Office of Professional Education
Northwestern Engineering's Office of Professional Education (OPE) supports the McCormick School of Engineering’s master’s-level degree programs typically geared toward the working professional, or those looking to bridge the gap between undergraduate work and starting a career.
Supported Programs
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- Master of Engineering Management (MEM)
- Master of Product Design and Development Management (MPD2)
- Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)
- Master of Science in Biotechnology (MBP)
- Master of Science in Engineering Design Innovation (EDI)
- Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC)
- Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
- Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science (MLDS)
- Master of Science in Project Management (MPM)
- Master of Science in Robotics (MSR)
- The MBAi Program
- The MMM Program
- For Employers
- For Alumni
- For Students
Master of Engineering Management (MEM)
The MEM curriculum combines the principles of an MBA with comprehensive quantitative and analytical tools, empowering STEM professionals to communicate in the language of business. MEM students develop core management and leadership skills while staying on the cutting edge of technology and graduate prepared for top leadership roles in today’s technologically sophisticated companies.
Master of Product Design and Development Management (MPD2)
The highly specific curriculum of the MPD2 program covers managing creativity and design, form and function, project management, customer-focused innovation and research, negotiation and leadership, and financial and organizational issues. Graduates leave prepared for challenging senior leadership roles in product design and development and the management of that process.
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI)
The MSAI program serves the demand for individuals who have exceptional skills to create new AI systems and who also understand the nature of the environments in which the systems they build will be deployed. Graduates are well equipped to identify opportunities and lead teams in the design and development of sophisticated AI technologies and products that function well when embedded in human workflows.
Master of Science in Biotechnology (MBP)
MBP graduates scientists and engineers prepared to excel in various areas of the biotechnology industry. Over 2,000 hours of laboratory research, integrated coursework, training in current industry practices, and the soft skills necessary to excel in business leave graduates able to address and lead advances in healthcare, industrial biotechnology, biofuels, cleantech, and more.
Master of Science in Engineering Design Innovation (EDI)
The EDI program graduates individuals exceptionally skilled at addressing design challenges using a human-centered approach. Through its deeply immersive program in design thinking – an innovative process of user observation, visualization, rapid prototyping, and iteration – graduates lead prepared to lead cross-functional teams and design groundbreaking new products and services.
Master of Science in Executive Management for Design and Construction (EMDC)
EMDC augments current and aspiring executives’ 8 to 10+ years of progressive experience with the enhanced skills, strategies, and insights needed to be successful senior leaders in the design and construction industries. Graduates are able to lead in architecture, engineering, construction, the military, and public or nonprofit agencies.
Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)
Designed for seasoned IT professionals, the MSIT program, through its unique curriculum, graduates IT professionals with a deeper and broader knowledge of traditional and emerging technology coupled with business management skills. Graduates leave prepared for the fast-paced challenges of senior IT leadership roles and poised to bridge the gap between fundamental technologies and business strategies.
Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science (MLDS)
The MLDS program graduates those with skills that drive business success in today’s hypercompetitive, data-driven world. Graduates are well-rounded data scientists who can identify patterns and trends, interpret and gain insight from vast quantities of structured and unstructured data, and communicate their findings in practical, useful terms applicable across various industries.
Master of Science in Project Management (MPM)
The MPM program prepares technically qualified individuals in the construction, operation, and management of major civil environmental engineering projects. Graduates leave ready to lead through the developed combination of the essential concepts of civil and architectural engineering design with the functional concepts of business management and behavioral science.
Master of Science in Robotics (MSR)
The MSR program graduates those who have closed the gap between an undergraduate’s abilities and the needs of industry in computer science; mathematics; and mechanical, electrical, and biomedical engineering. Rigorous curriculum coupled with hands-on, project-based work and independent projects leave graduates prepared to launch a robotics career through work with leading companies, entrepreneurial adventures, or with a solid foundation to pursue a PhD.
The MBAi Program
The fast-paced MBAi program – a collaboration between Northwestern Engineering and Kellogg School of Management – produces those who can harness technical acuity for strategic organizational leadership. Graduates are equipped with skills to pursue careers on the cutting edge of analytics, robotics, machine learning, and more.
The MMM Program
Graduates of the dual-degree MMM program are prepared to innovate in a variety of spaces, where they drive impact by working with designers, engineers, and senior strategists to design and manage end-to-end solutions. With an MS in Design Innovation (focusing in design thinking, innovation, and analytics) from Northwestern Engineering, and product management skills that build on the world-class Kellogg School of Management MBA, graduates are well-positioned to lead within the fast-pace area of innovation and beyond.
For Employers
The Office of Professional Education maintains robust, mutually-beneficial relationships with many organizations and companies in
We look forward to discussing new opportunities to work with your organization. Given the breadth of our programs, we can also work with you to discover the variety of programs with which you might engage.
Common ways that our partners engage with us include:
- Becoming a mentor
- Being a guest speaker
- Hosting an info session at your company
- Posting a job listing
- Hiring our graduates
- Participating in a career fair
- Submitting projects for our students to work on
- Downloading resume books
Email us to learn more and begin a collaboration
For Alumni
Northwestern Engineering benefits from dedicated alumni volunteers to advise, support, and strengthen the community of Wildcat engineers. Members of the McCormick Alumni Ambassador Program are volunteers who help promote Northwestern Engineering’s professional master’s degree programs by working with internal and external stakeholders as well as engaging with and referring prospective students. Joining the program will enable alumni from any of the professional portfolio of programs to engage with Northwestern faculty, staff, and students. Here are some ways to help:
- Provide professional development by sharing internships and full-time positions, hosting information sessions within your company, providing industry expertise, organizing coffee chats with prospects, or arranging company tours.
- Share subject matter expertise with current students through guest lectures or seminars.
- Engage in admissions activities to attract new students (conduct evaluative and informational interviews, join program information sessions as a panelist or guest speaker, evaluate applications, and more).
The benefits of being a McCormick Alumni Ambassador include access to networking events with alumni and opportunities to pay it forward.
To get started with the McCormick Alumni Ambassador Program, complete this interest form and we will reach out to you to share next steps.
For Students
Prospective students who are interested in learning more about our professional education programs can visit the program websites linked above or contact:
Ward Lavino
Assistant Dean, Professional Education Programs
847-467-6167
Email Ward Lavino