Summary of work: More than 82 hours of research. Every online Master in Industrial Engineering program in the US analyzed. 31 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 26 of the best programs identified.
Industrial engineering centers on process—professionals analyze systems and organizations to eliminate the waste of time, resources, and energy. To be more specific, they design and implement systems that better synthesize workers, resources, time, money, and energy to produce value. This unique ability to combine physical and social sciences to produce effective organizational processes has made industrial engineers invaluable to companies and institutions.
That said, design successful systems with so many moving parts is easier said than done. Enter industrial engineering master’s programs. Students in these programs gain the opportunity to take advanced courses in key subjects such as production, quality control, and worker safety. The intensive material of the courses also provide students time to critically examine problems and the solutions they create to identify room for improvement. By the time of graduation, students become experts at analyzing and synthesizing the successful parts of the processes they examine to create innovative and evolving iterations.
There has never been a better time to invest in an industrial engineering degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that positions will grow at a rate of 10% which is faster than average for other jobs. That means graduates can expect stable and fulfilling careers that consistently challenge them to use their skills in creative ways.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Industrial Engineering program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and a list of the 26 best online Masters in Industrial Engineering programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Georgia Tech offers an online master's in industrial engineering program with a specialization in mechanical engineering for students who want to design machines for use in manufacturing. Graduates develop the skills not only to design machines such as generators and combustion engines but also mechanical transportation machines such as elevators.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: ABET, CAMPEP
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and be able to demonstrate academic excellence.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 1.5-2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: January 15
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: Any relevant work experience in the personal statement.
Columbia University is among the nation's founding schools in engineering and offers one of the most popular industrial engineering programs for online students. The program is designed to benefit both full- and part-time students and features industry professionals who deliver the coursework.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Available Concentrations: Systems Engineering Core, Infrastructure & Sustainability Electives, Mechanical Electrical & Computer Systems Electives, Biological Systems Electives
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 15; Spring: October 1
The University of Southern California gives online students an on-campus experience through the [email protected] learning platform. Students are able to log in and watch lectures via live streams and chat with professors by telephone or messenger.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Program Name: MS in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Accrediting Body: WASC
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Degree in an engineering discipline from a regionally-accredited university with coursework in computing, probability and statistics, and engineering economy.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Summer, Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: January 15
GPA: 3.0
Purdue University works one-on-one with students, offering financial support and assistance options as they seek to earn their master's degree in industrial engineering. One beneficial option is the teaching assistantship program, which helps to offset the costs of tuition.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: January 5; Spring: September 1
GPA: 3.5
Texas A&M University has a comprehensive master's in industrial engineering program with an in-depth curriculum covering everything from data analytics to engineering economy. Graduates have the skills to advance their careers in manufacturing or to assume positions in other areas such as production management and safety technology.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Program Name: Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission,
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or professional degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
North Carolina State University's online master's in industrial engineering program prepares graduates for work in the field thanks to optional paid internships. Students not only gain knowledge through coursework but also real-world experience to use in their careers after graduation.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Program Name: Master of Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in an engineering or related discipline.
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: Jun 25; Spring: Nov 25; Summer 1: Mar 25; Summer 2: May 10
GPA: 3.0
Arizona State University has established an online presence in the education world, having more than 25,000 distance learners enrolled in the school. The online master's in industrial engineering program is popular among online students and gives them the skills to succeed in their careers thanks to a rigorous curriculum, online tutoring services and more.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or master's degree in computer engineering, software engineering or a related field, from a regionally accredited institution.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 15 weeks per class
Program start dates: January 7, 2019
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
New York University offers various career services to match students with jobs in industrial engineering. With an NYU mentorship program, the Wasserman Career Center and the NYU CareerNet services available, students have multiple options for finding jobs once they've earned their degree.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution, which includes a minimum of four years of full-time study.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: November 1, 2018
GPA: 3.0
Though Auburn University accepts men and women, the online master's in industrial engineering program has 35 percent female students, making it ideal for women who want to advance their careers in manufacturing or other engineering-related fields. Both male and female students develop the skills to work in high-profile organizations such as Honda and NASA.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial and System Engineering
Program Name: Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. institution.
