Executive Masters in Technology Management (EMTM)

The University of Pennsylvania’s EMTM program is based in Penn Engineering and co-sponsored by Wharton. In addition to core and elective courses that build a solid foundation in business and technology management, students have access to electives in multiple technology areas (e.g., Biopharmaceuticals, IT, Telecommunications, Nanotechnology and Materials Science). An alternate weekend residential program, students continue to work full-time and attend classes on Fridays and Saturdays, with housing and meals provided during program weekends. Graduates earn an MSE in the Management of Technology, and an Executive Master’s in Technology Management certificate from Penn Engineering and the Wharton School.

Recommended for: Engineers, technology professionals and entrepreneurs with at least 5 years’ work experience who want to build business and management expertise while staying current with emerging technologies. Also for managers and senior executives with less technical backgrounds who want to build their understanding of key technologies in the context of managing technology and innovation. (In Penn’s program, the median age is 34 (range 26-50+); work experience range is 5-25 years; and approximately 50% already hold graduate degrees, including MS, MSE, MBA and PhD.)
 

What may most differentiate EMTM from traditional MBA programs is the central focus on the integration of technology and management and the number and variety of technology electives. The technology electives are custom-developed by the faculty to give managers a sense of the opportunities and the limitations of the targeted technology, while also addressing the relevant business issues. For example, in our Microelectronics course, there are two sessions on the fundamentals, two sessions on the applications and two sessions on how money is made in the sector. In our course in Medical Biotechnology, the faculty member, an MD, talks about the business/technology side of medicine and uses a number of case studies in his course, bringing in a guest expert for each of the six weekends. Another faculty member Gregg Vesonder, a director at AT&T Research Labs, has students grapple with business issues and customer problems in his classes, including our technology elective on IT Security and Privacy.

Other degree options:

• Single discipline Master of Science (MS) or Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) – Based in an engineering school, this type of MS or MSE program does not usually include business or management courses, although some programs may include elective course offerings on management topics.

  Recommended for: Professionals who want to further develop their expertise or build expertise in another technical field, with little or no emphasis on technology management.

• Master of Engineering Management (MEM), Management of Technology (MOT), Master of Technology Management (MTM) – Typically based in an engineering school with additional courses offered in business and management, MEM, MOT and MTM programs may also be offered through a business school or a university’s general graduate studies entity. Some are full-time on-campus programs; others are offered on part-time or continuing education basis. Other variations, such as the Master of Information System Management (MISM), may concentrate on management in a specific technology field.

  Recommended for: Often intended for young engineers and IT professionals who have recently received their undergraduate degrees, or are early in their careers. Prior work experience may not be a significant factor for admissions.

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Based in a business school, the MBA degree is recognized as a degree that provides a foundation in general business and management principles with a focus on functional areas such as accounting, finance, marketing and management. Some degree programs offer concentrations or electives in information sciences or technology management.

  Executive MBA (EMBA) – Designed for more experienced managers who continue to work while earning their degree. Programs vary widely in curriculum design, rigor, schedule and format.

  Specialized Technology MBA – Combines an MBA with a technology focus, often with an emphasis on computer sciences and information technology.

  Recommended for:  Candidates who do not place as much importance on staying current with emerging technology issues as they develop their management expertise and potential. Traditional MBA programs may be the right fit for ‘career switchers’ interested in moving into positions or industries where the MBA may be considered a crucial credential, for example, investment banking, strategy consulting or marketing.

• Dual-degree MSE/MBA – Offered at some universities (including the University of Pennsylvania). Students generally complete the credits for a full MSE degree and a full MBA degree, with a small number of elective courses counted toward both degrees. Dual-degree options may require attending classes on a full-time basis.

  Recommended for: Students interested in pursuing in-depth technical expertise in a specialized field of engineering or applied science while earning a traditional MBA.