Program Overview

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Industrial Engineering (MSIE)

The Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Systems offers a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE) degree focusing on the design and improvement of systems, products, and processes. This degree is available to those applicants with a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) or other Engineering degrees ONLY. Students with undergraduate degrees outside of industrial engineering may be required to take additional prerequisites.

Program Overview

A total systems approach is used to optimize the various aspects of operations in both manufacturing and service industries. Industrial engineers use many analytical approaches to improve productivity, safety, and quality of working life while reducing operating costs. The MSIE curriculum builds on an undergraduate engineering degree to develop a stronger systems focus and analytical capability.

Program Structure

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

Thesis Option

• The thesis option requires 30 credit hours: 12 credit hours of required courses, 12 credit hours of electives, and 6 thesis credit hours.
• Students must also write and successfully defend a thesis.

Nonthesis Option

• The nonthesis option requires 30 credit hours: 12 credit hours of required courses, 15 credit hours of electives, and a 3 credit Capstone course (EIN6950).

Research Studies

Research studies are required in one or more courses. The research study and report will focus on reviewing and analyzing contemporary research in the profession in order to help students acquire knowledge and skills pertaining to research-based best practices.

Program Prerequisites

Students with graduate degrees in industrial engineering or other engineering degrees are encouraged to apply for admission. Graduates from non-engineering curricula may apply to obtain the MS degree. All applicants are expected to have completed the following prerequisites during their undergraduate engineering education:

• Computer programming capability. Proficiency with MS Office expected.
• Python, C++, Visual BASIC, or Java recommended.
• Mathematics through Calculus II (MAC 2312 or equivalent)
• Undergraduate probability and statistics for engineers (STA 3032 or equivalent)

Degree Requirements

Required Courses

12 Total Credits

• Complete all of the following:
  • ESI6551 - Systems Engineering (3)
  • ESI6224 - Quality Management (3)
  • ESI6247 - Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods (3)
• Complete at least 1 of the following:
  • ESI5306 - Operations Research (3)
  • ESI6418 - Linear Programming and Extensions (3)

Elective Courses

12 Total Credits

• All students, both thesis and nonthesis, must take 12 credit hours of electives after consultation with their adviser.

Focus Areas

Students can choose from several focus areas, including:

• Human System Engineering/Ergonomics
• Quality and Production Systems
• Management Systems
• Simulation, Optimization and Modeling
• Systems Engineering

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students.

Equipment Fee

Full-time students in the Industrial Engineering MSIE program pay a $58 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay $29 each semester that they are enrolled.

Independent Learning

A research project serves as the independent learning experience for thesis students. Nonthesis students are required to complete the department's capstone course toward the end of their program.