Online Master's Program Joins Elite Group of Certified Graduate Programs

The Master of Science in Engineering Management graduate program has been awarded the status of Certified Graduate Program by the American Society of Engineering Management, known as ASEM.

This recognition confirms that the curriculum provides a cutting-edge education covering what engineering managers should know and positions the program in an elite group of only 10 other programs in the country.

ASEM's rigorous standards for graduate program certification are aligned with the Engineering Management Body of Knowledge. Greg Parnell, director of the Master of Operations Management and the Master of Engineering Management programs in the Department of Industrial Engineering, said this distinction represents high program standards and achievements.

"The certification is recognition of the outstanding courses developed and taught by our faculty and the great work of our advisers and staff supporting our students," Parnell said.

Chase Rainwater, department head for industrial engineering, said students can be proud of the education they receive at the U of A.

"This certification is the latest milestone in the journey to offer a world-class program in engineering management at the University of Arkansas. Dr. Parnell and his team of faculty and staff should be applauded for guiding us smoothly through the certification process. They've added even more value to our engineering management students' degrees," Rainwater said.

In addition to the high quality curriculum they will study, graduates will now have a direct path to professional certification, trademarked as a Certified Associate in Engineering Management or a Certified Professional in Engineering Management. 

Depending on professional experience, ASEM certified program graduates are eligible for immediate recognition under these certifications.

The M.S.E.M. program began in 2017 and prepares engineers to lead and manage teams, projects and organizations with technical workforces to meet strategic objectives. The program offers flexibility through its eight-week sessions of online courses and supports six graduate certificates and six microcertificates students can earn along the way. The program is the fourth largest graduate program at the U of A and currently has 126 students and 103 graduates.