Essentially, engineering managers provide guidance and leadership to projects in science and manufacturing, helping to keep everyone “on the same page,” so to speak. They are very often described as being a “people person” who excels at communication, especially when the task requires explaining the technical aspects of a project to both peers and laymen.
Online Education Options for Degrees in Engineering Management
Generally speaking, engineering managers hold degrees in disciplines similar to that of those with whom they work. Higher education is mandatory in these positions, and most people who work as engineering managers hold a master degree. As such, earning an online engineering management degree is recommended for people who wish to pursue this career field.
People who work toward an online degree in engineering management can expect to study a varied course work, including those specific to their engineering field of expertise combined with business management and administration courses, both of which facilitate their ability to more effectively communicate with the teams they supervise as well as their clients.
Online education options in engineering management include the following:
- Online Bachelors degree in Engineering Management
- Online Master’s degree in Engineering Management
Please note additional certifications are also available online.
Degrees in Engineering Management and Career and Salary Information
Engineering management careers are abundant in a variety of industries, although they are most commonly found in manufacturing, professional, scientific, and technical service sectors. Additionally, people in this field often find employment in the government at the local, state and federal levels. As with other occupations, a higher level of education will produce more career opportunities with better pay.
An engineering management degree salary can vary widely in the field based on the specialization (electrical, civil, etc.) and geographic location. Median annual wages based on years of experience break down as follows: 1-4 years, $61,314-$84,579 ($4890 annual bonus); 5-9 years, $67,756-$91,586 ($5142 annual bonus); 10-19 years, $79,366-$104,425 ($8673 annual bonus); 20+ years, $82,201-$117,959 ($9799 annual bonus).
The most popular cities for engineering managers are Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee and Portland, and the fastest growth for people in these positions will occur for those who specialize in biomedical and environmental engineering.