Paulus, D. (2025, June), Bridging the Gap: Accelerating Engineering Management Education Through Innovative Graduate Pathways  Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/56016

\bibitem{asee_peer_56016}
  Paulus, D. (2025, June), \emph{Bridging the Gap: Accelerating Engineering Management Education Through Innovative Graduate Pathways}
  Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada .
  https://peer.asee.org/56016

David Paulus.  "Bridging the Gap: Accelerating Engineering Management Education Through Innovative Graduate Pathways".  2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada , 2025, June.  ASEE Conferences, 2025.  https://peer.asee.org/56016 Internet.  19 Aug, 2025

\bibitem{asee_peer_56016}
  David Paulus.
  "Bridging the Gap: Accelerating Engineering Management Education Through Innovative Graduate Pathways".
  \emph{2025 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada , 2025, June}.
  ASEE Conferences, 2025.
  https://peer.asee.org/56016 Internet.  19 Aug, 2025

@INPROCEEDINGS{asee_peer_56016
author = "David Paulus"
title = "Bridging the Gap: Accelerating Engineering Management Education Through Innovative Graduate Pathways"
booktitle = "2025 ASEE Annual Conference \& Exposition "
year = "2025"
month = "June"
address = "Montreal, Quebec, Canada "
publisher = "ASEE Conferences"
note = {https://peer.asee.org/56016}
}

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - The University of Arkansas (UARK) has introduced an innovative accelerated Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) program, designed for undergraduate students in ABET-accredited engineering programs. This program allows eligible students to transfer up to twelve graduate credit hours into their undergraduate studies, facilitating a seamless transition to graduate education. A comprehensive survey was conducted among 68 junior-level industrial engineering students to evaluate their preferences regarding the MSEM program, focusing on aspects such as program scope, cost, and time commitment. Results showed that 35% of students expressed interest in pursuing graduate studies, and students’ primary concerns were related to flexibility in course delivery, which includes asynchronous online coursework.  Most of the students expressed an interest in being able to complete the degree in one year or less and surprisingly expressed limited interest in graduate certificates or applying undergraduate credits to the master’s degree. Students were concerned about cost, with less than half of respondents willing to fund their graduate education out-of-pocket. The findings suggest that other universities interested in programs like UARK’s MSEM should emphasize flexibility, affordability, and clear communication of program benefits, while exploring financial aid and employer support options. This research provides valuable insights for universities seeking to design graduate programs that align with student expectations and career goals.
AU  - David Paulus
CY  - Montreal, Quebec, Canada 
DA  - 2025/06/22
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Bridging the Gap: Accelerating Engineering Management Education Through Innovative Graduate Pathways
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/56016
ER  -