Online Industrial Engineering Degree Programs
Industrial engineers are central to creating the most effective operations of factories and businesses. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that these scientific-minded professionals “find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes” by designing “efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service.”
They take on varied responsibilities, including optimizing management and financial planning; organizing production schedules, deliveries, and process flows; designing and implementing quality control solutions; and coordinating the actions of clients, vendors, and other staff. Their services can benefit all sectors of the economy from manufacturing to healthcare, and through their meticulous modeling, they irrevocably improve the world’s production and services.
Prior to seeking work, these invaluable professionals generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering or a related field, although others pursue a master’s degree to enhance their salary prospects and leadership opportunities. For their services, these engineers receive relatively generous wages.
According to the BLS (May 2019), the 291,710 industrial engineers nationwide earned an average annual salary of $92,660—nearly double the average wage of all American workers ($53,490)—and enjoyed the following wage percentiles:
United States (291,710 industrial engineers)
Additionally, there’s an abundance of societies and professional associations around the country to assist these workers in their important work. These groups include the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP); INFORMS (Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences); the International Federation of Operational Research Societies (IFORS); the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE); the Manufacturing and Service Operations Management Society; and the Production and Operation Management Society, among others.
This guide explores the wealth of online industrial engineering programs in the U.S., including discussions of expected coursework, costs, and some exceptional professors.
FEATURED ONLINE INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING PROGRAMS
Arizona State University
- Industrial Engineering (MS)
Is An Online Industrial Engineering Degree Right For Me?
Industrial engineers work in every sector, as their work is in-demand in every type of company. Students enrolled in industrial engineering programs learn business management subjects. The curriculum is typically focused on processes to improve production efficiency and reduce costs. Also, industrial engineering programs provide students with the foundations for working with big data.
Students who have not taken an online course before will need to get acquainted with the delivery method and format of distance education. Most online programs offer a combination of web-based videos, assignments, and discussion forums. Some courses may also include synchronous online lectures. Online students generally learn from the same faculty as on-campus students. Students are encouraged to participate in online discussion forums to enhance their understanding and learning.
While an online program offers flexibility to learn at your own pace, students must also maintain some form of accountability to ensure they complete coursework in time and derive maximum benefits from an online program. Those who succeed in this environment are typically self-motivated and self-starting learners.
List of Online Industrial Engineering Degree Programs
Filter by state :
DEGREE :
| School | City | State | Website | Undergrad | Graduate | Grads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Clemson |
SC | www.clemson.edu | 407 | |||
College Station |
TX | www.tamu.edu | 373 | |||
West Lafayette |
IN | www.purdue.edu | 337 | |||
Arlington |
TX | www.uta.edu | 216 | |||
Auburn |
AL | www.auburn.edu | 186 | |||
Orlando |
FL | www.ucf.edu | 180 | |||
Ames |
IA | www.iastate.edu | 161 | |||
Buffalo |
NY | www.buffalo.edu | 155 | |||
Raleigh |
NC | www.ncsu.edu | 152 | |||
Bethlehem |
PA | www.lehigh.edu | 133 | |||
Los Angeles |
CA | www.usc.edu | 122 | |||
New York |
NY | www.columbia.edu | 117 | |||
Champaign |
IL | www.illinois.edu | 116 | |||
Stillwater |
OK | www.okstate.edu | 115 | |||
Lubbock |
TX | www.ttu.edu | 103 | |||
Las Cruces |
NM | www.nmsu.edu | 95 | |||
Knoxville |
TN | www.utk.edu | 87 | |||
Miami |
FL | www.fiu.edu | 84 | |||
Manhattan |
KS | www.k-state.edu | 83 | |||
Corvallis |
OR | oregonstate.edu | 83 | |||
Kingsville |
TX | www.tamuk.edu | 79 | |||
Dearborn |
MI | umdearborn.edu | 70 | |||
Newark |
NJ | www.njit.edu | 65 | |||
New York |
NY | www.nyu.edu | 61 | |||
Mississippi State |
MS | www.msstate.edu | 59 | |||
Tallahassee |
FL | www.fsu.edu | 53 | |||
Warrensburg |
MO | www.ucmo.edu | 45 | |||
Southfield |
MI | www.ltu.edu | 36 | |||
Fort Wayne |
IN | cps.indianatech.edu | 31 | |||
Tucson |
AZ | www.arizona.edu | 30 | |||
Beaumont |
