The best industrial engineering master’s degrees offer top-notch education for students seeking advanced degrees to kick start a lucrative career in engineering. Engineering is one of the leading players in the evolution of technology in the world today and Master’s Degrees in Engineering lead to several high-paying job opportunities in numerous industries.
While industrial engineering may be an in-demand career path, it can be quite challenging to study and qualify for a job. If you’re considering a career in the engineering field, continue reading for an overview of the best schools for industrial engineering master’s degrees as well as the highest-paying industrial engineering master’s degree jobs.
Where Can I Get a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering?
Some of the best colleges where you can get a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering include Texas A&M University, Arizona State University, the University of Washington, Oregon State University, and Drexel University. Continue reading for a complete list of ten of the best schools.
What Schools Offer the Best Industrial Engineering Master’s Degrees?
- Texas A&M University
- Arizona State University
- Oregon State University
- University of Washington
- Drexel University
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering?
The admission requirements for a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering include a bachelor’s or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum GPA of 3.0, a resume or CV, and an application fee. Other Master’s in Industrial Engineering requirements include official transcripts from past universities, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Some schools may require prospective students to have a background in engineering. All international and English as a second language-speaking (ESL) students must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) exam scores to provide proof of English proficiency.
Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume or CV
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- TOEFL exam or equivalent for ESL and international students
How to Get a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering
To get an industrial engineering master’s degree, students must fulfill all of the program’s graduation requirements. Many schools require students to complete a certain amount of credit hours in core courses and elective courses, as well as other requirements, such as a thesis or capstone design project.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering?
You’ll typically need 30 to 36 credits for a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. The curriculum includes foundational courses, core courses, and elective courses that teach students skills in design and manufacturing engineering. Students may also need to submit a capstone project or thesis to graduate.
Industrial Engineering Degree Requirements
- Complete 30 to 36 credit hours, depending on the school
- Complete a certain amount of credits for core courses and elective credits per the school’s curriculum
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Complete all financial obligations to the school
- Master’s capstone design project or thesis, depending on the school
Best Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Colorado State University – Pueblo | Master of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drexel University | Master of Science in Systems Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| Lehigh University | Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Oregon State University | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Purdue University | Industrial Engineering Masters Degree | Higher Learning Commission |
| Texas A&M University – College Station | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| University of Michigan – Dearborn | Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Washington | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
Best Schools for Industrial Engineering: Top Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
The following includes detailed information on the best industrial engineering master’s degree schools, including information on tuition costs, graduation rates, application details and the criteria decision process, required credit hours, and learning formats available for each program to help you narrow your school search.
What Is an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
An industrial engineering master’s degree is a degree program that provides students with advanced learning in industrial engineering concepts. Master’s Degrees in Industrial Engineering usually take about two years to complete and allow industrial engineering students to further their education and strengthen their engineering qualifications after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Industrial engineering deals with the application of scientific techniques to provide integrated systems for production processes. Industrial engineering programs offer graduate students additional training and hands-on experience in the field to help them kickstart their careers.
How Important Is a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering?
A Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering is very important because it offers you the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications for a lucrative career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average annual salary of an industrial engineer is $95,300.
Another reason why an industrial engineering master’s degree is important is that these programs offer students a wide variety of career opportunities in areas like project management, industrial engineering, and industrial design.
What Types of Master’s Degree Can You Get in Industrial Engineering?
You can get the following types of master’s degrees for industrial engineering:
- Master of Science
- Master of Engineering
The best type of master’s degree for industrial engineering will depend on your long-term career goals. If you want to go into research, you may find a Master of Science is the better choice. If you want a program that focuses on technical skills and coursework, a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering is the best choice.
Is It Better to Get a Master of Science or Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering?
It is better to get a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering than a Master of Engineering because the former offers a combination of project work and extensive research in the field, while the latter focuses more on coursework.
Many schools do not allow students to choose between the two programs of study. Whichever degree you pursue, you would still get an excellent education. Both graduate programs offer several job opportunities in industrial engineering to degree recipients.
What Is the Difference Between an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree and an Industrial Engineering Certificate?
