master thesis product management

Tepper School of Business

Master of Science in Product Management

Launch your product management career in one focused year.

Perhaps you dream of delivering innovative, affordable healthcare to the underserved or creating more efficient transportation systems for a sustainable future. Maybe your mission is to build an app to promote accessible education or create an immersive entertainment experience.

Whatever problem you aspire to solve, product managers have a unique opportunity to transform the world.

The Carnegie Mellon Master of Science in Product Management (MSPM) is your path to a leading-edge career at a vanguard company in one of the most dynamic industries.

The Round 2 application deadline is June 17th, 2024. Apply Today!

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We ignite product management careers by equipping students with the design, tech, and business leadership skills that employers crave. 

What is an MS in Product Management?

Inside tech-driven companies, there’s a pressing need for product managers who have the skills to lead product development that drives growth — product managers who:

• Empathize with customers
• Lead cross-functional teams
• Deliver business value

Our coursework and hands-on experience are designed to train students in this rare blend of skills.

The Carnegie Mellon MSPM program is one-of-a-kind. Offered through the top-ranked School of Computer Science and Tepper School of Business , our one-year, STEM-designated program combines the best of both schools, giving you an efficient, focused, and effective path to product management success.

Carnegie Mellon is the place for product management.

Have questions about the program?

Email Brad Eiben , Executive Director, MSPM

A Top-Ranked University

#16 Graduate Business School

U.S. News & World Report (2024)

#1 Computer Science

Is the MSPM program for you?

Have you started a successful professional career? Are you tech-savvy? Are you energized by challenging, meaningful work? Are you ready to take the leap from specialist to team leader?

If you answered yes, our MSPM program could be for you. Our students typically come from a technical background in computer science or engineering ; some also come from marketing, finance, and other disciplines .

Find out more from MSPM students .

Application

Our spring 2025 mspm application cycle is open.

Learn more about the application .

Graduate Perspectives

MSPM alumnae discuss the skills they developed through the MSPM curriculum. 

Register to watch the full webinar .

Where are our graduates employed?

MSPM graduates are hired by top companies across a wide array of industries for roles including, but not limited to:

• Product Manager
• Technical Product Manager
• Senior Product Manager

MSPM graduates work in a multitude of industries for some of the most respected companies.

What are you waiting for?

Explore curriculum, explore career resources.

*This is interim data until six months after graduation and conforms with the MBACSEA Standards for reporting masters programs’ employment statistics.

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Best Product Management Master’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

There has been a rising demand for product managers in the past few years, with Glassdoor listing product management among the 50 best jobs in America for 2022 . If you are exploring a career in product management, you should enroll in one of the best product management master’s degree programs.

A Master’s Degree in Product Management teaches the most in-demand skills, and your chosen university’s career support services and campus facilities can help you get a high-paying job. Learn about the best product management master’s degrees in this career guide and the product management master’s degree jobs and salary outlook you could find yourself in.

Find your bootcamp match

Where can i get a master’s degree in product management.

You can get a Master’s in Product Management from an accredited higher education institution in the US. Some of the best schools to get a product management master’s degree include Duke University, Boston University, New York University, Northwestern University, and the University of Wisconsin.

Most higher education institutions require students to hold a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in a master’s degree. Some accreditated schools also offer product management bootcamps explicitly designed for students who don’t have a technical background.

What Schools Offer the Best Product Management Master’s Degrees?

• Boston University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Penn State Great Valley
• Regent University

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Product Management?

The most common admission requirements for a Master’s in Product Management includes a bachelor’s degree, an application form, and official university transcripts. The admission requirements of every program are different. If you are interested in a program, you should visit its official website and check the eligibility requirements. 

In addition, many schools also ask students to send their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores. However, it is not a mandatory requirement for many universities. If you are unable to submit the standardized test scores, you can contact the admission office of your chosen university and ask for a waiver.

Some graduate schools require students to procure work experience before enrolling in a master’s program. Students also have to submit professional recommendations, a statement of purpose, and a detailed resume while applying to a graduate school.

Product Management Master’s Degree Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Official undergraduate transcripts
• Standardized test scores, most preferably GRE or GMAT
• Online admission form
• Application fee
• A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better
• Proof of citizenship, letters of recommendation and latest resume
• A short personal essay or statement of purpose. 

How to Get a Product Management Master’s Degree 

You can get a product management master’s degree by completing all the degree requirements of your program. Most universities require students to meet specific credit requirements to qualify for graduation. Students are also required to maintain a healthy GPA.

Other degree requirements can include writing a thesis, passing a graduation test, or gaining professional experience through an internship. The degree requirements of a graduate program vary from university to university. Before enrolling in a program, you should check the degree requirements of your chosen university.

How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Product Management?

To get a product management master’s degree, you need to complete 35 to 60 credit hours on average. Most universities have a semester-based academic calendar where students must complete 15 to 16 credit hours. The semester usually consists of core subjects and electives with a set minimum of credit hours, depending on the university policy. 

Some universities also have a quarter-based semester system. In that case, students have to finish five or six quarters to earn a master’s degree. A few universities do not have credit hour requirements, but they require students to attend nine to 12 months of on-campus lectures. 

Product Management Degree Requirements

• Credit requirement. Most universities follow a semester-based calendar with a defined credit requirement for all enrolled students. Students must complete 30 to 60 credit hours to get a master’s degree. 
• Grade point average. Many universities have a defined GPA requirement that all students have to meet to qualify for the degree. The GPA may vary depending on the program. Usually, students have to score better than 2.5 GPA on a scale of 4.0. 
• Professional internship experience. Many universities require students to enroll in a professional internship program to gain real-world experience. The internship program is usually as long as a semester and carries 15 to 16 credits. 
• Capstone project. Students enrolled in a master’s degree often have to work on a capstone project to qualify for graduation. A capstone project is a final assignment that prepares students for the job market. 
• Graduation fee. Many schools require a graduation fee. You have to pay all your dues in order to qualify for graduation. A school may choose to hold your degree until you clear all the expenses. 

Best Product Management Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview

Best schools for product management: top product management master’s degree programs.

Find below the best schools that offer a Master’s Degree in Product Management. We’ve given a general overview of the school and the program, along with the admission requirements and application process.

Established in 1900, Carnegie Mellon University is a private university in Pittsburg. According to US News and World Report, it is one of the top 25 national universities in the country . The university consists of seven colleges and independent schools and offers 80 majors and more than 90 minors. 

Master of Science in Product Management

The Carnegie Mellon MSPM program is offered by the Tepper School of Business and School of Computer Science. It is a STEM-designated program where students learn business fundamentals for high-tech product management. Students also get a thorough understanding of the principles of product management, business communication, and product marketing. 

Master of Science in Product Management Overview

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Tuition and Fees: $33,939 per full-time semester and $464 fee per semester
• Required Credits: Not stated
• Program Length: 1 year
• Learning Format: In-person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 93%

Master of Science in Product Management Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum
• Standardized Tests: GRE and GMAT
• Application Fee: $125 
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited institution 
• Other Requirements: Personal essays, letters of recommendation and current resume, proficiency in linear algebra and calculus, statistical concepts, basic programming

Applying to Carnegie Mellon University

• Fill out your admission application online.
• Submit your current resume.
• Upload GRE and GMAT scores.
• Submit personal essays and professional recommendations.
• Pay the application fee.

Duke University was founded in 1838 and is one of the top 10 national universities in the US , according to US News and World Report. The university offers 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 certificate programs. Students can choose from a wide range of programs such as biotechnology, business, engineering management, and computer science. 

Master of Engineering Management

The program offers an in-depth understanding of using business and leadership skills in an engineering role. The program's core courses include marketing, management of high-tech industries, intellectual property, business law, and entrepreneurship. Students will also learn product management in high-tech companies, advanced finance, and supply-chain management. 

Master of Engineering Management Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Tuition and Fees: $86,907 for the entire program. 
• Required Credits: 30 credits
• Program Length: 2 years
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 96%

Master of Engineering Management Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: GRE optional
• Application Fee: $75 
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Other Requirements: Three short essays, current resume, three letters of recommendation, and a video introduction 

Applying to Duke University

• Start your online application.
• Upload official transcripts.
• Submit short essays, your current resume, and letters of recommendation.
• Upload a video introduction.
• Attend an admission interview when invited.

According to US News and World Report, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), founded in 1861, is the second-best national university in the country. The university is famous for its outstanding faculty and research-based degree programs.

MIT consists of five schools, namely architecture and planning, engineering, humanities, arts, and social sciences, management, and science. These schools together offer a wide range of on-campus and online programs.

Master of Science in Management Studies

MIT's Master of Science in Management Studies is a unique program that prepares the student for an international job in product management. In this program, students learn economic analysis for business decisions, applied macro and international economics, and econometrics for managers. It is a special program that complements prospective and current students pursuing MBA from partner schools. 

Master of Science in Management Studies Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition and Fees: $78,954​
• Program Length: 9 months

Master of Science in Management Studies Admission Requirements

• Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT
• Application Fee: $150 
• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree 
• Other Requirements: Resume, cover letter, video statement, essay question about your proposed MSMS thesis topic, academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation

Applying to Massachusetts Institute of Technology

• Fresh students have to apply to both partner schools and MIT.
• Current students have to start an application online.
• Upload video statement.
• Submit resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.
• Send academic transcripts and GRE and GMAT scores.
• Prepare for an interview.

New York University (NYU), founded in 1831, is the largest private university in the US. It has three degree-granting campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. NYU's main campus has 11 schools and colleges which offer various undergraduate and graduate degree programs in nearly 270 fields of study. It is a competitive university with an acceptance rate of 12 percent. 

Master of Business Administration with Specialization in Tech Product Management

NYU's full-time MBA with specialization in tech product management teaches how to create, test, and deploy technology-enabled ideas in business operations. Students will study strategy management of artificial intelligence, design thinking, programming with Python, and emerging technologies. The full-time MBA also offers other specializations like management of technology and operations that can land you a job as a product manager.

Master of Business Administration with Specialization in Tech Product Management Overview

• Accreditation: The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition and Fees: $93,129 for the entire program
• Required Credits: 60 credits
• Program Length: Two years
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 90%

Master of Business Administration with Specialization in Tech Product Management Admission Requirements

• Standardized Tests: Not required
• Application Fee: $80
• Minimum Education: A four-year bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Other Requirements: Letters of recommendation and statement of purpose

Applying to New York University

• Fill out the application form online.
• Upload statement of purpose.
• Review admission status.

Established in 1851, Northwestern University is among the top 10 national universities in the country , according to US News and World Report. It is a competitive university with an acceptance rate of seven percent. It offers more than 4,000 courses every year and as many as 8,000 undergraduates and 13,000 graduate students study at the university.

Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications

If you want to apply for a managerial position in product management, then this master's degree program in integrated marketing communication is ideal. The MS program is a STEM-designated program that combines classroom learning with hands-on communication. Students learn marketing research, digital analytics, and financial accounting as well. 

Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition and Fees: $97,400
• Required Credits: 5 quarters
• Program Length: 15 months 
• Learning Format: In-person or online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 95%

Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications Admission Requirements

• Application Fee: $100 
• Other Requirements: Resume, essays, and letters of recommendation

Applying to Northwestern University

• Submit your online application.
• Review admission decision.
• Explore financial aid options.