TX | www.lamar.edu | 18 | |||
Hays |
KS | www.fhsu.edu | 9 | |||
Scottsdale |
AZ | www.asu.edu | 8 | |||
Washington |
DC | www.gwu.edu | 1 |
Admissions Requirements for Online Industrial Engineering Degree Programs
While admissions materials for online programs vary by university, they generally are similar to their on-campus counterparts. Here’s a short list of typical admissions requirements for online schools in industrial engineering:
- Online application(s) and fee (NOTE: Some master’s programs require separate applications to the graduate school and the engineering department)
- Official transcripts from highest degree achieved (e.g., high school diploma, bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of prerequisite classes (e.g., calculus, geometry, physics, biology, chemistry)
- Competitive GPA (e.g., >2.5 for bachelor’s level, >3.0 for master’s level)
- Test scores (SAT/ACT for bachelor’s degree programs; GRE for master’s programs; TOEFL for ESL students)
- Personal statement (500-600 words)
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, managers, employers, or others
- Resume or CV (typically graduate-level programs only)
Some programs have additional requirements including candidate interviews or proof of publication.
Industrial Engineering Program Accreditation
Prior to applying to an online industrial engineering program, aspiring students are encouraged to verify their school’s or program’s accreditation status. In general, accreditation is a proxy for quality since this voluntary process weighs factors such as student outcomes, facilities, faculty, curricular standards, finance administration, and other relevant variables.
There are many organizations that offer accreditation, but they aren’t all created equal. For online industrial engineering programs, the predominant approval entities include the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET); notably, the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers assists schools for upcoming ABET evaluations. Other entities of note include organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education’s Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) such as:
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Commission on Colleges for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
- Distance Education Accreditation Commission (DEAC)
Industrial Engineering Curriculum & Specialization
In undergraduate programs in industrial engineering, typical courses include calculus, chemistry, linear algebra, materials, engineering economics and economic analysis, design production, physics, engineering and communication, operations research, quality assurance, engineering statistics, work analysis, and facilities planning. Undergraduate students may be required to take a number of other, non-engineering-related electives as well to fulfill breadth requirements.
Graduate students, by contrast, take more advanced coursework in areas including systems engineering, project risk management, operations management, product development, the legal aspects of engineering management, strategic planning, lean manufacturing systems engineering, professional responsibility and ethics, simulation modeling and analysis, cost estimation, large-scale optimization, and other topics. They also may be required to write a thesis or dissertation.
Finally, students within graduate-level industrial engineering programs may also have the option to pursue a specialty such as human factors, operations research, manufacturing, financial engineering, healthcare engineering, or other areas.
Featured Online Industrial Engineering Schools
1Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an online master of science (MS) in industrial engineering program that prepares students to understand, analyze, and then ultimately solve problems within large organizations. The faculty of the program includes renowned professionals who consistently receive awards for research and teaching excellence. The U.S. News & World Report ranks this program among the top 50 programs in the nation.
This 30 credit-hour program includes courses such as web-enabled decision support systems, information systems engineering, simulating stochastic systems, production systems, design engineering experiments, regression analysis, reliability engineering, applied deterministic operations research, and applied stochastic operations research models.
Applicants to the program must have a bachelor's or master's degree in software engineering, computer engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution and a minimum grade point average of 3.0. They must submit a completed graduate admission application, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency (for applicants with English as a second language).
Graduates of the program have career opportunities in areas such as electronic and computer product manufacturing, engineering services, aerospace product manufacturing, machinery manufacturing, and motor vehicle parts manufacturing.
