Edited By Barani Krishnan
Review & Contribution By Dr. Olivia Martinez
A Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online equips students with skills and knowledge to optimize complex systems and processes across industries. Graduates can tackle manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare challenges.
The whole process involved in manufacturing is going through an evolution because of technological innovation and the ever-rising demand for efficiency. Here comes the role of a master’s in industrial engineering online degree holder. The students enrolled in an online master’s industrial engineering can tap into this area and carve a niche. The best option is a technical engineering degree at the master’s level as this prepares them for any managerial level roles. Amidst the fourth industrial revolution, the job market is booming, and the demand for skillful engineers is increasing. Each year, approximately 22,800 job openings for industrial engineers are anticipated [1]. Graduates of this degree can pursue diverse career paths across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and consulting.
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Find the Best Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online Degrees
For individuals looking for a top-notch education to launch a successful engineering career, the most significant industrial engineering master’s degrees are available. Master’s degrees in engineering open up several high-paying work options in various industries. Engineering is one of the key players in the global technological progress of today. Keeping all the parameters in mind and our proprietary methodology, here is a list of the best master’s in industrial engineering online degrees. This will make the decision-making process of students easier. Below mentioned is the list of the best programs.
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 | $59,750 | 96% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from a Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online Program
An online master’s in industrial engineering degree prepares students to take up the roles of leaders in the market. They are equipped with all the required skills to optimize industry manufacturing processes. It is open to candidates with a technical and non-technical background. It is a two-year post-graduate program requiring at least 30 credits. This can be pursued either full-time or part-time. The industrial engineering program calls for a lot of hands-on learning and doing-by-learning. Yet, some excellent universities offer the program online and are as efficient as offline programs. Individuals should pursue a master’s degree in industrial engineering as it provides a professional path for engineers in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, business, data analysis, supply chain, and the automobile industry. Those with this master’s program are better equipped to learn various design, operations research, and manufacturing skills.
Curriculum and Coursework
The master’s in industrial engineering online offers the flexibility to complete the degree along with other obligations. Individuals are expected to complete around 30 to 33 units and a thesis. Even if the student is in a full-time job the program can be completed in less than two years. As students create their academic schedules, the online industrial engineering master’s program allows them to select electives from various courses. They can also opt for one of three options to finish their requirements: finishing a practical project, conducting research for a thesis, or taking more courses. The adaptable online program can be customized to fit their hobbies and professional objectives. Below are five courses that are a part of the master’s in industrial engineering online program:
Engineering Statistics
In a word, the field of study known as statistical engineering is devoted to the nuances of resolving complicated issues that call for data and data analysis. These issues generally span numerous fields, can be significantly complex, and have unstructured data. The trick is figuring out how to set up enough clarity and a framework to provide a workable path to a sustainable solution.
Fundamentals of Optimization
The principles of optimization will be covered in this course. It will open with an introduction to convexity and fundamental analysis. This foundation will explore complementarity issues, linear programming, nonlinear programming, convex optimization, and the corresponding techniques.
Quality Engineering
In the field known as quality engineering, the ideas and practices of quality assurance of products and services are addressed. It involves software creation, administration, creation, upkeep, and use of IT systems. This also applies to enterprise architectures that meet a high level of expectations.
Reliability Engineering
A component, product, facility, or process can be subjected to the reliability engineering discipline to ensure that it will perform without interruption for the appropriate amount of time in a particular environment. It places a strong emphasis on dependability, which is the capacity of a system or component to operate under specified conditions for a predetermined amount of time.
Law of Engineers and Scientists
This course covers various legal topics relevant to engineers and scientists, such as trade secrets, patents, trademarks, product liability agreements, copyrights, commercial entities, and employment relations. A comprehensive research report on a contemporary issue is one of the prerequisites for graduate-level work.
Some of the other courses that are a part of the program are:
- Smart manufacturing and supply systems
- Industrial energy efficiency
- Big data
- Supply chain engineering
- Advanced integrated production systems
- Production and operations analysis
- Engineering Probability and Statistics
- Topics in Engineering
- Deterministic Operational Research
- Healthcare Systems
- Lean Concepts and Applications
- Supply Chain Engineering
- Simulation Analysis
- Statistical Quality Control
- Human Factors Engineering
- Reliability Analysis and Risk Assessment
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
After a master’s in industrial engineering online, the students can take up managerial positions and handle the real-world problems of manufacturing and production very efficiently. The learning at this postgraduate level is immense, and the hands-on practical learning adds to the working knowledge in the domain. Some of the learning outcomes that candidates of this program develop include the ability to:
- explain, criticize, or elaborate upon the theories, investigative techniques, and schools of thought related to industrial and systems engineering;
- identify sources and assemble evidence related to challenges in the domain of industrial and systems engineering;
- demonstrate the knowledge of the industrial engineering domain in a social, historical, or global context;
- make use of the best-suited industrial & systems engineering tools and practices;
- access the available information related to questions in the industrial and systems engineering field;
- communicate in the best way possible for a clear understanding of industrial and systems engineering;
- make use of the most ethical and professional conduct while at work.
Types of Master’s Degrees Industrial Engineering Students Can Obtain
Students of industrial engineering master’s programs online can pursue the same degree in several ways. However, the jobs they get after the program will be more or less identical. Most schools don’t offer a choice in programs. Below are some types of degrees that candidates can choose to take up:
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
This degree includes more research and learning-based studies of industrial engineering. It is considered a better program as it amalgamates practical learning and research.
Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
Choosing a degree depends on long-term goals. Students must opt for this program to acquire more technical knowledge and fewer research-based studies. There is more focus on coursework here as compared to MS.
Areas of Specialization for Industrial Engineering Students
The master’s in industrial engineering online offers some of the most exciting and demanding concentrations. Universities and colleges curate specializations based on market demand, which is why the students are industry-ready after passing out. A concentration must be chosen based on their academic excellence, career goals, and area of interest. Below are the three significant concentrations available for MSIE candidates:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Management | Students interested in using industrial engineering methods to improve healthcare systems can consider the healthcare management emphasis. They enroll in technical, operational, and electives that address parts of the healthcare setting to recognize, model, and evaluate operational innovations and improvements. | Hospital Administrator, Medical Operations, Hospital Manager, and more. |
| Regulated Industries | Students interested in industrial engineering issues in regulated businesses should consider the Regulated Industries focus. Various professional objectives will require different options. They choose electives in legal, technical, and managerial fields dealing with parts of businesses subject to governmental or other regulatory oversight. | Regulatory Affair Analyst |
| System Engineering | Students interested in an all-encompassing approach to engineering and how big engineering projects should be conceived and handled can consider the Systems Engineering concentration. | System Engineer, Product System Engineer, Associate System Engineer, and more. |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
An online industrial engineering master’s can be pursued either full-time or part-time, depending on students’ personal choices. Some have other commitments and cannot take up their studies full-time. For them, the universities and colleges offering part-time programs, where the subject matter is the same but the duration is longer, is ideal. It goes at a slower pace as compared to a full-time program. Specifically, a full-time master’s in industrial engineering can be completed in about 1.5 to 2 years, whereas a part-time master’s in IE takes at least three years or more.
Accelerated Industrial Engineering Programs
An online master’s in industrial engineering can be earned as a clubbed degree with a bachelor’s program. Some of the outstanding students of bachelor’s in industrial engineering are offered the option of earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. The condition for this is that the master’s degree must be earned within 30 months of completion of the bachelor’s degree; only then will it qualify as an accelerated program. They can complete the master’s degree between a non-thesis and thesis option. Overall, it is a good alternative for candidates pursuing both a master’s and a bachelor’s in the same domain, as it saves time. Some colleges that offer an accelerated industrial engineering master’s program include:
Admission Requirements for Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online Programs
The admission requirements for a master’s in industrial engineering online differ from university to university. The first thing to note is the university’s deadline, then the application form needs to be filled out online, and finally, with the payment of fees, the application is considered complete. Some of the standard requirements for admission to the program are listed below:
- Academic Transcripts
- Bachelor’s Degree
- English Language Proficiency Test
- Institutional Certificates Original
- Scorecards of GRE or GMAT
- Statement of Purpose detailing the individual’s interest in the program
- Two or three letters of recommendation from academic advisors
- Updated Resume or CV
- Personal Essay
- A valid passport copy
- Proof of Financial Resources
Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online No GRE Programs
Various universities offer an online industrial engineering master’s degree; some may demand a GRE score, and others may not. A GRE score is not mandatory for admission to this program. Students must conduct deep research to look for colleges accepting admissions without GRE. This does not make this university’s education any less valuable. The quality of education is the same at both GRE and no GRE universities. Below are some institutes accepting admissions to online master’s in industrial engineering without GRE.
How to Ensure a Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online Program Is Accredited
Any college, university, or institute needs to be accredited. Accreditation means that the degree that the university offers is authentic and acceptable. It is also proof of the quality of education that the university imparts. Only if the universities meet specific quality standards are they awarded accreditation. The accrediting standing of the school that a student decides to enroll in may impact their capacity to transfer credits, sign up for doctoral programs, or land various jobs. A master’s in industrial engineering online degree might be accredited by any accreditation body.
Some regional organizations that accredit these programs include:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) [8]
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) [9]
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC) [10]
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) [11]
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) [12]
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) [13]
The program must also be programmatically accredited by:
For more information in this area, individuals can read more from the guide to college accreditation.
Free Industrial Engineering Courses
Most of the free online courses available online are unaccredited and not acceptable in most places. Yet it is a good idea to earn some of these certificates as they can widen or deepen a student’s knowledge base. If a student gets enrolled in free industrial engineering courses along with the master’s degree they are pursuing, it is an excellent source of additional learning and exposure. Below are some free courses available online.
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Power Generation – An Industrial Outlook [15] | The Electrical Power Generation – An Industrial Outlook course comprehensively examines the entire power generation process, focusing on the key stages and significant pieces of electrical machinery involved. This course covers the fundamentals of power generation, including the principles of energy conversion, types of power plants (such as thermal, hydroelectric, nuclear, and renewable energy sources), and the operational aspects of each. | Coursera |
| Circular Economy – Sustainable Materials Management [16] | The Circular Economy – Sustainable Materials Management course delves into the principles and practices of the circular economy, focusing on the sustainable management of materials used in everyday products. This course examines the entire lifecycle of critical components in daily goods, from extraction and production to usage and disposal, and explores strategies to use these materials more effectively and continuously. | Coursera |
| Production Planning and Control in Industrial Engineering [17] | The Production Planning and Control course in Industrial Engineering provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and techniques used to manage and optimize production processes. Key topics include forecasting demand, inventory management, scheduling, capacity planning, and quality control. The course emphasizes integrating these elements to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations. Individuals will learn to use analytical tools and software for decision-making and problem-solving in real-world production environments. | Alison |
Ways to Pay for a Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online Program
An online industrial engineering master’s degree from a well-accredited university will cost thousands of dollars. Apart from college fees, other major expenses include food and lodging. Not every student can personally bear this cost and will need other ways to pay for college. Fortunately, there are various means by which they can seek financial support. Some of them are listed below:
Scholarships are awarded against students’ outstanding performance; sometimes, scholarships can also be need-based. Students must search online for relevant scholarships. How to find scholarships can be a challenging task. Religious, cultural, academic, or commercial organizations may offer these scholarships.
Most of the time, grants are need-based. A student’s family income may make them eligible for these. Grants cover school fees and other related expenses such as books, lodging, transport, etc. Another essential thing about grants is that they do not need to be repaid.
Student Loans
Candidates who cannot bear the program’s cost can request loans from federal agencies, banks, and private financial institutions. Unlike grants and scholarships, these are supposed to be repaid after the completion of the program. These loans are offered at a very minimal rate of interest.
Work Study
Some individuals prefer to work while they study and earn money to bear their education costs. Being on an online program, time management becomes comparatively more straightforward.
FAFSA
FAFSA aid is a form that students can fill in free of cost to check the availability of federal financial aid.
Scholarships for Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online Degree Students
There are various online master’s in industrial engineering scholarships available. Scholarships can be merit-based, need-based, or awarded if the student belongs to a minority or some other category. Students must find out details about valid scholarships for their program, including the amount offered, the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the due date. Thousands of scholarships open for various programs to assist higher education each year. Some scholarships eligible for a master’s in industrial engineering are listed below:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program [18] | His Highness the Aga Khan created the International Scholarship Program (ISP) of the Aga Khan Foundation. The ISP seeks to assist talented, exceptional students from poor nations who lack other financial support in pursuing full-time postgraduate study at respectable higher-education institutes. | Varies | January 2025 |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program [19] | A fully financed grant for international candidates is available through the Fulbright Scholarship 2023–2024. This grant is only available for master’s and doctoral programs. The complete cost of education, a living stipend, total housing costs, flights, and health insurance are all covered by the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. | Fully funded | 15 September |
| AAUW Educational Foundation International Fellowships [20] | Since 1917, there have been international fellowships. Women, not U.S. citizens, who want to return to their native country to pursue a professional career, are given support for their full-time graduate or postgraduate study in the US through this program. By the application deadline, applicants had to have completed coursework equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree and submitted applications to the schools they intended to attend. | $50,000 | 15 November annually |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating From a Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online
An online master’s in industrial engineering opens up a wide range of student employment opportunities. Almost all industrial engineering jobs are open for master’s candidates. There will never be a shortage of industrial engineering jobs as it is a crucial domain. Those with this degree will always be in demand. Some jobs that candidates can take include:
- Operations Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Quality Control Engineer
- Process Improvement Consultant
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Project Manager
- Logistics Manager
- Operations Research Analyst
- Health Systems Engineer
- Production Planner
- Lean Manufacturing Specialist
- Industrial Safety Engineer
- Ergonomics Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Energy Efficiency Engineer
Some of the occupations that master’s of industrial engineering students can opt for are:
| Occupation | Job Description | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2032) | Skills Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Manager [21] | Industrial Production Managers ensure that manufacturing operations are efficient and cost-effective and produce high-quality products. Their leadership and decision-making abilities are essential for achieving organizational goals related to productivity, quality, and profitability. | $116,970 per year | 2% (as fast as average) | Business skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills |
| Industrial Engineers [1] | Industrial Engineers design efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to produce goods or provide services. They prepare machinery and equipment layouts, plan workflows, conduct time and motion studies, and analyze production costs to enhance productivity and ensure high-quality output. | $99,380 per year | 12% (much faster than average) | Speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and creativity |
| Materials Engineer [22] | Materials Engineers ensure that the materials used in product production are of the highest quality and suitable for their intended applications. Their expertise is critical in innovating and developing new materials that drive advancements in technology and industry. | $104,100 per year | 5% (faster than average) | Analytical skills, math skills, problem-solving skills, writing skills, and speaking skills |
| Management Analyst [23] | Management Analysts help organizations streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve overall performance. Their expertise in analyzing business processes and developing strategic recommendations makes them invaluable assets in driving organizational success and competitiveness. | $93,000 per year | 11% (much faster than average) | Analytics skills, Interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and time management |
| Quality Control Inspectors [24] | Quality Control Inspectors maintain the integrity of the production process and ensure that products delivered to customers are of the highest quality. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality help organizations maintain high standards and build customer trust. | $45,580 per year | -4% (decline) | Detail-oriented, math skills, mechanical skills, physical stamina, and technical skills |
Certifications and Licensing for Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online Graduates
A professional certification for those enrolled in industrial engineering master’s degrees online program adds to their knowledge base. It proves the candidate is well-read and has something extra compared to their counterparts. The certifications call for some eligibility requirements; once they meet the requirements, they can enroll for the same and earn a certification. Below are some certifications suitable for industrial engineering master’s individuals to pursue:
Quality Engineer Certification (QEC) [25]
A professional with knowledge of the standards for controlling and evaluating the quality of goods and services is known as a Certified Quality Engineer. They must be able to employ metrology and statistical techniques to identify and correct faulty quality control practices, create and operate quality control systems, and apply testing and inspection protocols.
Engineer-In-Training (EIT) License and Certification [26]
The candidates are expected to clear the Engineer in Training, the EIT exam, following which the state engineering board issues the license. The exam is mandatory for earning this certification. Because of the in-depth subject knowledge, the students can bag the most premium jobs in the domain and prove their worth.
Certified Product Manager [27]
Designing new products and the tricks to enhance their lifecycle is the forte of the students with this certification. The main focus is on product inception, its designing & release. Further, they must also be well-versed in the stages of this process.
Additional Resources for Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering Online Degree
Being associated with different associations increases knowledge in the domain and helps with networking. It is an excellent way to gain professional experience and exposure to how the actual industrial engineer works. Thus, most students enrolled in master’s degrees in industrial engineering online are a part of some or the other societies or associations related to industrial engineering. Below are some of these resources:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| American Society for Quality [28] | More than 130 nations are members of ASQ, a global organization. They have offices in Mexico, India, and China with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The society comprises member-run groups supporting members’ growth as thought leaders, professional development, and connections with other high-caliber practitioners and professionals. |
| American Society of Safety Professionals [29] | This society offers a knowledge base via professional journals, networking events, and symposiums. The main focus is to ensure that workplace injuries are minimal. Some of the worst disasters have given birth to this association. |
| Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers [30] | The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) is a not-for-profit association that works internationally and is responsible for the training, education, research, and development of Industrial and System Engineers. |
| Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) [31] | Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT) supports all builders and manufacturing technologies. This association’s motto is advancing innovation at a faster rate and creating a futuristic workforce. |
| Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) [32] | HFES ensures productivity is increased with all safety measures in place by reducing human errors to a minimum. Various disciplines are amalgamated here, including psychology, engineering, sociology, biomechanics, physiology, visual design, industrial design, anthropometry, interaction design, user experience, and user interface design. |
FAQs About Master’s in Industrial Engineering Online Programs
Why should you do a master in industrial engineering degree online?
An Industrial engineering master’s online gives candidates the time and space to meet other obligations they may have. The application of industrial engineering is crucial in many different industries, such as technology, medicine, and others. Students with this online degree can make a mark in the industrial engineering domain.
What can you do with an industrial engineering master’s online degree?
How many credits are essential for a master’s in industrial engineering?
What is the average cost of doing an MS in industrial engineering?
Is an online master’s in industrial engineering worth it?
Should I choose an MBA or an MS in industrial engineering?
Citations:
University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Lawrence Technological University
New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)
Electrical Power Generation – An Industrial Outlook
Circular Economy – Sustainable Materials Management
Production Planning and Control in Industrial Engineering
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Fulbright Foreign Student Program
AAUW Educational Foundation International Fellowships
Quality Engineer Certification (QEC)
Engineer-In-Training (EIT) License and Certification
American Society of Safety Professionals
Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers
Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT)