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Are you looking to earn your degree in Industrial Engineering, but don’t have the time to attend classes on campus?
Don’t worry! There are now a variety of online industrial engineering programs available that offer you the same high quality education as an on-campus program.
But what makes one program better than another? Read on to discover all the factors you should consider when selecting an online industrial engineering program.
What Exactly is an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
An industrial engineering master’s degree is an advanced degree. It focuses on the practical application of engineering principles in manufacturing, business or service operations.
This online master’s degree involves taking a systems approach to analyzing and improving processes. You’ll apply quantitative analytic techniques as well as safety and project management skills.
This type of online master’s degree may cover topics such as:
- statistical analysis
- process optimization
- facility layout design and ergonomics
Courses in an online master degree in industrial engineering technology are designed to equip students with the knowledge they need to work in the industry. But you’ll also learn how computer-aided manufacturing technologies can be applied to automate processes.
Some common career paths for those with industrial engineering technology degrees include:
- Cost estimators
- Safety engineers
- Manufacturing engineers
- Industrial production managers
- Supply chain management
- Operations management
- Computer systems management
- Aerospace product manufacturing
- Motor vehicle parts manufacturing
- Other engineering services, like industrial materials or machinery manufacturing
And of course, you can become an industrial engineer! By far, this is the most popular of all industrial engineering careers available. You could go to work for the public or private sector, for consulting firms or even for government organizations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the career opportunities will grow at a rate of 10% in the next 10 years for an industrial engineer.
What Will I Learn in an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
For an online master’s program in industrial or systems engineering, you will take classes in subjects such as:
- Stochastic operations research models
- Engineering administration
- International logistics
- Advanced production planning
- Applied deterministic operations research
- Computer engineering for more efficient systems
- Software engineering
- Stochastic systems design
- Factory simulation
- Simulating stochastic systems
- Linear programming
- Industrial engineering technology
- Statistical methods
- Health and safety standards and quality control
- Industrial processes and cost estimation
- Systems analysis
- Production science
- Data analytics
- Production processes
- Managing complex engineering projects (engineering project management)
- Essential modeling techniques and how to design engineering experiments
You’ll take advanced courses that build upon what you learned in your undergraduate programs. You may be able to choose electives or concentrations for a high quality education that’s tailored to your unique career goals. Furthermore, some programs even offer training in things like applied science or management skills.
You will take at least two semesters of courses for your advanced degree but usually about two years of work is required. As you can see, these online programs offer the same preparation for top notch engineering occupations as do on-campus programs.
Admission Requirements for Industrial Engineers
Each school has different admission requirements for its degree in industrial engineering. When you’re applying, look for an online master’s degree at a school that holds regional accreditation. This should be from an organization such as:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
For business-minded students, looking at ABET accredited programs is also wise. You may want to look for a school with an engineering department that has received programmatic accreditation and a nod from the National Science Foundation for its research, especially if you’re thinking about a doctoral degree or operational research-focused graduate education.
That said, some standard admission requirements include the following:
- Submit GRE scores (minimum GRE scores vary by each online college)
- Provide official transcripts from yoru bachelor’s degree (most bachelor’s graduates for these programs are in fields related to engineering, though an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering isn’t always required – you may be able to get by with one from a related major, like information technology)
- Letters of recommendation (often three letters of recommendation are required)
- If English is not your native language, TOEFL scores
You’ll also need to meet all relative residency requirements. Pay attention to financial aid deadlines if you’re interested in this as well!
Pay attention to application deadlines so you are well prepared. Know how many letters of recommendation you need. Pay attention to minimum GRE scores. Look at what kind of bachelor’s degree is required. Do you need a bachelor’s in industrial engineering, or will a bachelor’s degree in another field suffice? Students must pay attention to these details if they want to be accepted.
Some admit students on a rolling basis, while other industrial engineering master’s programs have hard deadlines. Be sure to notify anybody who is writing letters of recommendation for you of these deadlines, too.
What Are the Best Online Master’s Programs in Industrial Engineering?
We know that you have educational goals that you’re itching to pursue. You may not know where to start. The editors of Master’s Programs Guide utilize a unique ranking methodology. It’s based on the following three aspects:
40% Potential Salary: Average mid-career salary of school alumni
30% Accreditation: Regional and National Accreditation for the 2019-2020 school year
30% Affordability: Average cost of undergraduate and graduate tuition per school
At Master’s Programs Guide, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one. We want to help you reach your goals.
Is a degree in industrial engineering worth it? You bet! Most online programs are affordable and will build off the passions you explored in your undergraduate degree. Plus, you can work with your academic advisor to create the industrial engineering curriculum that helps to best meet your goals.
