Engineering Management at Duke

<p>Hi folks, I am 22 years old.</p>

<p>I have some queries pertaining to the field "Engineering Management". I had recently completed my Bachelors in Computer Science and I also have 3-4 months of work experience. I'm contemplating of applying to a Masters in Engineering Management at some schools which proffer such a degree, namely-- Duke, Syracuse, etc. I think Duke is an awesome school.</p>

<p>I personally found that Duke's Engineering Management program is probably the most reputed of all, but its also quite expensive. Now, my queries are:</p>

<p>1) Should I apply for an Engineering Management degree in the first place? (I'm an international student from India)</p>

<p>2) Secondly, Does an Engineering Management degree from Duke University guarantee a job in the U.S.? (I mean as an analyst, etc. Please keep in mind Duke University's reputation) </p>

<p>3) Thirdly, I'm thinking of working in the United States for some years before returning to India again. Now, What kind of job(s) would I get with an "Engineering Management" degree?</p>

<p>Since, an M.S. in Engineering Management is relatively new, I am inclined to seek suggestion/advice from "experienced people" who might be able to answer my queries.</p>

<p>Should I apply for a Masters in Engineering Management or should I apply for a Masters in some other field, say like CS, etc?</p>

<p>Please answer these queries of mine!</p>

<p>Thanks and Regards!</p>

<p>My sister’s friend did an engineering management degree from Cornell… She didn’t get a job for 1 year after that >.<</p>

1 Like

<p>Hey thanks anirudh for your reply. Sorry to hear that, but now did she get a job?</p>

<p>I think Duke’s program is the best among Engineering Management programs. (I think it’s even better than Cornell’s program) </p>

<p>Do you advocate an M.S. in Engineering Management from Duke? (What’s your suggestion/advice on pursuing an M.S. in Engineering Management??)</p>

<p>Any opinion/suggestion/advice from anyone is eagerly awaited. Thanks!</p>

<p>Gen1987, do you know what kind of industry will hire you if/when you graduate from Duke with MS in Eng. Mgmt? Chances of getting a job are a lot lot higher with an MS in eng than with MS in eng mgmnt. Current economic condition makes it even worse for foreign graduates.
If you are confident about you abilities and in the program at Duke then go ahead with what your gut tells you. Don’t be discouraged by strangers like myself. Good luck!</p>

<p>Let’s put it this way-</p>

<p>An engineering management degree is awesome.</p>

<p>A pure science/engineering degree is even better.</p>

<p>Engineering management degree has value in R&D setting only when you have a few years of work experience. My employer rarely hires engineering managers from outside. Engineers exhibiting leadership and good inter-personal skills get promoted to management roles. Manufacturing engineering jobs are fast disappearing in US. Forget about manufacturing engineering managers.</p>

<p>Thanks allrounder dad and aniruddh for your replies to my queries. </p>

<p>** @ allrounderdad: ** Quite frankly, I don’t have a clue as what kind of job an Engineering Management degree (possibly from Duke) fetches. (I am an inexperienced guy, I don’t have much knowledge in these things, hence I’m seeking your suggestion) (Please remember that I am an international student keen on working in the U.S. for some years)</p>

<p>So, what’s better for landing a safe and secure job? (A degree in Engineering Managment (M.S.) from Duke, or say a degree in Computer Science, say from a place like SUNY Buffalo, or Georgia Tech (hopefully))</p>

<p>@aniruddh: Do you say that a degree in Computer Science is much better (M.S.) than a degree in Engineering Management? (If so, how???)</p>

<p>Suggest something…</p>

<p>Thanks and Regards!</p>

<p>@Gen1987:</p>

<p>Frankly, CC forum members are just a bunch of people who don’t know much about this. Even if they do, the information might or might not be correct.
If you want to study Engineering Management, no unknown jerk on (ahem) a forum can change your decision. Don’t take anyone’s opinion too seriously.
I think you should consult a counselor who can put you on the right path to your academic requirements.</p>

<p><em>Good Luck!</em></p>

<p>^ Totally agree. Most of us are just high school kids anyway, what would we know about MS degrees?!</p>

<p>Well, yea.</p>

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I’m posting late but still wanted to state my opinion.</p>

<p>First of all, anyone telling you something like “pure engineering is better than eng management” is the worst source of advice. If you guys really want to classify things as “good/bad” or “better/worse” I would say such advice comes from only the worst. </p>

<p>I would advice you to sit down an evaluate your objectives/current capabilities and try to make a smart decision accordingly.</p>

<p>Also check duke website for the latest graduates profiles to learn about the employment potential.</p>

<p>By the way I am working at a major R&D company for > 1 year and got an admit for Duke MEM to start in spring. And the reason I didn’t go for pure engineering is because I know well it wouldn’t be beneficial for me keeping in mind the needs of my workplace.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Its actually really good advice.</p>

<p>^+1</p>

<p>10 char</p>

gen1987, i had similar questions. more precisely about my undergrad studies is in biotechnology. i too had concerns about switching to engineering management for ms. after many diverse opinions, i m more confused. but in general i have heard that engineering management is a booming industry in the US. Jobs are kind of guaranteed for that. but i guess you ll have to decide on the subject u want to specialise in through your management course. if u are able to have good technical expertise in that field, finding jobs will not be difficult is what i have heard. can someone suggest about this branch change as well please. is it advisable to shift or stick to biotech in masters. i intend to return to India after few years of working in the US. thanks in advance