Master in Engineering Management Program Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE requirement has been waived in consideration of the current global situation.
Is this a STEM program?
Yes, it is a STEM program. MSEM international students are eligible for OPT.
What are the possible timelines for completing the MSEM program?
Students off-campus tend to take 1-2 courses per semester to complete the program in 2-4 years. On-campus students can also follow different paths and gain practical experience during their UMass journey, typically completing the program in 1-2 years as shown in the picture below. By default the program allows you to graduate in up to four years. If work or life responsibilities get on the way at some point, you can take the semester off by enrolling in Continuous Enrollment and not taking any courses.
What is the duration of the program?
The duration of the program varies depending on how many courses you take each semester and how you take advantage of winter and summer session offerings.
For example:
- One-year completion: Students can start the program early by taking 2 courses in the summer, and then take 3 courses in the fall, 1 in the winter and 4 in the spring, to graduate in May.
- Two-year completion: This is the path many international students follow, taking 3 courses in fall and spring of the first year, doing a meaningful internship in the summer, and then 3 courses in fall and 1 course in spring of the second year to complete the program.
- Off-campus students: While working full time, professionals tend to take one to two courses a semester and take some winter and summer offerings as well. This allows them to graduate within 2-3 years.
These are examples and many variants are possible. Note that by default, the graduate school sets the duration of a MS program as 4 years. This is just a maximum duration for the program (although it can be extended to 6 years if special circumstances arise).
What is the difference between the MSEM on-campus and off-campus (online) programs?
The diploma and credentials are identical. The courses are taught by the same faculty members and follow the same curriculum. Students can take a mix of on-campus and online courses seamlessly to best accommodate their schedules and preferences.
How many courses do I need to take on campus vs online?
The program can be completed fully online. However, if you are an on-campus student, the College of Engineering requires taking the courses on campus in the fall and spring semesters (unless they are not available on campus) and international students are required by immigration to be full time on campus in fall and spring semesters, which requires taking at least 9credits and at least 6 of those need to be on campus.
I am interested in a 100% online program; will I ever be required to come on campus?
No, you are not required to campus. The program can be completed fully online, fully on-campus, or in a blended fashion. Your choice. Some of the more technical elective courses are only offered on-campus, since they are geared to PhD students, but the main ones are offered both online and on-campus. A variety of management electives are always offered online.
Can I defer admission?
We are allowing students to defer admission for up to a year given the current situation. Upon admission into the program, do I need to accept within two weeks?
Is this a hard deadline?
Yes, please accept right away if intending to come. Your application will be otherwise withdrawn, and you would need to reapply. Note that there is no cost associated with your acceptance and it is not binding for you. Please keep us updated and withdraw if your plans change.
How many courses can I transfer from a different institution?
You can transfer up to 6 credits (which is typically 2 courses).
What employment opportunities are available on-campus?
Is it possible to establish corporate partnerships?
Employees of corporations that participate in the UMass College of Engineering Corporate Partnership Program are eligible for a 15% discount off all online engineering classes that form part of this program. Please contact muriel [at] umass [dot] edu if interested in establishing a partnership that can provide your organization with employee educational benefits, a recruitment pipeline, and research/project collaboration opportunities.
I am a new student. When do I start registering for courses?
If you are joining in the Fall, the Graduate School will contact you in early June to let you know it is time to register for courses and provide instructions.
How do I enroll in UWW (online) courses?
You can enroll in UWW (online) courses through SPIRE by first requesting an enrollment appointment: Enrollment > Summer/Wtr/Non-deg Enroll Appt.
Can I start taking courses in the summer or winter before my official program start?
Yes! If you are joining in the Fall, for example, you are not yet an active student in summer but can enroll for summer courses as a non-degree student or contact the program administrator, Kevin Romani (kromani [at] umass [dot] edu) to move your program start date to the summer term. (Note: Graduate Entering Fee of $507 is due at program start)
Is the Master's in Engineering Management a thesis or non-thesis degree?
It is a 10-course, non-thesis program. If you are interested in working on a particular topic in depth, up to two courses can be independent studies where you work closely with a faculty member.
Because of my current workload, I will be taking only 1 course per semester until I graduate. Am I allowed to do that?
Yes, you have up to 4 years to complete the MS, and extensions are possible as well.
Can I take a semester off while completing the program?
Yes, this just requires signing up for continuous enrollment continuation (that is, enrolling for GRADSCH 999).