So what are you waiting for? Check out our ranking of the best online master’s programs in industrial engineering!
Best Online Industrial Engineering Programs
#1. Texas A&M University, College Station
Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Texas A&M offers an online degree in manufacturing systems that is identical to its on-campus program. This online master’s in industrial engineering is one of the best. Students proceed through 30 credit hours spread across 10 courses and a practice-focused curriculum. It’s not a thesis degree. Instead, it is a Master of Engineering. It’s well-tailored to students who are more interested in the practical applications of industrial engineering.
There are three application deadlines. This means you’ll be able to jump in and out of the program as needed. That’s ideal if you need to work at the same time or juggle responsibilities. Be aware that you only have a few years to complete the degree before needing to reapply.
As a student, you’ll proceed through four main courses. These cover the major aspects of industrial engineering as a subject. They include:
- engineering economy
- quality engineering
- logistics and inventory control
- human factors
You’ll also learn about the tools and models you use to facilitate better organizational efficiency and excellent industrial practices. There are then three elective courses for this manufacturing engineering degree.
Students have access to Texas A&M’s online continuing education certificate options as well.
Texas A&M offers a huge amount of student-friendly resources. These include the software necessary for your courses at affordable pricing.
You’ll also be able to join the school’s Industrial and Systems Engineering Cloud. This has many of the necessary software you’ll need for course completion available for sharing.
About Texas A&M University
Texas A&M is arguably the flagship university of the entire state. It’s well known both for its rigorous academic programs and its excellent student body. It opened in 1876 and first specialized as an agricultural and mechanical school. As far as its physical size goes, it is one of the largest schools in the entire United States.
Texas A&M is also one of the six American public universities with a full-time volunteer Corps of Cadets. It’s a senior military college. This makes it a great school for both former and future veterans. It has a host of military-friendly benefits and opportunities.
#2. Georgia Institute of Technology, Main Campus
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
The Georgia Institute of Technology offers an exceptional MS in industrial engineering. The program serves as a graduate-level introduction to industrial engineering as a full-time field. The online master’s in industrial engineering is one of the best and most affordable. Prospective students will love that in state and out of state students pay about the same price per credit hour.
As a Master of Science, its curriculum incorporates specific courses related to industrial engineering. It also includes classes that focus on research and statistics as they relate to this industry.
The program’s main emphasis is on modeling and analysis to find solutions to problems in supply chain systems, manufacturing, and warehousing. It is a very versatile curriculum that can serve a majority of industrial engineering students. It prepares them for a broad spread of employment opportunities.
The program’s focus on research and analysis is an excellent starting point to pursue a Ph.D. in industrial engineering or a related field.
This best online industrial engineering masters consists of 30 credit hours. Core courses cover:
- supply chain systems
- manufacturing, and warehousing
- simulation
- optimization
- probability
Nine credit hours are allotted for technical electives. This allows students to concentrate their studies on particular industrial engineering areas like:
- management
- statistics
- operations research
Despite being an MS degree, students don’t need to complete a thesis or final engineering projects. It’s a program based on practical coursework. This will appeal to many online students.
U.S. News and World Report ranks it as a top graduate program from their selection of top colleges. The application process, therefore, is competitive. The vast majority of accepted applicants have strong backgrounds in industrial engineering or a related field.
The online format offered by Georgia Tech is flexible. It features the same curriculum that students on the campus would receive. However, there is asynchronous learning and customizable scheduling. Those who need to work or juggle many responsibilities may find this program easier to manage than other more structured online programs.
About Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech has a lot to offer. It opened in 1885. At first, it only had a single degree in mechanical engineering.
These days, the school is one of the largest technical and research universities in the state of Georgia. Many of its programs are recognized on a national scale. It has a vibrant and diverse student body and alumni network.
#3. Texas Tech University
Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Texas Tech University isn’t as well-known as Texas A&M. However, its MSIE program is one of the best online industrial engineering programs in the nation.
It consists of 36 credit hours of study. The program connects all accepted students with a graduate advisor that works with their personality and career goals. Students design their own individualized academic programs, within the online format.
This degree has two options. There is a 30-hour thesis option. This adds an additional six credit hours of research for the thesis. There is also a 30-hour non-thesis option which does not require an additional six credit hours of study.
That said, the latter option requires that students complete at least five elective courses. Three of those courses must come from the industrial engineering subject. The latter of the two options is a great pick for those wanting to enter the industrial engineering field after graduation. Both options allow the student to incorporate a minor in an area of their choosing.
