Programs at WIT

Engineering Leadership, Designed for Every Background

WIT's tuition-free program transforms students from any discipline into engineering leaders through interdisciplinary learning and real-world projects.

Master’s Program

Master’s in Engineering Management

Master’s Degree · Full-time · 2 years

A tuition-free interdisciplinary graduate program designed
to develop engineering leaders, open to students from both
STEM and non-STEM backgrounds.

Students collaborating on an engineering project in the Master’s in Engineering Management program

Program Facts

Degree

Master’s in Engineering Management

Duration

2 Years

Location

Palo Alto, California

Tuition

Tuition-free for admitted students

Housing

Provided for first 10 students

Program Overview

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance the education of talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

We aim to generate, share, and apply knowledge to address critical challenges facing communities in the U.S. and across the globe.

We are committed to providing an education that combines rigorous academic study with the excitement of discovery and real-world impact.

Engineering for Everyone!

With a bachelor’s degree in STEM - or in any field - you can join or transition into the technology ecosystem.

This program is for you!

In September 2024, we launched a 2-year Master’s in Engineering Management program.

A WIT Education

Our uniqueness lies not only in our approach, but in our philosophy of strong, personal support for students from underserved backgrounds.

We set high expectations - and provide the tools, guidance, and community needed to help you exceed them.

As a WIT graduate, you will be trained to think around, under, over, and above challenges - and equipped with the necessary tools to integrate technology and the humanities to build a better, more caring world where we all can thrive.

Program Description

The Master’s in Engineering Management program combines core leadership and project management principles with engineering education and real-world project experience.

It equips students for a variety of management positions and prepares them to become global leaders.

The program covers concepts in management, as well as knowledge across major engineering disciplines that enable students to launch their professional careers and advance their current aspirations.

Graduates walk away with an understanding and ability to handle complex situations in today’s global marketplace.

Two-Year Program

Our Integrated Master’s in Engineering Management program offers a different approach to technical education.

It is multi-disciplinary and project-based, designed to meet the evolving demands placed on today’s engineers.

The program integrates communications and analytical analysis with traditional engineering studies and the liberal arts.

Our program represents a major forward thrust in engineering education.

Through a student-centered curriculum, students engage in problem-solving rooted in real-world challenges.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is built around integration, not isolation.

Students do not study engineering, management, and communication as separate tracks.
Instead, they experience them as interconnected disciplines through collaborative projects, real-world case studies, and applied research.

Each semester builds technical depth while strengthening leadership, analytical thinking, and professional communication — preparing graduates to lead in complex, global environments.

Core Engineering & Management Foundations

Over the course of the program, students study engineering across major disciplines while developing core leadership and project management capabilities.

Core disciplines include:

  • Aeronautics
  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Systems Integration

Students also build foundations in:

  • Project Management
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Strategic Decision-Making
Multidisciplinary & Project-Based Learning

The program is multi-disciplinary and project-based, designed to address the evolving demands placed on today’s engineers.

Students engage in:

  • Team-based projects
  • Real-world problem solving
  • Capstone design experiences
  • Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Distinctive Learning Experience

A distinctive feature of the program is the opportunity to pursue a Private Pilot’s License, reinforcing technical precision, spatial reasoning, and leadership under pressure.

This experience strengthens analytical thinking and applied decision-making in complex environments.

Academic Structure & Graduation Requirements

To graduate, students must complete:

  • Complete 61–67 quarter units of coursework
  • Complete individual projects, including a capstone or applied project
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0

The program maintains rigorous academic standards within structured, collaborative learning environments.

Program Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the program, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

01

Lead Strategic Engineering Initiatives

Integrate technical expertise and management principles to guide multidisciplinary teams in complex global environments.

02

Solve Complex Systems Challenges

Apply analytical rigor and systems thinking to design and implement effective, data-driven solutions.

03

Integrate Engineering with Business & Humanities

Develop innovative, human-centered solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration.

04

Practice Ethical & Responsible Leadership

Implement technical and managerial decisions with integrity, environmental awareness, and social responsibility.

05

Deliver Measurable Organizational Impact

Utilize advanced project management methodologies, including Agile and SCRUM, to lead cross-functional execution.

06

Demonstrate Professional & Global Readiness

Exhibit the adaptability, technical confidence, and leadership capability required to thrive in engineering-driven industries.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the MEM program are prepared for roles such as Engineering Project Management Specialists and other leadership positions in technology-driven organizations.

