<p>I promise that this isnt another rant.</p>
<p>So I was just brainstorming ideas of what I could do with my engineering degree as far as schools go and one of the things that popped in my head was the MEM program. My school offers it. Ever since then Ive just been wondering the pro's and con's of an MEM degree and what is the difference between that and a regular engineering masters as far as what I would be able to do (hypothetically). Any thoughts?</p>
<p>Masters of Engineering Management? Not without significant work experience. Degree or not, my company won’t elevate someone to a management position without roughly 6+ years after the BS degree, so getting this degree without that experience just means that your education will be that much out of date. Better to get a job or a technical masters, then do a management degree later.</p>
<p>Yes thats what I mean. the Masters of Engineering Management. So what purpose would it serve if I got it after having experience?</p>
<p>Experience does not lead to an automatic promotion to management. A degree like an MEM or MBA is usually helpful (but, again, not guaranteed) in making the leap to management.</p>
<p>But cosmicfish is correct: these sorts of degrees are more beneficial (to your career and your education) if they follow some experience. In addition, you can usually get your employer to pay for the degree.</p>
<p>
It gives you specific education in management. Most employers want both experience AND management-specific education, although the first is a requirement and the second is a preference. Many people get into management without such a degree, but the higher up you go the more likely it is that you will be expected to have some type of management degree.</p>
<p>I have a MEM and I think it is worth getting, but after a few years of experience as cosmicfish said. I also have a MS in engineering. That is also worth getting, but again after a few years of experience. The bottom line is, get a few years of experience, then go to grad school, otherwise you’re just overqualified for an entry level job and under qualified for the job you’re trying to get.</p>
<p>oh ok. i think I see it now. so i think thats something i will look into in the future. maybe not right out of undergrad.</p>
<p>is there really a difference between that and a MBA?</p>
<p>An MBA will give you a broader perspective in business. You’ll take accounting, HR, finance, strategy, operations, etc. courses in addition to a concentration (like management). An MEM is more focused on statistics, project management, leadership, and economics.</p>
<p>Yes there is a difference, just like BanjoHitter said. It’s not a huge difference though because you do still get some financial background, you just dont get beat over the head with it like you do with an MBA. I like to think of it as an MBA minus all the crap you dont need.</p>
<p>If I could do it all over again, I’d do something like Kellogg’s MMM which is a MEM and an MBA in 2 years. Most of the courses you take in the MEM are roughly the same as the MBA core courses anyway, so there’s really no reason not to do both if you can find a school that has a dual program available. I’ve also heard about some people being able to transfer their completed MEM degree and credits towards an MBA, but I haven’t heard any first hand discussion about that, just rumors.</p>
<p>When you do actual technical management, it IS about the Statistics, Project Management, Economics and Leadership (like BH mentioned). Yes, you will do some Finance/Accounting but it will be basically what you will be taught in the MEM program. More detailed Finance/Accounting stuff is handled by that department who CANNOT add in the technical “gems” like a MEM grad can.</p>
<p>Personally, I like the structure of some MEM (and some Systems Engineering) programs. You take 10 to 12 courses with half on the business side and the other half in your technical specialty.</p>