All students will be able to choose courses that result in one of five specialty areas:
- engineering management
- ergonomics and human factors engineering
- manufacturing and quality assurance
- operations research
- statistics and quality assurance
About Texas Tech University
The online master’s in industrial engineering degrees at Texas Tech are some of the best for both in state and out of state students. However, there’s so much more for prospective students to appreciate.
Texas Tech opened in 1923 under the name Texas Technological College. It has grown into a sprawling campus modeled after the Spanish Renaissance. The beautiful campus is also home to a public art collection that many say is among the 10 best in the country. It’s a multifaceted school that can serve a variety of graduate school needs.
#4. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
North Carolina State University is well known for its online programs. It’s no surprise that its online industrial engineering degrees have made our list. Prospective students will love the affordable nature of the online master’s in industrial engineering here. Out of state students don’t pay much more per credit hour when studying online.
These are flat online industrial engineering degrees, forgoing the “Science” or “Engineering” labels that most other degrees incorporate.
It’s intended as a terminal degree for part-time, co-op, military, or self-supported students. It’s ideal for those who want to prepare for a career in the industries or government upon graduation. No thesis or final oral examination is required for graduation. Students have the opportunity to pursue a project for an additional six credit hours. Most pursue the typical degree pathway consisting of 33 credit hours of coursework.
This degree program is competitive. It requires a high GPA minimum of at least 3.0. An additional three letters of recommendation are required. There are four application deadlines. The summer semesters are concentrated. They allow students to catch up on coursework or graduate earlier if they use the additional time to focus on their studies.
While the program does not allow you to denote a minor, it does allow you to focus on a specialization or concentration from another department. Students must also select an additional class for a breadth requirement. This focuses on computer science, mathematics, or statistics.
You’ll go beyond what you learned in an online bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering for a truly customizable industrial engineering degree.
About North Carolina State University
Though it opened in 1887 as a land-grant college, NC State has grown and doubled down on its strengths. These are in agriculture, engineering, statistics, and life sciences. The industrial engineering degree is just one example of its many fantastic programs!
The online college has an excellent staff of faculty engaged in research and a diverse student body. The campus is beautiful, but even students enrolled online will be able to take advantage of the online library. The library is known for its extensiveness and quality selection. The alumni network of NC State is also well-known for its inclusiveness and value.
#5. Iowa State University
Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Iowa State University offers an MEIE degree that is one of the best online master’s in industrial engineering degrees for prospective students to consider. The program demonstrates its emphasis on practical topics. It teaches students to apply industrial engineering knowledge to real-world problems and solutions. It’s a terminal degree option. It offers advanced training with a curriculum that emphasizes:
- engineering management
- the manufacturing process
- human factors
- operations research
- enterprise computing
This last focus is a modern approach to industrial engineering problems. It will serve future students well as they enter organizations that rely on interconnected digital tools.
This MEIE degree consists of 30 credit hours of coursework. It does not require a thesis or final engineering projects for graduation.
This program requires that you maintain registration throughout your studies. This means you won’t be able to stop and start or take breaks between classes.
Iowa State also has a stricter entrance requirement than many other universities. All applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering. Related degrees are not enough to ensure admission.
The online format that ISU relies upon for its master’s degree is modern and agile. The 24/7 web portal has everything students need to access lectures and assignments. All learning is delivered in an asynchronous format. Exams are administered at your location using special proctors. All the lectures are recorded and can be viewed at your convenience.
You’ll find a curriculum in this systems engineering master’s degree that is organized into three broad themes or sections:
- human factors
- operations research
- manufacturing and operations
You’ll be able to choose an additional four graduate-level courses in industrial engineering. You can also take a few courses outside the subject. This results in a well-rounded education with some slight specialization.
About Iowa State University
ISU is one of the best schools in the state of Iowa to earn a master’s degree. It is the largest university by far. Its engineering programs are universally ranked well by U.S. News and World Report. A huge amount of research activity occurs within its hallowed halls. It has been a coed university since 1858. It was one of the few in the country to allow male and female attendants from its very beginning. The campus today has grown from its humble beginnings to encompass 160 buildings.
Online and on-campus students alike will both benefit from the over 800 student organizations within the university. And not just those for engineering degrees, either! There is also an active Greek community. The Iowa State alumni body is spread across the world. It offers many opportunities for mentorship and employment networking upon graduation.
#6. Clemson University
Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Clemson University provides a flexible MEIE program. It is designed for working professionals in the industrial engineering field. This online master’s in industrial engineering is perfect for in state and out of state students alike.
It marries well with the online format. This program focuses on supply chain logistics. After all, this is a major part of many industrial engineering positions. It prepares students accepted into the program to bolster efficiency in:
- distribution
- banking
- manufacturing
- healthcare
- tourism
Although it was only created in 2008, Clemson’s program has received countless accolades. These engineering degrees are some of the best in the world.
