Dr. Azim Houshyar
KALAMAZOO, Mich.−The Western Michigan University master’s degree in engineering management has again met rigorous standards and been recertified by the American Society for Engineering Management. The program is one of just eight U.S. universities earning the certification globally.
“Recertification of our engineering management program is a confirmation of a well-respected graduate program that is highly competitive, has received national recognition and is led by committed, expert faculty,” says Dr. Azim Houshyar, chair of the Department of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management.
As part of the re-certification, ASEM assessed the program quality and met with students, faculty, alumni and staff involved in the program. The evaluators were impressed with what they observed and noted the rigor of the program, which is led by Dr. Larry Mallak, professor of industrial and entrepreneurial engineering and engineering management and director of the engineering management program.
“This certification attests to the quality of our students and the technical leadership opportunities they receive upon graduation,” says Mallak. “We are proud to be part of this elite group of engineering management master’s programs.”
About the engineering management program
The multidisciplinary engineering management field bridges the gap between engineering and business, integrating the management of people, money and projects. This focus appeals to students with engineering and technical backgrounds who seek to advance their technical knowledge while adding management skills. The demand for leadership in modern manufacturing and service-based industries has dramatically increased the need for people with both skill sets.
Dr. Larry Mallak
Senior, full-time engineering faculty teach courses in the program, with core courses in engineering management, quality, capital budgeting and project management. Graduates of WMU’s program lead engineering efforts in companies such as Google, Apple, General Motors, Stryker, Denso, GE Aerospace, JR Automation and many others.
Students who graduate from the program earn the Certified Associate in Engineering Management (CAEM) credential. Students with industrial experience earn the Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM) credential. These credentials are recognized internationally as a mark of quality for professionals. Graduates of the engineering management master’s program earn credit toward project management certifications as a Project Management Professional and a Certified Associate in Project Management. Many also graduate with their Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
The 30-credit graduate program is offered in Kalamazoo, as well as in Grand Rapids.
The program received initial certification in 2018. According to ASEM, “certification represents outstanding achievement in quality and content by those programs who achieve this distinction, and it places them among the elite in the country in offering their graduate programs.”
For additional information, contact Dr. Larry Mallak, at larry.mallak@wmich.edu or (269) 276-3369.
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