Pennsylvania State University , also known as Penn State, is a multi-campus research university founded in 1855. It has 24 campuses across Pennsylvania, including two law schools and a medical school. Penn State offers more than 90 undergraduate and a wide range of graduate degree programs across its campuses and online. 

Penn State Great Valley's graduate program in engineering management is an excellent option for those interested in technical or software project management. The program teaches core subjects like operations management, data visualization for analytics, technical project management, applied statistics, and decision and risk analysis in engineering. 

• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $1,094/credit hour (resident); $1,771/credit hour (non-resident)
• Required Credits: 33 credits
• Program Length: 1.5 years
• Learning Format: Hybrid
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 57%
• GPA: 3.0 or better
• Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT (optional) 
• Application Fee: $65 
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, one to two years of professional experience, detailed resume, statement of intent, and contact information for two references

Applying to Penn State Great Valley

• Start your application by visiting the graduate school admission page.
• Upload a copy of your official transcripts.
• Upload a copy of your current resume.
• Submit a one-page lengthy statement of intent.
• Pay a non-refundable application fee.

Regent University is one of the best and most prestigious universities in Virginia . It is a Christian university that was established in 1978. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in over 150 fields of study. Students can pursue a degree in business, law, leadership, cyber security, nursing, or healthcare. 

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Product Management

Regent University's MBA in product development teaches an in-depth course on all stages of a product lifestyle. They learn to critically think and launch their product in a global marketplace. Some of the program's core courses are marketing management, operations and supply chain management, managerial economics, and corporate finance. Students also study four concentration courses, including design strategy and new product development.

Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Product Management Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $695/credit hour 
• Required Credits: 42 credits
• Program Length: 2.5 years
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 61%

Master of Business Administration with a Concentration in Product Management Admission Requirements

• GPA: Not required
• Standardized Tests: None
• Application Fee: None 
• Other Requirements: None

Applying to Regent University 

• Submit your application form online at the official university website.
• Answer the questionnaire sent by the university.
• Send unofficial transcripts.
• Email your official government identification.

Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois ranks 15 among the top public universities in the US. It has 16 colleges that offer over 150 undergraduate and 100 graduate programs. As many as 50,000 students study at the university in various programs.

Master of Science Technical Management

This program is an excellent option for students who want to become technical product managers. It is a STEM-designated program that teaches process management, marketing management, finance, and accounting measurement.

Further, students can choose from 18 electives such as entrepreneurship, big data analytics, new product development, and IT governance. The program also offers a concentration in three subjects.

Master of Science Product Management Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $41,912 (resident); $54,912 (non-resident)
• Required Credits: 40 credits
• Program Length: 12 months
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 86%

Master of Science Technical Management Admission Requirements

• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 
• Standardized Tests: GRE or GMAT (optional)
• Application Fee: $70 
• Minimum Education: A four-year undergraduate degree 
• Other Requirements: Resume, statement of purpose, and answers to video questions

Applying to University of Illinois

• Fill out the online application form through graduate college.
• Submit unofficial transcripts.
• Submit your GRE and GMAT scores, although it is not mandatory.
• Upload your detailed resume.
• Submit a statement of purpose.
• Submit Gies Scholarship application essay.
• Answer the video questions.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) was established nearly 140 years ago. It consists of 18 schools and colleges offering 156 undergraduate, 139 graduate degrees, and several doctoral programs. According to US News and World Report 2021, UT Austin is among the top 10 national universities in the US. 

Master of Science in Technology Commercialization

McCombs School of Business at UT Austin offers a go-to-market graduate program that teaches most in-demand business skills to students. Students learn marketing technological innovations, the art and science of negotiation, and venture accounting. In addition, they also understand how to manage product development and production.

Master of Science in Technology Commercialization Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $57,000 for the entire program

Master of Science in Technology Commercialization Admission Requirements

• Other Requirements: Letters of recommendation, a detailed resume, and official transcripts

Applying to University of Texas at Austin

• Submit GRE and GMAT scores or request a waiver if applicable.
• Submit two letters of recommendation and official transcripts.
• Submit your detailed resume.
• Attend the admission interview when invited.
• Check admission status.

University of Wisconsin is a four-year public institution founded in 1848. It is located in Madison and consists of 13 schools and colleges. The university offers over 200 undergraduate and 250 graduate programs. Students can study a wide range of career fields, including engineering, human ecology, music, social work, and pharmacy nursing.

Master of Business Administration in Technology Strategy and Product Management

This is a customizable MBA program where students learn product management, digital strategy, project management, supply chain analytics, and managerial accounting. The program also offers 12 electives to help students gain specialization in specific niches to help students kickstart a career in technology, consulting, or the healthcare industry.

Master of Business Administration in Technology Strategy and Product Management Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 
• Tuition and Fees: $23,364.64 (resident); $47,013.12 (non-resident) for the program
• Required Credits: 24 credits

Master of Business Administration in Technology Strategy and Product Management Admission Requirements

• Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Other Requirements: Resume, essay, letters of recommendation, and official transcripts 

Applying to University of Wisconsin

• Register on the official university website.
• Create an account.
• Submit an online application form.
• Send official transcripts.
• Upload resume.
• Submit answers to essay questions.
• Send professional letters of recommendation.

What Is a Product Management Master’s Degree?

Product management master’s degrees are graduate-level advanced degree programs usually awarded by a graduate school. These degrees are typically two years long and are designed to teach career-focused skills and require students to complete 26 to 60 credits.  

A graduate degree program prepares students to meet the tech industry’s challenges. They learn tech skills and fundamental business concepts through hands-on experience as they work on real-life projects. 

Students who graduate with a master’s degree possess advanced technical and business skills, honed through a disciplined learning environment where students can gain a sound knowledge of the entire product lifecycle. 

How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Product Management?

A Master’s Degree in Product Management is very important for students passionate about designing and managing a product. Product management is one of the best jobs in the tech industry in 2022 .

A product management degree is a career-focused degree designed to teach relevant skills so students can pursue their dream jobs. Even students without a STEM education background can study product management and get a technical job.

With this degree, students can pursue a career in the tech industry, working in a startup or consulting firm. Apart from this, schools should offer career counseling services to help students decide the best path forward.

What Types of Master’s Degrees Can You Get in Product Management?

You can either get a Master of Science in Product Management or a Master of Business Administration in Product Management. A Master of Science is a STEM-designated program that emphasizes technical skills. It is more suitable for students with a degree in computer science, engineering, or other technical fields.

An MBA degree is a business program that teaches theory and application of business principles. Students can specialize in different modules such as product management or product strategy and design.

Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Business Administration in Product Management?

It is better to get a Master of Science because it focuses only on product management. A Master of Science degree teaches both technical and business skills, so a student learns how to design, manage, and market a product. 

In contrast, most MBA degrees offer product management as one of many specialization options. The program focuses less on tech skills and more on business skills. Students have to study core business subjects.

Both MBA and MS degrees are excellent options for studying product management. The type of program you choose will depend on your career goals. If you are confused about which type of program is best for you, you should consult the admissions office. 

What Is the Difference Between a Product Management Master’s Degree and a Product Management Certificate?

The primary difference between a product management master’s degree and a product management certificate program is the learning outcome. A master’s degree emphasizes teaching academic knowledge. In contrast, a certificate program aims to help the student quickly develop practical skills.

In addition, a product management master’s degree usually lasts for nine to 24 months. During this time, students learn the fundamentals and gain specialization in a subject. However, certificate programs are short and may end within a few weeks, and are cheaper than a master’s degree.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Product Management?

The average tuition for a graduate public institution is $12,171 in the US, according to a 2018 to 19 survey by National Center for Education Statistics. The cost of getting a Master’s Degree in Product Management depends on the type of institution. 

For instance, you might have to pay more if you attend a non-profit private institution. As per NCES, the average cost would then be $27,776. Additionally, a for-profit private institution would cost you $14,208, although these are not recent figures. Based on the figures stated, you may have to pay anywhere between $10,000 and $60,000 to get a master’s degree in product management.

Further, your program cost consists of campus facilities, living expenses, meals, transportation, and books. When choosing a program, you should consider all the expenses to make an informed decision. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a Product Management Master’s Degree?

It can take nine to 24 months to get a product management master’s degree. The program length of your chosen master’s degree depends on university requirements. Certain universities allow you to complete the entire degree program in about a year. Such programs are usually rigorous and have an intense curriculum. 

In contrast, some universities offer flexible programs where the duration can be decided by the student. If you opt for flexible programs, you can take up to three years to earn a professional degree. These programs are ideal for working professionals who want to attend in-person classes.

How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Product Management?

It is not hard to get a Master’s Degree in Product Management if you have strong management and technical skills. Students who don’t have a STEM background may find the Master of Science in Product Management a bit challenging. However, they can first complete the prerequisite coursework to prepare for the program. 

Alternatively, students without technical backgrounds can enroll in a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in product management. The curriculum of an MBA has core management coursework. 

You can also seek student service support to help you study the subject and gain relevant skills. Product management has various career options. You will find the program easy as long as you study the subjects of your interest. 

Why Should You Get a Product Management Master’s Degree? 

You should get a product management master’s degree because it can open various career opportunities for you. With a degree, you can gain the advanced level skill set needed to become a good product manager. In addition, you can get experience, upskill yourself, and climb up the corporate ladder to become a marketing manager, head of product, or vice president of an organization.

Product management is one of the key positions in the company. Since this job is related to business and tech, it can present numerous opportunities in various industries. According to LinkedIn, there are over 250,000 job openings for product managers right now. With the growing demand, job openings are likely to increase.

What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Product Management?

When deciding which program to study, it is important that you also check the curriculum. A degree with all the core subjects can help you gain career-specific skills. Below is the core curriculum that most master’s degrees offer.

Product Management Fundamentals 

This course will teach you the end-to-end process of researching, designing, developing, and marketing a product. You will learn the duties and responsibilities of a product manager in different fields and get hands-on experience in real-life projects.

Brand Management

This course teaches you how to identify your target customers and position the product in a way that it reaches the masses. You will learn how to create, manage, and sustain a brand, and how to design a smooth user experience. 

Business Analytics  

Business analytics teaches students to use advanced technology to optimize business operations. You will learn data analysis, statistical models, and other quantitative methods to solve business challenges. Additionally, you will learn how to analyze industry trends, study competitors, and use big data to make informed decisions. 

Introduction to Product Strategy 

This course will teach you the core concepts of building an effective product strategy. You will also learn the fundamentals of an effective go-to-market strategy and how to achieve business objectives. Further, you will learn how to analyze the existing strategies and align them with your business goals.

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management is an essential course for product managers who want to work in manufacturing. In this course, you will learn how to manage the entire flow of information, services, and processes involved in the supply chain. 

Continuing Education Paths for Product Management Master’s Degree Graduates

Once you complete your product management master’s degree, you can gain advanced skills through certificate programs. A certificate course can help you sharpen your skills and get a competitive edge in an ever-evolving field. You can also pursue a doctoral program, with which you can apply for top managerial positions. 

Related Product Management Degrees

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What to Look For in the Best Product Management Master’s Degree Programs

The factors to keep in mind while selecting a master’s degree program include the cost of attendance, learning environment, career support services, or institutional rank. Below is an explanation of the common factors that play an essential role in your education.

Cost of Attendance

Before applying to any degree program, you should ensure that it fits into your budget. You can do this by comparing the cost of attendance of all the schools you like. You should also calculate other non-billable expenses to estimate the total cost of the program. 

Core Courses

Product management is a vast field, hence every program offers a mix of relevant subjects. Before enrolling in a program, ensure that you’ve thoroughly understood the courses you will take. This will ensure that the program aligns with your career goals. 

Institutional Accreditation

You should ensure that your chosen school is accredited when choosing a program. Accreditation ensures educational institutions are maintaining certain standards of education. Many employers require their employees to have a degree from an accredited institution.

Specialization

If you are enrolling in an MBA program, you should check the specialization offered by it. An MBA program may provide specialization in supply chain management, business analytics, or product management. You can choose your specialization as per your needs. 

Career Services

Career support services can help students prepare for the job market. You should choose a university that can help you build a strong portfolio and teach you how to write a resume from scratch. Some universities also conduct mock interviews to help students face the challenges of real-job interviews. 

What Is the Most Affordable Product Management Master’s Degree?

University of Wisconsin offers the most affordable product management master’s degree. The university offers a Master of Business Administration in Technology Strategy and Product Management. The total cost of the degree for residents is $23,634. The university also levies segregated fees, program fees, books and supplies charges, and room and computer fees. This can bring the total to $49,588.24. 

In addition, the university has different tuition fees for resident and non-resident students. Non-resident students have to pay $47,013.12, which is twice the resident tuition fee amount. After adding all the expenses for non-resident students, the cost of attendance is $73,236.72.

Salary and Job Outlook for Product Management Master’s Degree Graduates

If you want to study product management, you should know about the many career options you can pursue. Your position can be a technical or managerial role, depending on the type of company you’re in. We’ve prepared a list of the best jobs, growth outlook, and salaries to help you with the research. 

How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Product Management Master’s Degree?

It is not hard to get a job with a product management master’s degree. Product management is an emerging field. Almost every organization requires a product manager to optimize business operations and work on go-to-market product strategy.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track the job outlook for product managers. That said, other popular job portals like Glassdoor have ranked product management roles in America’s best jobs of 2022.  

The demand for product managers is also reflected by the high salaries employers pay. In the US, product managers can earn $125,000 on average. Product managers can also work as freelancers and enjoy other benefits.

What’s the Average Product Management Master’s Degree Salary?

You can make $94,000 on average per year with a Master of Science in Product Management, according to PayScale estimates. This is a general salary estimate for a product manager. However, the salary of a product manager depends on the job responsibilities. 

A software product manager can earn over $100,000 per year, while a consumer product manager makes $60,000 . Product managers who possess technical skills are likely to earn higher than those who do not.

What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Product Management Master’s Degree?

The type of jobs you can get with a Master’s in Product Management include product manager, technical project manager, consumer product manager, product marketing manager, and group product manager. You can also explore the job of a project manager, program manager, account manager, business analyst, marketing manager, and sales manager.

Product Management Degree Jobs

• Group Product Manager
• Technical Product Manager
• Software Product Manager
• Product Marketing Manager
• Product Manager

Potential Careers With a Product Management Degree

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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Product Management?

According to PayScale, you can earn $97,000 with a Master of Science in Product Management. A product management master’s degree makes you eligible for various business roles. Therefore, your salary will depend on the type of degree you are enrolled in and the type of job you take after you graduate. 

For instance, if you have a Master of Engineering Management, you can make $81,000 in the US . In addition, if you get a product management certification and sharpen your skills, you can earn over $100,000 a year .

Highest-Paying Product Management Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview

Best jobs for product management master’s degree grads.

With a master’s degree, there are a lot of product management jobs you can explore. Product management is a new field, hence the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hasn’t specified its job outlook yet. BLS has categorized it under similar management roles.

To help you start your research, we’ve listed the top-paying product management positions you can get after graduation. You will also find the average salaries, top-paying states, and job growth. 

A group product manager (GPM) is an experienced professional who leads a team of product managers. The primary responsibility of a GPM is to oversee all the operations of a product lifecycle. A GPM envisions the long-term strategy and directs the team to design and launch a product. In a way, a GPM manages people and products together.

• Average Salary: $149,899
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 42,400
• Highest-Paying States: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Massachusetts

Technical product managers have a solid technical education background. They are responsible for analyzing the customer's needs and helping engineers and developers deliver a great product. They examine new products and ensure a smooth user experience and assess technical risks attached to the product.

• Average Salary: $109,741
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030*
• Number of Jobs: 42,400**
• Highest-Paying States: California, Texas, New York, Florida, Massachusetts**

Software product managers are responsible for overseeing the entire software development cycle. They closely work with engineering and management teams to ensure product development matches the product vision. They also analyze industry trends to help formulate business strategies. 

• Average Salary: $100,544
• Number of Jobs: 42,400*

A product marketing manager develops effective promotion and marketing strategies for a particular product. They are responsible for positioning and branding a product among the masses. They work with different teams, including sales, engineering, and marketing, to ensure business growth. 

• Average Salary: $93,866
• Number of Jobs: 31,100

Product managers are highly skilled professionals who research, design, develop, and launch a product, software, or service. They have many responsibilities, including relationship management, user experience, product design, and business strategy. 

• Average Salary: $88,544
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030 *
• Number of Jobs: 31,100 **

* Information taken from BLS statistics on Management Occupations

** Information taken from BLS statistics on Computer and Information Systems Managers

Best Jobs According to Your Major

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Is a Master’s Degree in Product Management Worth It? 

Yes, a Master’s Degree in Product Management is worth it. There’s immense demand for product management in the country and worldwide. If you are passionate about designing and managing a product cycle, you should pursue product management. 

Product management programs can teach you the most in-demand tech and business skills required to get a high-paying job. During the program, you will get a chance to work on a capstone project and get internship experience. Due to the high demand, you are likely to get a competitive salary as you gain more experience. 

Additional Reading About Product Management 

[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/product-school-future-of-product-management/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/product-school-why-learn-product-management/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/product-manager-job-satisfaction/

Product Management Master’s Degree FAQ

To start a career in product management you first need to gain relevant business and technical skills. You can develop the skillset by enrolling in a program or a bootcamp. It would help if you wrote an excellent resume and built a portfolio. You can start networking with other professionals in the industry to get a job.

Yes, you can become a product manager without a degree by gaining relevant skills through bootcamps or certifications. Product management bootcamps are career-focused intensive programs that can make you job-ready. Bootcamps are usually shorter and more affordable than most degree programs.

A degree that includes fundamentals of product management, economics, and marketing for managers is the best product management degree. If you don’t have a technical background, an MBA in product management can be an ideal degree for you.

You can get an online product management master’s degree from Indiana University (Kelley), the University of Southern California, Saint Vincent College, and Boston University. Alternatively, you can enroll in product management bootcamps offered by accreditated institutions like Columbia University.

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College of Engineering

Product development.

The Master of Science in Product Development is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled product engineers and managers. Product managers and engineers are the leading decision makers in many companies to guide product innovation and craft products for users.

The Master of Science in Product Development, offered through the Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education, is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled product engineers and managers. Leaders in many companies are the product managers and engineers guiding product innovation and crafting products for users.

With a core curriculum of entrepreneurial engineering and product development, you will be prepared with knowledge of the total life cycle product development system, as well as integrating management and (systems) engineering elements to establish the foundation for the systems approach needed to conceive, create, launch, and support products and platforms. Considering new product development in a larger framework, you will learn how a venture’s strategy, vision, and core capabilities, coupled with the voice of the customer, combine to determine product strategy, and create best-in-class product portfolios. 

More Details

Unique features.

As an interdisciplinary program integrated with engineering departments across the College of Engineering, you benefit from highly accomplished faculty in their fields combined with a comprehensive entrepreneurial infrastructure.

A variety of electives allow you to gear the program toward your career goals. You can also choose master’s thesis, project, or coursework options.

With the resources and expertise of the Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education—as well as opportunities with Northeastern’s university-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem—you will be enabled with interdisciplinary entrepreneurship opportunities and resources in the broadest sense, including tools, concepts, and resources to foster creativity and the ability to develop commercially viable ideas.

You will be able to develop your own venture and follow it through the development process as part of the core curriculum.

You will have the opportunity to participate in the Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education cooperative education program, working on a venture for your co-op experience.

Career Outlook

The U.S. technology industry market is estimated at $1.6 trillion in 2021, according to Zippia, with a 6% growth rate. Additionally, job growth for product managers is expected to be similar to managing occupations with a growth rate of 8% between 2019-2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Product managers are the fourth highest in-demand job in Silicon Valley, and Boston is a high-tech hub of innovation.

Testimonials

- mina iskarous, coe bs/ms 2019, – kendall meenan, coe ce 2020, keith corso, founder and ceo busright, dmsb finance, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Completed online application form
• Application Fee
• Unofficial Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Engineering admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Applications received after the stated deadline dates will be accepted and processed as quickly as possible; however it may not be possible to have a decision rendered in time for the applicant to begin taking classes for the desired term if admitted.

Applications submitted by the referenced dates will receive full consideration for the referenced term. Applications received after the referenced dates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real-world engineering challenges. The cooperative education program, also known as co-op, is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for graduate students. Through this program, students gain professional industry experience in their field of interest as part of the academic curriculum while employed from four to eight months in a wide variety of organizations, from large companies to entrepreneurial startups.

You will have the opportunity to participate in the Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education co-op program, working on a venture for your co-op experience as part of the academic curriculum or to work in industry in a product development role.

In 2019, the Graduate School of Engineering placed nearly 1000 students in co-op positions. We have a team that prepares students for the cooperative education experience through resumé building, developing interview skills, and guiding professional development.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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Master of Science in Management of Product Development

"Product development is the driver of innovation. In the program MPD you learn to manage product development in an efficient, methodical, creative and success-oriented way. With the scientifically sound and practice-oriented training program for professionals you get qualified to become the driving force for successful product innovation in your company." Program Director Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dr. h.c. Albert Albers

The Master Program in Management of Product Development enables participants to analyse, design, operate, and implement product development processes in their companies in an optimized way. Based on a highly integrative and creative approach, they can successfully translate innovative ideas into competitive products.

Focus Points of Management of Product Development

• Agile Engineering and Design Thinking
• Innovation Management
• Multicultural and virtual teams
• Collaboration methods and interdisciplinary development
• Advanced Systems Engineering
• 5 Engineering Modules: Technological expertise
• 5 Management Modules: Leadership know-how
• Duration: Approx. 20 months (modules 14 months + master thesis 9 months)
• Language: English
• Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.) of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 90 ECTS
• Start: Every year in October
• Application deadline: There is none. We have a rolling  application process .
• 36,000.00 € (thirty-six thousand Euro) for the entire Master´s program 
• Admission requirements: First academic degree (e.g. Bachelor, Master or Diploma), at least 2 years professional experience, English language proficiency. Find more here .
• Accreditation: by aaq

Shape the Future through Innovation in Product Development

The Master's program Management in Product Development is splitted in 5 Engineering and 5 Management Modules of 2 weeks, each over a period of 15 months. The modules are followed by a Master Thesis written in the company (9 months) and often used as a innovation project for the company. The overall duration is approx. 20 months.

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Innovation is the overcoming of instilled trails of thought, new approaches and solutions, and the implementation of these in successful products is our driving force.

