industrial engineering phd ranking

10 Best Industrial Engineering Grad Programs

Expand career options with a degree in industrial and manufacturing engineering.

(Getty Images) |

Manufacture your next jump in engineering.

The creative process is key for industrial and manufacturing engineers . Such engineers are often on the front lines, developing technology to help companies build and manufacture their products more efficiently and quickly. Those looking to gain more knowledge in this engineering field may want to get a graduate degree. Here are the 10 best graduate industrial, manufacturing and systems engineering programs.

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• 6 (tie). Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 1

Key fact: MIT offers various interdisciplinary degrees that relate to industrial engineering, including master's degrees in supply chain management and system design and management. There is also a dual-degree program that allows students to simultaneously pursue a master of science degree and an MBA degree with operations research specializations.

Learn more about the MIT School of Engineering .

Mark Simons | Purdue University

6 (tie). Purdue University—West Lafayette (IN)

Location: West Lafayette, Indiana

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 7

Key fact: Purdue has many industrial engineering laboratories, including one that focuses on nanosystems and nanomanufacturing.

Learn more about the Purdue School of Industrial Engineering .

Linda Cicero, Stanford News Service |

6 (tie). Stanford University (CA)

Location: Stanford, California

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 2

Key fact: Alumni of Stanford's graduate programs in management science and engineering often find work in policy positions or as consultants, financial analysts, product managers or project managers.

Learn more about the Stanford University School of Engineering .

Jeff Miller | UW-Madison

• 6 (tie). University of Wisconsin—Madison

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 24 (tie)

Key fact: UW—Madison's industrial engineering department provides two accelerated course-only master's programs, including one that concentrates on systems engineering and analytics and another that focuses on human factors and health systems engineering.

Learn more about the UW—Madison College of Engineering .

Logan Wallace. |

• 6 (tie). Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 29

Key fact: Virginia Tech offers multiple graduate programs that concentrate on human factors engineering and ergonomics, providing programs at both the master's and doctoral levels.

Learn more about Virginia Tech College of Engineering .

(University Photography) |

4 (tie). Cornell University (NY)

Location : Ithaca, New York

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 14 (tie)

Key fact: Cornell's engineering offerings include a school of operations research and information engineering and a systems engineering program. Knowledge and skills learned in either could be applicable to the field of industrial engineering.

Learn more about the Cornell University College of Engineering .

Northwestern University |

4 (tie). Northwestern University (McCormick) (IL)

Location: Evanston, Illinois

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 19

Key fact: Northwestern's industrial engineering and management sciences department offers a curriculum that blends engineering and business principles.

Learn more about Northwestern's Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science .

(UC—Berkeley) |

• 3. University of California—Berkeley

Location: Berkeley, California

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 3

Key fact: Berkeley offers a one-year, full-time master of engineering program that focuses on industrial engineering and operations research and is designed to prepare future engineering managers.

Learn more about the UC—Berkeley College of Engineering .

(Daryl Marshke | Michigan Photography)

• 2. University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 4 (tie)

Key fact: Graduate students in the industrial and operations engineering department have no required course sequences, and they have the freedom to choose courses offered by other branches of the university to customize degrees, according to the school website.

Learn more about the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor College of Engineering .

Georgia Institute of Technology | Rob Felt

• 1. Georgia Institute of Technology

Location: Atlanta

U.S. News Best Graduate Engineering rank: 8

Key fact: Industrial engineering Ph.D. students can choose one of the following four specializations: economic decision analysis, statistics, supply chain engineering or systems informatics and control. . Learn more about the Georgia Tech College of Engineering .

Learn more about top graduate schools.

Check out all of the Best Graduate Schools rankings. Stay up to date on education news by following U.S. News Education on Facebook ,  Twitter  and LinkedIn . 

Check out this list of the 10 highest rated industrial engineering grad schools.

• 4 (tie). Cornell University
• 4 (tie). Northwestern University (McCormick)
• 6 (tie). Purdue University—West Lafayette
• 6 (tie). Stanford University

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Best Universities for Industrial Engineering in the World

Updated: February 29, 2024

• Art & Design
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
• Mathematics

Below is a list of best universities in the World ranked based on their research performance in Industrial Engineering. A graph of 1.7M citations received by 110K academic papers made by 1,016 universities in the World was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For Industrial Engineering

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

3. Georgia Institute of Technology

4. Purdue University

5. Pennsylvania State University

6. University of Hong Kong

7. Eindhoven University of Technology

8. Polytechnic University of Milan

9. RWTH Aachen University

10. Carnegie Mellon University

11. University of California - Berkeley

12. Stanford University

13. Hong Kong Polytechnic University

14. National University of Singapore

15. Beihang University

16. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

17. Texas A&M University - College Station

18. Delft University of Technology

19. Tsinghua University

20. University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

21. Shanghai Jiao Tong University

22. Arizona State University - Tempe

23. University of Alberta

24. Technical University of Denmark

25. University of Texas at Austin

26. Huazhong University of Science and Technology

27. Catholic University of Leuven

28. University of Wisconsin - Madison

29. Loughborough University

30. Cranfield University

31. University of Patras

32. Ohio State University

33. University of Strathclyde

34. Nanyang Technological University

35. Polytechnic University of Turin

36. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

37. University of Cambridge

38. Imperial College London

39. University of Nottingham

40. University of Calgary

41. University of Iowa

42. University of Manchester

43. University of Waterloo

44. Northwestern Polytechnical University

45. National Technical University of Athens

46. Chalmers University of Technology

47. North Carolina State University at Raleigh

48. University of Maryland - College Park

49. Technical University of Munich

50. University of Manitoba

51. Linkoping University

52. Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne

53. University of Stuttgart

54. Northwestern University

55. Technical University of Catalonia

56. Wuhan University of Technology

57. University of Florida

58. Norwegian University of Science and Technology

59. Technion - Israel Institute of Technology

60. Technical University of Berlin

61. University of Tehran

62. University of Erlangen Nuremberg

63. Polytechnic University of Valencia

64. Iowa State University

65. National Tsing Hua University

66. Chongqing University

67. University of Bath

68. Zhejiang University

69. National Cheng Kung University

70. University of Windsor

71. Dalian University of Technology

72. University of Toronto

73. Northeastern University, China

74. Beijing Institute of Technology

75. University of New South Wales

76. Lancaster University

77. University of California - Los Angeles

78. Darmstadt University of Technology

79. University of Warwick

80. Tongji University

81. Guangdong University of Technology

82. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich

83. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

84. Dresden University of Technology

85. University of Arizona

86. University of Southern California

87. Tianjin University

88. Kyoto University

89. Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

90. University of Washington - Seattle

91. Harbin Institute of Technology

92. TU Dortmund University

93. University of Twente

94. Aalborg University

95. Rutgers University - New Brunswick

96. McGill University

97. Concordia University

98. University College London

99. Xi'an Jiaotong University

100. University of Padua

Engineering subfields in the World

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

DEGREE Industrial Engineering, PhD

Doctoral degree in industrial engineering

As a PhD student in our very highly ranked industrial engineering program, you’ll be able to specialize in one of four areas, each of which is designed enable you to be a leader in new and developing areas within industrial and systems engineering. You can choose advanced training in decision science/operations research, health systems, human factors and ergonomics, and manufacturing and production systems.

