B.S. in Engineering Management

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Engineering Management at York College of Pennsylvania is a unique interdisciplinary program that skillfully combines a foundational understanding of engineering principles with essential business and management acumen. This degree is specifically designed for students who aspire to lead engineering teams, manage complex technical projects, or oversee operational processes within various industries. It prepares graduates to bridge the gap between technical expertise and strategic business decision-making, making them highly desirable in roles that require both engineering knowledge and leadership capabilities. Students begin with a solid grounding in an engineering discipline (Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical) and then integrate advanced business courses, allowing for a customized and versatile skill set.

STEM-Designated: Yes, the B.S. in Engineering Management program at York College of Pennsylvania is generally considered a STEM-designated field. While specific designation benefits for international students (like the STEM OPT extension) can vary, the curriculum's strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics inherently classifies it within the STEM disciplines. This reflects the rigorous analytical and technical nature of the program.

ACBSP-Accredited: The Graham School of Business at York College of Pennsylvania, under which the B.S. in Engineering Management program is offered, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation is a testament to the program's commitment to high standards in business education, focusing on teaching excellence, measurable student learning outcomes, and a continuous improvement model. ACBSP's student-centered approach ensures that graduates acquire relevant, in-demand skills for their professional careers. It's important to note that while the business component is ACBSP-accredited, the engineering foundation of the program is not individually ABET-accredited for Engineering Management, though York's other specific engineering disciplines (Civil, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical) do hold ABET accreditation.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.S. in Engineering Management is meticulously structured to blend engineering fundamentals with business management principles. Students initially build a strong engineering foundation by choosing one of three sequences: Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering. This ensures hands-on technical experience. Subsequently, they delve into advanced business courses that integrate their engineering knowledge within a management context. Key courses may include Principles of Management, Project Management, Six Sigma Process Management, Lean Systems, and Supply Chain Analytics, alongside core engineering physics and design courses. The program also encourages internships and offers 4+1 graduate degree opportunities, allowing students to pursue both a B.S. in Engineering Management and an M.A. in Strategic Leadership and Management in an accelerated timeframe.

Research Focus: The "research focus" within the Engineering Management program at York College of Pennsylvania is predominantly applied and practical, rather than centered on theoretical academic research. The curriculum emphasizes the development of analytical, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving skills, often through real-world case studies and projects. Students learn to integrate business management principles within an engineering context, which involves "researching" and analyzing operational challenges, process improvements, and strategic decision-making in an applied setting. The senior capstone experience, while not strictly academic research, allows students to tackle complex problems by integrating their accumulated knowledge and proposing viable solutions, akin to applied engineering and business analysis.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a significant strength of the Engineering Management program. Students are actively encouraged and supported in finding internship or paid co-op placements with local and regional partner organizations. This work experience is often for academic credit, allowing students to build a robust resume even before graduation. The program benefits from a faculty committed to helping students network and form relationships with industry professionals. The strong practical orientation of the curriculum, combined with opportunities for real-world projects and direct interaction with the business community, ensures that graduates are well-prepared with the high-demand skills sought by employers.

Global Perspective: The B.S. in Engineering Management at York College implicitly incorporates a global perspective by preparing graduates for leadership roles in a globally interconnected industrial landscape. Modern engineering and business operations often span international borders, requiring an understanding of diverse markets, supply chains, and cultural nuances in management. While specific dedicated "international engineering management" courses may not be explicitly highlighted, the program's emphasis on project management, supply chain, and strategic leadership equips students to navigate complex challenges in a globalized business environment. The holistic curriculum prepares graduates to contribute effectively to multinational corporations or organizations with international reach.