise your career to the highest level? If you love merging business, technology, management, and leadership, your next academic move should be a Ph.D. in Engineering Management.

However, you can decide between two paths: A ph.D. that leads you to academia or a Doctor of Business Administration that will lead you to senior-level leadership roles in the business setting. So, below we made a list of 10 schools that offer a Ph.D. in Engineering Management.

Here is a list of schools that offer Ph.D. in Engineering Management:

  • East Carolina University
  • George Washington University
  • Western New England University
  • Indiana State University
  • Old Dominion University
  • Northcentral University
  • Texas Tech University
  • University of Bridgeport
  • Bowling Green State University
  • Oklahoma State University

#1. East Carolina University

Program: Ph.D. in Technology Management

Tuition: $6,997

East Carolina University is a consortium division with Bowling Green University and Indiana State University that confers a hybrid Ph.D. in Technology Management.

The degree, which demands two semesters of on-campus learning, however, comes with five specializations: construction management, digital communications systems, human resource development, manufacturing systems, and also quality systems.

This practice-based degree is a very good option for students already working in a specialization that would like to advance into leadership positions. Along with an outstanding virtual portal that links all five universities and their courses together, students can learn from leading professionals with many years of experience in the field.

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#2. George Washington University

Program: Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management

Tuition: $1,965/credit

George Washington University admits over 26,000 students. You can acquire the school’s Ph.D. of engineering in engineering management entirely online and on campus. The school employs distance learning technology that lets students partake in live class sessions from any location. Teachers also record Lectures for students to review later.

The program needs students to get at least 45 credits and consists of a classroom phase (which can be completed remotely) and a research phase. The classroom phase consists of 10 three-credit courses. The research phase needs students to finish a praxis or case study addressing a field difficulty.

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#3. Western New England University

Program: Ph.D. in Engineering Management

Tuition: $34,874

Western New England University offers a hybrid engineering management Ph.D. program, a practice-based degree concentrating on research and implementation of new technologies in the physical world.

However, Because this is a hybrid degree, students need to attend lectures on campus, so students that live in the area are the best fit for this degree. With 87 credit hours of coursework needed, a qualifying exam, and a thesis, students will have up to seven years to achieve the degree.

The program also needs research, providing students with the capacity to work on real-world projects while getting their degrees. Examples of courses for this program include Engineering Supply Chain, Advanced Engineering Cost Estimation, and Project Management.

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#4. Indiana State University

Program: Ph.D. in Technology Management

Tuition: $8,428

Indiana State University collaborates to offer an online Ph.D. in Engineering Management. This degree has the support of four other schools as well, allowing students to take courses from five universities to achieve their degree as quickly as possible.

This practical degree provides students the chance to do research, complete a thesis, and work on real-world projects, all while performing most of their requirements online. ISU, along with the consortium, needs a residency. Nevertheless, students must complete two semesters of nine hours of coursework individually to complete the degree.

The degree needs 66 credit hours of coursework, a research project, a qualifying exam, and a thesis. Courses include International and Cultural Technological Development, Legal Aspects of Industry, and Technological Assessment and Innovation.

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#5. Old Dominion University

Program: Doctor of Engineering, Engineering Management, and Systems Engineering

Tuition: $9,750

Old Dominion University offers an online Ph.D. in Engineering Management with hybrid requirements for aspiring students. This practice-based degree has been created especially for students who wish to join the field as professionals. Graduates can work as engineering managers in government, public, and private sectors. This program has residency requirements for the conclusion of the thesis, but many of the courses required to complete the 48 credit hours can be completed online.

You also require a thesis, which takes up to half the time a student spends at the university and accounts for 24 credit hours of work. Examples of courses include Optimization Methods, Cost Engineering, and Enterprise and Complex System Dynamics.

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#6. Northcentral University

Program: Doctor of Business Administration, Management of Engineering and Technology

Tuition: $10,368

The Northcentral University awards the DBA in Management of Engineering and Technology, an online degree combining business and technology into a practical education. Students will study and discover how to use both disciplines to their advantage in the workplace, finding positions as engineering managers and business owners.