- Location: Tempe, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: 7.5 to 15 weeks per class (two years total)
- Estimated Tuition: $1,022 per credit-hour
2Oregon State University
At Oregon State University in Corvallis, professionals who have a background in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics may pursue a distance-based master’s degree (MEng) in industrial engineering with a focus in engineering management. This master's degree program combines financial, management, and business knowledge with engineering-specific skills that are necessary to effectively lead organizations. Offered completely online, this program is taught by renowned faculty members known for their expertise, innovation, and research.
The program includes 45 credits of instruction in areas such as project management in engineering, operations management, advanced engineering economic analysis, systems engineering, the legal aspects of engineering and engineering management, and lean manufacturing systems engineering, among others.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in any of the STEM fields, GRE scores (only required if bachelor's degree is not from an ABET-accredited institution), statement of your professional objectives, letters of reference, and undergraduate transcripts.
Upon graduation, students in this online program receive the same degree as the on-campus students. Graduates of the program can move into management and leadership roles. They develop management skills focused on engineering, soft skills for successfully leading teams, and the credibility for influencing executive decision-makers.
- Location: Corvallis, OR
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $617 per credit-hour
3The University Of Arizona
Students can pursue an online master’s of science (MS) degree in industrial engineering at the University of Arizona of Tucson. This program offers an in-depth exploration of areas such as traffic modeling, computer-integrated modeling (CIM), and automation. The program helps students in developing the skills they need for optimizing manufacturing operations and supervising high-tech production processes. This industrial engineering master’s degree program offers various study paths to students, so they can choose an option that best supports their professional goals.
This 30- to 33-credit-hour curriculum involves three required courses: engineering statistics, fundamentals of optimization, and survey of optimization. Students can complete the remaining credit-hours through a project, a thesis, or through coursework option. Classes include quality engineering, reliability engineering, statistics, transportation systems, simulation modeling and analysis, and law for engineers and scientists, among other subjects.
The major admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline from an accredited university, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, completed online application, three letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts, a current resume, statement of intent, and English proficiency requirements for international students.
- Location: Tucson, AZ
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Expected Time to Completion: 16 to 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $1,149 per credit-hour
4North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University
At the North Carolina State University in Raleigh, students may pursue an online master’s degree in industrial engineering, which does not require any on-campus residency. This program is ideal for practitioner-oriented professionals seeking graduate-level knowledge in this field. This program also doesn't have any final oral examination or thesis requirements.
To be eligible for the program, students must have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related discipline from an accredited university or college, a minimum grade point average of 3.0, GRE, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international applicants only).
This 33-credit degree includes instruction in six broad-based areas: economic and decision analysis; human factors and ergonomics; manufacturing; production systems; systems analysis and optimization; and computer science, math, and statistics. Sample some of the courses in the curriculum: applied engineering economy, human factors in systems design, manufacturing process engineering, automated systems engineering, quality engineering, linear programming, and computer networks.
Graduates of the program are prepared for a wide variety of positions such as advanced manufacturing engineer, industrial engineer, industrial quality or plant engineer, manufacturing engineer, manufacturing process engineer, packaging designer, process industrial engineer, quality assurance manager, and many more.
- Location: Raleigh, NC
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 16 months
- Estimated Tuition: North Carolina residents ($513 per credit-hour); non-residents ($1,361 per credit-hour)
5University of Southern California
University of Southern California
Through the University of Southern California, students can pursue an online master of science degree in industrial and systems (ISE) engineering. This program enhances the technical capabilities of industrial engineers. This MS program is ideal for students wanting to become technical leaders in the field of industrial and systems engineering.
Applicants to the program are expected to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in any engineering or engineering-related discipline, electronic transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, GRE scores, a current resume, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students whose first language is not English.
Courses in the 30-credit ISE program include advanced production planning and scheduling, engineering project management, inventory systems, enterprise-wide information systems, linear programming and extensions, design of experiments, and performance analysis with simulation.
