Best Online Master's In Industrial Engineering Degrees

Our final list offers the 25 best online master's in industrial engineering degrees in the nation. It is the oldest private research university in the

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Industrial Engineers are in high demand. Start your career by earning one of the 25 best online master’s in industrial engineering!

Are you fascinated by the integration of complex systems and their operations? Are you interested in developing your leadership skills while also exploring product design, management, and implementation? Can you imagine yourself leading teams of whip-smart innovators?

If this sounds like you, look no further. These are the 25 Best Online Master’s in Industrial Engineering degrees in the nation!

What kind of online masters in industrial engineering should you get?

Though all of these programs will give you a solid foundation in industrial engineering fundamentals, they all vary a bit in emphasis, scope, and requirements. While some stress the importance of interdisciplinary study, bringing in business and management elements, others give you the opportunity to design your academic experience through customizable degree options.

However you choose your program, just be sure to find those that offer the kinds of academic and professional opportunities you require. And look for programs that reflect your areas of interest and career goals.

Finally, if you’re looking for other flexible graduate programs, take a look at our ranking of the Best Online Colleges and Universities. Online education is both an affordable and flexible way to advance your education, experience, and career.

How much money do people make with a master’s degree in industrial engineering?

Because the demand for those with industrial engineering experience and training is so high, the average salaries for these positions are high as well. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the average annual salary for industrial engineers pushes nearly $86,000 a year.

But with advanced research experience, the kind you get when earning a master’s degree, that number leaps up. PayScale finds that you can earn upwards of $91,000 a year. And both sources note the stability of the field. The need for industrial engineers is expected to grow at least another 10 percent in the next few years alone.

 
 

What can you do with an online masters in industrial engineering?

Across many industries and settings, the need for those with specialized experience and training in industrial engineering is high. Whether you want to become a project manager and lead teams of innovative engineers or you want to develop prototypes, software, or new products, one of these degrees will help you get there.

In fact, graduates from these 25 programs have acquired rewarding careers in an array of fields and industries. They have gone on to become:

What are the requirements for an online masters in industrial engineering?

These intensive degree programs require at least two years of commitment, some even longer if you study part-time.

During your first year you should anticipate a number of classes that cover the basics. This includes everything from optimization and stochastic operations to design engineering experiments. Your first year aims to give you a sturdy foundation upon which to build.

In your second year you will dive into specialized coursework and research in areas pertaining to your career aspirations. Some schools provide formal areas of specialization while others offer customizable programs through which you can design a degree that reflects your vocational goals.

Finally, we’ve been sure to note the ins and outs of every program, including thesis requirements, research opportunities, and more.

What are the best online master's in industrial engineering degrees?

Best Online Master's in Industrial Engineering Badge

While some of these programs are offered through large, research-based universities, others are offered through smaller polytechnic schools. Despite the differences, all the programs share the same thing in common: they offer the best online graduate programs in industrial engineering.

Here at College Choice we set about determining the best schools through our exhaustive research process. First we looked at all industrial engineering programs across the nation, seeking out only those providing the degree online. Then we considered crucial factors such as student retention rates, academic reputation, return on investment, financial aid opportunities, and more.

Our final list offers the 25 best online master’s in industrial engineering degrees in the nation. Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Ranking

See our rankings methodology page.

  1. University of Southern California
    Location

    Los Angeles, CA

    Tuition

    $32932

    Overview

    Located in sunny Los Angeles, the University of Southern California stands out among the rest. It is the oldest private research university in the state, and a leader in academic performance. The Viterbi School of Engineering is ranked #2 among other online graduate programs in engineering, according to U.S. News & World Report.

    Program Features

    Kicking off this list, USC takes the #1 spot for its online Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering. You’ll complete a total of 30 credit-hours. After taking 12 credits in required coursework, you’ll have the option of three upper-level electives. A few of those options include:

    • Optimization Methods for Analytics
    • Quality Management for Engineers
    • Markov Models for Performance Analysis
    • Performance Modeling with Simulation

    Notables

    You’ll take your online classes through DEN@VITERBI, a distance learning platform at USC. Your courses will be streamed in from on-campus classrooms. You’ll be able to watch them either live or at a later, more convenient time. This technology also lets you interact with professors via telephone or instant messenger.