At a glance

Industrial and systems engineering department, learn more about what information you need to apply., how to apply.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Students from any discipline that provides foundations for research in ISyE topics are encouraged to apply. For example, applicants may come from industrial, electrical, or mechanical engineering, or mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, or economics. Applicants are strongly advised to review the prerequisites for each area of specialization at the department website .

Each application is judged on the basis of previous academic record, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores for the general test, three letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Admission is very competitive and application deadlines are extremely important.

APPLICATION DEADLINES:

• Fall : December 15th
• Spring:  September 1st
• Summer: December 15th

Reentry applicants: July 15 (fall), December 1 (spring), and must notify an academic advisor.

Additional reentry information

Note: Although we accept summer applications we recommend applying for fall or spring as there are not many courses offered in the summer.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Application deadlines are strictly enforced and ALL application materials including transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores MUST be included and submitted by the application deadline.

*Please note our office does not provide feedback to applicants as to their potential for admission – please review both the ISyE department and Graduate School requirements for admission and if you feel you meet the necessary criteria for applying, please do so.

• Applicants must first meet all of the requirements of the Graduate School.  Click here for more information about these requirements .
• Applicants must also meet department specific requirements as outlined below:
• B.S. degree or equivalent

APPLICATION STEPS

• Fill out an  online application  through the Graduate School website .
• List three recommenders and their contact information as part of the online application.  An email will be sent to the recommender, asking that they submit their letter online using the Graduate School’s recommendation form. Applicants can log back into their online application to re-send the email request if the recommender loses the email. Letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically.
•  Submit a  Statement of Purpose  with your online application.   In this document, applicants should explain why they  want to pursue further education in ISyE and discuss which UW faculty members they would be interested in doing research with during their graduate study. 
• TOEFL Exam Information:   Ask  ETS   to submit your GRE and/or TOEFL scores to the UW–Madison Graduate School (Institution Number 1846) . If you have your scores sent to UW–Madison, they will be available online to all departments to which you have applied. The institution code, therefore, is the only number needed. For more information please visit the  Graduate School Requirements  page. Please note: Exam information must be valid at start date of the semester that you are applying for (nonexpired).
• GRE Exam Information:  The IE graduate program requires the GRE exam be taken by prospective students as part of the application. N ote there are no specific scoring guidelines for the exam  as the GRE is only one part of consideration for admission into the program. Please note: Exam information must be valid at start date of the semester that you are applying for (nonexpired).
• Electronically submit one copy of your official transcript with your application.   Official transcripts of all undergraduate and previous graduate work are required. Unofficial copies of transcripts will be accepted for review, but  official  copies are required for admitted students. Please do not send transcripts or any other application materials to the Graduate School or [email protected].
• Upload your resume in your application .
• Pay the Application Fee:  Submission must be accompanied by the one-time application fee. It is non-refundable and can be paid by credit card (MasterCard or VISA) or debit/ATM. By state law, this fee can only be waived or deferred through the conditions  outlined here by the Graduate School.

NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT SEND MATERIALS/DOCUMENTS TO THE ISyE DEPARTMENT OR GRADUATE SCHOOL UNTIL YOU ARE RECOMMENDED FOR ADMISSIONS. ALL DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE UPLOADED WITH YOUR APPLICATION.

Check out the  Admissions FAQ  or contact us at  [email protected] .

Tuition and funding

Tuition and segregated fee rates are always listed per semester (not for Fall and Spring combined).

View tuition rates

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

If you choose to attend UW–Madison and plan to pursue funding on your own, the following sites could be very helpful:

• Graduate School Funding Resources
• Graduate School Costs and Funding

All ISyE PhD students are provided funding and tuition remission, provided they are making satisfactory academic progress. This funding may be in the form of a teaching assistant, research assistant, or project assistant position, or as an external fellowship. The type position providing the funding support may change from semester to semester and is determined based on a combination of factors including the availability of research funds by the student’s faculty advisor and the need for teaching assistants in ISyE courses.

For information specific to graduate assistantships within the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, please consult the  department’s  graduate program handbook . 

FEDERAL LOANS

Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be eligible to receive some level of funding through the federal direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least 4 credits during the fall and spring semesters, and 2 credits during summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about UW-Madison financial aid here.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS

For information on international student funding and scholarships, visit the ISS website.

The UW-Madison Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering is a national leader in research funding. At the cutting-edge of industrial engineering and systems research, the department offers state-of-the-art facilities for faculty, staff and students to work in. Our faculty are leaders in their fields, respected nationally and internationally for their research.

View our research

Curricular Requirements

Minimum graduate school requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum  academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Required Courses

Students choose one of the following research areas . Work with your faculty advisors to answer any questions and to form a plan of study.

Operations Research, Optimization, and Analytics 1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

Health Systems Engineering 1

Topics vary for this course. Obtain advance approval from your faculty advisor.

Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial AI 1

Human factors and ergonomics 1.

HFE Course Requirement

Various courses in the categories of Research Methods, Statistics, Qualitative Research, Biomechanics Methods, and Psychology count as "Tools and Methods." The Human Factors and Ergonomics faculty group updates the list of "Tools and Methods" courses, and advisors decide which set of courses are appropriate for each student.  Work with your faculty advisor regarding non-I SY E course work.

Prior to defending their dissertation, HFE Ph.D. students must complete at least six seminar/special topics courses numbered 700 or above totaling a minimum of 12 credits; at least 6 credits of these must be in the Human Factors and Ergonomics area. Seminar credits outside the Human Factors and Ergonomics area may be used to satisfy the Industrial Engineering Breadth requirement. Other courses may qualify. Students may submit courses to the HFE Area group for consideration. Transfer students should submit a course syllabus or description and transcript for any courses from other institutions that they would like to have considered for satisfaction of this requirement. The HFE Area group will make this decision.

