Master of Science in Engineering—Industrial Engineering (M.S.E.)

When you pursue a master's in industrial engineering at WMU, you'll ill have the flexibility of thesis and non-thesis options, approved electives that fit your career goals and the courses held in the evening to fit your busy schedule. When you graduate, you can look forward to career opportunities at higher levels of responsibility and higher salaries in manufacturing and service-related industries.

Is the 30 credit hour master's in industrial engineering right for me?

When you enroll in the Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (M.S.E.) program, you will begin your professional journey with increased skills and abilities to analyze and interpret data to make optimal use of available information.  

A working engineer can complete the program in three years while maintaining full-time employment. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports positions in industrial engineering are growing faster than other fields and that salaries are on the rise. to increasing skills and abilities to analyze and interpret data to make optimal use of available information. 

  • Thesis option: 30 credit hours, including 18 hours (6 courses) of core requirements, 6 hours of thesis credits and 6 hours of approved electives.
  • Non-thesis option: 30 credit hours, including 18 hours (6 courses) of core requirements and 12 hours of approved electives.

You'll be prepared to take on competitive positions in the following areas:

  • Advanced computer-integrated manufacturing
  • Analysis and design of experiments
  • Engineering management
  • Ergonomics and human factors
  • Facilities planning and design
  • Financial and cost analysis
  • Operations research
  • Reliability engineering
  • Simulation modeling

How can I fund my graduate degree?

Western strives to ensure you can readily manage the expense of graduate school. You can fund your graduate degree through federal aid, loans, scholarships, grants, research assistantships and more.

What are the requirements for graduate admissions to the M.S. in Engineering (industrial engineering) program?

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, allowing students to begin coursework in the fall, spring or summer sessions.

  • Possess a baccalaureate degree in engineering or a related discipline. Students without an engineering degree but with appropriate background in mathematics and science will be required to take IEE 5010: Survey of Industrial Engineering Topics.
  • Meet Graduate College admission requirements.
  • Possess a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

When will I get a response to my application?

Once all applications requirements are submitted to WMU, it typically takes two-to-four weeks for students to receive a decision on their application. If you have questions about this process, please contact the Department of Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering and Engineering Management.

International admissions and requirements

We get it. Applying and filling requirements for a degree in another country is daunting. WMU is here to help and seeks to make the transition as easy as possible for you. Let us know what you need.

Fast track your learning with an accelerated master's

Undergraduate students can access more learning and save time in our accelerated master’s program. Weave graduate courses (up to 9 credits) into your undergraduate degree in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering from WMU, and earn your bachelor's and master's degree in industrial engineering.