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. Lihui Bai (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.
Online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
This program is designed for working professionals across a variety of industry backgrounds looking to expand their technical engineering skills, as well as business understanding, and prepare to lead a diverse team—all through convenient, on-your-schedule, online courses.
UofL’s online MS in Industrial Engineering offers a broad range of courses across three focus areas with strong market growth potential: Advanced Manufacturing, Human Factors, Data Analytics & Operations Research, and Logistics & Supply Chain. Through the program's unique modularized 8-week course format, you’ll experience the flexibility needed to balance earning your master’s degree while working full-time and managing other priorities. Industrial Engineering (IE) is ranked #1 on the list of “10 Fastest Growing Engineering Jobs in the USA until 2028” with an expected job growth of 10% between 2019-2029 (bls.gov). This advanced IE degree can boost your current career in the industry and/or prepare you to move into another industry. Relevant industries include manufacturing, supply chain, automotive, healthcare, defense, entertainment, banking, insurance and more.
This online master’s degree is offered through the J. B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville.
How Much Will I Pay?
Merit-Based Scholarship Available for Admitted Online MSIE Students
Complete your application as soon as possible to be considered. Get started now!
Highlights
- Advance your engineering career in industries such as healthcare, supply chain, manufacturing, automotive, entertainment, banking, insurance and more.
- Customize your degree to match your career goals: increase your depth of knowledge in one specialized area (by taking 4 or more focused courses) or your breadth of knowledge (taking 1-2 courses in various areas).
- Enrich your practical experience with theoretical knowledge and state-of-the-art techniques.
- Take advantage of 100% online classes, with access to coursework anytime, anywhere.
- Complete the 10 required courses in as quickly as 1.5 – 2 years; all courses are 3 credit hours and taught over 8-week terms.
- Choose your own pace and take advantage of 6 starting terms each year.
- Work with the MSIE department to devise a plan of study that fits your educational needs and meets your prescribed timeframe.
- Pay the same affordable tuition as traditional in-state students no matter where you are around the globe.
- Enhance opportunities to advance on the technical management ladder with this degree.
- Earn a master's degree in industrial engineering through UofL's online stackable certificates pathway.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Logistics & Supply Chain Focus Area
Do you want to sharpen your critical thinking, data-driven communication, and analytics and AI/ML skills required by today’s logistics industry? Consider the Logistics and Supply Chain focus area in the MS in Industrial Engineering. This focus area integrates data analytics and system-level modeling in diverse areas of logistics such as network design, resource planning, demand forecasting, warehousing, and much more, which are critical to inter- and intra-organization operations in today’s fast and connected business environment.
Is UofL’s online MSIE program the right one for you?
The online MSIE program accepts students with undergraduate degrees in both engineering and non-engineering disciplines. Unlike many graduate programs, our online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering program at the University of Louisville does not require GRE test scores for admission. Our admission process focuses on each applicant's potential to succeed and make an impact as an industrial engineer. If you have a technical degree or relevant experience and a passion for industrial engineering, our program could be a great fit for you. Review the admission requirements, along with the prerequisites, under the Application Tab.
Advance your IE knowledge on your own time through fully online coursework.
Complete the program in just 10 courses (30 credit hours).
Designed to help you balance your work-life-education goals.
"The MSIE program has been the perfect program for me to pursue a graduate degree, while also starting a full-time job. Since the courses are online and asynchronous, I was able to travel to Germany for my work for over three months and still stay on track. The faculty has been so kind in helping me obtain my degree and been flexible with my changing schedule. I am so excited to graduate in only one year and forever thankful to the MSIE program for presenting me with such a brilliant opportunity."
- Keeley Slade, MSIE, Class of 2023
What Can I Do With a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering?