Additional Requirements for all ISyE PhD Students

• PhD students must complete the Breadth requirement for their degree program by completing a cohesive group of courses outside the ISyE major in order to add breadth to their program.
• Recognizing the importance of instructional training to our PhD students, each student in the PhD program is required to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester during their program. Requests for a partial or full waiver of this requirement should be submitted in writing to the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies and will be reviewed by the Academic Affairs Cluster.  
• Colloquium/Lecture Series: For at least two semesters, students must regularly attend a colloquium series. The appropriate colloquium series must be approved by the student’s faculty adviser. It is not required to meet this requirement by registering for a course (indeed some colloquium series have no associate course). Instead, attendance at the approved colloquium series must be confirmed by the student’s faculty adviser when the student submits their PhD Plan of Study prior to their preliminary examination. Example of colloquium series that can be used to meet this requirement include the ISyE Colloquia and the Systems, Information, Learning and Optimization (SILO) seminars.
• All ISyE PhD students must utilize the graduate student portal in MyUW to add, change, or discontinue any doctoral minor or graduate/professional certificate. To apply to this minor, log in to my.wisc.edu, click on Graduate Student Portal, and then click on Add/Change Programs. Select the information for the doctoral minor for which you are applying.
• For additional information, please contact [email protected].

Graduate Student Services [email protected] Room 3182 Mechanical Engineering Building 1513 University Avenue Madison, WI 53706

Doug Wiegmann, Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs [email protected]

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Industrial Engineering Graduate Programs in America

1-25 of 95 results

McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science

Evanston, IL •

Northwestern University •

Graduate School

• • Rating 5 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical, policy, and business/economics of the energy and sustainability sector pulling professors from the Kellogg School of Management as well as the McCormick School of Engineering. The industry professionals are leaders in their respective fields and are always willing to help the students. The cohort focused program enables deep connection among the students that will last a lifetime! ... Read 3 reviews

Northwestern University ,

Graduate School ,

EVANSTON, IL ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Northwestern's Master of Science in Energy and Sustainability is a first of its kind professionally focused master's program in the nation. Interdisciplinary by design, MSES covers the technical,... .

Read 3 reviews.

Viterbi School of Engineering

Los Angeles, CA •

University of Southern California •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: Best experience is that I have the ability to engage with other students and my professors in real time. My worst experience would have to be; moments of not being able to hear what is being talked about during a lecture due to classroom audio issues. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Southern California ,

LOS ANGELES, CA ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Best experience is that I have the ability to engage with other students and my professors in real time. My worst experience would have to be; moments of not being able to hear what is being talked about during a lecture due to classroom audio issues. .

Read 2 reviews.

University of Michigan College of Engineering

Ann Arbor, MI •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor •

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor ,

ANN ARBOR, MI ,

Florida International University

Graduate School •

• • Rating 4.63 out of 5   286

Lehigh University

BETHLEHEM, PA

• • Rating 4.42 out of 5   19

Swanson School of Engineering

University of Pittsburgh •

PITTSBURGH, PA

Whiting School of Engineering

Baltimore, MD •

Johns Hopkins University •

• • Rating 4.83 out of 5   12 reviews

Master's Student: Just starting now but the onboarding process is great! The student orientation was very helpful and the school has an amazing network. ... Read 12 reviews

Johns Hopkins University ,

BALTIMORE, MD ,

12 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Just starting now but the onboarding process is great! The student orientation was very helpful and the school has an amazing network. .

Read 12 reviews.

Georgia Tech College of Engineering

Atlanta, GA •

Georgia Institute of Technology •

• • Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: The best part is sitting through top professors of the world’s lecture! The worst part is the time of classes! They are offered in the middle of the day! ... Read 1 review

Georgia Institute of Technology ,

ATLANTA, GA ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The best part is sitting through top professors of the world’s lecture! The worst part is the time of classes! They are offered in the middle of the day! .

Read 1 reviews.

Northeastern University College of Engineering

Boston, MA •

Northeastern University •

Master's Student: BEST PARTS OF THIS PROGRAM OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA ANALYTICS ENGINEERING IN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FROM NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY IS THAT, THIS PROGRAM IS ONLINE, AND FLEXIBLE AND TIME RESTRICTION FOR STUDY, AND HAVE WORLD RENOWNED EDUCATION FACILITY FOR STUDENTS FROM ALL ROUND THE GLOBE TO ENHANCE THE CAPABILITIES OF STUDENTS, MANAGERS, DIRECTORS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CHAIRMEN AS WELL. THIS PROGRAM ACTUALLY IS BASED ON ONLINE PLATFORM TO EDUCATE MORE AND MORE STUDENTS TO ENROLLED AROUND THE GLOBE. DATA ANALYTICS ENGINEERING IN MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAM CAN BUILT ABILITIES / CAPABILITIES OF STUDENTS TO MAKE AND TAKE DECISIONS ABOUT BUSINESS PROCESS PREDICTIONS AND FORECASTING ABOUT COMPANY HEALTH AND REGULARIZATION. THIS PROGRAM ENHANCE THE CAPABILITIES OF STUDENTS ABOUT COMPANY PROFILE, FINANCE, HUMAN RESOURCES, PRODUCTION, SALES & MARKETING AND ALL THE PROCESS. ... Read 1 review

Northeastern University ,

BOSTON, MA ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says BEST PARTS OF THIS PROGRAM OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA ANALYTICS ENGINEERING IN COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FROM NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY IS THAT, THIS PROGRAM IS ONLINE, AND FLEXIBLE AND TIME RESTRICTION... .

• Find college scholarships

Tandon School of Engineering

Brooklyn, NY •

New York University •

• • Rating 4.73 out of 5   15 reviews

Master's Student: As a bioinformatics master's student at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, I've had the opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of biology and computer science. The program has provided a robust curriculum, covering topics such as proteomics, transcriptomics, NGS, and data analysis, which have equipped me with the skills needed to analyze and interpret complex biological data. The faculty at Tandon are experienced and supportive, and I've had the chance to collaborate with fellow students on exciting research projects. The interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics has allowed me to gain insights into cutting-edge technologies and methodologies that are shaping the future of the field. Overall, my experience at NYU Tandon has been enriching, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills acquired during my master's program to contribute meaningfully to the field of bioinformatics. ... Read 15 reviews

New York University ,

BROOKLYN, NY ,

15 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says As a bioinformatics master's student at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, I've had the opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of biology and computer science. The program has... The faculty at Tandon are experienced and supportive, and I've had the chance to collaborate with fellow students on exciting research projects. The interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics has... Overall, my experience at NYU Tandon has been enriching, and I look forward to applying the knowledge and skills acquired during my master's program to contribute meaningfully to the field of... .

