Master's Program in Engineering and Management

Each year, the MIT System Design and Management Program (SDM) enrolls an elite group of 50 to 55 high-potential, early- to mid-career professionals.

SDM fellows hail from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, but all share common goals: they want to be systems thinkers and they want to lead.

Successful SDM applicants demonstrate strong leadership potential, systems thinking capability and the propensity to excel in integrating engineering and management. Many SDM fellows already hold one or more advanced degrees. Most have held responsible positions in organizations that span a wide range of industries, from software, hardware and networking to aerospace, financial services and government. They have worked as product development managers, systems engineers, analysts—even vice presidents and CEOs.

The typical SDM student is an engineering professional in his/her mid-30s (range 25-50+) with 10 or more years of work experience (range 3-20+). SDM’s 2009 cohort comprises students from 12 countries. SDM’s emphasis on cohort-building and team assignments means students learn not only in classes, but also from their classmates. SDM fellows bring with them a diversity of cultural backgrounds, knowledge and experience that enhances the vibrant and rich learning environment at MIT.

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