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A Master of Engineering Management (MEM) programme is a great pathway for those seeking to bridge the realms of engineering and management seamlessly. In an increasingly complex and technology-driven world, this degree is a vital link that fuses technical proficiency and strategic leadership skills to adeptly manage teams, resources, and innovation cycles.
Washington University in St. Louis offers an MEM that achieves all of this and more. The university is a world leader in graduate, professional and postdoctoral education. Having awarded hundreds of PhD, MD and master’s degrees annually, it hosts over 8,900 graduate and professional students at any given time, attracting students from more than 100 countries and all 50 states.
Washington University’s McKelvey School of Engineering aims to promote independent inquiry in engineering research and education, emphasising scientific excellence, innovation and collaboration without boundaries. It is through both research and teaching that it hopes to make a positive impact on the community. “The McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis is a leader in providing scientific insights and enabling technologies critical to solving fundamental research challenges of the world today and in preparing students for the rapidly changing world of tomorrow,” says Aaron Bobick, dean of the engineering school with US$37.7 million in total research expenditures (FY22).
Part of the School of Engineering, the Sever Institute offers graduate-level programmes crafted for those starting their career and seasoned professionals. Having been around for 70 years, attendees benefit from the school’s wealth of experience and the 12:1 student-faculty ratio. One of its key offerings is the MEM programme, which helps professionals advance with the skills and knowledge needed to understand and shape projects and lead teams or organisations. This full-time, in-person and on-campus degree is ranked #19 among the best MEM programmes by GreatBusinessSchools.org.
The “Engineer’s MBA” features an integrative curriculum that focuses on critical thinking, project management, leadership skills and experiential learning. Source: Washington University in St. Louis
As graduates of this degree have an understanding of both technical and management processes across the enterprise, they are referred to as “full-cycle engineers.” Undertaking an Engineering Management degree will allow you to understand the bigger picture, innovate, make critical, data-informed decisions, collaborate, communicate broadly across the enterprise and have a passion for leadership.
In this “Engineer’s MBA”, students can custom-build learning through tracks and electives. The MEM programme has an integrative curriculum that focuses on critical thinking, project management, leadership skills and experiential learning. The numerous skills you pick up include practical application, from setting strategy, leveraging technology and data analytics, an understanding of marketing and finance, project management and leadership.
As a nationally ranked programme, Washington University’s MEM attracts students from all over the world. “WashU is an inclusive campus that embraces different cultures and celebrates diversity, which is a significant factor for international students,” says student Yizhong Xu. “Also, WashU is one of the most prestigious colleges offering a Master of Engineering Management degree. The admission videos clearly communicate the goal and the expectations for the programme. I’m happy to see those values align with my personal ones.”
Professor Gary Baker is one of Xu’s favourite instructors who co-teaches in the MEM strategy class. “Instructors are always willing to help with questions, whether it’s from the classroom or from a personal perspective,” he says. “Another piece of advice is to begin planning for your career as soon as possible and use the valuable resources from the Career Centre whenever needed.”
An impressive 90% of the Sever Institute faculty work in the industry. Source: Washington University in St. Louis
Clinton Sabah, a dual Engineering Management degree student, agrees with Xu. “Take advantage of all the opportunities you have because the professors are really there to help you,” he says. “They’re there to help you and there to give you opportunities that you would not have thought of otherwise. They were a very good support system for me.” An impressive 90% of the Sever Institute faculty work in the industry, and they are easily able to help students take theory into the practical world. Educators can also prepare students to deal with a wide variety of people in the field.
Sabah notes how much exposure a programme like this gives students as they interact with people from all walks of life. “What surprised me was how many students we’d run into that actually worked in the industry already,” he says. “You’ve got to open up your mind. I guess for me, as someone who went straight from undergrad into a master’s programme, I never really got to interact with people who were already in the working world.” Having these interactions and working with these people opened Sabah to different perspectives.
The MEM programme allows you to learn in real time, solving actual company challenges. Students build their networks and arm themselves with invaluable skills. Graduates then enter (or re-enter) the working world able to shoulder new business-oriented responsibilities, moving up into management positions and leveraging their expertise into new strategic roles. Finally, as proud members of the Washington University alumni community, they can strive for engineering management excellence.
To start your MEM journey at the Washington University in St. Louis, click here to apply now.
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