You can complete this degree entirely online because this degree has no residency requirements. Furthermore, students will complete 54 credit hours of coursework, research, and a thesis, all of which can be performed within 39 months; however, students have up to seven years to finish the requirements. Examples of courses include Business Leadership and Strategy, Directed Qualitative Research, and Introduction to Business Research Design and Methodology.

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#7. Texas Tech University

Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Systems and Engineering Management

Tuition: $8,428

Texas Tech University has an unprecedented honor for being the best institution of higher learning for online students. It awards a Ph.D. in Systems and Engineering Management. This practice-based degree equips graduates to take on leadership positions in the public and private sectors.

See 20 Best Engineering Graduate Schools in the World | 2024 Rankings

Furthermore, this degree includes 72 credit hours of coursework; you can complete all the coursework online and require a thesis for the degree.

There are four compulsory courses, however, that students must take at the college; they teach these courses exclusively during the summer, and it takes one month each to complete. Examples of courses include Systems Management Global Environment, Systems Theory, and Advanced Theoretical Studies in Systems Management.

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#8. University of Bridgeport

Ph.D. in Technology Management

Tuition: $31,630

Students seeking an online Ph.D. in Engineering Management must look no further than the University of Bridgeport. This school awards the Ph.D. in Technology Management as a hybrid program, with students expected to appear on campus based on courses associated with their thesis. It focuses on new technology venture creation as well as emerging technologies.

It is a business-based degree in that most research and coursework blends interdisciplinary skills with discussing the business and technology industries. The Ph.D. needs 45 credit hours of course and thesis work completed within seven years of the original commencement date.

Examples of courses include Technology New Venture Creation, Strategic Management of Technology and Innovation, and Intellectual Property Management.

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#9. Bowling Green State University

Program: Ph.D. in Technology Management

Tuition: $11,057

Bowling Green State University awards an online Ph.D. in engineering management that will meet the needs and purposes of full-time students. This web-based program is conferred by a consortium and was designed especially for online education.

The Ph.D. in Technology Management comes with five specializations: construction management, digital communications, human resource development, training, manufacturing, and quality systems.

The degree needs 66 credit hours of coursework; students can achieve these hours either at BGSU or another consortium university. It also requires a thesis and a qualifying exam. Students should note that they must finish 18 credit hours at the university; most take the courses in the first two years of the program of study.

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#10. Oklahoma State University

Program: Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Management

Tuition: $8,321

Oklahoma State University awards an online Ph.D. in Engineering Management that trains its graduates in industrial engineering. It is created for students who want to become managers and leaders in the industry.

This hybrid program needs a residency length that depends on a student’s previous work and educational experience, so students are urged to speak with the department before applying for this program. Students will also find that an at-campus thesis defense is also essential. This is a 60-credit hour degree that includes 18 hours of thesis research and one doctoral seminar; an at-home qualifying exam is also needed.

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FAQs

How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. in Engineering Management?

A Ph.D. in Engineering Management degree can be completed in 3 to 8 years. The program is very technical, so typically, 2 to 4 in-person residencies will be required.

What are the requirements for applying for a Ph.D. in Engineering Management?

Students applying for a Ph.D. in Engineering Management need to meet specific criteria. They should possess a master’s or a bachelor’s degree in a closely related discipline, if not engineering. A high cumulative GPA (usually over 3.0) is also a requirement most universities place. A recent GRE score and TOEFL scores will be required, the latter being a requirement for international students whose first language is not English.

What are the career paths for a Ph.D. in Engineering Management?

With a Ph.D. in Engineering Management, you can either go into research in a particular aspect of this field or develop a career. Your career could have various jobs, including an engineering project manager, cost systems analyst, construction management engineer, industrial management engineer, or senior lead analyst.

What is the credit hour requirement for a Ph.D. degree?

The credit hour requirement of a Ph.D. degree will depend on which university you enroll in. Typically, the requirement can range between 90 and 120. Some universities may have a higher credit hour requirement. You can get more information from prospective colleges about the degree requirements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering Management is the apex of academic success. It is a degree in high demand from both graduate applicants and employers. This degree highlights a student’s commitment and passion for engineering management, with significant research offering new findings.

Reference

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