Graduates of the program have access to a vast array of career opportunities in areas such as aerospace, defense, healthcare, automotive, systems engineering, telecommunications, supply chain, manufacturing, and information technology.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Accreditation: Senior College and University Commission (WASC Senior or WSCUC) of the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC)
- Expected Time to Completion: Full-time enrollment (1.5 to two years); part-time enrollment (2.5 to 3.5 years)
- Estimated Tuition: $2,148 per credit-hour
6Columbia University
Columbia University allows students to pursue either an online master of science (MS) degree in industrial engineering or a certificate in the same field. This online master's degree focuses on how complex engineering projects should be managed, designed, and operated.
In order to get accepted into the program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited academic institution, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, a current resume, a personal-professional statement, and TOEFL/ or IELTS scores for students whose native language is not English.
Classes in this 30-credit distance-based M.S. program include applied systems engineering, optimization models and methods, introduction to probability and statistics, systems engineering: tools and methods and stochastic methods, as well as electives in infrastructure and sustainability, mechanical, electrical, and computer systems, biological systems, and management.
- Location: New York, NY
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 16 months
- Estimated Tuition: $2,196 per credit-hour.
7Purdue University
Purdue University offers an online master of industrial engineering (MSIE) program, ranked first by U.S. News & World Report among online industrial engineering master's programs. Students can either earn an MS in industrial engineering or an interdisciplinary MS in engineering (MSE/MS) with a concentration in industrial engineering.
For admission to the program, students must hold an undergraduate degree, and submit a completed online application, a statement of purpose, two official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, official GRE, a current resume, and TOEFL scores for international students.
Made up of 30 credit-hours, the program involves courses such as an introduction to systems engineering, financial engineering, lean manufacturing, design of experiments, economic decisions in engineering, stochastic models in operations research, manufacturing economics, and systems simulation.
- Location: West Lafayette, IN
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 16 months
- Estimated Tuition: Residents ($1,139 per credit-hour); non-residents ($1,382 per credit-hour)
8New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University offers a 100 percent online master of science in industrial engineering program, providing students with the techniques, tools, and skills to work in a wide range of organizational settings. The program is ideal for students with an inclination towards problem-solving, working with multidisciplinary teams, and dealing with the many aspects of industrial engineering.
For admission to the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited college or university, a statement of intent, and other requirements stated by the graduate school.
Consisting 30 credit-hours, the program includes courses such as stochastic processes modeling, queuing systems, systems synthesis and design, evaluation of engineering data, facilities planning and design, advanced engineering economy, and large-scale systems engineering.
Students develop a strong foundational understanding in industrial engineering methodologies and tools, as well as the design, installation, and improvement of systems. They will also develop soft skills such as teamwork, writing and communication, problem-solving, and thinking laterally.
Graduates can take up roles such as quality control systems managers, geothermal production managers, wind energy engineers, nanosystems engineers, and biofuels production managers.
- Location: Las Cruces, NM
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Expected Time to Completion: 24 months
- Estimated Tuition: $411.50 per credit-hour
9University of Michigan
The University of Michigan offers an online master’s degree (MSE) in industrial and systems engineering designed for engineers and related professionals who design, install, improve, and evaluate complex integrated systems. The program offers concentrations such as human factors and ergonomics, operations research and management science, quality systems and manufacturing, information systems, program management, and product development.
The program comprises 30 credit-hours, out of which nine credit credits are for required courses such as design and analysis of experiments, human factors and ergonomics, and production and operations engineering. Students can then complete 12 credits from their chosen concentration.
Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree in engineering, physical science, computer science, or applied mathematics, a course in probability and statistics, a course in operations research, two official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. GRE scores are not required for admission.
Students will develop knowledge and skills to help them design, manage, and install large integrated engineering systems.
