Engineering management program now globally certified

Contact: Kara Kuchinic
Logo for the American Society for Engineering Management showing ASEM in capital letters encircled by the society's full name.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's master's degree in engineering management is now one of just six programs in the world to be certified by the American Society for Engineering Management.

The global certification is designed to recognize master's programs that meet the rigorous standards of the society, and represent "outstanding achievement in quality and content," according to ASEM.

"We are so pleased to have our program recognized with this prestigious certification," says Dr. Steven E. Butt, chair of WMU's Department of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management. "Our faculty is outstanding and has created a solid program that meets the needs of employers, challenges our students and makes them ideal candidates for leadership positions in industry."

Dr. David Lyth and Dr. Larry Mallak, both professors in the department, lead the program and were recently notified that it passed its initial certification. ASEM evaluators visited campus in October to assess the program quality and meet with students, faculty, alumni and staff involved in the program. The evaluators reported being impressed with what they observed and noted the rigor of the program.

Increased demand

Engineering management is a multidisciplinary field that 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.

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, JR Automation and many others.

International credential

Students who graduate from the newly certified program will earn the Certified Associate in Engineering Management—CAEM—credential, which is recognized internationally.

Many graduates of the engineering management master's program already benefit from a number of additional credentials, including opportunities resulting from WMU's status as a Registered Educational Provider with the Project Management Institute.

For additional information, contact the program advisor, Dr. David Lyth, at david.lyth@wmich.edu or (269) 276-3368.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.