Read 15 reviews.

Cockrell School of Engineering

Austin, TX •

University of Texas - Austin •

• • Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

Master's Student: The engineering school is a vibrant and encourages the learning aspect in students. It has all the facilities a student might need conveniently located in the buildings from libraries, workshops, innovation centers to a cafe for the snacks and fuel. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Texas - Austin ,

AUSTIN, TX ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says The engineering school is a vibrant and encourages the learning aspect in students. It has all the facilities a student might need conveniently located in the buildings from libraries, workshops,... .

P.C. Rossin College of Engineering & Applied Science

Bethlehem, PA •

Lehigh University •

Blue checkmark.

Lehigh University ,

BETHLEHEM, PA ,

Virginia Tech College of Engineering

Blacksburg, VA •

Virginia Tech •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   3 reviews

Master's Student: Overall, I had a really good academic experience, the classes were well-structured, and the professors were good. My only two problems were with my academic advisor and the senior design project. My senior design project was a 2 credit class, but I was working on it for approximately 15 hours a week, which is not reflected in my transcripts or resume. My graduate academic advisor was unresponsive and seemed to know nothing about the graduate school she worked for. ... Read 3 reviews

Virginia Tech ,

BLACKSBURG, VA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says Overall, I had a really good academic experience, the classes were well-structured, and the professors were good. My only two problems were with my academic advisor and the senior design project. My... .

UW College of Engineering

Madison, WI •

University of Wisconsin •

Master's Student: I am currently in the Sustainable Systems Engineering, Masters of Engineering program. I was not an engineering undergraduate student, but halfway through my undergrad I realized I had a passion for renewable energy and started enjoying STEM classes. To get into this current program, in undergrad I had to supplement many STEM and intro engineering classes to be able to apply to the SSE program. This worked out well for me and I went straight to grad school after undergrad. I work full time and do my graduate school part-time, which is challenging to balance time, but completely worth the work and commitment. This will give me opportunities to work and further the renewable energy field in the future. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Wisconsin ,

MADISON, WI ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says I am currently in the Sustainable Systems Engineering, Masters of Engineering program. I was not an engineering undergraduate student, but halfway through my undergrad I realized I had a passion for... .

Grainger College of Engineering

Urbana, IL •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign •

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ,

URBANA, IL ,

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• Architectural Engineering Graduate Programs
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School of Engineering - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute •

Master's Student: As a current Co-term student at RPI, studying to obtain a Masters of Engineering degree, the department is supportive, interactive, and fun! To prepare for the first semester, the school of engineering held new graduate orientations and individual department orientations for new students to help prepare them for their graduate careers. Moreover, the MANE department, located on one of the main floors of the engineering building, demonstrates their support through interactive ways such as posting a big poster of all the graduate students on one of the halls, celebrating achievements in academia on school TVs, and lastly host events such as graduate student appreciation day filled with prizes, food, and recognitions. If I had to point out a rather difficult experience, it would be the lack of resources when it comes to learning about and picking classes, especially knowing what classes are offered in a given semester. ... Read 1 review

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says As a current Co-term student at RPI, studying to obtain a Masters of Engineering degree, the department is supportive, interactive, and fun! To prepare for the first semester, the school of... .

UM COE - University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL •

University of Miami •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

Master's Student: So far they have an extraordinary program. The faculty and staff are very welcoming and assist you in any way you need. ... Read 1 review

University of Miami ,

CORAL GABLES, FL ,

1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Master's Student says So far they have an extraordinary program. The faculty and staff are very welcoming and assist you in any way you need. .

College of Engineering - Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN •

Purdue University •

Purdue University ,

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN ,

College of Science and Engineering - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Minneapolis, MN •

University of Minnesota Twin Cities •

• • Rating 4 out of 5   2 reviews

Doctoral Student: I started graduate school at UMN during the height of the COVID pandemic. Despite not being able to go to classes in person or get into the lab, the UMN community has been very inclusive and I have felt very supported and welcome. I would recommend UMN to any STEM graduate student because of this great community. ... Read 2 reviews

University of Minnesota Twin Cities ,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN ,

2 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars.

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says I started graduate school at UMN during the height of the COVID pandemic. Despite not being able to go to classes in person or get into the lab, the UMN community has been very inclusive and I have... .

UW College of Engineering - University of Washington

Seattle, WA •

University of Washington •

University of Washington ,

SEATTLE, WA ,

Penn State College of Engineering

University Park, PA •

Penn State •

Niche User: The works was easy to understand with very understanding professors. The professors were very easy going and didn't just hand out busy work, so i felt like I was learning something not just sitting their. ... Read 2 reviews

Penn State ,

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA ,

Featured Review: Niche User says The works was easy to understand with very understanding professors. The professors were very easy going and didn't just hand out busy work, so i felt like I was learning something not just sitting... .

College of Engineering - The Ohio State University

Columbus, OH •

The Ohio State University •

The Ohio State University ,

COLUMBUS, OH ,

College of Engineering - Texas A&M University

College Station, TX •

Texas A&M University •

Texas A&M University ,

COLLEGE STATION, TX ,

College of Engineering - NC State University

Raleigh, NC •

North Carolina State University •

Doctoral Student: The curriculum is superb. I have had ample opportunity to develop and grow in the research community. Many student organizations all around. Good, positive environment. ... Read 2 reviews

North Carolina State University ,

RALEIGH, NC ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says The curriculum is superb. I have had ample opportunity to develop and grow in the research community. Many student organizations all around. Good, positive environment. .

College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences - Clemson University

Clemson, SC •

Clemson University •

Doctoral Student: Clemson is a highly-rated public university located in South Carolina. It is a large institution with an R1 High research designation. The Professors are always willing to help and they don't micromanage. ... Read 1 review

Clemson University ,

CLEMSON, SC ,

Featured Review: Doctoral Student says Clemson is a highly-rated public university located in South Carolina. It is a large institution with an R1 High research designation. The Professors are always willing to help and they don't... .

