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QS Rank:

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50

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Northwestern University

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Illinois

United States

The Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program at Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering is meticulously designed for experienced professionals from STEM backgrounds who are eager to foster their management and leadership capabilities. This program caters to those who wish to deepen their comprehension of both traditional and contemporary technologies while excelling in a managerial context. The MEM program stands out by integrating the principles of engineering with business acumen, offering students a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between technical expertise and managerial prowess.


Within this program, students engage with a comprehensive core curriculum that encompasses management fundamentals, quantitative analysis, and behavioral science. Following this foundational phase, enrollees are encouraged to tailor their education with specialized electives in advanced engineering topics. This structure not only equips graduates with essential business skills but also infuses their technical knowledge with strategic managerial insights, rendering them well-prepared for leadership roles in today’s technologically advanced workplaces.


The MEM program is not just about coursework; it is about real-world applicability. The assignments and projects are designed to provide immediate relevance to the students’ current work environments. For instance, students can address the challenges they face in their positions while implementing new strategies derived from their coursework. This immediate application of learning ensures that the education received is not only theoretical but also practical and beneficial in their ongoing careers.


Moreover, students in the MEM program at Northwestern benefit from a plethora of research opportunities and resources that enrich their academic experience. The McCormick School of Engineering is renowned for its commitment to innovation and has established a reputation for fostering cutting-edge research. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers, allowing them to collaborate on projects that are at the forefront of engineering and technology advancements. This exposure not only enhances their learning but also positions them favorably for future employment opportunities.


Networking is a critical aspect of the MEM program, with the Student Advisory Board organizing various events aimed at connecting current students with alumni and industry professionals. These events, including the annual MEM Industry Night, create opportunities for students to showcase their talents, engage with potential employers, and build professional relationships that can significantly impact their careers. Such connections can lead to internship placements and job opportunities, reinforcing the program’s commitment to student success and career advancement.


Why Study Engineering Management at Northwestern University


  • Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Courses are designed to meet the demands of the evolving engineering landscape, integrating both technical and managerial perspectives.
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from a distinguished faculty comprising industry leaders and experienced academics, providing insights derived from real-world experiences.
  • Research Opportunities: Gain hands-on experience with access to cutting-edge research centers and labs that propel innovation in engineering and technology.
  • Extensive Networking: Build connections through networking events, career fairs, and collaborations with alumni and industry professionals.
  • Strong Career Outcomes: With a job placement rate of 99% and a median base salary of $100,000, graduates are well-positioned for lucrative careers in various sectors.
  • Diverse Student Body: Experience a vibrant, international environment with a student diversity rate of 19.14%, enhancing the learning experience through varied perspectives.

The curriculum of the MEM program encompasses a range of courses that ensure students are well-rounded in both engineering and management principles. Core courses might include subjects such as Engineering Management Fundamentals, Quantitative Analysis for Decision Making, and Behavioral Science in Organizations. Students can then select specialized electives such as Project Management, Operations Management, and Data Analytics for Decision Making, enabling them to align their studies with their career aspirations.


In terms of faculty expertise, the instructors in the MEM program are not only academically accomplished but also bring a wealth of industry experience. Their teaching methodology fosters an interactive learning environment that encourages students to engage critically with the material. Faculty members prioritize mentorship, providing guidance that extends beyond the classroom and into professional development.


The program also emphasizes the importance of internships and real-world experience. While full-time students are given the opportunity to undertake internships during the summer, they are encouraged to pursue industry-related positions that align with their professional goals. This hands-on experience is invaluable, allowing students to apply theoretical concepts in practical settings and gain insights that are crucial for their future careers.


Alumni of the MEM program have successfully transitioned into significant roles across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Testimonials from graduates highlight the program’s role in accelerating their careers and providing them with the necessary tools to tackle complex challenges in their fields. Many alumni report promotions to managerial positions shortly after graduation, citing the program's rigorous curriculum and networking opportunities as key contributors to their success.


In summary, the Master's in Engineering Management at Northwestern University is more than an advanced degree; it is a transformative experience designed for those looking to lead in technology-driven environments. With a focus on immediate applicability, extensive research opportunities, and a strong professional network, students are prepared to navigate the complexities of modern engineering management and emerge as leaders in their fields. With a commitment to excellence, Northwestern University not only provides a world-class education but also equips its graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s competitive job market.


