Go farther with an advanced degree and gain experience in research. The Master of Science (M.S.) program in Industrial Engineering prepares students for more challenging career assignments, more complex engineering problems, and Ph.D. studies. It provides an opportunity to gain more in-depth knowledge of industrial engineering and introduces students to the research process. The Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering requires 21 credit hours of coursework and a 9-credit thesis.
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Coursework
- 14 credits in 5000- and 6000-level industrial engineering courses (see the course catalog)
- 6 credits in courses outside industrial engineering that carry graduate credit
- 9 thesis/research credits
- Continuous registration in IE 5010 (graduate seminar) throughout graduate program
- 1 credit of GR ST 5650, Responsible Conduct of Research
Research
The Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering has research programs in Advanced Manufacturing, Human Factors & Ergonomics, Operations Research & Analytics, and Systems Engineering & Engineering Management.
Advanced Manufacturing
Research includes the investigation of new production methods for advanced products, studying process parameters of new processes, and understanding the interaction of processes in advanced manufacturing systems. Current IMSE efforts in this area include rapid manufacturing systems, advanced metrology and inspection, control and automation systems, and industrial energy efficiency.
Human Factors and Ergonomics
The application of our understanding of the capabilities and limitations of human beings in the design of the workplace and consumer items. Current emphasis areas in IMSE include 1) physical ergonomics with a particular focus on spine biomechanics, prevention of low back injury and hand/wrist disorders such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome and 2) cognitive engineering with a focus on augmented human performance and human computer interaction.
Operations Research & Analytics
Focuses on quantitative models that can provide new insights into the behavior of complex systems, identify areas where significant improvements can be made in system performance, and provide a basis for effective decision making. Quantitative models include mathematical and computer models based on principles of simulation, optimization, probability, and statistics.
Systems Engineering & Engineering Management
Focuses on the design and management of large, complex, and interdisciplinary technological systems. Engineering management is the art and science of planning, organizing, allocating resources, and directing and controlling activities that have a technological component, thereby bridging the gap between engineering and management. Research in this area is focused on decision and risk analysis, quantitative modeling (e.g., optimization, simulation), and analysis of complexity and emergent phenomena in large-scale systems. Courses are offered in decision analysis, risk analysis, requirements engineering, project management, and engineering management theory.
Applying for Admission
To be considered for admission to the Master of Science program, applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from a college, university, or 4-year technical school of recognized standing. Other Bachelor degrees will be considered on an individual basis. The TOEFL (or IELTS) test is required for students whose native language is not English. We no longer require GRE scores. High academic achievement or other persuasive evidence of professional accomplishments is expected for admission to the program.