Pittsburgh, PA •

University of Pittsburgh ,

PITTSBURGH, PA ,

FAMU - FSU College of Engineering

Tallahassee, FL •

Florida State University •

Master's Student: This review is not applicable for Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University and Florida State University College of Engineering, because I have yet to attended the school yet. ... Read 1 review

Florida State University ,

TALLAHASSEE, FL ,

Featured Review: Master's Student says This review is not applicable for Florida Agriculture & Mechanical University and Florida State University College of Engineering, because I have yet to attended the school yet. .

College of Engineering - University of Massachusetts Amherst

Amherst, MA •

University of Massachusetts Amherst •

• • Rating 4.67 out of 5   3 reviews

Current Master's student: Msem has overall the best flexible curriculum and professor support in academia as well in career development ... Read 3 reviews

University of Massachusetts Amherst ,

AMHERST, MA ,

3 Niche users give it an average review of 4.7 stars.

Featured Review: Current Master's student says Msem has overall the best flexible curriculum and professor support in academia as well in career development .

Mississippi State University

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS

• • Rating 4.51 out of 5   49

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Mississippi State University •

University of Pittsburgh

• • Rating 4.43 out of 5   74

Showing results 1 through 25 of 95

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2024 Best Industrial Engineering Doctor's Degree Schools

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 52 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Industrial Engineering Doctor's Degree Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 370 doctor's degrees in industrial engineering to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Our Methodology

• Best Doctor’s Degree Schools List

Choosing a Great Industrial Engineering School for Your Doctor's Degree

Overall Quality Is a Must

A school that excels in educating for a particular major and degree level must be a great school overall as well. To account for this we include a school's overall Best Colleges for a Doctor's Degree ranking which itself looks at a collection of various factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.

Average Early-Career Salaries

Average early-career salary of those graduating with their doctor's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. That is, everyone wants their doctor's degree to be worth something, and salaries are one measure of determining that.

Other Factors We Consider

The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.

• Major Focus - How many resources a school devotes to industrial engineering students as compared to other majors.
• Major Demand - The number of industrial engineering students who choose to seek a doctor's degree at the school.
• Educational Resources - How many resources are allocated to students. These resources may include educational expenditures per student, number of students per instructor, and graduation rate among other things.
• Student Debt - How easy is it for industrial engineering to pay back their student loans after receiving their doctor's degree.
• Accreditation - Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or accredited by a recognized industrial engineering related body.

Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best schools for industrial engineering students working on their doctor's degree.

More Ways to Rank Industrial Engineering Schools

The ie school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings , including this list of the Best Industrial Engineering Doctor's Degree Schools.

Best Schools for Doctorate Students to Study Industrial Engineering in the United States

The following list ranks the best colleges and universities for pursuing a doctor's degree in industrial engineering.

10 Top Schools for a Doctorate in IE

Every student who is interested in a doctor's degree in industrial engineering has to check out Northwestern University. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from Northwestern University

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is a great choice for students pursuing a doctor's degree in industrial engineering. Located in the midsize city of Ann Arbor, U-M is a public university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

It is difficult to beat University of Wisconsin - Madison if you want to pursue a doctor's degree in industrial engineering. UW - Madison is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Madison. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from University of Wisconsin - Madison

Every student who is interested in a doctor's degree in industrial engineering has to look into Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus. Georgia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the large city of Atlanta. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus

Located in the large city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from University of Southern California

Located in the small city of West Lafayette, Purdue is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from Purdue University - Main Campus

Texas A&M College Station is a very large public university located in the city of College Station. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University - College Station

UIUC is a very large public university located in the small city of Champaign. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Virginia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the small city of Blacksburg. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from Virginia Tech

Iowa State is a very large public university located in the city of Ames. More information about a doctorate in industrial engineering from Iowa State University

Industrial Engineering by Region

View the Best Industrial Engineering Doctor's Degree Schools for a specific region near you.

Other Rankings

Best associate degrees in industrial engineering, best master's degrees in industrial engineering, best value in industrial engineering, best for non-traditional students in industrial engineering, best online in industrial engineering, most popular online in industrial engineering, best bachelor's degrees in industrial engineering, best overall in industrial engineering, highest paid grads in industrial engineering, best for veterans in industrial engineering, most popular in industrial engineering, most focused in industrial engineering.

View All Rankings >

Rankings in Majors Related to IE

One of 41 majors within the Engineering area of study, Industrial Engineering has other similar majors worth exploring.

IE Concentrations

Most popular majors related to ie, notes and references.

• The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ( IPEDS ) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s ( College Scorecard ). More about our data sources and methodologies .

Popular Reports

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Doctoral Program in Industrial & Systems Engineering

PhD Application Deadline DECEMBER 15 View Application Steps

How to Apply

Funding & resources, usc graduate application, dissertation topics, phd alumni snapshot, research topics database.

Nathan Decker

Anthony Nguyen

Christopher Henson

Industrial & systems engineering doctoral students citizenship, industrial & systems engineering doctoral students age, tour one of our research labs, recent department videos.

Published on June 8th, 2021

Last updated on August 18th, 2023

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Nathan Decker PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I've received a lot of great advice over the years, (including from my faculty advisor here at USC), but my favorite advice comes from my grandfather, who passed away last year at the age of 100.  He would often remind me to cultivate a heart of gratitude by not taking for granted the small things that God blesses us with each day.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?

During the height of the pandemic, I decided to splurge - and prioritize self-care - by getting a set of adjustable-weight dumbbells, since I couldn't go to the gym.  It took 3 months for them to arrive, but when they finally did, it upped my home-workout game immensely!  I'm also way less likely to skip a workout, since there's no excuse now.

Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.

My research focuses on the application of artificial intelligence to 3D printing.  I try to make printers smarter by enabling them to learn from their past mistakes and leverage diverse sources of sensor data, resulting in parts that are more accurate.  This is important for applications where the part must be functional, which are increasing in frequency as 3D printing becomes more utilized.  I love my research, since it forces me to work across a number of fields and learn a little bit about everything to solve problems.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

Before I realized that I have a passion for engineering, I was a Philosophy major for a year during my undergraduate studies, and really enjoyed the experience.  Had I not come to that realization, I might have tried to pursue a career as a Philosophy professor.

What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?

