Track Journey: Technical Program Manager / Engineering Manager
What this track is about
The Software Management track is for students who want to lead the development and delivery of software systems. This pathway focuses on managing teams, processes, and technical work so that software products are delivered reliably, at scale, and in alignment with business goals.
Students in this track learn how to bridge technical execution and organizational leadership. The emphasis is on coordinating people, timelines, quality, and stakeholders in software-driven environments.
The role this track prepares you for
This track is commonly aligned with roles such as Technical Program Manager, Engineering Manager, Agile Program Manager, Release Manager, or Software Product Manager, depending on prior experience.
In these roles, professionals are responsible for ensuring that software teams deliver high-quality systems on time while navigating changing requirements and technical complexity.
What this role looks like in real life
Someone working in a software management role typically spends their time doing the following:
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Planning and coordinating software development timelines and milestones
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Managing dependencies across engineering teams and functions
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Supporting agile processes such as sprint planning and retrospectives
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Monitoring software quality, risks, and release readiness
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Translating business requirements into technical execution plans
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Communicating progress and tradeoffs to technical and non-technical stakeholders
This role requires both technical credibility and strong organizational skills.
Skills you use every day in this role
Professionals in software management roles rely on a core set of skills:
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Project and program management to coordinate complex technical work
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Agile and delivery management to support iterative development
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Technical communication to align engineers and stakeholders
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Quality and risk management to ensure reliable releases
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Leadership and team coordination to support effective execution
How this track builds those skills
The courses in this track closely reflect how software organizations operate in practice.
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Project management courses focus on planning, execution, and stakeholder coordination.
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Software quality management courses teach how quality is designed, measured, and maintained in software systems.
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Advanced topics in digital transformation explore how organizations scale and modernize software-driven operations.
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The consulting or industrial practicum provides hands-on experience managing real software or technology initiatives.
Together, these experiences mirror the realities of leading software teams in industry.
Course offerings in this track
Students following this pathway often take a combination of the following courses:
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EGRMGMT 560: Project Management
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EGRMGMT 575: Software Quality Management
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EGRMGMT 590.01: Advanced Topics in Digital Transformation
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EGRMGMT 556: Consulting or Industrial Practicum
Course selection may vary based on individual goals and prior experience.
Where graduates go after MEM
Graduates from this track work across industries where software delivery and digital systems are central, including:
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Technology and software companies
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Enterprise IT and digital transformation teams
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Consulting and technology advisory roles
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Platform and infrastructure organizations
While job titles may vary, the leadership and delivery skills developed through this track are broadly applicable.