That's what makes our Master´s Program Management of Product Development distinctive

Program content & international lectures.

The Master´s Program Management of Product Development considers itself as a combination of applied scientific research and application-oriented development in the areas of methods and processes of product development and systems and components of drive train engineering and mechatronics. Our objective is to find innovative solutions by the means of team-oriented work, based on performance and commitment of each member of the board.

International Cooperations

"Made in China" is becoming increasingly important and global players are steadily expanding their production facilities in China. Therefore, one of the Engineering Modules of the Master Program in Management of Product Development is held at the KIT China Branch in Suzhou in cooperation with the  Global Advanced Manufacturing Institute  (GAMI) and at the Tongji University in Shanghai.

Program Structure & Academic Calendar

Program Structure

The concurrently taught Executive Master Program is designed for working professionals. Block lectures scheduled at intervals allow participants to continue with demanding careers while acquiring new skills.

5 Management Modules presents broader knowledge in management know-how, including two modules conveying the universal topic of digitalization and the associated disruptive innovations. The 5 Engineering Modules provide deeper knowledge in technological topics.

Download the  Academic Calendar Intake 2024  (PDF)

Content Overview & Learning Targets

Order now our so called "Content Overview and Learning Targets" (COLT) to get a better understanding into the content of your favoured Master Program. You will get an overview over

• Study objectives (e.g. professional qualification for certain activities, scientific work, knowledge of methods)
• Structure of the study programme
• Content and definition of courses (sub-areas, focal points)

Click here to request your "Content Overview and Learning Targets" handbook .

Economic Sector & Career Perspectives

Participants of product development.

Future engineering executives working in product development or product management, e.g. in:

• Machinery and equipment industry
• Automotive industry and suppliers
• Measurement technology and cybernetics
• Major appliances industry, e.g. white goods

Career Perspectives after Graduation

Participants of our program in Product Development strive for a demanding career in manufacturing companies  in various industries. Product development is certainly one of the core means of adding value in companies. Only successful processes can lead to competitive products. Increasing demands for tailor-made product solutions, low production costs, high quality standards, reduced development times, and shortened product lifecycles require highly qualified professionals.

Alumnus Voice

"For me it was a great experience and a challenge to master this study. The HECTOR School Master Program Management of Product Development gave me a comprehensive understanding about today's product development challenges. In addition, Business and Management basics courses expanded the knowledge needed for my professional work. In the Master specific courses, I picked up a lot of new ideas and approaches, which are helpful in my job. My opinion is that this program was a very good professional development." Thomas Kiefer, HECTOR School Graduate MPD, Thales Canada

Find more Alumni Voices of our Master´s Programs

Academic Requirements & Admission Statutes

Academic requirements.

• University degree in a relevant subject
• Professional experience (at least 1-2 years) & current employment
• English proficiency

Detailed description of all admission requirements

Admission Statutes

Statutes for admission to the Master's programme in Financial Engineering (only available in German).

Admission statutes (German PDF)

Program Directors & Faculties

Program directors, kit teaching quality.

The HECTOR School offers top-level teaching derived from state-of-the-art research at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Numerous institutes and departments of the KIT are involved in the HECTOR School Master Program Management of Product Development:

• Department of Marketing
• Institute of Economic Policy Research
• Institute of Finance, Banking and Insurance
• Institute of High Frequency Technology and Electronics
• Institute of Industrial Production
• Institute of Information Law
• Institute of Information Processing Technology
• Institute of Applied Business Studies and Management
• Institute of Applied Informatics and Formal Description Methods
• Institute of Economic Theory and Statistics
• Institute of Industrial Information Technology
• Institute of Materials for Electrical Engineering
• Institute of Micro- and Nanoelectronic Systems
• Institute of Photonics and Quantum Electronics
• Institute of Product Development
• Light Technology Institute

If you have any inquiries regarding our programs, the application process and more our Program Consultants are eager to help.

Find out which requirements you need in order to be admitted to our Master's programs.

Unsure about how to apply to our Master's programs?

Studying, Living and Working in Germany. 

Integrated Product Development Workshop: develop an autonomous personal transportation system!

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Product Management

Dive into the world of making cool stuff with a Master's in Product Management ! Ever wondered how your favourite apps or gadgets came to be? With a master's in product management, you'll pick up the skills needed to conceptualise, develop and launch amazing products .

Rated 5 stars for our online learning, among the best in the world

WES Canada U.S. recognised: our grads can work/study in both countries

Globally recognised for our quality-assured digital education

Enhanced research opportunities help IU provide the very best to you

Our teaching and faculty meet European educational standards

Academically top ranked in Germany with 6 out of 25 categories won

Reaccredited until 2026 for our competency in teaching and research

Open doors to opportunities around the world

Apply by 23rd May to secure your spot!*

Don’t let anything stand between you and your goals. Earn an internationally recognised degree, 100% online – and build the skills you need for a successful career.

*You can start anytime.

Apply by 23rd May and secure your spot! 

Learn on campus in Germany and build a global network with students from 140+ countries. Earn an internationally recognised degree that helps you achieve success, no matter where you go. 

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Start your Master's in Product Management now

If you have a bachelor’s in product management, business administration, management, or a related business-related field and want to further your education in this field, our consecutive 120-ETCS master's in product management is a good fit for you.  

How your studies are moving you forward: 

• You will gain thorough knowledge of product management and its techniques, as well as expertise in management and leadership, marketing, and performance and strategy, so that you can comprehend product management as a whole. 
• To specialize in areas like Digital Transformation and Product Management, Creative and Agile Methods, or Social Media Models, you take two elective modules.  
• You are qualified for key specialist and management positions, such as product manager, product owner, product marketing manager, or product and business developer. 

Your online campus degree summed up

Study at your own pace from anywhere in the world 

According to our latest alumni survey 

enrolled in Germany’s largest university 

Overview of your Master's in Product Management

With a Master's in Product Management, you'll learn about the conception, development, and launch of innovative products. Pick up a comprehensive skill set to navigate the challenges of today's digital age. Hone your management skills, master market research techniques, and establish valuable industry connections. This program empowers graduates to take on pivotal roles in product development, marketing, and strategic planning - all of which are in high-demand and offer competitive salaries. Along with sustainability, you will also discuss issues like digitalisation, ethics, and internationality. Explore subjects such as product strategy, user experience design, and data-driven decision-making, all geared toward shaping product managers capable of creating impactful products .

This programme includes an  AI prompt engineering  course, so you can learn how to use tools like ChatGPT best in your everyday life, work, and studies. 

Electives overview

In your 3th semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module guide

Online course schedule

Course schedule

All the support you need, any time of day

With this programme, you’ll have access to  human and AI-powered  tutoring. 

Your tutors  will be available to answer any questions, and you’ll have recurring appointments where you can discuss course topics with them and other students. 

Syntea , IU’s AI-powered tutor, will be available 24/7 to guide you through your courses and prepare you for exams. 

Study your way, and master working with AI at the same time. 

Entry requirements

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German. If they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details  here . 

General admission requirements

• Completed, undergraduate degree with 180 ECTS credits in Product Management, Business Administration, Management, Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship, Intrapreneurship, or other business related degree programs. 
• Your degree must be from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university 
• You must have achieved a final grade of at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent in your previous undergraduate degree 

Further admission opportunities

Is your undergraduate degree not in the required subject field for this programme's 120 ECTS credits variation admission requirements? You can still apply! You'll have to take 2 specific courses at the start of your studies, and pass them successfully in order to continue with your studies. That way, you don't have to take an entrance examination, and can prove your skills while earning ECTS credits as part of your studies. 

Scholarship programme

Apply for the scholarship programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates*: 

• TOEFL (minimum 80 points)* or 
• IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or 
• Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points)*
• PTE Academics (minimum 59 points)* or
• Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B)* 

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency. 

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details. 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years.  

Your Product Management career outlook

You can anticipate having a successful career across all industries as a product management professional with rewarding opportunities for moving up to a management position. Following graduation, you might work, for instance, as a... 

Strategic Product Manager

You develop strategies and visions for cutting-edge products in your capacity as a strategic product manager. You lead interdisciplinary teams and collaborate closely with your stakeholders. Additionally, you will be in charge of portfolio management, the launch of new products, and budget planning. 

Product Owner for Data-Driven Products

Product managers for data-driven products collaborate with data scientists and developers to implement innovative product concepts. If this is your chosen career path, you can anticipate an innovative workplace where agile methods are in demand. The use of customer and market data analysis will also be one of your tasks.

Technical Product Manager

Are you devoted to data science, cloud computing, blockchain, and other related fields? You should then begin your career as a technical product manager! In this role, you will create technical concepts in accordance with user-oriented standards. By doing this, you will be working at the intersection of the market, technology, and consumers. 

This is what our students say

Vikrant Lokhande

MBA , India

Tokyo Ndela

MBA , South Africa

Nirupam Sakar

Online Study models & fees for your Master degree in Product Management

On campus study model and fees for your master degree in product management.

Depending on your personal or professional circumstances, you may wish to complete your studies as quickly as possible, or you may prefer a more flexible study programme that is less time-consuming. That’s why we offer part-time options for all our study programmes. This allows you to study alongside professional or personal commitments. We adjust your study fees based on your chosen time model.

Are you unable to finish your programme within the given time? No problem! If you realise that you need more time, you can simply switch to another time model with one months’ notice before the end of the month.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you’ll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won’t be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged.

At IU, we believe in full transparency – so there are no hidden fees . You only pay for your tuition and the one-time campus registration fee of €1,500.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you'll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won't be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged .

Duration 24 Months

Perfect for those who want to hit the ground running and learn at the fastest pace possible. Starting from:

Part-Time I

Duration 36 Months

Great for all-round talents who want to go full throttle in their studies but also keep up with other commitments. Starting from:

Part-Time II

Duration 48 Months

Ideal for students with a lot of work or family commitments. This plan also reduces monthly study costs. Starting from:

All our study programmes include the following benefits

• Teaching and study material
• Marking of your end-of-module exams
• Monthly live and recorded tutorials
• Use of the online campus
• Individual study coaching
• Online exams
• Career coaching
• Learn English for free
• Money back guarantee during 1st month
• On-campus tutorials, 2-3x week
• Access to all on-campus services

Recognition of previous achievements

Have you already completed a training course, studied at a university or gained work experience? Have you completed a course or a learning path through IU LinkedIn Learning , and earned a certificate? Then you have the opportunity to get your previous achievements recognised, and complete your studies at IU sooner.

• Save time:  Skip individual modules or whole semesters!

Even before you apply for a study programme, we’ll gladly check whether we can take your previous achievements into account: 100% online, no strings attached. Simply fill in our recognition application form, which you can find under the content section of each study programme's webpage, and upload it via our upload section. You can also e-mail it to us, or send it via post.

Send an email to [email protected] to find out which previous achievements you can get recognised. You can get your previous achievements recognised during your studies.

Recognition files

Guide to recognition

Individual application for recognition

Why IU International University of Applied Sciences is the best choice

Schedule when you want to learn and study 100% online. At IU you have the possibility to complete your degree fully from home, whether full-time or part-time. You can even take your exams online whenever it suits you. 

IU is accredited and certified with a seal of approval from the German Accreditation Council. All IU study programmes, materials, and services meet high internal and external quality standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated. We can also provide you with an official Europass Diploma Supplement once you graduate, to ensure that your degree is recognised anywhere in the EU.

We provide you with innovative learning tools, digital study material, tutorial videos, live teaching sessions, student advice and support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions. Our study coaches are also available to help at any time. 

Our programmes provide you with essential theoretical knowledge and focus, above all, on practice-oriented studies designed to best prepare you for your future career. Thanks to our great variety of electives you can specialise in the specific areas that match your personal goals.

By combining in-person tutorials 2-3 times per week with 24/7 access to online study materials, you get to benefit from a more flexible study schedule. This allows you to work alongside your studies, or combine other activities, with relative ease. 

We provide you with innovative learning tools, intimate campuses, easy access to lecturers, live teaching sessions, student advice services, and career support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions – and so are our study coaches.  

Which masters degree makes me a product manager?

Our masters in product management is specifically designed to prepare you for roles in product management! In this programme, you'll learn the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the product management field, and can apply for roles in areas ranging from engineering and marketing to business and innovation.

What is the qualification for masters in product management?

For this ms in product management programme, you will need to have completed an undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution or university.

Do product managers need a masters degree?

Product manager is a highly sought after position! So while having a master's degree may not be mandatory, it definitely gives you an upper hand. This degree can significantly enhance your management skills, market research abilities and not to mention provide you with industry connections through university community networking.

What is a master's in product management?

A masters in product management is an advanced degree programme focused on developing skills to create products successfully in the digital age. You'll learn a plethora of skills ranging from market research, business analytics, managerial skills, leadership skills, design strategy, marketing, product design and more. This degree prepares you for a role as a product manager.

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Master finance, accounting & taxation, master project management, master business intelligence, master management + majors, master international management, master artificial intelligence.

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Master of Science in Product Development

The Master of Science (MS) in Product Development, offered through the Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education, is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled product engineers and managers. Product development is the key to the success of businesses and the technology sector continues to fuel the world economy. Leaders in many companies are the product managers and engineers as they guide product innovation and lead in crafting products for users.

The Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education is uniquely positioned to offer students a combination of product process and technical skills. The mission of the center is to enable interdisciplinary student entrepreneurship in the broadest sense by providing education about tools, concepts, and resources to foster creativity and the ability to develop commercially viable ideas.

Innovative Curriculum

With a core curriculum of entrepreneurial engineering and product development, you will be prepared with knowledge of the total life cycle product development system, as well as integrating management and (systems) engineering elements to establish the foundation for the systems approach needed to conceive, create, launch, and support products and platforms.

The core courses cover topics such as customer acquisition, technical market analysis, product life cycle, intellectual property, prototyping, iterative development, product design, user testing, and manufacturing.

Considering new product development in a larger framework, you will learn how a venture’s strategy, vision, and core capabilities, coupled with the voice of the customer, combine to determine product strategy, and create best-in-class product portfolios.

Interdisciplinary program. The MS in Product Development is integrated with engineering departments across the College of Engineering. Students benefit from highly accomplished faculty in their fields combined with a comprehensive entrepreneurial infrastructure.

Flexibility to match career goals. With a core curriculum of entrepreneurial engineering and product development, combined with elective flexibility, you can gear the program to match your interests and chosen industry. You can also choose master’s thesis, project, or coursework options.

With resources and expertise of the Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education—as well as opportunities with Northeastern university-wide entrepreneurial ecosystem—you will be enabled with interdisciplinary entrepreneurship opportunities and resources in the broadest sense, including tools, concepts, and resources to foster creativity and the ability to develop commercially viable ideas. You will be able to develop your own venture and follow it through the development process as part of the core curriculum.

Over 15 graduate certificates are available to provide students the opportunity to develop a specialization in an area of their choice. Certificates can be taken in addition to or in combination with a master’s degree, or provide a pathway to a master’s degree in Northeastern’s College of Engineering. Master’s programs can also be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate. Students should consult with their faculty advisor regarding these options.

Experiential Learning

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real world engineering challenges. The Cooperative Education Program , also known as a “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a co-op program for Graduate Students. You will have the opportunity to participate in the Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education co-op program, working on a venture for your co-op experience as part of the academic curriculum or to work in industry in a product development role.

Program Goals

Career outlook.

The U.S. technology industry market is estimated at $1.6 trillion in 2021, according to Zippia, with a 6% growth rate. Additionally, job growth for product managers is expected to be similar to managing occupations with a growth rate of 8% between 2019-2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Product managers are the fourth highest in-demand job in Silicon Valley and Boston is a high-tech hub of innovation.

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Sherman Center Venture Co-op: Frieda Huang

Frieda Huang, MS’24, product development, describes a venture co-op experience at the Sherman Center for Engineering Entrepreneurship Education as the founder of Moonshot, a web application that provides real-time feedback and suggestions for foreign-born professionals to know exactly how to respond in an online conversation.

Professorship for Open-Source Software

Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg

Bachelor and Master Theses on Product Management

We currently have plenty of Bachelor and Master Thesis opportunities available that focus on product management. Specifically, these are case-writing theses. In such a thesis, you will work with an industry partner (and us) to analyse a specific situation that the industry partner once faced. Typically, that situation was about making a difficult decision. The industry partner provides the specifics of the situation and we help you with the underlying concepts needed to analyse the situation. The result of your work is a “case” that describes the situation and that we intend to use in future teaching. The case will be made available for free.

• We have explained the concept to industry partners before.
• We can also tell you about the expected results .
• Finally, you can take a look at specific cases available .

Please let us know if you are interested. Just send an email to Prof. Riehle. Also, a great way to get started or just get an impression is to take the Product Management seminar.

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Category: 4.2 Thesis Opportunities

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Marketing Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

How Feeling Like a Minority Affects Preferences for Autonomous Digital Interfaces , Ye Seul Kim

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Spillover Effects in Product Customization , Samuel Babu Sekar

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

External and Internal Factors of Sports Sponsorship Selling Cycles in North American Professional Sports , Dan Kaufmann

Increasing Personal and Product Influence Through Background Auditory and Visual Cues , Zhihao Yu

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

The Effects of Product Recalls on Competitors’ Market Value and Recalling Firm’s Reputation , Dong Liu

Corporate Brand Impact on Sales / Revenue Per Share , Brad A. Puckey

Competition in Upstream Humanitarian Supply Chain: Investigation of Food Banks , Iana Shaheen

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

How Digital versus Non-Digital Modes of Food Ordering Influence Menu Healthfulness Perceptions and Food Choices , Annika Abell

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Impact of Digital Marketing Decisions on Market Outcomes in Residential Real Estate , Denise Hunter Gravatt

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Hate is a Strong Word: The Influence of Hate-Acknowledging Advertising on Brand Outcomes , Lisa Monahan

The Effects of Loneliness on Consumers’ Digital Engagement with Social Media Ads , Yu Qin

Product Shadows and Ad Evaluations , Nazuk Sharma

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Understanding the Complexity of Product Returns Management: A Complex Adaptive Systems Theory Perspective , Jennifer Anne Espinosa

Branding Implications of Co-Created Social Responsibility , Alexander J. Kull

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

How You Categorize Influences How Helpful You Are: The Effect of Categorization Mindset on Consumers’ Social Decisions , Hsiao-Ching Kuo

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Taken for Granted or Taken with Gratitude? An Examination of the Differential Effects of Donations of Time and Money on Consumers' Evaluation of Corporate Philanthropy , Ryan Langan

Essays on Consumer's Psychological and Behavioral Responses toward Social Coupons , Chinintorn Nakhata

Muscling Consumers to Optimal Option Differentiation: The Influence of Incidental Muscular Sensations on Option Differentiation , Courtney Szocs

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Essays on Mental Accounting and Consumers' Decision Making , Ali Besharat

Perceived Firm Transparency: Scale and Model Development , Jennifer Dapko

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Antecedents and Consequences of Channel Alienation: An Empirical Investigation within Franchised Channels of Distribution , Ivan Lapuka

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An Empirical Examination of the Dark Side of Relationship Marketing within a Business to Business Context , Brent L. Baker

Developing the Nomological Network of Perceived Corporate Affinity for Technology: A Three Essay Dissertation , David Earl Fleming

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Self-Directed Learning: Measures and Models for Salesperson Training and Development , Stefanie Leigh Boyer

Emotional Exhaustion and Its Role in Service Sabotage among Boundary Spanners , Diane R. Edmondson

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

Essays on multiple identities and motivated consumption: Exploring the role of identity centrality on self-brand connections , Tracy R. Harmon

The impact of organizational climate variables of perceived organizational support, workplace isolation, and ethical climate on salesperson psychological and behavioral work outcomes , Robert J. Riggle

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The Effect of Perceived Entitativity on Implicit Image Transfer in Multiple Sponsorships , FrancoÌ?is Anthony Carrillat

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Relationship Advertising: Investigating the Strategic Appeal of Intimacy (Disclosure) in Services Marketing , Andrea Diahann Gaye Scott

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Prioritization Techniques for the Product Owner

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As a Product Owner , one of your most critical responsibilities is deciding how to order Product Backlog items in the Product Backlog. With limited resources and ever-evolving customer demands, mastering the art of feature prioritization is essential to creating a successful and user-centric product. In this article, we will explore some complimentary practices which the Product Owner might use to as an input when deciding how to order the Product Backlog. These tools should be seen as optional practices that the Product Owner might use when making their day-to-day decisions about the content and ordering of the Product Backlog.

Understanding the Importance of Prioritization

Ordering Product Backlog items in the Product Backlog isn't simply about arranging them in a list. It's about making informed decisions that align with your product's vision, your business goals, and most importantly, your customers' needs. By carefully choosing which features to deliver first, the Product Owner can maximize the value that your product delivers while minimizing the risk of investing resources in features that may not resonate with your audience. The complimentary practices below can help bring clarity to your thought process and can be used to potentially involve stakeholders in the process as well.

The MoSCoW Method: Must-Have, Should-Have, Could-Have, Won't-Have

I had the opportunity to collaborate with a team on the re-platforming of a major consumer website. When we embarked on this initiative, we faced uncertainty about where to initiate our efforts. Determining the most crucial features and establishing a starting point from a technical perspective presented challenges. To gain insights from our stakeholders, we opted to employ the MoSCoW prioritization technique.

We began by compiling an exhaustive backlog of all potential features for the final product. This comprehensive list was then presented to stakeholders for feedback. Stakeholders were asked to categorize each feature according to the MoSCoW framework: "Must Have," "Should Have," "Could Have," and "Won't Have." Through productive stakeholder discussions, we gained a deeper understanding of their perspectives on feature importance.

The outcomes of the MOSCOW session proved invaluable to the Product Owner's process of ordering the Product Backlog.

Here's how it works:

This technique provides a systematic approach to categorize features into four distinct categories, denoted as follows. Engage stakeholders either remotely or in person and guide them through each feature within the Product Backlog. For each feature, prompt stakeholders to assign it to one of the following categories:

Must-Have (M): Encompassing essential features crucial for the core functionality and immediate usability of the product. These features are pivotal to fulfilling the primary purpose of the product.

Should-Have (S): Pertaining to features that, while important, aren't critical for the initial release. They enhance the user experience and contribute value, but the product can operate effectively without them.

Could-Have (C): Referring to features that provide added benefits to specific user segments. These are considered as "nice-to-haves" and can be included in subsequent releases if resource availability allows.

