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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Industrial Engineering Program?
In an online master’s in industrial engineering program, you can access the same academic quality of traditional on-campus programs in a more flexible format. Online programs are ideal for those already working in the engineering field — eliminating the need to commute to campus will make it easier to keep up with all your job responsibilities while you further your education. Remember that online master’s in industrial engineering programs differ from one school to another, so you should carefully review each option’s cost, curriculum, and other key details to find the best match for your personal needs and professional goals.
Available concentrations
Many schools only offer industrial engineering as a concentration within a general engineering master’s degree program. When industrial engineering is offered as its own online master’s program, you may be able to specialize in a particular aspect of industrial engineering. Some of the most common concentration options for a master’s in industrial engineering include:
Information Systems Engineering: This concentration reviews the design and implementation of computer systems, including how to process new data feeds into an organization’s existing platforms.
Mechanical Engineering: Learn about the design, development, manufacture, and maintenance of anything with moving parts. The concepts covered include engineering materials, solid and fluid mechanics, product design, control systems, thermodynamics, and robotics.
Operations Management: An operations management concentration will help develop your managerial skills and teach you how to improve the efficiency of manufacturing and service firms.
Engineering Project Management: Learn how to apply industrial engineering and management skills to projects in various industries.
Manufacturing Process Engineering: This concentration covers both traditional and non-traditional manufacturing processes, including primary, secondary, finishing, and assembly processes.
Common degree curriculum
Online master’s in industrial engineering programs may offer a thesis or non-thesis track. The exact curriculum will vary depending on your school, whether you pursue a concentration, and which electives you choose. There are some foundational topics covered in just about every master’s in industrial engineering program, including:
Manufacturing Systems: Examines various types of operations, reviewing topics such as inventory management, aggregate production planning, and pull production systems.
Warehousing Systems Design: Covers order picking, warehouse inventory systems, warehouse layout design, and the integration of production and distribution systems.
Supply Chain Systems Operation: Learn about distribution planning, vehicle routing, replenishment management, and demand planning.
Regression Analysis: This course addresses how dependent and independent variables interact and how proposed changes may affect a company’s future.
Inventory Systems: Covers inventory management, including computerized procedures and materials requirements planning.
Lean Manufacturing: Reviews the basic principles and theories of lean manufacturing, including integrated approaches to identifying and eliminating design, production, and supply chain management activities that don’t add value to the process.
Certification and license preparation
Your master’s in industrial engineering will help prepare you for the Certified Manufacturing Technologist exam (or, for those in leadership positions, the Certified Manufacturing Engineer exam). These certifications are recognized and respected industry credentials offered through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Program accreditation
You should only apply to institutions approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Otherwise, you might have trouble accessing financial aid or transferring credits to another institution if needed. Ideally, your program will also be approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology — this organization holds master’s in industrial engineering programs to an exceptionally high standard.
Program completion timeframe
Online master’s in industrial engineering programs typically require around 30 credit hours of coursework, which takes about two years for most full-time students to complete. Part-time students may need three or more years to earn this degree.
It’s also worth noting that some programs use a cohort-based, synchronous learning system that requires you to attend classes and complete your courses simultaneously as other students. Those who want to earn their degree as quickly as possible should look for an asynchronous program instead, as this will allow you to progress through courses at your own pace.
Employment Outlook for Master’s in Industrial Engineering Graduates
A master’s in industrial engineering is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to earn a high salary. Indeed, most workers in this field earn more than $90,000 per year, and you may be able to make much more than that — the top 10% of industrial engineers earn over $134,990.
However, you should adjust your salary expectations according to where you plan to work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, the average salary for industrial production managers in New Jersey is roughly $50,000 higher than in Nebraska.
Also, earning a master’s degree in any major will help improve job security. The unemployment rate is 1.9% for workers with a master’s, 2.2% for those with a bachelor’s, and 4.0% for those with just a high school diploma.
Industrial engineers find ways to maximize production, streamline processes, and eliminate waste. They develop management control systems and quality control procedures to resolve production problems and minimize costs.
Industrial production managers analyze data to improve production speed and safety at manufacturing plants. They also oversee daily operations and perform quality control checks to ensure finished products meet appropriate levels of quality.
These professionals develop materials used to create a wide array of products. They design new materials and improve existing materials while meeting specific electrical, mechanical, and chemical requirements. Their work may involve studying the properties of plastics, composites, ceramics, metals, nanomaterials, and other substances.
Health and safety engineers develop procedures and systems to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses and protect property from damage.
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Professional organizations
Whether you’re a seasoned industrial engineer, new to the field, or a student at any level of education, joining professional organizations offers many advantages. These organizations provide the resources you need at every career stage to keep up with the latest industry trends and connect with other professionals.
Society of Manufacturing Engineers: Membership in SME allows you to connect with peers, gain valuable knowledge related to industrial engineering technology, and participate in leadership opportunities. Other benefits include a professional monthly magazine, peer-reviewed journals, customized research assistance, a job board, conferences, and trade shows.
Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers: IISE is a global association for professionals specializing in industrial engineering, ergonomics, and other fields. Membership provides access to networking and training opportunities, conferences and other events, industry-leading publications, a career center, and numerous other resources that can contribute to professional success throughout your career.
Society of Women Engineers: SWE is an organization for women in engineering and other STEM careers. They offer awards and recognition programs, education and outreach activities, national and regional conferences, seminars, workshops, and leadership training.
Financing Your Online Master’s in Industrial Engineering Degree
Earning your degree online is usually more affordable than earning your degree on campus, but you still may need help financing your education. To learn which grants, loans, and other assistance you qualify for through the federal government, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many colleges also use this form to establish your eligibility for financial aid offered through the school or engineering department. You may be eligible for private scholarships from companies, nonprofits, and other sources.
Student Finance Resources and Guides
With all of the different financing options available, it can be challenging to determine what you should do next after submitting your FAFSA. The resources listed below will help you make sense of your financial aid situation and save as much money as possible.
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
