Engineering Management (MS)

The Engineering Management MSEM focuses on effective decision-making in engineering and technological organizations. The industrial engineering graduate programs are structured to support the emergence of Central Florida as a national center of high technology as well as supporting the diverse service industries in the region and throughout the nation.

This program can be taken entirely through the Center for Online and Virtual Education (COVE), which provides video‐streamed versions of classes over the Internet. More information about this program can be found here or (407) 823‐3814.

The MSEM program offers both thesis and nonthesis options with each requiring 30 credit hours of courses. At least half of the regular coursework (including thesis hours) must be at the 6000 level. A cumulative grade-point average of B (3.0) must be maintained in the entire program of study.

A program of study must be developed and approved by the graduate program director during the first semester of enrollment.

Thesis Option: The thesis option requires 30 credit hours: 9 credit hours of required courses, 9 credit hours of concentration courses, 6 credit hours of electives, and 6 thesis credit hours. Students must also write and successfully defend a thesis.

Nonthesis Option: The nonthesis option requires 30 credit hours: 9 credit hours of required courses, 9 credit hours of concentration courses, 9 credit hours of electives, and a 3 credit Capstone course (EIN6950).

Research studies are required in one or more courses. The research study and report will focus on reviewing and analyzing contemporary research in the profession in order to help students acquire knowledge and skills pertaining to research-based best practices. In addition, students may engage in directed independent studies, directed research or a research report during their studies.

Students on assistantships must take 9 credit hours per semester (Fall, Spring) to satisfy the university's requirement for full-time status. Most students working full time take 6 credit hours per semester. At that rate, the program can be completed in 6 semesters or less. However, students with more time available and with an early start on a thesis, if applicable, can finish the program in 3 semesters.

Total Credit Hours Required: 30 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

Please note: Engineering Management (MS) may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.

International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit UCF Global. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at (407) 823-2337.

UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.

Program Prerequisites

The Engineering Management MSEM degree requires an undergraduate degree in Engineering. Students with undergraduate degrees outside of industrial engineering may be required to take additional prerequisites:

• Mathematics through Calculus II (MAP 2312)

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

• Complete the following:
  • EIN5140 - Project Engineering (3)
  • ESI6551 - Systems Engineering (3)
  • EIN6357 - Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis (3)

Concentration Courses

• Complete the following:
  • EIN5108 - The Environment of Technical Organizations (3)
  • EIN6370 - Innovation in Engineering Design (3)
  • EIN6182 - Engineering Management (3)

Thesis/Nonthesis Option

• Complete 1 of the following
  Thesis Option
  • Earn at least 12 credits from the following types of courses: EIN 6971 - Thesis - 6 Credit Hours Additional Elective Coursework - 6 Credit Hours Thesis students must complete an independent research project and then write and successfully defend their thesis. Furthermore, an additional 6 credit hours of electives are required beyond the 18 credit hours of required courses described above.
  Nonthesis Option
  • Complete all of the following
    • Earn at least 9 credits from the following types of courses: Additional Elective Coursework - 9 Credit Hours
    • Complete the following:
      • EIN6950 - Industrial and Systems Engineering Capstone (3)
    • The nonthesis option requires a capstone course. The capstone course should be completed toward the end of the student's graduate plan of study. As part of the requirements of this course, the student will complete an independent capstone project on a topic relevant to the industrial and systems engineering field and approved by the instructor. Students are expected to use and leverage knowledge obtained in the program to complete the project. This course serves as the culminating experience for students and shows their engagement in independent learning.

Grand Total Credits: 30

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Equipment Fee

Students in the Engineering Management MSEM program pay a $90 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. For part-time students, the equipment fee is $45 per semester.

Independent Learning

A research project serves as the independent learning experience for thesis students. Nonthesis students are required to complete the department's capstone course toward the end of their program.