What Can I Do With a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering?

An ISE degree will allow you to contribute at all levels of product or service innovation, from design inception to delivery to the end user. The depth and breadth of knowledge embedded in this degree will provide a boost to your professional career at a pace convenient to you. You will gain the expertise and skills needed to undertake higher responsibilities in your current role, rise up in your company, and/or pursue a new role in a growing area. UofL MSISE graduates have landed jobs at leading companies such as Tesla, Boeing, Disney, Johnson & Johnson, UPS, and eBay in positions including:

• Operations engineer/manager
• Supply chain analyst/consultant
• Procurement engineer/manager
• Data scientist
• Data analyst/manager
• Human factors engineer
• User experience designer/manager
• Health systems engineer
• Process improvement engineer
• Project manager

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Note: Admissions are on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance, and enroll before the term begins. Although admissions are granted for a specific term up to the day classes start, we recommend you submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.

How to Apply for the Online Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering

1. Start your application for graduate admission
2. Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
3. Upload required materials*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
5. Create a financial plan

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Online Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

• a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
• a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Required application packet materials include:

• transcripts showing Calculus I or higher
• two letters of recommendation
• current resume

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

Online Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering International Applicants

The Master of Science in Industrial Engineering program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States (U.S.) and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional requirements for international students:

• All international transcripts must be certified as authentic and translated verbatim in English.
• Students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by attaining one of the following:
  • TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test OR
  • Duolingo English test score of 105 or higher OR
  • English proficiency can also be met by submitting official IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam

Online MSISE Transfer Credits

Transfer up to six (6) credit hours from another graduate engineering program at UofL or from an accredited college or institution* (subject to department approval).

*See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.

The online MSISE is a 30 credit hour (10 course) program with course options that allow you to pursue your interests in areas like management, communications and geography. The program is 100% online. Courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length. Courses offered each semester may vary and are subject to availability.

Focus Areas

Students may choose to either focus their coursework on one of four specialized areas or to customize their coursework by selecting courses from across all the available options.

¹ See Focus Area Options below with the courses included in each area.

² Focus area is not required. Student could plan a “General” MS Industrial and Systems Engineering degree if coursework does not fit into a specific focus area.

³ Electives must be chosen so that at least one-half of the credits counted toward the degree, exclusive of thesis, are600-level.

⁴ Electives must be chosen so that at least fifteen (15) credit hours of coursework are in ISE.

⁵ For the thesis option, a student is required to select both an approved MS thesis topic and the thesis director and members of the thesis committee. The thesis director must give approval for enrollment in ISE 690.

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Course Descriptions

• My bachelor’s degree is not in engineering. Can I still apply to earn the online industrial and systems engineering?

  Yes. The minimum requirement for admission is a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. We welcome applicants with undergraduate degree from diverse background such as business, psychology, political science, mathematics, chemistry, physics, computer science, to name a few. Contact Dr. Jacob Read (Program Director) for your readiness to join the program. In some cases, remedial work may be required and can be accomplished in advance by taking course(s) either at UofL or at recommended community colleges. For instance, students who do not come from a STEM field will need to have Calculus I for this program.

• What are the academic prerequisites recommended in order to be a successful applicant to the online masters in industrial and systems engineering program?

  The Industrial and Systems Engineering department requires all applicants complete the CALCULUS I class prior to application/admission to the MSISE program. You can complete this prerequisite as a non-degree student at UofL or elsewhere.

  At UofL, you can take:
  MATH 180 - Elements of Calculus - QR, OR;
  MATH 205 - Calculus I - QR
  Check the Schedule of Courses for more information.

  You can also satisfy the Calculus I requirement at Straighterline.com.

• Is GRE/GMAT score required?

  No, you do not need to submit GRE/GMAT scores.

• I am an international student. Can I apply to the MSISE program?

  Yes. International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, if admitted to the MSISE online program, since there are no campus attendance requirements.

• When do I need to send my official transcripts?

  Official transcripts are required as a part of a complete application, therefore are needed at the time of application for full consideration. Unofficial transcripts, with degree posted, can be accepted until official transcripts are received.

• Can I transfer graduate courses completed at another institution to UofL’s online masters in industrial and systems engineering program?

  Yes. Students may request to transfer up to six (6) credit hours from another accredited graduate program.

• Does the ISE department offer financial aid to incoming online MSISE students?

  Scholarships opportunities may exist for exceptional applicants contingent upon availability of funding. These limited scholarships, designed to partially offset the tuition, are determined on a rolling basis at the time of admission. Official offer letters to individual students will contain details.

• What are the eligibility requirements and timeline for receiving the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering merit-based scholarship?

  The merit-based scholarship is designed to partially offset the tuition for classes that a student registers in. Students who wish to apply for scholarship must submit a one-page Statement of Purpose demonstrating qualifications and intent towards the program. Demonstrated strengths will be assessed in a holistic manner with focus on, but not limited to, current work profile and future goals, prior industry experience (internships/co-op, full-time), accomplishments in prior academic work (e.g., undergraduate, certificates), plans for successfully completing the degree, applying knowledge to practice, and advocating for IE professionals.

• When can I expect to learn the admission decision?

  You will be informed within four weeks of the Graduate School receiving your complete application.

• Is an online degree accepted in Industrial and Systems Engineering?

  Yes, online Industrial and Systems Engineering degrees are fully accepted and accredited just like on-campus programs, providing the same quality education and career opportunities.

• How long does an online Master's degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering take?

  A typical online Master's in Industrial and Systems Engineering takes 1-2 years to complete, with flexibility to adjust your pace and take time off if needed.

• What's the difference between Industrial and Systems Engineering and Engineering Management?

  Industrial and Systems Engineering focuses more on optimizing complex systems and processes, while Engineering Management emphasizes leading technical teams and engineering operations

The set of questions and answers outlined below can help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL.