Program Overview

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Master of Science in Industrial Engineering

The Master of Science in Industrial Engineering program at the University of Central Florida is designed to produce highly skilled graduates who are prepared to be industrial engineers, engineering managers, or technical professionals, as well as leaders for the global economy. The program focuses on the design and improvement of systems, products, and processes, using a total systems approach to optimize operations in both manufacturing and service industries.

Program Overview

The program is structured to support the emergence of Central Florida as a national center of high technology, as well as the diverse service industries in the region and throughout the nation. Students can individually craft their programs of study and select courses to focus on one or more of the following research areas:

• Human Systems Engineering/Ergonomics
• Operations Research
• Quality Systems Engineering
• Simulation Modeling and Analysis
• Systems Engineering

Research Areas

Human Systems Engineering/Ergonomics

This area focuses on designing for the human user, ensuring that technology advances consider human abilities, limitations, and needs. Research provides students with the necessary knowledge in human engineering and ergonomics to effectively design tasks, industrial systems, and work environments that maximize human performance, safety, and overall productivity.

Operations Research

Operations Research uses mathematics and computer-based systems to model operational processes and decisions, developing and evaluating alternatives to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This area is ideal for students with an undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, or science.

Quality Systems Engineering

Quality Systems Engineering focuses on improving product and process quality in manufacturing and service industries, providing quantitative tools for measuring quality and the managerial focus required to implement effective continuous improvement programs.

Simulation Modeling and Analysis

Simulation Modeling and Analysis provides a fundamental understanding of the functional and technical design requirements for simulation in manufacturing and service industries. Research in this area prepares individuals for careers in simulation, focusing on using simulation as an analysis and design tool.

Systems Engineering

Systems Engineering designs and implements computer systems, software, and networks, including defining complex system requirements and determining system specifications, processes, and working parameters.

Degree Requirements

The MS program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, each requiring 30 credit hours of courses. At least half of the regular coursework must be at the 6000 level, and a cumulative grade-point average of B (3.0) must be maintained in the entire program of study.

Required Courses

• ESI 5219: Engineering Statistics
• EIN 5140: Project Engineering
• EIN 6357: Advanced Engineering Economic Analysis
• ESI 6551: Systems Engineering

Electives

Students must take 12 credit hours of electives after consultation with their adviser. Courses can be selected from various focus areas, including Human Systems Engineering/Ergonomics, Quality and Production Systems, Management Systems, Simulation, Optimization and Modeling, and Systems Engineering.

Thesis/Nonthesis Option

• Thesis Option: Requires 6 credit hours of thesis, where students complete an independent research study and write and successfully defend a thesis.
• Nonthesis Option: Requires a capstone course (EIN 6950) and an additional unrestricted elective course, where students complete an independent capstone project on a topic relevant to the industrial and systems engineering field.

Program Prerequisites

The program requires an undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, statistics, physics, quantitative management, or a similar field. Outstanding students with degrees in other disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must have completed:

• Mathematics through Calculus II
• An undergraduate course in engineering probability and statistics
• Be familiar with at least one programming language and common computer skills and tools

Application Requirements

Application deadlines are July 1 for Fall and December 1 for Spring. The application process includes submitting official transcripts, a resume, a goal statement, and letters of recommendation.

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. An equipment fee of $58 per semester is required for full-time students and $29 for part-time students.

Independent Learning

The Independent Learning requirement is met by successful completion of a thesis or the capstone course.