All applicants must have three years of relevant industry experience after earning an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. However, the bachelor’s degree can be in any field. It need not be in engineering or a similar subject. An additional letter of recommendation and a decent college-level mathematical background are also required.
Students will appreciate the asynchronous curriculum. All lectures can be downloaded to your computer or tablet for convenient viewing. All courses are self-paced and accessible from the web. The curriculum is comprised of 10 three-credit-hour courses. Five of them are focused on core industrial engineering knowledge. An additional capstone project is required to complete the online degree. It’s worth three credits.
About Clemson University
U.S. News and World Report ranks Clemson University as one of the top national public universities. It hosts extensive research activity each year. It has a low student to faculty ratio of 18:1. Those who need more help won’t be lost in the crowd! Students enrolled online may not be able to take advantage of the expansive and beautiful campus. However, they will appreciate the active Greek life and hundreds of student organizations.
#7. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has one of the most recognized online graduate degree catalogs available. Their MS in industrial engineering program is offered as a non-thesis option. It has identical requirements for students enrolled online and on-campus. The same goes for in state and out of state applicants.
The online master’s in industrial engineering program consists of 32 hours of coursework. There are also four hours of independent study for a 36-credit hour total. The independent study requirement may be more difficult for some students enrolled online. It will pay off in dividends in terms of resume-boosting and networking opportunities.
The main curriculum option for these engineering degrees consists of a minimum of eight core industrial engineering courses. There is also a series of electives related to the main subject. The independent study hours must be approved by your instructor before you can participate in a study plan. This may take the form of a work internship for a company with industrial engineering work. Or it may be advanced research accompanied by written papers detailing your findings and/or observations.
For these engineering degrees, you can also start an independent study project at your current place of employment. There’s an approved pathway to register your project or work for credit. This will be overseen by your advisor and instructor.
UIUC’s MS in industrial engineering program has an optional advanced analytics concentration. This concentration replaces 12 credit hours of your coursework. It’s a great choice for those who want to focus on the statistical and data-driven aspects of industrial engineering. It may be of value for aspiring industrial engineers who want to pursue more education in the future.
About the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
There’s lots to love about this school beyond the engineering degrees. UIUC is the flagship university of the state of Illinois. It has become one of the top research universities in the country since its founding in 1867. UIUC is the location of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA). Here, you’ll find the fastest supercomputer on a university campus anywhere in the world.
#8. University of Central Florida
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering Degrees
The University of Central Florida provides an affordable and accessible online program for industrial engineering. It consists of 30 credit hours. It emphasizes both practical applications of industrial engineering knowledge and research pathways for those interested in further education.
It’s one of the more flexible graduate degrees in the field. That’s in terms of its curriculum makeup and focus. There are six focus areas aspiring industrial engineers can choose from:
- human systems engineering and ergonomics
- interactive simulation and training systems
- operations research
- simulation modeling and analysis
- quality systems engineering
- systems engineering
Each pathway includes a shared core curriculum of several industrial engineering classes. The rest of the curriculum is comprised of electives. These are related to industrial engineering. This makes the UCF degree one of the few that’s ideal for those with a focused interest in a specific niche for industrial engineering. The online master’s in industrial engineering is affordable both for in state and out of state students.
There are both thesis and non-thesis options. The thesis option has a few extra hours of coursework on your part. It prepares aspiring industrial engineers for doctoral-level studies in the field. It requires an oral defense.
This online program is rated as one of the most innovative by U.S. News and World Report. The faculty who teach this program are experts in their field.
UCF is also dedicated to making the graduate admissions process easy and affordable for most. All students will be assigned a “success coach” who can work with you to shore up your application. They will provide support for all steps of the process.
UCF has a detailed financial assistance page. There are both school and program-specific assistance opportunities available. Tuition is billed at a per credit rate for both in state and out of state students in the online master’s in industrial engineering. It is affordable with financial aid available.
About the University of Central Florida
UCF has more students enrolled on campus than any other university. This doesn’t affect students enrolled online, persay. However, it has shaped the university. It has evolved since its founding in 1963. It first opened to provide support for the US space program at the nearby Kennedy Space Center.
Since then, its emphasis on engineering programs has grown even more refined. The students at UCF are diverse. They participate in over 400 registered student organizations. There are multiple centers for student activism.
#9. Oregon State University
Master in Industrial Engineering Degrees
Oregon State University’s online offering is another unique program. It ignores the traditional labeling as either a Master of Science or Engineering. The online master’s is one of the best online industrial engineering degrees you’ll find.
