Guide to getting a master’s in industrial engineering

What is industrial engineering?

Industrial engineering uses a combination of scientific techniques, mathematics, and statistics to analyze, design, improve, and implement systems of materials, services, or information.

Industrial engineers are experts at analyzing, collecting, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data and using this data to make predictions and understand a system’s behavior. By understanding the systems they work on in great depth and detail, these engineers can make decisions that help organizations thrive.

Find the ideal program for you by exploring our best master’s in industrial engineering schools.

What is the difference between systems engineering vs industrial engineering?

These fields overlap significantly and thus are frequently grouped together. You may, for instance, come across a master’s in industrial and systems engineering (ISE). Systems engineering can be thought of as a subset of industrial engineering that has expanded into a field in its own right.

What can you do with a master’s in industrial engineering?

Industrial engineering offers the broadest career options of any engineering discipline. A bachelor’s degree is the entry point into the field, while a master’s degree expands career choices. Some of the roles you can take on include:

• optimizing the distribution of goods globally
• managing airline operations
• planning robot motion within warehouses
• designing safety protocols for self-driving vehicles
• performing electric grid optimization

Should you get a master’s in industrial engineering?

If you are seeking to enter management or other senior roles as quickly as possible, a master’s in industrial engineering is the obvious choice. It is somewhat more common to earn a master’s in this field than in other engineering disciplines due to a great number of roles requiring the specialized training a graduate degree provides.

Another consideration may be economic. The below shows economic performance of this degree 3 years after graduation. It offers a comparison of earnings to the median debt accrued, and compares these new earnings to those 3 years after receiving bachelor’s in industrial engineering.

How to pick a master’s in industrial engineering

When choosing between different programs, it is important to find one that offers the specialization you are interested in. Industrial engineering is a markedly broad field, meaning your choice of specialization can significantly alter your career path.

Below is a list of possible industrial engineering concentrations.

• Quality management systems (QMS) design
  Learn about the application of QMS in ensuring the quality of goods or services produced or offered by manufacturers or organizations. ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and ISO 22000 are some of the best-known QM systems.
• Manufacturing and automation
  Focus your studies on the implementation of “intelligent” manufacturing and automation in various industrial settings.
• Supply chain management
  Learn to manage the flow of services and goods between locations and businesses, from raw components all the way to the finished consumer product.
• Business logistics engineering
  Operational efficiency and reducing costs are the focus of this specialization. This can include transportation, inventory, storage, distribution, and information management.
• Information systems management
  In this specialization, the focus is on information rather than goods or services. Insights from systems design are applied to the analysis, storage, and sharing of information and data.
• Management science
  This specialization is aimed at training business managers with STEM skills through the use of evidence-based and scientific approaches to managing people, processes, workflow, and organizations.
• Integrated Lean Six Sigma
  Lean Six Sigma is a system focused on improving process yield and reducing variation and waste in manufacturing and other enterprise activities.
• Human factors – ergonomics
  Design and optimize the systems, processes, and technologies employees use and help them become more efficient and productive.

» Read: Guide to choosing a college major

Accreditation

While it is critically important to ensure your bachelor’s degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, it is less so for master’s degrees. Be aware that you may not be accepted into a master’s program without an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree.

Can you get an online master’s in industrial engineering?

Yes, you can earn this degree online. Approximately 20% of programs are offered exclusively online, which is significantly higher than other engineering disciplines. For comparison, only 3.4% of chemical engineering master’s degrees are available fully online.

» Read: Pros and cons of on-campus and online education

With just over 60% of programs available on-campus only, it means around 20% are available in hybrid format, combining in-person and remote learning.

How much does a master’s in industrial engineering cost?

We are limited to measuring the median debt graduates incur upon graduation. See below how the debt and repayment rates differ based on institution type.

Financial aid and scholarships for industrial engineering master’s degrees

In order to save on tuition, we recommend all students fill out the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). Additionally, check with your college or university to see if there are other financial aid opportunities you quality for.

» Read: Guide to the Federal Pell Grant

What to expect from a master’s in industrial engineering

The typical student in this program program has a bachelor’s in the field as well as a few years of work experience. Many programs are flexible, offering hybrid learning formats and courses that fit a professional schedule. The program can be an opportunity to network with others in the field, similarly to an MBA.

It is not uncommon for graduates from these programs to also pursue a business education. Topics covered in an industrial engineering master’s program range from STEM-heavy technical to managerial and business courses. Core courses may be similar across programs, but electives depend on your specialization.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements vary by school. The most common include:

• minimum undergraduate GPA as set by school
• 2 years of professional experience in a technical environment
• bachelor’s degree in industrial, systems, or other engineering discipline, or other STEM field

How long does it take to get a master’s in industrial engineering?

It takes 1 to 2 years to complete this degree program.

Thesis versus non-thesis route

Master’s programs focused on the application of knowledge generally don’t require a thesis for completion, while those focused on research do. Industrial engineering master’s degrees are more commonly offered as non-thesis programs, the focus being on the practical application of knowledge in technical and business environments.

Internship requirements

Internships aren’t required but can be beneficial. The relationships you build can lead to employment or networking opportunities after graduation.

FE and PE exams

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exams are the path to engineering licensure.

Licensed Professionals Engineers can:

• stamp and seal designs
• bid on government contracts
• own their own engineering firm
• perform engineering consulting services

You can take the FE exam during the final months of your bachelor’s or soon after graduation. The PE is taken following 4 or more years of work experience.

Note that a master’s degree is not a replacement for a PE license.

What type of courses are there in an industrial engineering master’s program?

Common courses in this program include:

What types of master’s degrees are there in industrial engineering?

The 2 primary types of degrees are the master of science (M.S.) and the master of engineering (MEng), the main difference being that the former requires a thesis while the latter does not. Most schools allow you to choose between these 2 formats.

The main reason for choosing an M.S. over an MEng is if you know you want to pursue further education and possibly enter academia. The thesis requirement allows you to continue on to a Ph.D. in the field.

What careers can I have with a master’s in industrial engineering?

Many employers show preference for systems engineers with a master’s degree, often counting the degree as several years of work experience. This also means you may be able to enter higher-level roles more quickly. Check out our careers in industrial engineering page for more information.