The difference between an industrial engineering master’s degree and an industrial engineering certificate is that an industrial engineering degree is an advanced educational qualification, while an industrial engineering certificate is a certification that shows competency in a certain skill or area of the field.
Master’s degrees usually take one to two years to complete and are more expensive, while graduate certificates are usually less expensive and take less than a year to complete. Master’s degrees teach interdisciplinary academic knowledge, while graduate certificates focus more on practical skills. The answer to what is better, a master’s degree or certificate in industrial engineering, will depend on your career goals.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering?
A Master’s in Industrial Engineering costs an average of $19,314, according to data by the National Center for Education Statistics. For private institutions, it estimates the total cost of $25,929.
It is important to note that the cost of getting a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering may vary depending on the school. Private universities are usually more expensive than public universities, and residents will typically spend less on tuition rates than non-residents of a state.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
It takes one to two years on average to get an industrial engineering master’s degree for a full-time student and requires about 30 to 36 credit hours for graduation. Your Master’s in Industrial Engineering length will depend on the school’s academic calendar.
Another factor that affects the specific duration of time for an industrial engineering master’s degree is the program format. For example, it would take a student about two years to complete a master’s degree on a full-time schedule, while it may take over two years for a part-time student to complete the same degree.
How Hard Is It to Get a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering?
It can be quite hard to get a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. This is because it requires you to have advanced knowledge of mathematics, statistical analysis, physical science, and engineering. While getting an industrial engineering master’s degree is hard, it is very possible to learn and obtain a degree with the resources provided by top schools.
Why Should You Get an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
You should get an industrial engineering master’s degree because it offers a fast-growing engineering career opportunity in a wide variety of industries, such as manufacturing, data analysis, logistics, business, supply chain, and automobile industries. The degree helps graduate students acquire a range of skills such as operations research, design, and manufacturing engineering.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Master’s Degree Program in Industrial Engineering?
The courses you’ll need to take in a master’s degree program in industrial engineering vary from school to school. Below is a list of typical Master’s in Industrial Engineering courses that students will complete during the program.
Data Science
This course entails the scientific methods involved in collecting, cleaning, and processing data to derive useful insight and offer business solutions. Students learn the different scientific processes involved in gathering structured and unstructured data.
Manufacturing Engineering
This course refers to the provision of integrated systems for the manufacturing of products or processes of construction projects. Students will learn how to produce quality yet cost-effective and time-efficient processes of manufacturing.
Production Systems
Production systems in engineering is a branch that focuses on the application of analytic models, artificial intelligence and machine learning, or advanced technology to the manufacturing industry. Industrial engineering students will learn about job production, batch production, continuous production, and mass production in this course.
Design Engineering
Design is a branch of study in engineering that trains students on the different techniques of design and prototyping involved in manufacturing. Students will learn how to use computer software to develop product designs.
Operations Research
Operations research or operations analysis refers to the use of models and analytical designs to solve complex business and production problems. Students will learn the fundamentals of statistics, modeling, and optimization to ensure cost-efficiency.
Continuing Education Paths for Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates
The best continuing education path to take with an industrial engineering master’s degree after you graduate is to pursue a doctoral degree and PhD in Engineering. A doctoral degree signifies that these candidates are the most highly-qualified professionals in the field, and they would have the additional option of teaching in universities and conducting academic research.
Graduates that would prefer not to go back to school can choose to enroll in an engineering certificate program, which would allow them to showcase their skills in specific factors in engineering.
Related Industrial Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Programs
The key things to look for in the best industrial engineering master’s degree programs are numerous. Below is a list of some of the most crucial factors to consider before choosing a school for your industrial engineering master’s program.
Reputation of School
One of the main things you should consider in a school before applying is its reputation. The reputation includes recognitions, annual awards and rankings, financial grants, the caliber of alumni, and important research activities.
Student Services
Another important thing to look out for is whether the school offers support for the needs of students. It is important to attend a school that has strong decision support systems and other student services to help out in times of need.
