Program Director

Gene Wright 
Office: R301 A
Phone: (414) 277-2268
Email: wright@msoe.edu

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.

The faculty-to-student ratio is small to allow extensive interaction among faculty and students. Most courses are delivered in two formats: blended and 100 percent online. The blended format consists of six, three-hour face-to-face meetings every other week. The remaining five weeks of the quarter are delivered online. The blended course format and schedule allow students to take two classes per quarter, which physically attending class one night a week. Students who take two courses per quarter can finish their degree in two years.

The blended option creates a pathway for students to complete the MSEM in two years. Blended 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.

Students should expect at least two to three hours of additional individual or group study for every hour of class time. Class time in a blended format is either the three hours of face-to-face meeting time or the equivalent of three hours in an online format. Student assessment activities can include presentations, papers, projects or written exams. Many courses require projects to be completed by individuals or small teams of students, often centered on practical applications in the student’s organization.

Students enrolled in the program normally take between two and five years to complete the degree. The actual completion time is dependent on the number of courses taken each quarter.

Faculty

Dr. (Hon.) G. Woodrow Adkins, Dr. Ruth Barratt, Dr. Jeffrey Blessing, Dr. Rachel Boechler, Melinda Davies, Dr. Kenneth Dobbs, Dr. Kathy Faggiani, Terry Hoffmann, Dr. Paul A. Hudec, Carol Mannino, Katie McCarthy, Dr. Jenne Meyer, Dr. Kathleen Miezio, Dr. Katrina Moskalik, Dr. Patricia Neudecker, Paul Nistler, Dr. C. Kelly Lawrence Ottman, Dr. Michael Payne, Dr. Jeffrey Santaga, David Schmitz, Gary Shimek, Beth Slayman, David Tietyen, Gary Vroman, Gene Wright

100 Percent Online Delivery Option

Geography is not a constraint for students interested in completing the MSEM at a distance. In addition to the blended Internet format mentioned above, there also is an option to take courses 100 percent online. The rich faculty, student interaction that is the hallmark of the MSEM is replicated in online classes, creating dynamic and flexible learning environments. Students can choose which format best fits their lives, while advancing their learning and professional skills.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the MSEM program will possess:

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

Program Educational Objectives

Graduates of the MSEM program will:

• Hold positions of leadership in a rapidly-changing, technologically-driven business climate.
• Develop and execute strategic as well as tactical plans.
• Be starting entrepreneurial companies, managing programs, driving focused change, and creating value.
• Drive collaborative communication and relationship building across organizational, cultural and social lines.
• 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. 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.