Research and Study
The M.S. in industrial engineering program supports two major paths: one focusing on courses and one on research and a thesis. The first path is intended primarily for students who wish to advance their technical knowledge and move toward a career in industry. The second path also is a good choice for students interested in industry, but it is targeted more toward developing independent research skills and writing, and it also can support future graduate work.
Both paths expect some diversity of technical skills in three major areas which include systems, human factors, and analytics. The systems area emphasizes the design, construction, and analysis of complex systems with interdependent parts that include people and machines. The human factors area emphasizes the interaction of people with systems, and includes the study and analysis of people's cognitive and physical limitations. The analytics area emphasizes the application of mathematical formula, including statistical approaches, as well as algorithmic and computational approaches to deriving knowledge from data. Each area is supported by several faculty members and many faculty members support multiple areas; see Facilities in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering section of the Catalog to learn more about each research lab and its activities.
Learning Outcomes
Without Thesis
Students will:
- demonstrate broad knowledge of the field of industrial and systems engineering and deep knowledge in their specific area of study;
- identify and analyze problems of value to industry and society;
- apply contemporary methodologies for solving problems valued by industry and society;
- demonstrate project and team management skills and initiative; and
- demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
With Thesis
Students will:
- demonstrate broad knowledge of the field of industrial and systems engineering and deep knowledge in their specific area of study;
- identify and analyze problems of value to industry and society;
- transform knowledge into applications valued by industry and society;
- demonstrate collaborative and communication skills;
- demonstrate project and team management skills; and
- demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
The Master of Science program in industrial engineering requires a minimum of 30 s.h. of graduate credit. Students must maintain a cumulative g.p.a. higher than 3.25 to earn the degree.
Students must enroll in ENGR:7270 Engineering Ethics, typically in the first or second semester of enrollment. ISE:5000 Graduate Seminar: Industrial Engineering must be taken in the first two consecutive semesters of enrollment, and one semester (fall or spring) in subsequent academic years. More information about graduate seminar requirements can be found in the Graduate Student Handbook on the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering Graduate Program website. Credit in ISE:5000 Graduate Seminar: Industrial Engineering and ENGR:7270 Engineering Ethics may not be applied toward the 30 s.h. of required coursework.
Breadth Requirement
All students must successfully complete at least one approved graduate-level course in each of three focus areas—analytics, human factors, and systems. Those with relevant academic background in these areas may be excused from this requirement by the director of graduate studies.
For more detailed information about program requirements and focus area courses, see the Graduate Student Handbook on the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering website.
Analytics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| ISE:3610 | Stochastic Modeling | 3 |
| ISE:3660 | Data Analytics with R | 3 |
| ISE:3700 | Operations Research | 3 |
| ISE:4172 | Big Data Analytics | 3 |
| ISE:5730 | Digital Industry | 3 |
| ISE:5740 | Design and Analysis of Computer Experiments | 3 |
| ISE:6300 | Innovation Science and Studies | 3 |
| ISE:6380 | Deep Learning | 3 |
| ISE:6650 | Human Analytics and Behavioral Operations | 3 |
| ISE:6760 | Pattern Recognition for Financial Data | 3 |
| ISE:6780 | Financial Engineering and Optimization | 3 |
| ISE:6790 | Advanced Data Analytics and Informatics | 3 |
Human Factors
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| ISE:3400 | Human Factors | 3 |
| ISE:3450 | Ergonomics | 3 |
| ISE:4175 | Safety Engineering | 3 |
| ISE:5420 | Automated Vehicle Systems | 3 |
| ISE:5460 | User Experience Design | 3 |
| ISE:6211 | Human Factors in Healthcare Systems | 3 |
| ISE:6220 | Cognitive Engineering | 3 |
| ISE:6410 | Research Methods in Human Factors Engineering | 3 |
| ISE:6420 | Human/Computer Interaction | 3 |
| ISE:6450 | Human Factors in Aviation | 3 |
| ISE:6460 | The Design of Virtual Environments | 3 |
| ISE:6480 | Unmanned Aircraft Systems | 3 |
Systems
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| One of these: | ||
| ISE:3300 | Manufacturing Systems | 3 |
| ISE:3350 | Process Engineering | 3 |
| ISE:3500 | Information Systems Design | 3 |
| ISE:3600 | Quality Control | 3 |
| ISE:3750 | Digital Systems Simulation | 3 |
| ISE:4620 | Design of Experiments for Quality Improvement | 3 |
| ISE:4900 | Introduction to Six Sigma | 3 |
| ISE:5310 | Advanced Computational Design and Manufacturing | 3 |
| ISE:5520 | Renewable Energy | 3 |
| ISE:5620 | Design of Experiments | 3 |
| ISE:5650 | Mechatronics Engineering for Smart Device Design | 3 |
| ISE:6350 | Computational Intelligence | 3 |
| ISE:6810 | Advanced Topics on Additive Manufacturing | 3 |
Master of Science Degree Without Thesis
The M.S. in industrial engineering without thesis requires at least 21 s.h. in Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering courses (prefix ISE), including at least 12 s.h. of graduate-level courses at the 5000 level or above. Courses offered by other College of Engineering departments or courses from other colleges may be selected with consent of the academic advisor.