Won't-Have (W): Designating features that have been intentionally deprioritized. These features might not align with current objectives or could demand disproportionate resources in relation to their value.

The MoSCoW method, while a valuable tool, remains a strategic hypothesis. It's essential to recognize that the true importance to the customer only becomes clear upon product release.

Additionally, regardless of the outomes of the MoSCoW exercise, the Product Owner always remains the final decision maker on the content and ordering of the Product Backlog. The Product Owner may choose to order their Product Backlog to reduce risk, consider technical or business dependencies or may decide that certain features are more important to the customer than stakeholders believed. Whatever the Product Owner's decision, the organization should respect their decision.

The Kano Model: Customer Satisfaction and Delight

The Kano model provides a little more emphasis on how the organization hypothesizes that customers will feel about the different features which could be build for the Product. Rather than "Must Have", "Should Have", etc., the Kano Model focuses on the relationship between features and customer satisfaction.

Using, the Kano model, the Product Owner and stakeholders should review items from the Product Backlog and classify them into five categories as shown below.

Basic Needs: These are the fundamental features that customers expect. They don't necessarily impress customers, but their absence leads to dissatisfaction.

Performance Needs: These features directly correlate with customer satisfaction. The better their performance, the more satisfied customers are.

Excitement Needs: These unexpected features delight customers and can set your product apart from competitors. They aren't crucial, but they generate excitement and positive sentiment.

Indifferent Needs: These features neither significantly impact satisfaction nor cause dissatisfaction. They're often best minimized to avoid unnecessary complexity.

Reverse Needs: These features, if present, can actually lead to dissatisfaction for some users. Understanding and avoiding them is crucial.

As with all prioritization techniques, the outcome should serve as input into the Product Owner's decision-making process. The Product Owner may need to consider additional aspects such as technical dependencies or risk when they make their decisions about the content and ordering of the Product Backlog.

The RICE Method: Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort

The RICE method is a data-driven approach that helps you quantify and compare different feature ideas. This method is particularly useful for Marketing teams who need to prioritize their efforts according to what will have the greatest impact for the largest number of people.

Many marketing teams - especially internal teams serving a larger organization - receive far more requests than they can actually fulfill. How does the Product Owner decide between the needs of the various stakeholders requesting time from the Marketing organization? The RICE method can help. RICE takes into account Reach, Impact, Confidence and Effort and can help the Product Owner make more thoughtful decisions about the content and ordering of their Product Backlog.

The Product Owner or their delegate should review requests for inclusion in the Product Backlog through the lens of Reach (how many users are impacted), Impact (how positive of an impact the feature will have), Confidence (how confident estimates are), and Effort (how much effort will it take to deliver each feature)." By considering these four elements, the Product Owner can make more educated decisions about the content and ordering of the Product Backlog.

Reach: Evaluate how many users a feature will impact. This could be a percentage of your user base or a specific customer segment.

Impact: Measure the potential impact of the feature on user satisfaction, engagement, revenue, or any other relevant metric.

Confidence: Assess how confident you are in your estimates for reach and impact. More uncertain features should have lower confidence scores.

Effort: Estimate the resources (time, money, manpower) required to develop the feature.

By calculating the RICE score (Reach × Impact × Confidence / Effort), you can prioritize features that offer the highest value relative to their cost.

Prioritizing features is an ongoing process that requires a deep understanding of your product's purpose and your users' needs. The MoSCoW, Kano, and RICE methods offer distinct yet complementary approaches to feature prioritization. Depending on your product, combining elements from these frameworks can provide a well-rounded strategy for making informed decisions.

Remember that context matters. Your product's stage, market conditions, and user feedback should all influence your prioritization decisions. Regularly revisit and refine your priorities to ensure your product roadmap remains aligned with your vision and responsive to changing dynamics.

By mastering the art of feature prioritization, you can steer your product towards success, delivering value to your users and achieving your business goals in a strategic and impactful way.

To learn more about the Product Owner accountability in Scrum, signup for Rebel Scrum’s Professional Scrum Product Owner course.

Expand your horizons and learn from thought leaders in Scrum and Kanban at this year’s Scrum Day conference in Madison, Wisconsin.  This conference has something for everyone from our groundbreaking keynotes to break-out sessions for Scrum Masters, Executives, Product Owners, Developers and those who are just curious about Scrum.

And while you are in town, don’t miss the Badger game at Camp Randall Stadium on September 16!

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Master data management: The key to getting more from your data

Picture this: a sales representative at a multibillion-dollar organization has an upcoming meeting with a prospective client. She searches for the client in the organization’s customer relationship management software and finds several accounts with the same name. She struggles to learn more about the products and services the client is already buying, the customer contacts that have already been engaged, and the relationships the contact may have with other sales representatives within the organization. As a result, the sales representative spends several hours manually pulling together information to get organized for the upcoming meeting.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Aziz Shaikh, Holger Harreis , Jorge Machado , and Kayvaun Rowshankish , with Rachit Saxena and Rajat Jain, representing views from McKinsey Digital.

This scenario is an example of poor master data management (MDM), which commonly results in suboptimal customer and employee experience, higher costs, and lost revenue opportunities. MDM is a critical component of any organization’s data strategy (see sidebar “About master data management”). These capabilities can make or break an organization’s efficiency and reliability—particularly in complex organizations with multiple business units, where data silos can lead to inefficiencies and errors.

About master data management

Typically, organizations have four types of data: transaction, reference, derived, and master. Of these, master data provides the most relevant, foundational information about entities and their attributes, unique identifiers, hierarchies, and relationships within an organization. This information is shared across business functions and systems to support business processes and decision making.

In 2023, McKinsey surveyed more than 80 large global organizations 1 Companies surveyed earned more than $100 million in annual revenue. across several industries to learn more about how they organize, use, and mature their master data. McKinsey’s Master Data Management Survey indicated that organizations have four top objectives in maturing their MDM capabilities: improving customer experience and satisfaction, enhancing revenue growth by presenting better cross- and up-selling opportunities, increasing sales productivity, and streamlining reporting (Exhibit 1).

MDM plays an important role with modern data architecture concepts and creates value in five ways:

• MDM cleans, enriches, and standardizes data for key functions, such as customer or product data, before it is loaded into the data lake. In this way, MDM ensures that data is accurate, complete, and consistent across an organization.
• In the context of data products, MDM provides a hub for high-quality data across entities, which improves the effectiveness, consistency, and reliability of data products for improved decision making, accurate reporting and analysis, and compliance with local regulations and standards.
• MDM standardizes data across entities to provide a unified view across various systems.
• MDM can act as a system of reference that shares data with applications and other domains via web services, typically representational state transfer application programming interfaces (REST APIs).
• MDM and artificial intelligence (AI) can benefit from each other. For instance, MDM can leverage AI algorithms to identify duplicate records and merge them intelligently, which can enhance the performance and reliability of generative AI systems.

But many organizations have not fully harnessed the potential of MDM. This article builds on the insights from our MDM survey, describes the common challenges companies face when integrating MDM capabilities, and highlights areas in which MDM could be optimized to help businesses gain a competitive advantage.

Common issues organizations face when implementing MDM

Small and large organizations alike can benefit from implementing MDM models, yet collecting and aggregating quality data can be difficult because of funding constraints, insufficient technological support, and low-caliber data. Based on our survey results, following are some of the most prevalent challenges to implementing MDM.

Difficulty of making a business case

Demonstrating potential savings through reduced data errors, enhanced operational efficiency, and improved decision making can provide a clear return on investment for MDM initiatives. However, this return is inherently difficult to quantify, so positioning MDM as a priority ahead of projects with more visible, immediate benefits can be challenging. Consequently, despite MDM’s potential to enhance an organization, leaders may have a difficult time building a business case for augmenting their MDM and investing in associated architecture and technology capabilities.

Creating value beyond the hype

Let’s deliver on the promise of technology from strategy to scale.

Organizational silos

Types of master data domains.

A variety of categories can serve as master data domains, and each serves a specific purpose. The most common categories include the following:

Customer data. Customer data includes key details such as customer contact information, purchasing history, preferences, and demographic data. Organizations can leverage customer data to optimize marketing strategies, personalize customer experiences, and foster long-term relationships.

Client data. Client data typically includes client names, contact information, billing and shipping addresses, payment terms, key decision makers, and other client-specific identifiers. Business-to-business (B2B) organizations can manage client data to tailor their strategies, personalize communications, and optimize sales and marketing efforts to better serve their clients’ needs and preferences.

Product data. Product data includes attributes such as product names, descriptions, SKUs, pricing, and specifications. Product data typically spans across R&D, supply chain, and sales.

Supplier data. Supplier data includes attributes such as vendor names, contact details, payment terms, tax information, and vendor-specific codes. Accurate supplier data helps to establish a single, complete, and consistent definition of vendors across the organization.

Financial data. Financial data typically includes information about legal or management entities (a company code, for instance), a chart of accounts, cost and profit centers, and financial hierarchies.

Employee data. Employee data includes attributes such as employee names, contact information, job titles, employee IDs, department assignments, and payroll information.

Asset data. Asset data includes attributes such as asset name, type, purchase date, installation date, manufacturer details, financial and depreciation details, and maintenance and repair details. Organizations can improve their operational performance by maintaining consistent, accurate, and efficient management of assets across an organization.

According to the McKinsey Master Data Management Survey 2023, 83 percent of organizations consider client and product data to be the most dominant domains.

Eighty percent of organizations responding to our survey reported that some of their divisions operate in silos, each with its own data management requirements, practices, source systems, and consumption behaviors. For example, a sales team may maintain client data in a customer relationship management (CRM) system, while a marketing team may use a client data platform (CDP) to create customer profiles and inform ad campaigns. Silos can lead to inconsistencies and errors, increasing the difficulty of making decisions related to business, data, and technology (see sidebar “Types of master data domains”).

Treating MDM as a technology discipline only

Organizations typically think of MDM as a technology discipline rather than as a differentiator that can drive enterprise value. According to our survey, only 16 percent of MDM programs are funded as organization-wide strategic programs, leaving IT or tech functions to carry the financial responsibility (Exhibit 2). Sixty-two percent of respondents reported that their organizations had no well-defined process for integrating new and existing data sources, which may hinder the effectiveness of MDM.

While technology plays a crucial role, the success of MDM initiatives requires significant business influence and sponsorship to set the strategic direction, understand data dependencies, improve the quality of data, enhance business processes, and, ultimately, support the organization in achieving its goals. It’s important for the role of data owner to be played by a business stakeholder—specifically, the head of the business unit that uses the data most, such as the head of sales and marketing for the client data domain. That leader can provide guidance for defining data requirements and data quality rules that are aligned with the business’s goals.

Poor data quality

Poor-quality data cannot deliver analytics-based insights without substantial manual adjustment. According to the MDM survey, 82 percent of respondents spent one or more days per week resolving master data quality issues, and 66 percent used manual review to assess, monitor, and manage the quality of their master data. Consequently, large, multidivisional organizations may be unable to efficiently generate KPIs or other metrics, and sales representatives may be unable to quickly generate a consistent, holistic view of prospective clients. According to the MDM survey, the most prevalent issues in organizations’ data quality were incompleteness, inconsistency, and inaccuracy (Exhibit 3).