Engineering Project Management

Systems Engineering Leadership

Technology Strategy & Operations

Product & Innovation Management

Aerospace & Aviation Management

Engineering Consulting & Advisory

Admissions

Are You a Good Fit?

Students from diverse academic backgrounds thrive at WIT.

Non-STEM Graduate

Liberal arts, humanities, social sciences

As a liberal arts graduate, I am seeking the environment and resources needed to transition successfully into engineering.

I want to integrate my non-STEM knowledge and interests with engineering.

Graduate with some STEM

Took some STEM courses out of interest / transferred out of STEM

I have taken engineering courses out of interest.
(You may already meet some requirements and avoid retaking them.)

I want to combine my passion for engineering with my liberal arts education.

STEM Graduate

I am seeking deeper engineering expertise and mastery.

I want to strengthen my technical foundation and applied skills.

I am looking for project experience in the areas offered by WIT.

How long will it take me?

Non-STEM Graduate

24 months

Graduate with some STEM

18-24 months

STEM Graduate

12-18 months

Do you find yourself saying "yes" to the following?
  • Do you enjoy figuring out why things work — and imagining how they could work better?

  • Are you considering a transition into engineering at the graduate level?

  • Do you like finding new ways of doing things and pushing boundaries?

  • Do you want to combine knowledge from non-STEM fields with engineering practice?

  • Are you open to exploring new directions, even if your path isn't fully defined yet?

  • Did you take engineering courses simply out of curiosity — and want to go further?

  • Do you enjoy building and creating things that have real-world impact?

  • Do you want to grow in a fast-evolving field that will shape the future?

  • Are you excited about working as part of a close-knit cohort on meaningful engineering projects?

Admission Requirements

Clear and transparent criteria for admission to the Master’s in Engineering Management program.

01

Eligibility

Applicants must hold a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, in any discipline.
Students from STEM and non-STEM backgrounds are welcome to apply.

02

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit the following documents in English:

  • Personal statement
  • Resume
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Official transcripts

03

Selection Process

Each application is reviewed holistically.
The admissions process may include:

  • Evaluation of academic record and personal statement
  • A 20–30 minute interview (by invitation only)

04

What We Look For

We seek applicants who demonstrate:

  • A strong academic foundation
  • A clear interest in engineering, project management, or STEM-related fields
  • Intellectual curiosity and motivation to grow
  • Commitment to personal development and community impact

Student Support

Student Support & Campus Life

Beyond admissions, WIT is committed to providing a supportive and focused learning environment.

Students benefit from housing assistance, transportation access, and academic mentorship designed to help them thrive throughout the program.

Students also benefit from access to specialized facilities, including WIT headquarters in Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Airport for aviation and space studies.

The program is tuition-free, and housing is provided for the first 10 students who enroll.

  • Housing support for enrolled students
  • Access to local transportation services
  • Academic advising and mentoring
  • A collaborative and community-oriented campus environment

Informational Zoom Session

Still deciding whether WIT is the right fit for you?
We invite you to join an informational Zoom session and speak directly with our team.

During this conversation, we’ll walk you through the Master’s in Engineering Management program, answer your questions about admissions and expectations, and help you determine whether WIT aligns with your academic and professional goals.

To schedule a Zoom session, please email us at

Academic Calendar

The Master’s in Engineering Management program follows a structured two-year academic schedule designed to ensure focused instruction, balanced breaks, and clear progression across terms.
Below are key academic milestones for the 2026–2028 academic cycle.

  • Fall 2026 Term Begins — September 21, 2026


  • Winter 2027 Term Begins — January 4, 2027

  • Spring 2027 Term Begins — March 29, 2027

  • Summer 2027 Term Begins — June 21, 2027

  • Year 2 Fall Term Begins — September 20, 2027

  • Final Commencement — August 12, 2028

Download the complete academic calendar for detailed term dates, holidays, examination periods, and commencement information.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior engineering coursework to apply?
How long does the program take to complete?
Why does the program include two summer terms?
What is the size of the cohort?

How can I learn more before applying?

Academic Documents (2026–2028)

Access key academic documents for the 2026–2028 program cycle, including the academic catalog, student handbook, faculty handbook, and institutional policies.

Apply

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are ready to challenge yourself, grow as a leader, and build engineering solutions that matter, we invite you to apply to the Master’s in Engineering Management program.

We review each application individually and with care.

Application deadline: May 31, 2026

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.