Engineers will soon be able to advance their careers through a joint degree focusing on specialized engineering training alongside business skills at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Beginning in 2019, UAB will offer a Master of Science degree in engineering management, a joint master’s degree program offered by the UAB School of Engineering and the Collat School of Business.
“This degree program is our response to an immediate need in the industry,” said Iwan Alexander, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering. “The undergraduate engineering curriculum is rigorous in its attention to the technical aspects of engineering. This program will advance that knowledge while also helping engineers adapt to the myriad demands of a modern business environment.”
The technical engineering coursework will emphasize a systems-oriented, multidisciplinary approach to solving complex problems. Simultaneously, students will engage in managerial and professional coursework to develop essential business acumen, an ability to think strategically and a commitment to professional work habits.
“The joint program will train engineers in the skills they need to move into positions of leadership within a variety of career fields,” said Eric P. Jack, Ph.D., dean of the Collat School of Business. “Our professors will focus on developing skills in critical thinking in uncertain business environments, data analytics, teamwork, leadership and communications.”
To be eligible for the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Once enrolled, students will choose between multiple tracks for specialization. A core curriculum will include three engineering courses and three business courses currently offered in Collat’s Master of Business Administration program. To learn more about the program, visit www.uab.edu/msem or send inquiries to msem@uab.edu.