That’s especially true for engineering corporations with teams in multiple locations. The Pennsylvania State University’s online Master’s Degree in Engineering Management aims to help by preparing experienced engineers with the business and technical skills they need to be effective managers of complex engineering projects.
“Engineering students generally do not learn about business in undergraduate programs,” said James A. Nemes, D.Sc., division head and professor of mechanical engineering at the Penn State Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies. “Engineers can pick up some business skills through their work experiences, but if they want to advance their careers into engineering management, they will need a graduate degree.”
Penn State Great Valley’s Engineering Division is partnering with Penn State Harrisburg’s School of Business Administration and School of Science, Engineering and Technology to offer the program, which is being delivered online through Penn State’s World Campus. The 33-credit program is designed for working engineers, and can be completed in two years. Students will progress together through the 12 courses, which run in continuous five- or seven-week terms.
Stephen Schappe, Ph.D., director of the School of Business Administration at Penn State Harrisburg, said, “There is a growing need in corporate America for interdisciplinary programs like this online engineering management degree. Our courses integrate both engineering and management issues. Engineers, like all good managers, need to learn foundational knowledge about management and critical thinking skills to be successful.”
Applications for the online master of engineering management are now being accepted for fall semester 2011. Visit http://bit.ly/1104_008 or call 800-252-3592 for more information.
