Earn a Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering with the GI Bill

The official site for Louisiana State University Online (LSU Online) says, "Industrial engineers are problem solvers who focus on resolving technical challenges to make systems run smoothly. These professionals can apply their skills in various industries, such as manufacturing and distribution, transportation, logistics, healthcare, technology, and more

Industrial engineering uses the principles of engineering, mass production, and technology to help companies find efficient ways to offer services or create products. Most industrial engineering positions require a four-year degree; however, a master’s degree will allow you to pursue advanced research, management, or consulting positions in the field and also allow you to pursue a higher-paying job.

Those who go into industrial engineering most likely work in offices or in the settings they want to improve.

According to BLS, employment in industrial engineering is projected to grow 10% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in 2019 was $88,020.

Online or In-person

When it comes to getting your master’s degree in industrial engineering, you can attend classes in-person program or online. The benefits of an online program may appeal to working professionals or those looking for a career transition. In-person programs may appeal more to those coming from undergraduate programs or those who want that in-person experience.

A Master’s of Industrial Engineering

Depending on your area of focus, a master’s of industrial engineering program can teach you topics such as information systems engineering, how dependent and independent variables interact, and how to turn raw materials into finished products.

Students will also learn to optimize efficiency in a variety of businesses. They will learn about common manufacturing processes, warehouse systems, and distribution methods. They will build on the skills they learned in their undergraduate programs.

Concentrations

Different concentrations will have different types of coursework. Here are some of the most common that you might find in a master’s of industrial engineering program:

• Regulated Management- For students who are interested in industrial engineering problems in regulated industries.
• Systems Engineering– Where students take a more holistic view of engineering and focus on how complex engineering projects should be designed and managed.
• Operations Research– Where students use scientific methods to analyze and improve management techniques and strategies.
• Logistics & Transportation Systems Engineering- Where students gain a deep understanding of the manufacturing supply chain.
• Manufacturing Systems- Where students work to design, analyze, and oversee manufacturing systems.

Common Classes

• Quality Control and Improvement- This class is where students would learn how to evaluate a product’s quality using common tools like control charts.
• Transportation and Supply Chain Systems- This class would teach students to oversee the life cycle of a product and gain skills in demand management, vehicle routing, and distribution planning.
• Warehousing Systems- This class would discuss warehouse layout and design and develop skills in order-picking and warehouse management.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements differ based on the school and program, however, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, to complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation.

Some schools might also require professional experience, but even if the school doesn’t, it can help to have that work experience to put on the application. Schools usually also want students to have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

How to Choose a Program

There are many different factors when choosing the right industrial engineering master’s program. Students should look at the length of each program, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements. Most programs are two years long, but students might also be able to find an accelerated program and be done in a year. It also might depend on if the student goes full or part-time. Students should also consider the curriculum and the cost.

Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and can affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive programmatic accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation will indicate that the program meets set standards of quality for the industrial engineering profession.

Students should look for a program with accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Degrees from an ABET-accredited program are required for licensure examinations.

Top Master’s in Industrial Engineering Programs

There are many different master’s in industrial engineering programs, some are in-person, and some are online.

Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering Programs: GI Bill-Approved

Here are 10 of the top master’s in industrial engineering programs. Please ensure that the institution you select approves your degree program for the GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon.

• Georgia Institute of Technology
• Columbia University
• The University of Southern California
• North Carolina State University
• New York University 
• Texas A&M University
• The University of Central Florida
• The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Purdue University
• Clemson University

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