The Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program is a technology-oriented management degree designed to meet the needs of engineers, business managers, and other professional and technical personnel desiring to strengthen their management and leadership skills. Graduates of the program possess broad business management knowledge and skills and are prepared to move into leadership positions in a wide range of industries.

The MSEM program is based on the philosophy that, for companies to grow and compete domestically and internationally, their managers and leaders need a deep understanding of technology, management and effective leadership principles. Faculty members have extensive business experience and are committed to mentoring students to increase students’ value to current and prospective employers. Areas of particular emphasis include organizational leadership, project management, operations management, financial management, technical sales and marketing, entrepreneurship, quality and continuous improvement, policy and strategy, supply chain management, and international business. In addition to offering the MSEM program in Milwaukee, the degree program is offered in the Fox Cities region of Wisconin.

The faculty-to-student ratio is small to allow extensive interaction among faculty and students. Courses meet for three hours, one evening each week, for 11 weeks during each of the three quarters of the regular academic year. A limited number of summer courses are offered to accommodate student demand.

The blended Internet option creates a pathway for students to complete the MSEM in less than two years. If a student chooses, the MSEM can be completed entirely by the “blended” format. Blended Internet delivery combines the rich faculty/student interaction that is the hallmark of an MSOE education with the flexibility of online learning. The amount of time students spend in class is reduced, while time spent on project-focused learning is enhanced. MSOE’s blended classes meet face-to-face during alternating weeks. Meetings occur during the evening on “even” or “odd” numbered weeks each academic term. An example of a typical blended schedule is below. Students can choose any single course or combination of courses. Students also can select classes that meet in traditional format, one evening per week for 11 weeks.

Fall Quarter blended Internet schedule example

MG-600: Mondays, 6 - 8:50 p.m.; class meets face-to-face weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11*
MG-620: Mondays, 6 - 8:50 p.m.; class meets face-to-face weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11*

^{*Week 11 meeting times are adjusted. MG 600  is 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; MG 620  is 8 - 10 p.m. With MSOE’s commitment to serving working professionals, students are provided the opportunity to join face-to-face class meetings via remote connections when work commitments require travel.}

Courses include lectures, discussions, relevant case studies, student presentations, and other learning activities. Occasional guest speakers share their experiences. Class participation by all students in the discussions is essential. Course work also requires familiarization with current business literature and practices, demonstration of business writing skills, and completing assignments designed to demonstrate competence and develop confidence in the respective areas.

Students should expect at least two to three hours of additional individual or group study for every hour of class time. Formal written exams are used in some courses. Many courses require projects to be completed by individuals or small teams of students, centered often on practical applications in the student’s organization. Students enrolled continuously in the program normally take between two and five years to complete the degree, depending on whether they take more than one course at a time and whether they take summer courses. Students are allowed up to seven years, but are advised against doing so in their own interest.

Program Director:

David Schmitz
(414) 277-2487, schmitz@msoe.edu

Faculty:

G. Woodrow Adkins (Uihlein/Spitzer Chair of Entrepreneurship), Dr. Steven Bialek, Dr. Jeffrey Blessing, Dr. Kathy Faggiani, Terry Hoffmann, Dr. Paul A. Hudec, Stanley Kosmatka, Patricia Kramer, Cynthia Mand, Carol Mannino, Dr, Kathleen Miezio, Dr. Kimbel Nap, Dr. Carolyn “Kelly” Ottman, Dr. Michael Payne, David Schmitz, Gary Shimek, Irene Strohbeen, Dr. Bruce R. Thompson, Dr. Dennis Wanless

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the MSEM program will possess:

1. pragmatic skills and knowledge across functional business areas including marketing, organizational behavior, human resource management, strategic management, accounting/finance, operations and information technology.
2. the ability to recognize and use modern management techniques, skills and tools.
3. the ability to lead and contribute in cross-functional teams in global and multicultural environments.
4. a thorough understanding of professional, ethical, and social responsibility.
5. the ability to use an array of tools to communicate effectively in relevant venues.
6. the recognition of the need for and the desire to engage in lifelong learning.

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the MSEM program will:

1. hold positions of leadership in a rapidly-changing, technologically-driven business climate.
2. develop and execute strategic as well as tactical plans.
3. be starting entrepreneurial companies, managing programs, driving focused change, and creating value.
4. drive collaborative communication and relationship building across organizational, cultural and social lines.
5. stimulate innovation for sustained success.

Curriculum

MG 600  though MG 670  and MG 800  are required. Students are expected to complete the foundation courses, MG 600  though MG 670 , prior to movement into more advanced courses. These courses are listed on the following pages. The research and writing requirement is satisfied by taking three one-credit modules: MG 631 , MG 632  and MG 633 . Because the required courses are taught at the graduate level, students who have taken somewhat similar undergraduate courses normally will not be exempt from the required courses.

Students pick sufficient electives for a total of 45 credits. Students may take one of these electives from another MSOE graduate program without prior approval. Students planning to take additional courses in another program should get advanced approval from the program director. This should include a one-page statement of how the proposed electives support a student’s MSEM project goals.