Instead, it’s a program that focuses on engineering management. It is similar to an MBA for those in the industrial engineering field. It’s designed to help individuals learn more about topics like:
- organizational leadership
- technical management
- project leadership
Industrial engineers who want to manage people more than deal with the nitty-gritty of supply chain logistics should consider this program.
The curriculum combines specialized industrial engineering knowledge with business, financial, and management courses. It’s a 45-credit program. It can be completed in about two years.
You’ll take 12 courses, eight of which are electives. All of these “electives” relate to industrial engineering and management. There are only four courses focused on management and analysis.
The program is taught by faculty who are working in the industrial engineering field.
Oregon State has requirements about as competitive as you’d expect. The most rigid requirement is a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
Every class is offered in an asynchronous format. There is no need to attend virtual lectures or speak to your professors in person. You’ll have the opportunity to conference with your professors one-on-one. You can complete your coursework at a time that suits your busy schedule.
About Oregon State University
OSU is a public flagship university in Oregon. It is the largest higher education institution in the state. The main campus is 420 acres across, but OSU’s “ecampus” is just as broad. There are over 40 degrees and certificate programs in 90 subject areas. It is ranked for offering some of the best online programs in the United States. Student life is very vibrant and diverse. OSU has a large and supportive LGBTQ population. The Pride Center is well-known across the state and beyond.
#10. New York University
Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
New York University offers an MS in industrial engineering that is perfect for aspiring industrial engineers. This program merges engineering and business aspects of this field. Courses emphasize research and analysis. It’s an interdisciplinary degree that combines theory and practical application of learned knowledge. You’ll become an expert on lean manufacturing and designing for manufacturability. Any organization looking for an industrial engineer who can cut costs or save money will love a graduate from this school.
Courses offerings are broad. Many of them discuss topics like:
- analytic modeling
- system simulation
- project planning
- facility design
- management and control
You can work as an underling or as an administrator with the skills gained from this diverse curriculum. The faculty are experts in the industry with real-world experience. The rigor and value of this program can’t be understated.
NYU also provides access to several effective career resources, such as the Wasserman Career Center. This center is an excellent tool for finding employment opportunities before or after graduation. It’s connected to the NYU CareerNet. The CareerNet is a collection of work fares and job opportunities to help graduates find employment.
NYU boasts a considerable network of alumni. Many are employed with top companies who employ industrial engineers. These include Rubicon Technology and Ernst and Young. Several alumni have even become Nobel Prize winners and heads of state.
But that’s not all. NYU has a rare “Mentorship Program.” In this, more experienced graduate students can partner up with newcomers. They assist them as they both proceed through their studies. This one-on-one dynamic is something that even online aspiring industrial engineers can take advantage of. All collaboration and assistance can be delivered across the internet.
Entrance into NYU is a competitive subject in general. Getting into the industrial engineering program isn’t as limited in terms of requirements as you might expect. They do require that you hold a bachelor’s degree. However, it can be in any subject.
You also don’t need specific courses to be completed before applying. An appropriate understanding of economics, engineering, and probability and statistics is necessary. There are multiple start dates spread throughout the year.
About New York University
If you get accepted by NYU, you’ll join a university that has a long and rich history. This school opened in 1831. The school is spread across multiple campuses. It boasts over 450 student organizations and clubs. Even online aspiring industrial engineers can partake in some of the many traditions here. An active Greek life also awaits any of those who make it into NYU.
Other Notable Programs
#11. Louisiana Tech University
Location: Ruston, Louisiana
Degree: MS in Engineering, Industrial Engineering Concentration
Tuition Cost: $16,334
#12. Auburn University
Location: Auburn, Alabama
Degree: Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Tuition Cost: $30,542
#13. University of Arizona
Location: Tucson, Arizona
Degree: Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Tuition Cost: $33,393
#14. University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, California
Degree: Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Net Price: $36,161
#15. Texas A&M University, Kingsville
Location: Kingsville, Texas
Degree: Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Tuition Cost: $12,839
#16. Purdue University, Main Campus
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
Degree: Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Tuition Cost: $28,794
#17. University of Alabama in Huntsville
Location: Huntsville, Alabama
Degree: Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering Degrees
Net Price: $15,577
#18. Missouri University of Science and Technology
Location: Rolla, Missouri
Degree: Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Tuition Cost: $30,869
#19. Arizona State University, Tempe
Location: Tempe, Arizona
Degree: Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Tuition Cost: $25,888
#20. Mississippi State University
Location: Starkville, Mississippi
Degree: Online Industrial Engineering Degrees
Tuition Cost: $23,250