In addition to incompleteness, inconsistency, and accuracy, many companies also contend with issues of uniqueness, or duplicate information, across systems. Traditionally, organizations classify data assets based on the stakeholders they interact with, but this approach can lead to duplication of information. For example, a supplier to an organization can also be its customer. These circumstances have led to the design of a “party” data domain that generalizes the characteristics of a person or organization and establishes the connection between them and their distinctive roles to the company.

Master data quality issues can cause customer dissatisfaction, operational inefficiencies, and poor decision making. Furthermore, companies handling private or sensitive consumer information have stricter compliance requirements and data quality, security, and privacy standards. Without good data, implementing MDM processes will be difficult.

Complex data integration requirements

Organizations may find it difficult to integrate MDM into their existing systems. Compatibility issues, data migration challenges, and system upgrades can hinder successful MDM implementation, and minimizing integration latency is crucial to provide timely and accurate data to the MDM system. Organizations may have to significantly model, map, and transform data systems so they can work with newer and older technologies.

How to effectively implement and optimize MDM capabilities

To overcome these challenges and successfully implement and optimize MDM capabilities, organizations must clearly identify the value they hope to create based on their priority business use cases such as operational efficiency and customer insights, which lead to cost savings and revenue growth. Organizations should measure the impact and effectiveness of MDM implementation using metrics such as ROI, total cost of ownership, and performance baselines. Organizations should maintain a forward-looking approach to adopt modern tools and technologies; create a robust data governance model backed by performance KPIs; and plan for capability building among stakeholders to ensure a uniform adoption of MDM principles.

The data dividend: Fueling generative AI

Build a ‘golden record’ that contains the most up-to-date information.

An MDM “golden record” is a repository that holds the most accurate information available in the organization’s data ecosystem. For example, a golden record of client data is a single, trusted source of truth that can be used by marketing and sales representatives to analyze customer preferences, trends, and behaviors; improve customer segmentation; offer personalized products and services; and increase cross-sales, interactions, customer experiences, and retention.

To build a golden record that contains the most up-to-date information, organizations integrate data from every business unit into the golden record and update it as more accurate information becomes available. Integrating information can be done with the help of AI and machine learning (ML) technology. Alternatively, organizations may establish one existing system as the golden record for a specific data domain to maintain consistency, precision, and timeliness across the enterprise.

Four common master data management design approaches

Organizations typically use one of four master data management design approaches, depending on the complexity of their data:

Registry MDM. This model aggregates data from multiple sources to spot duplicates in information. It is a simple, inexpensive approach that large, global organizations with many data sources often find helpful.

Consolidation MDM. This approach periodically sorts and matches information from multiple source systems to create or update the master data record. Simple and inexpensive to set up, it is a good option for organizations seeking to analyze large sets of data.

Centralized MDM. This approach establishes a single master repository to create, update, and maintain data, and shares it back with the respective source systems. This model is good for banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and hospital networks that require strict compliance to maintain integrity and control over their data.

Coexistence MDM. This approach creates and updates data in source systems, giving businesses the flexibility and autonomy to manage data attributes at the division or business-unit level while maintaining consistent core client data. This model is especially good for large, complex enterprises with many segments and business-unit structures that are frequently integrating new clients into their databases.

Organizations typically start by deploying more rudimentary MDM models, such as registry or consolidation, then evolve to more mature approaches, such as centralized or coexistence. These more mature models are more flexible but also more complex. When choosing an MDM deployment approach, organizations should consider the following questions, among others:

• How should the organization centralize and streamline master data across different systems and locations to maximize accessibility and usability?
• What methodologies should be used to manage the complexity of data relationships and structures to improve efficiency and interoperability across systems?
• What strategies need to be implemented to enable real-time master data updates and guarantee instant access to the most current and accurate information?
• How should the organization maintain consistent, high-quality data across all departments to support data-driven decision making?
• What initiatives need to be implemented to empower business units to increase autonomy and maturity, fostering innovation and agility throughout the organization?
• Which systems must be seamlessly integrated with the MDM strategy to establish a cohesive and unified data ecosystem?
• How should MDM support and enhance current and future business processes to drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage?
• What proactive measures should be in place to address regulatory and compliance requirements, ensuring risk mitigation and adherence to industry best practices?

There are four common MDM design approaches that can be used to update the golden record within the business unit data (see sidebar “Four common master data management design approaches”). Deploying a modular architecture enables fit-for-purpose consumption and integration patterns with various systems to manage the golden record. For example, every mastered client record could be linked back to the source systems and mapped to a hierarchy to show association in the MDM system. Alternatively, client data could be mastered and assigned a unique client ID within the golden record to stitch together data from all systems and create a single portfolio of a client.

Establish a robust data governance model to maintain integrity and reliability of MDM capabilities

Only 29 percent of companies responding to our survey had full upstream and downstream MDM integrations with source systems and business applications, as well as all governance or stewardship roles, in place. Organizations should clearly identify the single source of truth for data and properly train employees on handling integration failures to avoid saving stale information.

Data governance models for MDM should be designed with clear roles and responsibilities, be managed by a governance council with representatives from different business units and IT, and be shepherded by someone who can serve as an MDM liaison among business, data, and technology stakeholders. The structure should be complemented by a clearly defined policy framework and a tailored, business-backed, and IT-supported operating model for master data domains. These data governance processes will allow upstream system owners and a data governance council to address data quality issues—for example, when the MDM identifies new or updated information as conflicting with other information based on the survivorship strategy.

Choose an MDM tool that enhances data quality and accelerates transformation

MDM tools are becoming more intuitive and user-friendly, and recent innovations in AI, ML, cloud technologies, and federated architectures have opened new possibilities for data mastering and processing. For example, AI-enabled tools use pretrained AI and ML models to automate data quality, data matching, and entity resolution tasks with a higher degree of accuracy and greater efficiency. According to the survey, 69 percent of organizations are already using AI as part of their overall data management capabilities; however, only 31 percent are using advanced AI-based techniques to enhance match-and-merge capabilities and to improve master data quality more broadly.

Organizations should choose data management tools that align with their priorities and make the transition seamless. It’s also important to consider the return on investment and the incremental value that each MDM tool can bring to the organization. When choosing an MDM tool, relevant business stakeholders should understand data processes and requirements, including the data elements that affect business operations and the priority use cases, and then help determine the technology capabilities and workflows that are required to integrate new systems.

For example, stakeholders should assess the maturity of their organization’s capabilities, including its data quality, matching, and entity resolution, to determine how easily new systems will be able to integrate with existing systems and technologies. It is also important to consider these systems’ scalability and flexibility to accommodate future growth and evolving data management needs. Moreover, AI and ML capabilities should be considered to help the MDM tool automate tasks to improve data quality.

Plan for capability building and change management

Organizations that implement technology without changing their processes and the way people work with master data may not fully reap the benefits of MDM.

Change management is crucial to ensure that employees understand and embrace the changes brought about by MDM implementation. It typically includes securing executive sponsorship to demonstrate the importance of MDM to the organization; engaging with business and technology stakeholders to communicate the vision; setting expectations for accountability and processes; and rolling out comprehensive training programs to educate employees on MDM and data principles, processes, and tools.

Start with a pilot implementation

Organizations can start integrating MDM tools by first piloting MDM in one domain to validate its design, governance model, and workflows in a controlled environment. Organizations can then easily identify any potential issues or challenges and make the necessary adjustments before scaling up the implementation to other master data domains or to the entire organization. Piloting these tools also allows organizations to gather feedback from users and stakeholders to understand the user experience, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary changes to optimize the MDM tool and workflows.

Implementing and optimizing MDM capabilities can seem daunting, especially for large organizations with multiple complex systems. But once successfully deployed across master data domains—using an optimal design approach, an efficient governance structure, and sufficient change management efforts—MDM can ensure that high-quality data is available for strategic decision making, leading to cost savings and revenue opportunities across an organization.

Aziz Shaikh and Jorge Machado are partners in McKinsey’s New York office, where Kayvaun Rowshankish is a senior partner, Rachit Saxena is a consultant, and Rajat Jain is an associate partner. Holger Harreis is a senior partner in the Düsseldorf office.

The authors wish to thank Vladimir Alekseev for his contributions to this article.

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• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

News Roundup Spring 2024

CEGE Spring Graduation Celebration and Order of the Engineer

Forty-seven graduates of the undergraduate and grad student programs (pictured above) in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering took part in the Order of the Engineer on graduation day. Distinguished Speakers at this departmental event included Katrina Kessler (MS EnvE 2021), Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and student Brian Balquist. Following this event, students participated in the college-wide Commencement Ceremony at 3M Arena at Mariucci. 

UNIVERSITY & DEPARTMENT

The University of Minnesota’s Crookston, Duluth, and Rochester campuses have been awarded the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, joining the Twin Cities (2006, 2015) and Morris campuses (2015), and making the U of M the country’s first and only university system at which every individual campus has received this selective designation. Only 368 from nearly 4,000 qualifying U.S. universities and colleges have been granted this designation.

CEGE contributed strongly to the College of Science and Engineering’s efforts toward sustainability research. CEGE researchers are bringing in over $35 million in funded research to study carbon mineralization, nature and urban areas, circularity of water resources, and global snowfall patterns. This news was highlighted in the Fall 2023 issue of  Inventing Tomorrow  (pages 10-11). https://issuu.com/inventingtomorrow/docs/fall_2023_inventing_tomorrow-web

CEGE’s new program for a one-year master’s degree in structural engineering is now accepting applicants for Fall 2024. We owe a big thanks to DAN MURPHY and LAURA AMUNDSON for their volunteer work to help curate the program with Professor JIA-LIANG LE and EBRAHIM SHEMSHADIAN, the program director. Potential students and companies interested in hosting a summer intern can contact Ebrahim Shemshadian ( [email protected] ).

BERNIE BULLERT , CEGE benefactor and MN Water Research Fund founder, was profiled on the website of the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF). There you can read more about his mission to share clean water technologies with smaller communities in Minnesota. Many have joined Bullert in this mission. MWRF Recognizes their Generous 2024 Partners. Gold Partners: Bernie Bullert, Hawkins, Inc., Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and SL-serco. Silver Partners: ISG, Karl and Pam Streed, Kasco, Kelly Lange-Haider and Mark Haider, ME Simpson, Naeem Qureshi, Dr. Paul H. Boening, TKDA, and Waterous. Bronze Partners: Bruce R. Bullert; Brenda Lenz, Ph.D., APRN FNP-C, CNE; CDM Smith; Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA MN); Heidi and Steve Hamilton; Jim “Bulldog” Sadler; Lisa and Del Cerney; Magney Construction; Sambatek; Shannon and John Wolkerstorfer; Stantec; and Tenon Systems.

After retiring from Baker-Tilly,  NICK DRAGISICH  (BCE 1977) has taken on a new role: City Council member in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. After earning his BCE from the University of Minnesota, Dragisich earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas. Dragisich retired in May from his position as managing director at Baker Tilly, where he had previously served as firm director. Prior to that, he served as assistant city manager in Spokane, Washington, was the city administrator and city engineer in Virginia, Minnesota, and was mayor of Chisholm, Minnesota—all adding up to more than 40 years of experience in local government. Dragisich was selected by a unanimous vote. His current term expires in December 2024.

PAUL F. GNIRK  (Ph.D. 1966) passed away January 29, 2024, at the age of 86. A memorial service was held Saturday, February 24, at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T), where he started and ended his teaching career, though he had many other positions, professional and voluntary. In 2018 Paul was inducted into the SDSM&T Hardrocker Hall of Fame, and in 2022, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, joining his mother Adeline S. Gnirk, who had been inducted in 1987 for her work authoring nine books on the history of south central South Dakota.

ROGER M. HILL  (BCE 1957) passed away on January 13, 2024, at the age of 90. His daughter, Kelly Robinson, wrote to CEGE that Roger was “a dedicated Gopher fan until the end, and we enjoyed many football games together in recent years. Thank you for everything.”

KAUSER JAHAN  (Ph.D. 1993, advised by Walter Maier), PE, is now a civil and environmental engineering professor and department head at Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Jahan was awarded a 3-year (2022- 2025), $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The grant supports her project, “WaterWorks: Developing the New Generation of Workforce for Water/Wastewater Utilities,” for the development of educational tools that will expose and prepare today’s students for careers in water and wastewater utilities.

SAURA JOST  (BCE 2010, advised by Timothy LaPara) was elected to the St. Paul City Council for Ward 3. She is part of the historic group of women that make up the nation’s first all-female city council in a large city.

The 2024 ASCE Western Great Lakes Student Symposium combines several competitions for students involved in ASCE. CEGE sent a large contingent of competitors to Chicago. Each of the competition groups won awards: Ethics Paper 1st place Hans Lagerquist; Sustainable Solutions team 1st place overall in (qualifying them for the National competition in Utah in June); GeoWall 2nd place overall; Men’s Sprint for Concrete Canoe with rowers Sakthi Sundaram Saravanan and Owen McDonald 2nd place; Product Prototype for Concrete Canoe 2nd place; Steel Bridge (200 lb bridge weight) 2nd place in lightness; Scavenger Hunt 3rd place; and Aesthetics and Structural Efficiency for Steel Bridge 4th place.

Students competing on the Minnesota Environmental Engineers, Scientists, and Enthusiasts (MEESE) team earned second place in the Conference on the Environment undergraduate student design competition in November 2023. Erin Surdo is the MEESE Faculty Adviser. Pictured are NIKO DESHPANDE, ANNA RETTLER, and SYDNEY OLSON.

The CEGE CLASS OF 2023 raised money to help reduce the financial barrier for fellow students taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, a cost of $175 per test taker. As a result of this gift, they were able to make the exam more affordable for 15 current CEGE seniors. CEGE students who take the FE exam pass the first time at a rate well above national averages, demonstrating that CEGE does a great job of teaching engineering fundamentals. In 2023, 46 of 50 students passed the challenging exam on the first try.

This winter break, four CEGE students joined 10 other students from the College of Science and Engineering for the global seminar, Design for Life: Water in Tanzania. The students visited numerous sites in Tanzania, collected water source samples, designed rural water systems, and went on safari. Read the trip blog: http://globalblogs.cse.umn.edu/search/label/Tanzania%202024

Undergraduate Honor Student  MALIK KHADAR  (advised by Dr. Paul Capel) received honorable mention for the Computing Research Association (CRA) Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award for undergraduate students who show outstanding research potential in an area of computing research.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

AKASH BHAT  (advised by William Arnold) presented his Ph.D. defense on Friday, October 27, 2023. Bhat’s thesis is “Photolysis of fluorochemicals: Tracking fluorine, use of UV-LEDs, and computational insights.” Bhat’s work investigating the degradation of fluorinated compounds will assist in the future design of fluorinated chemicals such that persistent and/or toxic byproducts are not formed in the environment.

ETHAN BOTMEN  (advised by Bill Arnold) completed his Master of Science Final Exam February 28, 2024. His research topic was Degradation of Fluorinated Compounds by Nucleophilic Attack of Organo-fluorine Functional Groups.

XIATING CHEN , Ph.D. Candidate in Water Resources Engineering at the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory is the recipient of the 2023 Nels Nelson Memorial Fellowship Award. Chen (advised by Xue Feng) is researching eco-hydrological functions of urban trees and other green infrastructure at both the local and watershed scale, through combined field observations and modeling approaches.

ALICE PRATES BISSO DAMBROZ  has been a Visiting Student Researcher at the University of Minnesota since last August, on a Doctoral Dissertation Research Award from Fulbright. Her CEGE advisor is Dr. Paul Capel. Dambroz is a fourth year Ph.D. student in Soil Science at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria in Brazil, where she studies with her adviser Jean Minella. Her research focuses on the hydrological monitoring of a small agricultural watershed in Southern Brazil, which is located on a transition area between volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Its topography, shallow soils, and land use make it prone to runoff and erosion processes.

Yielding to people in crosswalks should be a very pedestrian topic. Yet graduate student researchers  TIANYI LI, JOSHUA KLAVINS, TE XU, NIAZ MAHMUD ZAFRI  (Dept.of Urban and Regional Planning at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology), and Professor Raphael Stern found that drivers often do not yield to pedestrians, but they are influenced by the markings around a crosswalk. Their work was picked up by the  Minnesota Reformer.

TIANYI LI  (Ph.D. student advised by Raphael Stern) also won the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation (DDET) Fellowship for the third time! Li (center) and Stern (right) are pictured at the Federal Highway Administration with Latoya Jones, the program manager for the DDET Fellowship.

The Three Minute Thesis Contest and the Minnesota Nice trophy has become an annual tradition in CEGE. 2023’s winner was  EHSANUR RAHMAN , a Ph.D. student advised by Boya Xiong.

GUANJU (WILLIAM) WEI , a Ph.D. student advised by Judy Yang, is the recipient of the 2023 Heinz G. Stefan Fellowship. He presented his research entitled Microfluidic Investigation of the Biofilm Growth under Dynamic Fluid Environments and received his award at the St. Anthony Falls Research Laboratory April 9. The results of Wei's research can be used in industrial, medical, and scientific fields to control biofilm growth.

BILL ARNOLD  stars in an award-winning video about prairie potholes. The Prairie Potholes Project film was made with the University of Delaware and highlights Arnold’s NSF research. The official winners of the 2024 Environmental Communications Awards Competition Grand Prize are Jon Cox and Ben Hemmings who produced and directed the film. Graduate student Marcia Pacheco (CFANS/LAAS) and Bill Arnold are the on-screen stars.

Four faculty from CEGE join the Center for Transportation Studies Faculty and Research Scholars for FY24–25:  SEONGJIN CHOI, KETSON ROBERTO MAXIMIANO DOS SANTOS, PEDRAM MORTAZAVI,  and  BENJAMIN WORSFOLD . CTS Scholars are drawn from diverse fields including engineering, planning, computer science, environmental studies, and public policy.

XUE FENG  is coauthor on an article in  Nature Reviews Earth and Environment . The authors evaluate global plant responses to changing rainfall regimes that are now characterized by fewer and larger rainfall events. A news release written at Univ. of Maryland can be found here: https://webhost.essic. umd.edu/april-showers-bring-mayflowers- but-with-drizzles-or-downpours/ A long-running series of U of M research projects aimed at improving stormwater quality are beginning to see practical application by stormwater specialists from the Twin Cities metro area and beyond. JOHN GULLIVER has been studying best practices for stormwater management for about 16 years. Lately, he has focused specifically on mitigating phosphorous contamination. His research was highlighted by the Center for Transportation Studies.

JIAQI LI, BILL ARNOLD,  and  RAYMOND HOZALSKI  published a paper on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) precursors in Minnesota rivers. “Animal Feedlots and Domestic Wastewater Discharges are Likely Sources of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) Precursors in Midwestern Watersheds,” Environmental Science and Technology (January 2024) doi: 10.1021/acs. est.3c09251

ALIREZA KHANI  contributed to MnDOT research on Optimizing Charging Infrastructure for Electric Trucks. Electric options for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks (e-trucks) are still largely in development. These trucks account for a substantial percentage of transportation greenhouse gas emissions. They have greater power needs and different charging needs than personal EVs. Proactively planning for e-truck charging stations will support MnDOT in helping to achieve the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. This research was featured in the webinar “Electrification of the Freight System in Minnesota,” hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies. A recording of the event is now available online.

MICHAEL LEVIN  has developed a unique course for CEGE students on Air Transportation Systems. It is the only class at UMN studying air transportation systems from an infrastructure design and management perspective. Spring 2024 saw the third offering of this course, which is offered for juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Research Professor  SOFIA (SONIA) MOGILEVSKAYA  has been developing international connections. She visited the University of Seville, Spain, November 13–26, 2023, where she taught a short course titled “Fundamentals of Homogenization in Composites.” She also met with the graduate students to discuss collaborative research with Prof. Vladislav Mantic, from the Group of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis at the University of Seville. Her visit was a part of planned activities within the DIAGONAL Consortium funded by the European Commission. CEGE UMN is a partner organization within DIAGONAL, represented by CEGE professors Mogilevskaya and Joseph Labuz. Mantic will visit CEGE summer 2024 to follow up on research developments and discuss plans for future collaboration and organization of short-term exchange visits for the graduate students from each institution. 

DAVID NEWCOMB  passed away in March. He was a professor in CEGE from 1989–99 in the area of pavement engineering. Newcomb led the research program on asphalt materials characterization. He was the technical director of Mn/ROAD pavement research facility, and he started an enduring collaboration with MnDOT that continues today. In 2000, he moved from Minnesota to become vice-president for Research and Technology at the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Later he moved to his native Texas, where he was appointed to the division head of Materials and Pavement at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a position from which he recently retired. He will be greatly missed.

PAIGE NOVAK  won Minnesota ASCE’s 2023 Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award for her contributions to society through her engineering achievements and professional experiences.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced ten inaugural (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines awards, with a potential $1.6 billion investment nationally over the next decade. Great Lakes ReNEW is led by the Chicago-based water innovation hub,  Current,  and includes a team from the University of Minnesota, including PAIGE NOVAK. Current will receive $15 mil for the first two years, and up to $160 million over ten years to develop and grow a water-focused innovation engine in the Great Lakes region. The project’s ambitious plan is to create a decarbonized circular “blue economy” to leverage the region’s extraordinary water resources to transform the upper Midwest—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Brewing one pint of beer generates seven pints of wastewater, on average. So what can you do with that wastewater?  PAIGE NOVAK  and her team are exploring the possibilities of capturing pollutants in wastewater and using bacteria to transform them into energy.

BOYA XIONG  has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 40 Under 40 Recognition Program by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. The award was presented at the 2024 AAEES Awards Ceremony, April 11, 2024, at the historic Howard University in Washington, D.C. 

JUDY Q. YANG  received a McKnight Land-Grant Professorship Award. This two-year award recognizes promising assistant professors and is intended to advance the careers of individuals who have the potential to make significant contributions to their departments and their scholarly fields. 

Professor Emeritus CHARLES FAIRHURST , his son CHARLES EDWARD FAIRHURST , and his daughter MARGARET FAIRHURST DURENBERGER were on campus recently to present Department Head Paige Novak with a check for $25,000 for the Charles Fairhurst Fellowship in Earth Resources Engineering in support of graduate students studying geomechanics. The life of Charles Fairhurst through a discussion with his children is featured on the Engineering and Technology History Wiki at https://ethw.org/Oral-History:Charles_Fairhurst#00:00:14_INTRODUCTION

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