Graduate Degree Options

Consistently ranked as one of the top graduate programs in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, the industrial engineering graduate program at Penn State prepares students to go beyond what they thought was possible in their careers through a mixture of rigorous coursework and hands-on experience in our labs. Our graduates are known for their ability to find high-level positions in industry and national research centers and labs, as well as postdoctoral and tenure-track positions in top-tier research universities.

Students in our graduate programs focus their studies on one of the following research areas:

• Human factors and ergonomics
• Manufacturing
• Operations research
• Operations, services, and analytics
• Service enterprise engineering

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (thesis and non-thesis tracks)

Our M.S. in Industrial Engineering degree is intended for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, or mathematics and are interested in broadening their educational credentials and improving their marketability in the global workplace. The program tracks also serve as a gateway for students interested in pursuing the Ph.D. degree at Penn State or elsewhere.

Thesis Track: The M.S. thesis track is research-oriented. Students can conduct research in a broad range of areas such as operations research, manufacturing, human factors/ergonomics engineering, service enterprise engineering, or some combination of these.

Non-thesis Track: The M.S. non-thesis track is an intensive one-year option in which a student can conduct research in a broad range of areas such as operations research, manufacturing, human factors/ergonomics engineering, service enterprise engineering, or some combination of these. Students enrolled in this track start in the fall semester and finish their degrees the following summer semester.

Dual Master of Science in Operations Research

The Dual M.S. in Operations Research program, interdisciplinary by nature, draws on the techniques from many fields, including the mathematical sciences, engineering, economics, and the physical sciences. The unique structure of the program enables students from rather diverse backgrounds to attain and be identified with the tools, techniques, and methodology of operations research and maintain a close association with their field of major interest. The opportunity to study and work with others from such diverse backgrounds provides an enriching experience not usually available in graduate work. By a judicious selection of courses, a student can tailor a plan of graduate study to meet career objectives in both of the chosen fields. An M.S. Minor in Operations Research is also available. 

Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering (online)

The M.Eng. in Industrial Engineering program, designed for working professionals, combines math, science, business, and psychology to improve efficiency, performance, quality, and safety, while simultaneously reducing cost and waste. Offered through the Penn State World Campus, this program has flexible course requirements to allow students to customize their education to suit their professional goals and interests. See the program website for more information.

Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial Engineering

The Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering is a thesis-based, research-oriented degree for students who intend to pursue careers in research and development, research management, or academia. The following tracks are offered:

• Human Factors/Ergonomics
• Manufacturing
• Operations Research
• Operations, Services and Analytics
• Ph.D. Dual Degree: Operations Research
• Ph.D. Minor: Operations Research

In addition to our M.S. degree programs, the department participates with other departments across the University for the Master of Science in Additive Manufacturing and Design (MSAMD). This degree is offered online and in residence at the University Park campus.