Engineering Management

Engineering projects are intricate, involving multifaceted systems and input from experts across diverse disciplines. Skillful project management and strategic leadership are essential to maintain timelines, ensure successful outcomes, and adhere to budget limits. 

MS in Engineering Management: Program Quick Facts

Engineering managers are most effective when they grasp the subtleties of technology and the intricacies of team dynamics. The STEM-focused online Master of Science in Engineering Management program at George Washington University equips professionals for a comprehensive spectrum of leadership roles in technical fields. Our curriculum is delivered by experienced faculty, enhanced by practical insights and opportunities arising from the department’s strong connections in Washington, D.C. 

Program Summary

Obtaining an online degree in engineering management is advantageous for professionals with backgrounds in either technical or business fields, as it broadens their skill set and paves the way for new career paths. Graduates utilize the leadership principles and engineering expertise acquired from GW to steer high-tech companies towards sustainable development and to advocate for industry best practices. 

Some of the key topics covered in the curriculum include:

• Coordinating, managing, and overseeing project activities 

• Techniques for enhancing organizational efficiency and effectiveness 

• Methodical strategies for making informed decisions 

• Financial management and budget planning 

• Procedures and practices for contracting in engineering projects 

Curriculum Overview

The online Master of Science in Engineering Management program aims to provide students with the necessary skills to obtain roles at leading technical organizations and work on advanced projects. The program consists of 12 three-credit hour courses, totaling 36 required credit hours. Its online structure offers synchronous and asynchronous learning options, granting students the flexibility to study at their convenience and from any location. 

Courses

EMSE 6001 The Management of Technical Organizations (3 credits)

The practice of management as applied within technical organizations. Includes history of the tradition and current effective practices, research findings, and case studies, with objectives of enhanced understanding of external and internal factors influencing organizational performance and leadership requirements.

EMSE 6005 Organizational Behavior for the Engineering Manager (3 credits)

The behavior of individuals and groups in the context of technical organizations, focusing on relationships and interactions within the organization’s operating activities. Individual and group development and motivation. Organizational structures and cultures.

EMSE 6018 Engineering Law (3 credits)

Legal principles and procedures of interest to engineers. The American legal system, contracts and specifications, liability of professional engineers, product liability, agency relationships, patent and proprietary rights, special problems in research and development contracts. (Fall, odd years).

EMSE 6020 Decision Making with Uncertainty (3 credits)

Problem formulation. Concepts and techniques used in analyzing complex decision problems. Modeling decision problems using decision trees, probability models, multi-objective models and utility theory.

EMSE 6070 Management of Research and Development (3 credits)

Seminar on readings and classic and contemporary case studies in the strategic management of innovation and technology.

EMSE 6099 Problems in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Capstone (3 credits)

Capstone project providing the opportunity to apply concepts and tools previously studied to the solution of a real-world problem. Students work in small groups, on a problem proposed by students and approved by the instructor. Open only to master’s candidates in the department, preferably during the last semester of their program.

EMSE 6410 Survey of Finance and Engineering Economics (3 credits)

Survey of material relevant to financial decision making for engineering activity. Includes traditional engineering economy topics; fundamentals of accounting; and financial planning, budgeting, and estimating applicable to the management of technical organizations.

EMSE 6801 Systems Engineering I (3 credits)

Systems approach to the architecting and engineering of large-scale systems; elements of systems engineering; methods and standards; computer tools that support systems and software engineering; trends and directions; the integrative nature of systems engineering.

EMSE 6810 Systems Analysis and Management (3 credits)

The systems or holistic approach as a methodology for making decisions and allocating resources. Analysis by means of objectives, alternatives, models, criteria, and feedback.

EMSE 6820 Program and Project Management (3 credits)

Problems in managing projects; project management as planning, organizing, directing, and monitoring; project and corporate organizations; duties and responsibilities; the project plan; schedule, cost, earned-value and situation analysis; leadership; team building; conflict management; meetings, presentations, and proposals.

EMSE 6825 Project Cost and Quality Management (3 credits)

Developing project cost and resource estimates during the planning stages. Monitoring, forecasting, and controlling cost throughout the project life cycle. Project quality planning, assurance, and control. Relationships among project scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, procurement, and risk. Preparation for the Project Management Professional examination. Prerequisite: EMSE 6820.

ESME 6992 Special Topics: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (3 credits)

Students acquire proven negotiation skills by using real world case studies, learning a broad spectrum of theories underlying negotiating approaches, and put their learning into practice. Learners discover a framework for understanding and addressing the challenging emotional dynamics that arise in everyday negotiations and conflicts. They uncover the emotions that generate more power and control, both in negotiations and in relationship challenges faced every day. Students gain the tools for early recognition of unhealthy conflict, accurately diagnosing its causes and developing effective communication-based intervention strategies. They engage in simulations and real-world situations to practice different negotiation styles and are equipped for success in personal and professional relationships and difficult conversations. This course is tailored for engineering and technology professionals.

Program Learning Objectives

The objectives of the master’s program in engineering management are to ensure that graduates:

• Apply principles of engineering management effectively in a business setting, particularly in organizations focused on manufacturing, construction, engineering, technology, or production, to lead and work efficiently. 

• Manage key organizational aspects—such as organizational management and behavior, operations, project management, marketing, cost and quality control, finance, personnel, technical requirements, and engineering contract management—and oversee technical progress while ensuring optimal performance. 

• Prepare for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® exam, a certification provided by the Project Management Institute, to enhance professional standing and credentials.