- Location: Dearborn, MI
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 16 months
- Estimated Tuition: $931 per credit-hour
10Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology’s H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers an online master of science in industrial engineering program providing a graduate-level introduction to the broad field of industrial engineering. Students in this program study under faculty members who are actively engaged in research teaching students about the latest developments in industrial engineering.
The major admission requirements include an undergraduate bachelor of science degree or the equivalent, GRE scores, official transcripts, a document of lawful presence, personal statements, professional resume, and three references. International applicants are required to take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
The program comprises 30 credit-hours. The coursework explores topics such as manufacturing systems, warehousing systems, transportation & supply chain systems, engineering economy, simulation, probabilistic models, scheduling theory, and computational statistics.
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Expected Time to Completion: 12 to 16 months
- Estimated Tuition: $1,100 per credit-hour
Influential Industrial Engineering Professors
Dr. Daniel Bienstock , PhD - Columbia University
Dr. Daniel Bienstock is a professor within Columbia University’s Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, where he has been working since 1989. His research focuses on high-performance computing and optimization. He was the recipient of the INFORM Fellows Award, the Presidential Young Investigator Award, and the IBM Faculty Award.
Dr. Bienstock completed his PhD in operations research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his BA in mathematics at Brandeis University. He has published in respected journals such as Operations Research Letters and the Journal of Computational Finance.
Dr. Javier Calvo-Amodio , PhD - Oregon State University
Dr. Javier Calvo-Amodio serves as an associate professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at Oregon State University, where he has worked since 2012. Previously a graduate instructor at Texas Tech University, he also served at the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Morelia, Mexico as an institutional effectiveness director. His research interests include reliable systems engineering and applications to healthcare, sustainability, virtual teams, STEM education, and other areas.
Dr. Calvo-Amodio has published in prominent journals such as the Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Innovation, and the International Journal of Engineering Education. He completed his PhD at Texas Tech University, his MSc at the University of Hull, and his BS at Tecnológico de Monterrey.
Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh , PhD - Purdue University
Dr. Abhijit Deshmukh is the James J. Solberg department head and a professor of industrial engineering at Purdue University. His areas of interest include manufacturing and operations research, mechanism design, cyberinfrastructure for engineering applications, system complexity, and healthcare policy.
Dr. Deshmukh’s work has been published in influential journals such as the Journal of infrastructure systems and the International Journal of Urban Sciences. He earned his PhD from Purdue University, his MS from the State University of New York, and his BTech from the University of Bombay.
Maged M. Dessouky , PhD - University of Southern California
Dr. Maged Dessouky is a professor within USC’s Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. His research has won funding from the National Science Foundation, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Caltrans, FTA, and the Department of Defense. He’s the recipient of several honors and awards, including the 2007 Transportation Science & Logistics Best Paper Prize, the IIE Operations Research Division Excellence in Teaching Award, and the Alpha Pi Mu/Omega Rho Outstanding Teacher of the Year in Industrial Systems Engineering, among others.
Dr. Dessouky’s research interests include production scheduling, modeling of manufacturing systems, simulation, and operations research applications to large complex systems. He teaches courses such as operations research, production, inventory systems, and industrial scheduling. He holds his PhD from the University of California, as well as his MS and BS from Purdue University.
Dr. Young Jun Son , PhD - University of Arizona
Dr. Young Jun Son teaches systems and industrial engineering at the University of Arizona, where he also serves as the department head. He has taught numerous courses, including simulation modeling and analysis, computer-integrated manufacturing systems, and distributed multi-paradigm simulation systems.
Dr. Son the author and co-author of over 75 journal papers and 100 conference papers. A fellow of IISE, he has numerous laurels to his name, including the SME 2004 Outstanding Young ME Award, the IIE 2005 Outstanding Young IE Award, and several IISE Annual Meeting Best Paper Awards (2005, 2008, 2009, 2016). Additionally, he serves as a department editor for IISE Transactions. He completed his PhD and MS at the Pennsylvania State University and a BS at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH).
Farheen Gani - Writer
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