Credit Requirements: 31 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Summer 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: July 2019
GPA: 3.25
Louisiana Tech University is one of the best value schools for students who wish to pursue an online master's degree in industrial engineering. Not only is the tuition affordable, but the scheduling is flexible to meet the needs of part-time students.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering and Science
Program Name: MS in Engineering, Industrial Engineering Concentration
Available Concentrations: Six Sigma, Management, Lean Manufacturing
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-Campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Winter 2019, Spring 2019, Summer 2019, Fall 2019
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5
Texas Tech University's online master's in industrial engineering program is designed for students who want to succeed in their careers as industrial engineering technicians. The curriculum includes topics such as human factors engineering and manufacturing and quality assurance, giving graduates the skills to succeed at the next level.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.0
The University of Florida offers several areas in which students can specialize and enhance their degree in the online master's in industrial engineering program. With specializations in operations research, engineering management and more, students can tailor the program to suit their exact career goals.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering
Accrediting Body: SACS, ABET
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: A bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 31 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Sumer, Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer & Fall: December 31
GPA: 3.0
Oregon State University's online master's in industrial engineering program emphasizes business fundamentals, making it ideal for students who want to focus on the business side of engineering. With courses in production management, operations management and finance foundations in engineering industries, students develop the skills to work as project managers, cost estimators and more.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 45 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Winter: January 7, 2019; Spring: April 1, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: December 1; Summer: March 1
GPA: 3.0
Oklahoma State University's online master's in industrial engineering program is taught by industry-leading professionals who not only excel as educators but also as engineers in the field. These faculty members deliver the online and on-campus coursework and also pass along their skills and knowledge to students who want to excel in their own careers.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Industrial Engineering and Management
Program Name: Master of Industrial Engineering and Management
Accrediting Body: ABET
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30-33 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Spring, Fall
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: February 1
GPA: 3.0
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville offers the best individualized experience thanks to small class sizes. Professors are able to give more attention to students, helping them to make the most of their time in the program.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering
Program Name: Master Industrial Engineering emphasizing Engineering Management
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree
Credit Requirements: 32 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.7
Work Experience: Minimum two years of industrial experience as a practicing engineer or scientist, or current full time employment in an engineering or applied science position
Mississippi State University delivers the online master's in industrial engineering program through Blackboard and provides students with software and tools that they need to complete the coursework. Students can easily request additional tools to meet their needs as they conduct their own research or prepare their thesis.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial and Systems Department
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Available Concentrations: Human factors and ergonomics, industrial systems, management systems engineering, manufacturing systems, and operations research industrial
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degrees in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, or other related majors with strong mathematical backgrounds and business or social science backgrounds
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: December 1; Summer: May 15
GPA: 3.0
UAH's produces world-class Industrial & System professionals that are prepared to use problem-solving skills and tools to devise efficiency in organizational or production systems. Students will explore and gain knowledge in areas of operations research, quality control, system modeling and simulation, and computer-integrated manufacturing.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Management
Program Name: Master of Science in Engineering
Available Concentrations: Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering
Accrediting Body: ABET
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 24 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: November 30; Summer: March 15; Fall: June 1
Work Experience: Two years of engineering
Lawrence Technological University offers an accelerated online master's in industrial engineering program for students who want to earn their degree quickly. Most students are able to complete the program within 18 months and land leadership roles in engineering soon after receiving their degree.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: ABET
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Degree in engineering, science, math, computer science, or physical science (or other technical fields) from an accredited college or university.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: December 14
GPA: 3.0
Clemson University designed its master's in industrial engineering program for students with supply chain management experience. The curriculum combines subjects in industrial engineering and supply chain management, giving students the skills and the knowledge to advance their careers as production managers and other positions in related fields.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online, Blended
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited University
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 1 year, 4 months
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: January 1, 2019
Work Experience: Minimum of three years of relevant industry experience
Online students who want to connect with other graduate students can do so easily with the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers, a chapter of New Mexico State University. Students in the online master's in industrial engineering program can receive invaluable peer support as they work to earn their degree.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Students seeking regular admission to the NMSU Graduate School must hold an undergraduate or advanced degree from an accredited institution with an overall grade point average of 3.0 / 4.0.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 1; Spring: October 1
GPA: 3.0
Students who want to pursue their doctorate immediately after earning their master's degree should consider the University of Michigan-Dearborn. The online master's in industrial engineering program has a thesis-track option to prepare students for continuing education after the program has ended.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering
Program Name: MSE in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Available Concentrations: Human Factors/Ergonomics, Operations Research & Management Science, Quality Systems Design, Advanced Manufacturing & Automation, Information Systems Management, Program Management & Product Development
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission, Council for Higher Education Accreditation
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-Campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: A course in probability and statistics (IMSE 510 or equivalent), A course in operations research (IMSE 500 or equivalent)
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Winter, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 1; Winter: September 1; Summer: January 1
GPA: 3.2-3.9
Iowa State University's online master's in industrial engineering program prepares graduates for careers in manufacturing. In fact, the university boasts a 95 percent job placement rate, giving students assurance that their degree will lead to successful careers after college.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering or its equivalent from a college, university, or technical school of recognized standing.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: January 15; Spring: September 1
The University of Arizona offers a flexible online master's in industrial engineering program for working professionals or those who have other full-time commitments. Students can tailor the courses to fit their schedule and log in at any time to complete the lessons.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Systems and Industrial Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Graduated from an accredited engineering bachelor's program or have earned a degree in a related discipline (math, physics)
Credit Requirements: 30-33 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 1.5-2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: January 2019
GPA: 3.0
The University of Central Florida has a wide variety of research partners in the engineering program, such as the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation, creating excellent networking opportunities for students. Through online coursework, students learn the necessary skills to join other UCF graduates in major organizations such as IBM, NASA and more.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Industrial Engineering and Management Systems
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: The Industrial Engineering MS program requires an undergraduate degree in engineering, mathematics, computer science, statistics, physics, quantitative management or similar field.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall Priority: January 15; Fall: July 1; Spring: Domestic: December 1
The University of Texas at Arlington's engineering faculty receive millions of dollars each year to fund research and the program. Students in the industrial engineering program undertake a research-oriented curriculum and are prepared for leadership roles in operations research once they hold their master's degree.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, & Systems Engineering
Program Name: Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or its foreign equivalent, before starting graduate study.
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 15; Spring: October 15; Summer: April 1
GPA: 3.0
Western New England University prepares students for careers as production managers with a master's degree in industrial engineering. Graduates have the skills to make sure that the manufacturing process runs smoothly and efficiently for their respective organizations.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
Accrediting Body: New England Commission of Higher Education
DeliveryFormat: Online, On-Campus
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Successful completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution of higher education in engineering.
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0-4.0