2023 Best Online Master's in Industrial Engineering Degrees

Online Master's Degrees in Industrial Engineering

Students with an analytical mind and a knack for understanding systems may want to consider pursuing an online master’s degree in industrial engineering. Broadly speaking, this complex field combines elements of business, technology, mathematics, and science to solve the issues that arise when humans work within technical systems. More specifically, industrial engineering focuses on optimizing the systems of technology, materials, facilities, and people used in nearly every major type of organization to produce the goods and services we need.

Requirements

Online master’s degree programs in industrial engineering are generally open to students with bachelor's degrees in industrial engineering or other STEM fields. Although students who have earned bachelor’s degrees in other disciplines may be accepted into an IE master’s program, they may be required to complete prerequisite courses, such as calculus, probability and statistics, and computer programming, before starting on the core courses of the industrial engineering program.

When applying to an online master’s in industrial engineering program, students are typically asked to submit letters of recommendation, official transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a current resume in addition to the application form and fee.

Curriculum

An online master’s in industrial engineering program can take anywhere from two to five years to complete. The core courses in online industrial engineering degree programs vary widely but often include production methods, quality management, systems analysis, statistics, and computer software in engineering systems. The exact mix of courses often depends on the areas of concentration offered. Popular concentrations in this major include logistics or supply chain management, facilities management, manufacturing engineering, and operations. Some programs also invite students to choose electives in math, business, or computer science.

Choosing a Master’s in Industrial Engineering Program

It’s important to choose the right degree program when pursuing a master’s degree in industrial engineering. Not all online programs are the same in this field, so it is essential to do thorough research about a prospective degree program and choose one that fits with the student’s interests and career goals. Students should consider what the program entails, such as courses of study and areas of concentration offered.

Other factors to consider relate to a student’s personal needs and preferences, such as schedule of classes, part-time options, duration of the program, and whether the program requires field experience, on-campus residencies, or internships. The school's graduation rates and hiring percentages are also important indicators of students' experiences. Finally, applicants may want to research potential instructors and their expertise in the field of industrial engineering.

Financing a Master’s in Industrial Engineering Degree

One of the challenges of going for a graduate degree is figuring out how to pay for it. Fortunately, students have plenty of options for financing their online master’s in industrial engineering online degrees. For most students, it is possible to pay for education by seeking out grants, applying for financial aid via the FAFSA form, taking out student loans, and applying for scholarships. There are many scholarships specific to the engineering field available through professional engineering organizations, and other scholarships offered by the private sector.

Why is Accreditation Important for Online Master's in Industrial Engineering Degrees?

Accreditation is an important aspect that students should take into account when considering enrolling in an online industrial engineering degree program. The accreditation process involves a thorough, independent evaluation of all aspects of an undergraduate or graduate degree program. For industrial engineering programs, students should look for accreditation from ABET.

Students who choose an accredited school can feel confident that they will receive a quality education and that their degree will be recognized by other academic institutions and potential employers. Although accreditation from ABET isn't required for an industrial engineer, enrolling in an unaccredited program can negatively impact both academic prospects and future employment opportunities. In addition, in order to apply for student loans or to transfer credits to another institution, students must attend an accredited school.

What Specializations are Available in the Field of Industrial Engineering?

Because the field of industrial engineering is broad, many people choose to specialize within the field. Some potential areas of expertise include:

Ergonomics: Within the broader scope of manufacturing processes, there is a concern for workers related to their productivity, safety, comfort, and job satisfaction. This is the domain of ergonomics, which deals with creating an optimal working environment. Industrial engineers who specialize in ergonomics analyze, for example, how work stations can be arranged to maximize a worker’s productivity while safeguarding the employee from accidents or injuries. They also study how overall systems can be arranged to benefit employees and the employer and ensure efficiency.

Manufacturing Engineering: Manufacturing systems use a variety of technologies and processes, many of which are automated, to make a product. Manufacturing engineers study these systems to determine how to maximize efficiency, cut costs, and maintain a safe work environment for employees. Manufacturing engineers typically need familiarity with computerized systems, robotics, AI, and other advanced technologies.

Operations Research: Operations research, decision science, and management science are terms often used interchangeably to describe the application of mathematical techniques to decision making in industrial settings. Some of these techniques include mathematical modeling and statistical analysis. The objective of operations research, as with all industrial engineering, is to aid in making business decisions that maximize efficiency and quality while minimizing risks and costs.

Quality/Reliability Engineering: As important as efficiency is, quality and reliability are equally critical to the success of any organization, which is why some industrial engineers choose to specialize in this area. Quality engineers focus on developing tests and control systems to maintain quality levels. They also interact with suppliers and customers, using feedback and information to continually improve their quality levels and processes.

What Certifications Can Help a Career in Industrial Engineers?

Besides earning an online master's in industrial engineering, professionals in this field can also add certifications and licenses to their resume that may enhance their reputations and help them stand out from other job candidates. Here are some credentials that industrial engineering professionals can earn during their career:

• Certified Manufacturing Engineering Certificate: This certificate requires a written exam, four years of experience in the field, and college-level coursework.
• Certified Quality Engineer: To earn this credential, individuals must have at least eight years of experience in the field. Graduate degrees can substitute for five of those years.
• Certified Production Technician: This certificate shows a high level of commitment to the standards of the industry, including safety, quality control, and green practices.