Master of Science with Thesis
Nonthesis students may petition for entry into the M.S. thesis program or the Ph.D. program by requesting a change of status through the department. Typically, students make this request at the invitation of a faculty member who is ready to serve as a student's research advisor. The request is then reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. The committee forwards approved requests to the department chair, who may authorize a change of status petition from the department to the Graduate College.
Students are encouraged to write their thesis as a publishable journal article and submit the article for publication. The thesis option consists of a minimum of 21 s.h. of coursework and up to 9 s.h. of research. Students pursuing the thesis option are permitted to enroll in ISE:5999 Research: Industrial Engineering M.S. Thesis. Up to 9 s.h. in the thesis course may count toward the graduate-level course requirement. In addition, students must submit the Final Examination: Advanced Degree form, complete a Report of Thesis Approval, and submit a copy of their thesis to the Graduate College by following the published guidelines and deadlines.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate College; for detailed information about Graduate College policies, see the Manual of Rules and Regulations on the Graduate College website.
Admission to the graduate program is competitive and based on an applicant’s previous coursework, research, and industrial experience. The general admission standards are intended to maintain the quality of the graduate program and to ensure sufficient preparation required for timely degree completion. Specific admission standards may be waived by the Graduate Admissions Committee when other evidence of competence is compelling. These standards are minimum standards, and meeting these standards does not ensure admission to the program; admitted students typically exceed these standards.
Applicants are expected to have a minimum cumulative g.p.a. of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale, and have earned a B.S.E. in industrial engineering degree or in a related science or engineering discipline. Applicants are not required to submit the results of their Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test.
International applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit the results of their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Duolingo English Test (DET). Applicants who have completed a post-secondary degree at an English-speaking institution may request a waiver of this requirement. A minimum TOEFL score of 100, a minimum IELTS score of 7, or a minimum DET score of 105 is required for admission.
Applicants must arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to the department online through the University of Iowa Office of Admissions website. The letters should be completed by persons who are well acquainted with the applicant and the ability of the applicant to undertake graduate work in industrial or systems engineering.
While the department considers applications at any time, first consideration is given to students who have their application materials, including their application, transcripts, English language test scores (DET, IELTS, or TOEFL), and the required letters of recommendation, completed by the admission priority deadline as found on the Iowa Graduate Admissions website. The director of graduate admissions is responsible for overseeing the graduate recruiting activities and the admissions procedures in the department. The director serves as the point of initial contact between prospective graduate students and the department, and maintains a record of each qualified applicant in the departmental office. The director, in consultation with the Graduate Admissions Committee and the department chair, screens applicants and ultimately determines which applicants are extended offers of admission.
Applicants with Degrees Not in Industrial or Systems Engineering
The department encourages students with degrees in other scientific disciplines, such as in computer science, mathematics, physics, or other engineering disciplines, to apply for admission. Some students may have already completed M.S. degrees; however, these students are expected to attain a proficiency in specified core areas of industrial and systems engineering equivalent to entering graduate students who hold a B.S.E. degree in industrial engineering. The background of each student admitted to the program with a degree other than in industrial or systems engineering is reviewed by the faculty members. These proficiencies are intended to ensure that each admitted graduate student is able to fully participate in all industrial and systems engineering discipline areas at some level, even while advanced courses in certain areas may not be immediately accessible to all graduate students. The director of graduate studies specifies in writing any remedial courses that are required of a student.
Degree Program Selection
Unless otherwise specified, graduate students in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering are enrolled in the M.S. nonthesis program. If a student and faculty member have jointly agreed a student may pursue the M.S. with thesis option, the student may be admitted into the thesis track.
Many graduate students who are actively engaged in research receive financial support through a combination of research and teaching assistantships and fellowships. Decisions about research assistantships are made by the individual faculty members and the department. Support is available on a semester or academic year basis. Stipends are approximately $25,000 (half-time or 20 hours per week) for an academic year of graduate study. Other levels of support are possible. If an award is made, nonresident students usually qualify for tuition at the resident rate, at approximately $10,000 per academic year. Normally stipends are not immediately awarded to international applicants, but after admission and enrollment, an application can be made. Preference for graduate student support is given to Ph.D. students.
Students should direct questions about availability of financial support to faculty members in their primary area of study. Awards and reappointments are highly competitive and are based upon a student's academic record, prior performance, the ability to serve, and upon an assessment of the student's potential contribution to the research and teaching goals of the program.
For more information about departmental scholarships and funding opportunities, see Graduate Scholarships on the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering website.
Industrial and systems engineers have many opportunities for employment and service in industrial, government, research, and public service organizations such as airlines, banks, hospitals, health care groups, and consulting companies. Employment opportunities are among the most varied in the engineering field. Industrial and systems engineers hold positions as advisors to management or may participate directly in management decisions. Representative job titles include industrial engineer, manufacturing engineer, systems analyst, quality specialist, operations research analyst, internal consultant, human factors specialist, supervisor, and manager.