My love for USC began from a young age!  Sadly, from 1995 (the year I was born) to 2015, Los Angeles lacked an NFL team, meaning that if you wanted to cheer for a football team, USC and UCLA were the only game in town.  Thankfully, my dad chose correctly, and decided that our family would root for USC.  He took me to watch open football practices on campus growing up, where you could meet players and coaches, as well as a good number of games in the Coliseum.  When it came time to decide where I would go to grad school, I could say that it was USC's outstanding reputation, the fantastic resources that my department offers, the amazing Trojan family, or the great fit with my advisor and lab that sealed the deal, but deep down, I think it was the memories with my father that convinced me I couldn't be anywhere else.

If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?

What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?

What's one thing about you that might surprise me?

What are your plans after graduation?

In my career, I hope to continue working on challenging problems and learning from brilliant people, wherever that may be.

Hometown (city, country):

La Mirada, CA

Personal Website (if any):

www.nathanidecker.com

Faculty Advisor:

Prof. Qiang Huang

Anthony Nguyen PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

You can't optimize life. Don't be afraid to pivot and embrace opportunities that present themselves.

Completing my Eagle Scout when I was growing up. This accomplishment helped shape my mindset and gave me the courage and confidence to be ambitious with my goals.

I recently purchased my first set of golf clubs and a new pair of rock climbing shoes. I love spending my free time participating in sports activities.

My research is focused on decision making in healthcare settings. This includes clinical, operational, and policy level decisions. Most of my recent work has been on building infectious disease models for HIV and COVID-19 that incorporate human behavior to help local policymakers make more informed decisions for LA County. What excites me most about this research is the cross disciplinary and collaborative nature of the work as well as the fact that it is directly applicable to the local community.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

If I was not an engineer, I would likely be a physician specialized in either surgery or emergency medicine. I have always been interested in improving patient care and patient quality of life. Engineering allows me to do this at a systemic level. Being a physician enables attaining this goal at a patient level. 

My main reasons for selecting USC were: (1) I had an instant connection with my faculty advisors (2) Being located in Southern California, I knew I would enjoy the environment and lifestyle beyond time spent doing research, and (3) Knowing that USC excels in a wide range of fields, I knew I would be able to engage in interesting cross-disciplinary research. 

(1) Korea Town, Little Tokyo, and other food hubs in LA, (2) San Diego (3) San Francisco.

Department happy hours! It's always great enjoying a drink with your professors, admin, and classmates. 

I try to balance my time between research and playing sports. Even after starting my PhD, I have taken time almost every week to surf, climb, train for races, and now to play golf! A great week is a week when I can manage to do all of these activities.

I plan to go into management consulting with a focus on health related sectors. 

Yorba Linda, California.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ anthonycnguyen/ 

Co-advised by:

• Professor Sze Chuan Suen (ISE)
• Professor Shinyi Wu (Social Work)

Christopher Henson PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

Do all things unto the Lord.

Getting honorable mention in the ASME best student presentation competition for my work on failure detection in additive manufacturing.

I purchased a Le Creuset dutch oven which has been so enjoyable to work with in the kitchen.

I work on quality improvement software for additive manufacturing. I am most excited about the commercial application of research in my field. 

If I were not an engineer I would most likely be working in finance.

The research area was unique among the schools I applied to and was by a wide margin the most exciting and the best fit. I was also excited about the research providing me with relevant expertise to an industry research setting.

Griffith Park/Observatory (at night) the view of the city is incredible. LA Live has great nightlife/food. Grand Central Market is a very neat place to go for good street food and it is in a cool part of down town. Bonus: California Science Center is right across the street from campus and has a lot of great exhibits.

Going to USC football games with friends after stressful weeks.

I love to cook and entertain for guests.

I hope to work for NASA in a research capacity.

Escondido, California.

Qiang Huang

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• Current Students

PhD Program

Fellowships for year one, guaranteed funding until completion..

Ranked Industrial Engineering Graduate Program by the U.S. News & World Report (2023)

Ranked Public University by the Wall Street Journal (2022)

University of Michigan Industrial and Operations Engineering (U-M IOE) PhD students have fellowships for year one, guaranteed funding until completion and can access more than a dozen graduate student certificate programs across campus.

Our PhD students have extensive interdisciplinary opportunities available on campus. Take classes and work with faculty from different engineering departments, Michigan Medicine, and U-M schools and colleges such as the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School of Public Health.

Sign-up for our virtual grad school webinar on Nov. 10, 2023 to learn more about our program before you apply.

PHD STUDENT NEWS

IOE PhD student Jianhao Ma awarded a Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship

The Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship supports PhD students who have achieved candidacy and are actively working on dissertation research and writing.

Students celebrated at U-M IOE Graduation Reception

On Thursday, April 7, 2023 students, faculty, and staff from the Univerisity of Michigan Industrial and Operations Engineering (U-M IOE) Department came together to celebrate the accomplishments of their graduating graduate students at the Michigan League. This spring 67 students graduated from the U-M IOE PhD and master’s program. Many of whom were honored with awards. 

Jacqueline Hannan awarded an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to further neonatal ventilation research

U-M IOE PhD student Jacqueline Hannan has been awarded a Graduate Research Fellowship from the NSF. The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States.

U-M IOE hosts its second annual Graduate School Workshop

The workshop is part of a multi-year diversity, equity and inclusion initiative to broaden participation in the field of industrial engineering.

University of Michigan Student Chapter selected as a winner of the INFORMS 2021 Student Chapter Annual Award (Summa cum laude)

The purpose of these awards is to recognize the achievements of student chapters. Please join us in congratulating our students on this well-deserved recognition!

New workshop promotes graduate school in industrial engineering for underrepresented groups in STEM fields

The IOE department started a new initiative to broaden participation in industrial engineering by underrepresented groups, including traditionally underrepresented minorities, women, and first-generation students. A recent IOE graduate school workshop offered by the department was part of the launch of this new multi-year diversity, equity and inclusion initiative.

Kati Moug receives 2021 Generation Google Scholarship

U-M IOE PhD student, Kati Moug, has received a 2021 Generation Google Scholarship in recognition of academic performance, leadership, and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

IOE graduate students receive NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

U-M IOE graduate students, Lauren Czerniak and Leena Ghrayeb honored as recipients of the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP).

Nadine Sarter receives FAA funding for research on pilots’ role in risk mitigation

U-M IOE professor, Nadine Sarter has received funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for research on the role flight crews play in aviation safety.

U-M INFORMS Student Chapter and Wesley J. Marrero awarded at INFORMS Annual Meeting

At the recent INFORMS Annual Meeting, the U-M INFORMS student chapter and U-M IOE PhD student, Wesley J. Marrero, were recognized for their work in operations research and the management sciences.

U-M HFES Student Chapter and Na Du Awarded at HFES Annual Meeting

HFES awards the U-M Student Chapter with the Outstanding Student Chapter Gold Award. Na Du, a U-M IOE PhD candidate, was also recognized individually with two awards and a scholarship.

Julia Coxen selected to serve as a professor and deputy head at West Point

Julia Coxen, U-M IOE PhD candidate and an active-duty colonel in the U.S. Army, has been selected to serve as a PUSMA and deputy head of the Department of Systems Engineering at West Point.

FIND OUT MORE

Graduate Program - School of Industrial Engineering - Purdue University

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Why Purdue?

• Field Defining Innovation & Research:  The School of Industrial Engineering has been defining the field and educating future leaders in industrial engineering for 65 years. The graduate program is ranked in the top 10 and the IE on-line degree program is ranked #1 in the nation. Our researchers perform field-defining research that is regarded worldwide for its impact and quality.
• Excellence at Scale : As one of the top 10 engineering graduate programs in the nation, Purdue's College of Engineering is one of the largest and strongest programs in the nation with 13 different schools and departments.
• Affordable Tuition:  Tuition for our program is considerably cost effective compared to other programs.
• Low Cost of Living:  The cost of living in the Greater Lafayette-West Lafayette area is one of the lowest in the nation, with housing rent ranging from 23% to 179% less expensive than competing university cities (numbeo.com). 

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Industrial engineering moves to sixth place in graduate program rankings

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The industrial engineering (IE) graduate program at Penn State is ranked sixth in the latest annual U.S. News & World Report “Best Graduate Schools” rankings, released this week.

The 2020 edition shows that the IE program moved up one spot from seventh last year amongst its counterparts at other national universities and up six spots from twelfth four years ago.

“This is very exciting news for us,” said Janis Terpenny, department head of the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Penn State. “We are very proud of the quality of our program, our students and our faculty, whose work is addressing fundamental methods and tools needed to take on great challenges associated with innovative products, processes and systems of health care, energy, manufacturing and more.”

According to U.S. News & World Report , the rankings are based on peer assessments by department heads in each specialty area, conducted in fall 2018. Department heads rated the other schools that offered a doctoral degree in their specialty on a 5-point scale. The sixth place in the rankings puts Penn State’s industrial engineering program in the top 7 percent of programs ranked nationally.

Other College of Engineering departments that showed improvement this year include chemical engineering, computer science, mechanical engineering and materials engineering.

Read more about Penn State’s overall graduate school rankings and how other graduate programs faired on the U.S. News website .

More information about the industrial engineering graduate program can be on the department’s Graduate Studies page .

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Jennifer Matthews

[email protected]

“We are very proud of the quality of our program, our students and our faculty, whose work is addressing fundamental methods and tools needed to take on great challenges associated with innovative products, processes and systems of health care, energy, manufacturing and more.” —Janis Terpenny

Home of the first established industrial engineering program in the world, the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (IME) at Penn State has made a name for itself in the engineering industry through its storied tradition of unparalleled excellence and innovation in research, education, and outreach.

We are Innovators. We are Makers. We are Excellence in Engineering. We are Penn State IME.

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Academics PhD Program

Consistently ranked in the top 5 industrial engineering programs in the nation, the PhD program in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences at Northwestern is renowned for the quality of its faculty, their research, and the varied applications this research has throughout all areas of industry.

Prospective PhD Students

Join world-renowned faculty in researching analytical tools and strategies applied in manufacturing, finance, public policy, and the service sector. Prospective PhD students can learn more about PhD curriculum and focus areas and job placement after graduation. We do not offer a terminal master's program; however, prospective master’s students can look at the Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science program and the Master of Engineering Management program .

Request more information 

Find information on funding graduate study , application procedures , admission requirements to the PhD program in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences, and attending an information weekend .

Current graduate students can find information on course registration, waiving required courses, and brown bag faculty presentations .

Affiliated Master's Programs

Aside from its PhD program, the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences is also involved in the Master of Science in Machine Learning and Data Science program  and the Master of Engineering Management program .

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Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston, IL 60208 Phone: 847-491-3383 Fax: 847-491-8005 Email PhD Program Staff

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This PhD in Industrial Engineering degree combines research with industry leaders and real world experience to prepare for a career in research, academic or business professions.

In The News

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In Puerto Rico, Opportunity in the Wake of Disaster

The Mechanical and Industrial Engineering graduate department offers a doctor of philosophy in Industrial Engineering. This advanced degree combines research with industry leaders and real world experience to prepare for a career in research, academic or business professions.

This PhD is awarded to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and research competence in the fields of mechanical or industrial engineering. To earn a PhD, a student must complete an approved, rigorous program of advanced course work and submit and defend an original dissertation of independent research. The mechanical and industrial engineering (MIE) department expects all successful doctoral candidates to show depth of knowledge and research innovation in their chosen field of specialization.

• Can be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate
• Bachelor’s and Advanced Degree entry are available
• Students submit and defend an original dissertation of independent research
• The ability to use basic engineering concepts flexibly in a variety of contexts
• Ability to formulate a research plan
• Ability to communicate orally a research plan
• Ability to conduct independent research

Our graduates pursue careers within academia and beyond.

• Seattle’s Children’s Hospital
• Sonos, Inc.
• Massachusetts institute of Technology
• Citicorp Credit Services
• Norfolk Southern
• King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
• Johns Hopkins University
• California State University, Long Beach

Application Materials

• Completed online application form
• $100 application fee
• Two letters of recommendation
• Transcripts from all institutions attended
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• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for international applicants

Application

PhD Priority: December 15

International outside US: June 1

International inside US: July 1

Domestic: August 1

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The application period for Fall 2024 admissions to MS and PhD programs has closed. Fall 2025 admissions information will be available in Summer 2024.

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Our PhD program will prepare you with the latest theory, computational tools, and research methods for a career of discovery in academia or industry. You will learn to innovate in a wide range of domains, such as artificial intelligence, high-tech, healthcare, energy, finance, consulting, data science, management, robotics, logistics, and human factors.

Dear Future Students

In my eyes,  UC Berkeley  is a dynamic campus filled with energy and ideas. It's a place where brilliant concepts and radical opinions coexist, fostering a level of inclusion and diversity that sets it apart from other institutions. The IEOR department stands out within this vibrant environment, offering an experience beyond the ordinary.

Whether it's  Professor Adler's  interludes about the life of George B. Dantzig (a former Berkeley IEOR Professor and one of the creators of the Simplex Algorithm) or  Professor Rhonda Righter’s  eye-opening insights into queueing techniques (which engraves “conditioning” into my thinking patterns), every moment in class is a valuable learning experience. IEOR faculty always go above and beyond to support students. For example, most recently,  Professor Candace Yano  responded to my email at 11:57 pm on a Friday just to address my seemingly trivial questions about a presentation slide.

Looking ahead, after my graduation (still a few years away), I envision taking a role as a research scientist in an industry where I can make a meaningful impact. While I haven't pinpointed the specific industry I'll dive into, the flexibility and wealth of choices at Berkeley IEOR make that uncertainty perfectly okay. The ability to customize minor courses (and even set your own titles) showcases a high degree of flexibility, offering many options tailored to individual preferences and goals.

Addressing the question of why choose Berkeley IEOR over other grad schools, I offer a broader perspective: "A PhD is not just a degree; it is a lifestyle." Berkeley IEOR has become the ideal environment for me to live the life I envisioned, with its supportive atmosphere, an exceptional cohort, supportive mentors, and all the advantages of being part of UC Berkeley and the Bay Area.

Sincerely, Ricky Huang Current IEOR PhD Student

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Join Innovative Researchers

As a PhD student in IEOR at Berkeley, you work with faculty that are leading experts in their field and become part of a determined cohort of researchers shaping a sustainable, safe, and inclusive future for our world.

Become Leading Academics

With a PhD in IEOR from Berkeley, you are well poised for successful careers in academia, serving as researchers and professors in various technical departments at some of the finest universities across the world.

Explore Exciting Careers

As a Berkeley IEOR PhD student, you gain theoretical and computational expertise to become an ideal candidate for innovative firms in domains like finance, healthcare, energy, services, and many more.

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns:

IEOR Graduate Admissions [email protected]

Future Students

Ph.d. in industrial engineering, reach your full potential.

The Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering program prepares students for roles in university-level education and to lead advanced research in industrial and systems engineering.

The doctoral degree is the most advanced and rigorous academic award. It demonstrates exceptional intellectual achievement and leadership.

In addition to meeting course requirements, students spend one or more years on Ph.D. dissertation research. Three milestones punctuate that work: the Qualifying Examination, the General Examination, and the Final Examination.

Admission Information

Degree information, meet ise ph.d. students.

ISE graduate students discuss their research and why they chose the UW.

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Industrial Engineering, M.S.

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The M.S. in Industrial Engineering (IE) program is a top ranked program focused on preparing students to assume organizational leadership roles after they graduate. 

We provide a strong academic foundation and combine it with an emphasis on real-world application. Our courses are taught by professors with significant industry experience. Courses are project based and highly practical, focused on helping students apply principles learned in class to professional situations faced when helping organizations grow and improve. 

Program highlights include:

• top ranked program that continues to climb
• strong foundational academic core taught by highly experienced professors
• emphasis on experiential learning which culminates with a Capstone program where students apply skills and concepts learned in the classroom on a company-sponsored project
• program flexibility that offers elective choice from across the TMI Department, Tandon and University
• robust networking and career support - Professionally affiliated student clubs with INFORMs and IISE, LinkedIn group , IE Alumni Advisory board, career development and certification workshops
• great location, in the heart of the  Brooklyn Tech Triangle  and close to Manhattan we are close to many companies across diverse industries which creates outstanding opportunities for internships and job placement

The IE Program comprises 12 courses totaling 30 credits. Courses for the IE program are held at the Brooklyn campus of NYU Tandon.

Industrial engineers determine the most effective ways to design, manage and improve systems — people, machines, materials, information, and energy —t o make a product or provide a service. 

In this regard, the IE program’s curriculum provides participants with a deep understanding of the foundational elements of industrial engineering. 

Industrial Engineers play a key role in driving change. Skills developed in areas like change management, organizational transformation and systems optimization are increasingly valuable, making industrial engineers highly sought after throughout a wide range of industries.

Industrial engineers work in consulting firms, financial services, health care, government, transportation, construction, social services, operations, and supply chain management.

Elective courses, organized by concentration and offered both within the program and throughout the University, provide students with the flexibility to create an individualized curriculum.

Concentrations are suggested specializations and reflect the recent directional advances in the field. Students may also elect to create a unique curriculum plan that includes courses selected throughout the prescribed areas of concentration.

Areas of Concentration include:

• Business Transformation and Continuous Improvement - for students interested in helping organizations understand where to focus, build and implement the capability to transform. This is of primary interest to students considering careers in consulting.
• Operations and Supply Chain Management - for students interested in building agile, dynamic teams capable of partnering across the enterprise to continuously define and deliver customer-centric value. This is of primary interest to students considering careers in management.
• Operations Research and Systems Analytics - for students interested in working with organizational leaders and cross-enterprise teams to frame the discussion on how to best use data to drive the conversation on where to focus improvement efforts. This is of primary interest to students considering data science and operations analysis.

These are suggested areas of concentration only. We work with students to select courses from across our department and the University to create opportunities that align with and provide support for students' career ambitions.

IE Electives (6 Credits)

• IE-GY 6003 Engineering Economics
• IE-GY 6063 Work Design and Measurement
• IE-GY 7653 Human Factors in Engineering Design
• IE-GY 7873 Lean Manufacturing
• IE-GY 7923 Design for Manufacturing
• IE-GY 7993 Supply Chain Engineering
• MG-GY 6103 Management Science
• MG-GY 6343 Human Capital Engineering & Analytics
• MG-GY 8413 Business Analytics
• MG-GY 8643 New Product Development
• MG-GY 8653 Managing Technological Change & Innovation
• MG-GY 9753 Selected Topics in Management

Free Electives (9 Credits)

Students can also elect to take an additional three courses/nine credits outside of the IE electives with approval from their academic advisor.

Admission Requirements

Industrial Engineering Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and an engineering degree is not required to join our program. 

The general requirements for the degree Master of Science are stated in this catalog under “ Graduate Degrees ”. Detailed requirements for this degree are shown below.

Admission to the Master of Science program requires a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited institution. Applicants should have a superior undergraduate academic record. 

Students who do not meet these requirements are considered individually for admission and may be admitted subject to their completion of courses to remove deficiencies. 

Students are encouraged to seek waivers (and have approved substitutes designated) for all required courses in which they can demonstrate competence, thereby using their time effectively.

Quick Links

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Program Director

Tom Mazzone

Brian Bikram

Nick corrigan.