History of the Online Master of Engineering Management Program at Rowan University

Abstract

This paper describes in detail the planning, development, and growth of a new online engineering management program. Planning began for the new Master of Engineering Management (MEM) Program at Rowan University in January 2007 with a comprehensive online review of 41 engineering management programs nationwide. The goal of this review was to determine the most-common practices regarding engineering management programs and courses nationwide and the key courses required for an effective engineering management program. In Spring 2007, proposals for the new MEM program were submitted to the University Senate at Rowan University for university review and approval and to the Academic Issues Committee of the New Jersey President’s Council for state review and approval. The MEM program was approved by the university and the state in Fall 2007 and the first courses in the MEM program were taught as hybrid courses beginning in Fall 2007. Conversion to 100% online courses was completed by Fall 2008. All courses are now offered fully online in an accelerated 8-week format. The program offers two courses per semester with a total of six courses per year. Graduation requirements call for students to complete 10 three-credit courses. Courses are currently scheduled such that students can complete their degree requirements in five consecutive semesters. Courses are structured such that students can begin the 10-course sequence at any point. To date, the program has admitted 142 students with the first graduate in Summer 2009. A total of 79 students have graduated from the MEM program.