Finding the right graduate degree can feel like a massive undertaking. In addition to SDM, you may be considering a master’s in business administration (MBA) or a master’s in engineering management (MEM). There are several key areas that make SDM different:
Areas of Focus
| Degree Type | Program Focus |
| MBA | Broad exposure to business and management concepts |
| MEM | Engineering, technology, and business management studies |
| SDM | Balanced expertise in engineering and management with access to hundreds of courses at MIT’s School of Engineering and the Sloan School of Management |
Each student in an SDM cohort arrives with certain strengths and other skill gaps they’re looking to fill. The flexibility of our curriculum allows each student to focus on the areas of engineering and management that best support their career goals.
Experience
| Degree Type | Years of Experience |
| MBA | Two to four years of work experience |
| MEM | Immediately following an undergraduate education or one to two years of work experience |
| SDM | A mid-career professional with an average of eight to 10 years of work experience |
In addition to an undergraduate degree in engineering, science, or other technical fields, applicants to our program typically build on substantial work experience.
Program Size
| Degree Type | Cohort Size |
| MBA | Varies, but typically around 400 students |
| MEM | Varies, but typically 30-60 students per year |
| SDM | 55-60 individuals per cohort |
At SDM, we know that being a part of our community is just as important as our academic offerings. Through shared learning experiences in our core class and hands-on experience outside the classroom, our cohorts build off each other’s expertise and help expand their perspectives.
Career Outcomes
| Degree Type | Outcomes |
| MBA | Career in a variety of business fields such as marketing, banking, economics, finance, or consulting |
| MEM | Career in the leadership of engineering businesses |
| SDM | Anything you can imagine |
SDM serves mid-career professionals looking to make a real shift into leadership roles. Our graduates have the levels of expertise and hands-on experience needed to truly lead and stand out among job candidates.