  2. Texas A&M University
    Location

    Killeen, TX

    Tuition

    $15455

    Overview

    Home to the largest student body in the nation, Texas A&M University is one of the state’s paramount academic institutions. It is a designated land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university, the only institution in the state to hold all titles. The Dwight Look College of Engineering accounts for over 20 percent of its Texas A&M’s student body.

    Program Features

    The online Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering at Texas A&M divides its curriculum into three parts: four courses in general industrial engineering, three courses in modeling techniques, and three elective courses. This is a non-thesis degree. Rather, students complete an oral defense. A sampling of some classes includes:

    • Data Analytics, Models, and Tools
    • Human Factors
    • Engineering Economy
    • Optimization Models and Tools

    Notables

    In addition to this online program, students at Texas A&M can complete a number of online graduate certificates. Some of these include Certificates in Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, and Engineering Systems Management. Each of these involve four online courses.

  3. Georgia Institute of Technology
    Location

    Atlanta, GA

    Tuition

    $13340

    Overview

    A national leader in science and technology, Georgia Institute of Technology is organized between six academic colleges. The College of Engineering was founded in 1888 and offers over 10 unique degree options in engineering. This year, U.S. News & World Report ranked Georgia Tech the #1 Industrial Engineering department in the nation.

    Program Features

    Your primary topics will be modeling, analysis, and problem solving at Georgia Tech’s online MS in Industrial Engineering. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to work in manufacturing, warehousing, or supply chain systems. Over the course of 30 credit-hours, you’ll take classes such as:

    • Warehousing Systems
    • Regression Analysis
    • Design and Analysis Experiments
    • Deterministic Optimization

    Notables

    Each year, the Georgia Tech Industrial Engineering program accepts around 20 students. This includes both on-campus and distance learning students. Georgia Tech has fantastic resources for veterans through the GT Veterans Resource Center. Military personnel can access campus events, tuition benefits, and students support.

  4. Purdue University
    Location

    Hammond, IN

    Tuition

    $11693

    Overview

    Originally founded as a college of science, technology, and agriculture, Purdue University has stayed true to its roots. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue’s College of Engineering is one of the oldest academic colleges within the university. The engineering program has been home to Neil Armstrong and 22 other astronauts.

    Program Features

    If you are an online student in Purdue’s Master of Industrial Engineering Program, you will pursue the non-thesis degree option. The curriculum covers four core areas: Human Factors Engineering, Operational Research, Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and Production Systems Engineering. Some specific courses from this program include:

    • Stochastic Models in Operations Research
    • Economic Decisions in Engineering
    • Industrial Robotics & Flexible Assembly
    • Systems Simulation

    Notables

    You’ll have a number of options for funding your master’s degree. Most graduate students apply for an Industrial Engineering Fellowship, which provides you with a varying range of tuition help. Others apply for teaching assistantship positions within the department. Either way, you’ll have options to offset your tuition costs.

  5. New York University
    Location

    New York, NY

    Tuition

    $35147

    Overview

    A touchstone for higher education, New York University is a private research institution in Manhattan. It is a world-renowned university and has produced numerous Nobel Laureates. It’s no surprise, then, why U.S. News & World Report listed NYU as having the thirteenth Best Online Graduate Engineering Program in the nation.

    Program Features

    The MS in Industrial Engineering at NYU Tandon School of Engineering sets you up with a solid core curriculum that covers the basics. Captured within your 30 credit-hour program, you’ll also dabble in upper-level courses in manufacturing, simulation, and analytics. Here’s a closer look at some of your classes:

    • Human Capital Engineering & Analytics
    • Lean Manufacturing
    • Factory Simulation
    • Target Costing

    Notables

    A number of factors make the online Industrial Engineering program at NYU stand out. For one, it hosts the NYU Tandon Online Mentorship Program, which connects you with other online students for support throughout the degree process. You’ll also have access to the Wasserman Career Center and the NYU CareerNet to match you with potential jobs.

  6. North Carolina State University
    Location

    Raleigh, NC

    Tuition

    $13066

    Overview

    One of the three research universities in the North Carolina “Research Triangle,” North Carolina State University is located in Raleigh. It is a designated land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant institution. NC State is known for its strong academic reputation in engineering and science, among other things.

    Program Features

    The online Master of Industrial Engineering program at NC State University is student-focused. Because you’ll be learning from a distance, no final thesis or oral exam are required. You’ll take a total of 33 credits in a range of core topics, from human factors to systems analysis and optimization. More specifically, your first-term course load might look like this:

    • Applied Engineering Economy
    • Occupational Biomechanics
    • Automated Systems Engineering
    • Theory of Activity Networks

    Notables

    While this is not required, NC State University offers a number of competitive paid internships through the Cooperative Education Program. This means you can take alternating semesters of classes and work experience. Graduate students who do this tend to find jobs at a higher rate because they leave with work experience.

  7. Arizona State University
    Location

    Phoenix, AZ

    Tuition

    $13007

    Overview

    One of the largest public universities in the nation, Arizona State University is home to over 71,000 students. It consistently ranks as the Most Innovative School in America, according to U.S. News & World Report. ASU Online is a force in distance-learning programs. It offers over 150 different degrees to undergraduate and graduate students.

    Program Features

    The Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering offers ASU’s online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering. You’ll focus on three core areas: information systems engineering, operations research, and quality engineering. The curriculum covers nine total classes, each lasting 15 weeks. Some of these include:

    • Simulating Stochastic Systems
    • Applied Deterministic Operations Research
    • Web-Enabled Decision Support Systems
    • Reliability Engineering

    Notables

    When it comes to online learning ASU knows what’s best. After all, it enrolls over 25,000 students fully online. You’ll go through an orientation course to learn the ropes of online learning, and then you’ll be connected to the myriad resources available. You’ll find online tutoring, disability resources, library services, and career services through ASU Online.

  8. Texas Tech University
    Location

    Lubbock, TX

    Tuition

    $15235

    Overview

    Located in Lubbock, TX, and one of the state’s premier research institutions, Texas Tech University specializes in science and energy. The Whitacre College of Engineering is listed in the top 100 in the nation. Texas Tech has also been recognized as one of the “Best Colleges for Minorities in STEM” by Forbes.

    Program Features

    Within this interdisciplinary Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, you’ll encounter five concentration areas: Engineering Management, Ergonomics and Human Factors Engineering, Manufacturing and Quality Assurance, Operations Research, and Statistics. The curriculum for the distance learning program is exactly the same as on-campus with classes like:

    • Principles of Optimization
    • Simulation Models for Operations Analysis
    • Risk Modeling and Assessment
    • Decision Theory and Management Science

    Notables

    This master’s program will be delivered through the TTU Worldwide eLearning platform. Texas Tech University has an impressive spread of fully online programs. Your classes will look different depending on the instructor, but most are designed via synchronous or asynchronous instruction.

  9. University of Florida
    Location

    Gainesville, FL

    Tuition

    $14761

    Overview

    A leader in public education, the University of Florida ranks in the top ten in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. Students choose from 16 academic colleges. The Wertheim College of Engineering was established in 1910 and remains UF’s largest professional school.

    Program Features

    This Master of Engineering in Industrial & Systems Engineering degree is offered through the UF EDGE program, which stands for UF Electronic Delivery of Gator Engineering. You can complete this in any location around the world. You’ll take advanced classes that cover both research and application. Some classes include:

    • Decision Making under Uncertainty
    • Discrete Optimization Theory
    • Systems Architecture
    • Integer Programming

    Notables

    In addition to the core degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering, you can choose to specialize. UF offers the following areas: engineering management, manufacturing and logistics systems engineering, operations research, quality engineering, or an interdisciplinary degree. This is a great way to cater your degree to a specific sector of engineering.

  10. University of Central Florida
    Location

    Orlando, FL

    Tuition

    $15533

    Overview

    The University of Central Florida is a fast-growing public institution based in Orlando. It maintains close ties to the US space program and specializes in engineering and technology. The College of Engineering and Computer Science was founded in 1966, making it the first professional college of UCF.

    Program Features

    You’ll join a department of 195 other engineering master’s graduates at UCF Online. The Master of Science in Industrial Engineering emphasizes design and improvement above all else. That’s why you can specialize in areas like systems engineering and simulation modeling. Some classes that you’ll select from include:

    • Real-Time Simulation Agents
    • IEMS Research Methods
    • Total Quality Improvement
    • Experimental Design and Taguchi Methods

    Notables

    UCF maintains a wide network of research partners. Among them are the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Energy, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research. That’s just one of many reasons why graduates end up working at places like NASA, IBM, Mitsubishi, and other highly-regarded locations.

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