An IE 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 MSIE 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
| Application Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall (Term I) | August |
| September 1 | Fall (Term II) | October |
| November 15 | Spring (Term I) | January |
| February 1 | Spring (Term II) | March |
| April 1 | Summer (Term I) | May |
| May 1 | Summer (Term II) | June |
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 MSIE Program
- Complete online graduate application
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Submit all official transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work from all previous institutions (Note: Electronic transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s). Please have electronic transcripts sent directly to UofL Graduate Admissions Office.)
- Submit current resume with application
- Submit two letters of recommendation with application
Note: GRE/GMAT is not required for admission to UofL’s online MSIE program.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Online MSIE Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university*
- Calculus I or higher required. To find out whether there is a need for remedial work and discuss available options at UofL, consult with director or admissions consultant
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75
- Applicants with GPA below the recommended 2.75 may be considered for admission based on additional criteria, including excellent recommendation letters, resume or personal statement, and academic performance.
Online MSIE 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.
For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.
The online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering is a 30-credit hour program that requires 2 core courses (6 credit hours) and 8 courses in an area of focus or across multiple areas (24 credit hours), including optional thesis or project. For students who choose a focus area, the 8 courses will include at least 4 focus-area courses and other electives. For students who choose a general study, the 8 courses may consist of 1-2 courses in each focus areas with other electives. Students will work with the MSIE Program Director to develop a Plan of Study (PoS) upon admission, which may be revised as student progresses throughout the program.
| MSIE Core Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| IE 560 Probability and Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| IE 563 Experiment Design in Engineering | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 6 |
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.
| Focus Area Courses1 | Hours |
|---|---|
| Advanced Manufacturing | |
| Prepares professionals to shape the future through innovative technologies like big data, automation, robotics, nanomanufacturing, and 3D printing. This exciting field empowers people to tackle pressing challenges and make a real difference in manufacturing. | |
| IE 600 Advanced Manufacturing Methods | 3 |
| IE 619 Advanced Manufacturing Systems | 3 |
| IE 629 Quality Control | 3 |
| Data Analytics and Operations Research | |
| Harness the power of data to gain valuable insight into complex systems and enhance decision-making. This dynamic, interdisciplinary field combines scientific and mathematical methods to analyze, manage, and design systems for a better world. | |
| IE 515 Operations Research Methods | 3 |
| IE 541 Simulation | 3 |
| IE 561 Decision Support System in Excel | 3 |
| IE 662 Predictive Analytics for Decision Making I | 3 |
| Logistics and Supply Chain | |
| Explore the fascinating world of operations, logistics, and supply chain management. Learn how to optimize complex systems to enable the smooth flow of goods and services. This field opens up opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and build strong connections between partners. | |
| IE 515 Operations Research Methods | 3 |
| IE 621 Facility Planning | 3 |
| IE 625 Production and Inventory Control | 3 |
| IE 657 Models for Design and Analysis of Logistical Systems | 3 |
| Human Factors | |
| Improve working and living environments by applying knowledge from industrial engineering, physiology, psychology and computer science. This meaningful field explicitly considers the capabilities of users to create systems, products and experiences that truly work for people. | |
| IE 580 Introduction to Human Factors Engineering & Ergonomics | 3 |
| IE 581 Advanced Topics in Human Factors Engineering | 3 |
| IE 585 Usability Engineering | 3 |
| IE 682 Quality of Care and Patient Safety | 3 |
| IE 684 Health IT and Clinician Support | 3 |
| Focus Area Course Total Credit | 9 |
| Thesis, Project or Course-Only Option [choose 1] | Hours |
|---|---|
| Thesis Option | |
| IE 690 Master Thesis | 6 |
| IE/technical electives2,3 | 9 |
| Project Option | |
| IE 699 Master Project | 3 |
| IE/technical electives2,3 | 12 |
| Course-Only Option | |
| IE/Technical elective2,3 | 15 |
| Thesis/Project/Course Total Credit Hours | 15 |
| TOTAL PROGRAM CREDIT HOURS | 30 |
1 Focus area technical advising faculty:
- LSC: Dr. Lihui Bai
- DAOR: Dr. Lihui Bai
- HF: Dr. