Find your perfect college degree
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum educational attainment required to work as an industrial engineer. The median annual wage of industrial engineers is $96,350, with a 12 percent expected growth until 2032.
Pursuing a Master’s in Industrial Engineering degree will give you a jumpstart toward career advancement, increasing your salary potential and job marketability. But with numerous online master’s programs to choose from, it’s often challenging to identify which is best for your needs and goals.
There’s no one-size-fits-all master’s program. However, some programs stand out more than others owing to their reputation, faculty development programs to increase expertise, and alumni success stories.
Program Overview
| School | Program | Tuition | Acceptance Rate | Standout Program Feature/s |
| Arizona State University | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | $1,021 per credit hour | 88% | – Emphasizes collaboration, allowing students to work with faculty and seasoned professionals in solving real-time issues – Has one of the highest acceptance rates |
| Louisiana State University | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | $750 per credit hour | 67% | – Affordable tuition – Moderately competitive admission requirements |
| Purdue University | Master of Science in Industrial Engineering | – $1,139 per credit hour (resident) – $1,459 per credit hour (non-resident) | 47% | Features one of the most flexible study plans |
| Clemson University | Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering | $3,100 per 3 credit hours | 49% | Known for its small class sizes and individualized learning experience |
| Pennsylvania State University | Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering | $1,017 per credit hour | 44% | Offers interdisciplinary electives and certificate courses with business and psychology options. |
5 Best Online Master’s in Industrial Engineering
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
| Tuition | $1,021 per credit hour |
| Credit Hour | 30 |
The online MS in Industrial Engineering at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program that explores various advanced field topics. Some featured advanced courses include Management Systems Engineering and Quality and Reliability Engineering.
The program’s curriculum encourages collaboration and innovation among its students and faculty. While most courses are completed through asynchronous learning formats, you can also expect to attend synchronous classes where you can work with internationally recognized professors to find unique solutions to societal issues.
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA
Online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
| Tuition | $750 per credit hour |
| Credit Hour | 36 |
Louisiana State University offers one of the most rigorous yet affordable and flexible online MS in Industrial Engineering degree programs. The admissions process is highly competitive, requiring applicants to have at least a three-year project management experience and 35-hour project management training or CAPM Certification.
The program’s curriculum focuses on equipping students with problem identification, data analysis, and innovation management skills, preparing them for various fields and leadership roles. This MS in Industrial Engineering program hinges on the principles of Human Integration with Computers, Industry 4. 0 and Smart Manufacturing, Quality Management, and Analytics and Data Science.
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
| Tuition | $1,139 per credit hour (resident) $1,459 per credit hour (non-resident) |
| Credit Hour | 30-33 |
Purdue’s online MS in Industrial Engineering program is a course-based MS degree that can be completed in as few as 12 months or as long as four years. The program aims to train industrial engineers for advanced roles while allowing them to balance their education with their professional and personal commitments.
Featured program courses include Production Systems Engineering, Operational Research, Human Factors Engineering, and Manufacturing Systems Engineering. A thesis/research option is available, but it must be completed on campus.
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Online Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
| Tuition | $3,100 per 3 credit hours |
| Credit Hour | 30 |
Clemson University’s online MEng in Industrial Engineering degree program is known for fostering meaningful relationships and diverse perspectives on real-world challenges. All courses are self-paced, which gives students maximum control over their learning schedules.
The curriculum combines industrial engineering and management concepts to enhance supply chain processes and prepare graduates for future challenges. Courses include Descriptive Analysis, Case Studies in Health, Safety and the Environment and Supply Chain and Logistics.
Pennsylvania State University
State College, PA
Online Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
| Tuition | $1,017 per credit hour |
| Credit Hour | 30 |
Penn State World Campus offers a flexible MEng in Industrial Engineering program known to be one of the most customizable interdisciplinary programs. While the curriculum centers on advanced industrial engineering topics, qualified students can choose to pursue courses in business and psychology studies.
The program’s core courses include Advanced Engineering Economy, Human-Centered Product Design and Innovation, Manufacturing Processes and Materials, and Human-in-the-Loop Simulation. Students have elective courses and graduate certificates to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Industrial Engineering Master’s Degree?
Master’s degree programs in industrial engineering build up students’ bachelor’s degree knowledge and their work experiences. While courses may vary, they focus on providing industrial engineers with advanced learning in field concepts to enhance their career trajectory.
The degree can usually be completed in two years, depending on whether you’re enrolled part-time or full-time, the program’s requirements, and transfer credits. On-campus master’s degrees usually take two years and run through cohorts, while most online programs can be completed in an accelerated format.
What Can I Do After Completing an Online Master’s in Industrial Engineering Program?
Program Option
You have two options when pursuing an online master’s in industrial engineering:
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Engineering (MEng)
The MS option is best for students who want to enhance their research skills. While this option is available online, you may need to attend on-campus residency courses to be able to pursue a Thesis Track in your master’s program. Most online MS in industrial engineering programs are non-thesis, meaning they typically focus more on coursework and applied projects than a formal research thesis.
On the other hand, the MEng option is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their technical skills. MEng in industrial engineering degrees are practice-based programs emphasizing practical, hands-on learning experiences.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for industrial engineering master’s programs vary by school, but most require students to submit the same materials. Some of the most common requirements include:
- Standardized test
- Accredited bachelor’s degree
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Letters of recommendation
- At least three years of professional work experience
- Official transcripts from previous educational experience
- Essays
Common Courses
The specific courses will also vary. For instance, MS degrees may emphasize a curriculum geared toward research and development, while MEng programs may focus more on practical applications and industry-relevant skills. Nevertheless, you can expect to encounter courses geared toward enhancing your managerial and leadership skills.
- Industrial Systems and Simulation
- Manufacturing Automation and IT
- Optimization for Industry
- Economic Analysis
- Supply Chain Management
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Industrial Engineering Degree?
A master’s degree in industrial engineering increases your chances of pursuing various career paths and advancing in the field of industrial engineering. Here are some options you can consider:
| Career Path | Duties | Annual Median Pay |
| Quality Control Systems Managers | – Create a quality assurance procedure – Carry out audits – Examine data to find areas for development – Spearhead corrective action programs to raise the caliber of output and satisfy customers | $122,675 |
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | – Oversee project budgets and schedules – Manage teams of engineers and architects – Ensure that projects satisfy client and regulatory requirements | $154,426 |
| Industrial Engineering Manager | – Oversee production planning, workflow optimization, resource allocation, and continuous improvement initiatives – Lead teams to identify operational challenges and develop – Implement strategies to increase productivity while reducing costs – Collaborate with other departmental managers | $170,515 |
Regardless of your position, you are expected to demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and project management skills, as well as a deep understanding of industrial engineering principles and practices.
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