Accreditation
The accreditation status of the school you are applying to is very important because it ensures that the school of engineering has met national or international educational standards of quality. Many engineering companies and employers may doubt the quality of your degree if it is from an institution that is not accredited, thereby reducing your chances of getting a good job.
Barriers to Admission
This is a very important factor because it can bar your admission to a school. Research the admission requirements of your preferred school carefully to find out if you qualify for the program. For example, many schools require applicants to have an undergraduate degree in engineering, science, or a related field for an industrial engineering master’s degree.
Learning Format
Some schools may offer programs strictly online, on campus, or a hybrid mix of both. Depending on your preference, available resources, or location, you should apply to a program that offers a learning format that best suits you.
What Is the Most Affordable Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
The most affordable industrial engineering master’s degree is offered by Purdue University. The cost per credit for Indiana residents is $347.85 per credit, making the total cost of the degree $10,435.50 for 30 credits. This is the most affordable program of all of the schools mentioned in this guide, but keep in mind that the cost will vary and doesn’t include other miscellaneous fees.
Salary and Job Outlook for Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Graduates
After graduating with an industrial engineering master’s degree, you will enter a lucrative field with exciting job prospects. You can begin your career by searching for job openings by top companies hiring industrial engineers. Continue reading for an overview of some of the best industrial engineering master’s degree jobs and their average annual salaries.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
It is not very hard to get a job with an industrial engineering master’s degree. According to BLS, there are about 292,000 jobs in industrial engineering that are available to industrial engineering graduates. A master’s graduate program equips students with the relevant skills needed to prepare them for their career goals after graduation.
Many schools also offer internship opportunities that provide students with hands-on experience in roles that can often lead to job opportunities after graduation.
What’s the Average Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Salary?
The average salary for a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering degree holder is $82,000 per year, according to PayScale. Factors like location, work history, and job title will all affect your salary.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
The jobs you can do with an industrial engineering master’s degree include process improvement engineer, project manager, industrial engineer, industrial designer, safety engineer, and logistics engineer roles. Below are some of the best industrial engineering jobs available to graduates.
Industrial Engineering Degree Jobs
- Process Improvement Engineer
- Project Manager
- Industrial Engineer
- Industrial Designer
- Logistics Engineer
Potential Careers With an Industrial Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering?
You can make between $70,000 and 150,000 per year with an industrial engineering master’s degree. However, this average starting salary range can differ depending on the company and industry you work in and your years of experience. The following is a list of a few of the highest-paying industrial engineering master’s degree jobs you can get after graduation.
Highest-Paying Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $152,350 |
| Health and Safety Engineers | $99,040 |
| Project Managers | $98,890 |
| Industrial Engineers | $95,300 |
| Logisticians | $77,030 |
Best Jobs for Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for industrial engineering master’s degree grads spread over a wide range of industries and common career paths that require engineering expertise. Below are some of the best career opportunities available for graduates.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering is worth it. This academic qualification offers you the opportunity for fast-growing employment in a wide variety of industries as well as competitive salaries.
Learning to become an industrial engineer can be difficult because of the technical requirements of the field. You can, however, simplify the process by studying in the best schools or using the best online courses and resources. If you want to gain advanced and specialized skills for your chosen career path, you’ll find getting a Master’s in Industrial Engineering worth it.
Additional Reading About Industrial Engineering
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Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree FAQ
The best school for a master’s in industrial engineering is the Georgia Institute of Technology in Georgia, according to the U.S. News and World Report from its list of the best industrial engineering degree programs. However, the best school for you will depend on your situation and goals.
Some of the best master’s engineering degrees include industrial engineering, aerospace engineering, and nuclear engineering. These engineering fields are rapidly growing and are developing exciting technological improvements.
Yes, industrial engineers are real engineers, just like chemical and mechanical engineers. They are responsible for providing integrated systems for construction projects, budgets, and workers to optimize efficiency in the manufacturing process.
You should get an MS in Industrial Engineering if you are interested in advancing your career and being in charge of making decisions concerning industrial processes, or an MBA if you are interested in handling the executive aspect of industrial engineering. The career path you choose depends on your goal and job interest.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
