Engineering a future in leadership

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online student with laptop
Engineers are known for “hard” skills, such as computer modeling, higher mathematics and complex project management. To evolve into a leadership role, engineers must also develop “soft” skills such as communication, adaptability and teamwork. Due to the nature of the industry, it is difficult for engineers to acquire these attributes while on the job.  

“Engineers should consider Ohio State’s online Master of Global Engineering Leadership (MGEL) program because it focuses both on leadership development and advanced, graduate engineering courses,” said Program Coordinator Emery Dravec.   

This unique curriculum is made possible through a partnership with two colleges: Fisher College of Business and John Glenn College of Public Affairs.  

“Among other online professional Master of Engineering Management degrees, this is a very unique program,” said Director of Professional Programs Bob Mick. “It includes six leadership and management courses, but also the choice of a technical track specialization that consists of four graduate engineering courses.” 

Students participate in an integrative capstone project providing them with the opportunity to apply their new technical and leadership skills to a real-world project within their organization. 

“Engineers want leadership roles within their organizations. With the blend of business and engineering courses, our graduates are prepared not only to be leaders in their field but also have the skills to manage technical teams,” Dravec said. “The integrative project will allow students to showcase the technical and professional skills they have gained in the program on a real-world situation.”  

This online degree program can be completed at a student's desired pace in as little as 12 months. Most students elect to take two courses per semester to complete the degree in about two years. Students also select one technical track to complement their leadership curriculum. Technical tracks include:  

  • Automotive Systems Engineering  
  • Civil and Environmental Engineering 
  • Welding Engineering  
  • Enterprise Services and Architecture  
  • Additive Manufacturing (pending approval) 
  • Radar Systems 
  • Customized track  

“Our students don’t just want to climb the corporate ladder, they want to engineer a new future,” Dravec added. “The 100 percent distance education format of the program allows working professionals to pursue graduate work on their own schedule from anywhere in the world.” 

To learn more about the Master of Global Engineering Leadership, visit the program page at Ohio State Online.

contributed by Ohio State's Office of Distance Education and eLearning

Category: College