To ensure a successful application to the MEM program, prospective students should note the following requirements:


  • Application Fee: $50
  • Transcripts: Official academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
  • Letters of Recommendation: One academic and one professional letter of recommendation are required.
  • Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must submit valid TOEFL (minimum score of 100) or IELTS (minimum score of 7.0) results.
  • GRE Scores: While optional, submitting GRE scores may enhance your application.
  • Curriculum Vitae: A CV detailing educational background and professional experience is recommended.

For those ready to embark on this transformative journey, the deadline for applications for the Spring intake is February 15th, 2025. Prepare to take the next step in your career with Northwestern University's MEM program, where engineering meets management in the heart of Illinois.

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Total Tuition Fees

$73,584

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Duration

15 Months

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Median Salary

$1,00,000

Ranking

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#10

US World and News Report

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#26

The World University Rankings

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#50

QS World University Rankings

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Intake

Spring ( Apr - June )

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Intake

Fall ( Sept - Nov )

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Intake

Winter ( Jan - Mar )

Class Profile

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Class Size

30

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Average Age

25

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Average Work Experience

2 Years

Diversity

Midwest:

20%

Others:

5%

International:

15%

Northeast:

25%

Southeast:

15%

West:

20%

Career Outcomes

The MEM program assists students in progressing in their careers in a variety of ways. MEM graduates who stay with their present companies are typically promoted to positions with more responsibility, managing more people, or taking on more sophisticated project management responsibilities.


Immediate Working World Application

As the students are allowed to customize the program to fit their desired area of specialization or concentration, assignments from class often have direct and immediate applicability to the students work-life. MEM provides a series of tools, techniques, and perspectives, often revealing issues that are underlying the student's current work situation.

Networking Events

The MEM program, in collaboration with the Student Advisory Board, sponsors activities to develop leadership opportunities for current students and alumni, such as annual competitions and monthly networking events. One annual tradition is MEM Industry Night, which recognizes, and establishes community amongst, the students, alumni and companies who value the importance of education at the intersection of engineering and business.


Post-Graduation Opportunities & Internships

The full-time student course of study provides the opportunity for an optional internship during the summer. Most students seek industry-related internship positions, but some students choose to focus on project-based work or even personal start-up initiatives. There are no common paths or industries for our full-time students due to their breadth of experience and diverse backgrounds. Note: students are responsible for securing their own summer internships.


For more information click here

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Median Earnings After Graduation

$1,00,000 / year

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Graduation Rate

64%

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Job Placement

99%

Prospective Job Roles

Manager

Marketing Analyst

Project Engineer

Marketing Manager

Operations Manager

Project Manager

Business Analyst

Supply Chain Manager

Data analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Top recruiters

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Eligibility Criteria

English Proficiency Tests

  • TOEFL

    100

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  • IELTS

    7

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Application Requirements

Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.

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Application Fee: 50

  • intake

    Transcript

  • intake

    GRE

  • intake

    TOEFL

  • intake

    IELTS

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    Academic LOR

  • intake

    Professional LOR

  • intake

    Academic LOR

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    Curriculum Vitae

Application Deadlines

Priority 1Final DeadlineStandard DeadlineProgram Start Date
FallMay 1, 2024Aug 1, 2024N/AN/A
SpringDec 15, 2024N/AFeb 15, 2025N/A
WinterN/AN/AN/ANov 15, 2024

Fees and Funding

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Tuition Fees

$73,584 / year

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Overall Cost

$1,13,584 / year

Funding Options

Department Funding

External Sources - Scholarships

Tuition is $6,132 per course for academic year 2023-24. If students take four courses per quarter, they are charged by the quarterly rate of $20,927.

A student's total tuition cost will depend on the number of courses taken per quarter, and the number of quarters they require to complete the 12 courses. 

Full-time students are required to take either 3 or 4 courses during their first three quarters in the program (Fall, Winter, & Spring) to maintain their full-time student status. In addition, all full-time students have a $125 Activity Fee per quarter.

Scholarships

Financial Aid

Albert H. Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship

Professor Rubenstein founded the Master in Engineering Management (MEM) program in 1976 to provide high-quality engineering management education for engineers and scientists in the Chicago area and directed the MEM program from 1977 until 1992. A scholarship was formed in his honor with the goal of recruiting top graduate student talent, and the Master of Engineering Management program offers a limited number of these scholarships each year. The Albert H. Rubenstein Memorial Scholarship is based on merit and is awarded during the application process. No additional application or documents are required for consideration.

Additional Funding Resources

In addition to the Albert H. Rubenstein Memorial scholarship offered directly through the program, Master of Engineering Management students may be eligible for other types of support. Resources may be found at the McCormick School of Engineering Fellowships and Internships page or at Northwestern University's Office of Fellowships.

Graduate Financial Aid

Students in the Master of Engineering Management program are eligible for financial aid depending on the number of courses taken in a quarter. Prospective students should familiarize themselves with the options for financial aid and contact the Evanston Office of Graduate Financial Aid with any questions.

Students using financial aid to fund their graduate degree must comply with the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy to maintain eligibility.

FAQs

  • MEM degree students may attain optional concentrations by choosing 3-4 courses within these categories: Managerial Analytics Product Management Project and Process Management Healthcare Systems

  • Yes, Northwestern MEM is a STEM degree. Here is a link to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website listing all the STEM degrees. MEM STEM degree's CIP code is 15.1501.

  • It is your choice as to which contacts to use for your Letters of Recommendation. The chart on the application materials page is only a suggestion. In general, professional recommenders are preferred over academic, and more recent recommenders are preferred over someone who has not been in touch with you for a few years. Ultimately, you need to make a determination of the recommenders who will be able to give you the strongest recommendation relative to the listed topics. Please note: your application will be ready for review only once LORs are submitted. That means they must be submitted before a given deadline to be included in that round. If they arrive after a deadline your application will be in the next round.

  • A completed application requires a $50 application fee payable in US funds. All application fees are paid through the application system. Please note that applicants who attend a MEM Information Session will have their application fee waived. Online sessions are available. These are scheduled monthly and available primarily in the fall and winter, so if you intend to request a fee waiver, you should plan to attend a session at least 1 month prior to your target submission date. Fee waiver instructions are provided at the end of information sessions. Please email MEM with any remaining questions after the session.

  • No. GRE and GMAT scores are now optional for all applicants. You are welcome to report and upload your scores if you feel they will help strengthen your application, and if you upload them the Admissions Committee will include them as part of their holistic review of your application. However, if you choose not to upload GRE or GMAT scores this will have no negative impact on your review whatsoever.

  • We require 3 letters of recommendation from individuals who have had supervisory experience over you in a professional and/or academic setting and can attest to your work performance and management potential. As a rough guide, the table below outlines a recommended balance between professional and academic letters of recommendation, based only on number of years since the completion of an undergraduate degree. When in doubt, a professional recommendation is generally more valuable than an academic one. All writers are asked to address the following questions: For letters from current and former employers, we would appreciate an assessment of the applicant's career progress, management potential and leadership skills. For academic references, we would appreciate an assessment of the applicant's potential for graduate work. In addition, the admissions committee looks for comments on the following (where applicable): How long have you known the candidate and in what capacity? Can you provide examples that highlight the candidate's career progress or suitability for our graduate program? Can you provide any point of comparison for the candidate against others in similar circumstances? Please note: The application system will email your recommenders at the email address you provide. Recommenders will receive a request to address the questions outlined above as well as instructions on how to upload their completed letter to the application system. Recommenders may use standard word processing software for letters.

  • Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of how many years of work experience they may have, although it is important to know that the curriculum is designed for students with prior work experience. The admissions committee will take into account all of your work experience, including internships, when evaluating your application so please make sure to be clear in your resume. However, please only count relevant, compensated, technical work experience (completed before or after you have finished your undergraduate studies) when reporting your work experience in the application. The admission committee will only consider relevant, compensated, technical work experience (completed before or after you have finished your undergraduate studies) as part of the three-year experience threshold. Please note that the years of work experience refers to the date an applicant plans to start the MEM degree. For example, a Fall 2023 applicant would list the years of work experience they will have by September 2023.

  • Please submit an electronic copy of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, whether you have received a degree or not. This includes degrees currently in progress and study abroad credit. Please label your files in the following format: LastName-FirstName-InstitutionName Ex: Smith-Sally-UniversityofSydney All pages of the transcript must be scanned and legible. If your transcripts are not in English, you must send a copy in the original language as well as a certified translation. If your GPA is not on a 4.0 scale, please submit a WES GPA conversion or a Scholaro GPA conversion and use the converted 4.0-scale GPA in your application. Please note: Official transcripts in sealed envelopes, or by secure electronic delivery direct from the institution, will be required prior to matriculation only if you are admitted into the program.

  • Please use the following instructions to apply for the Master of Engineering Management program: Request more information about our program Complete all aspects of the online application Submit your GRE/GMAT scores (optional for all applicants) Submit your TOEFL/IELTS scores if you are an international applicant where English is not your primary language of instruction Pay the $50 application fee

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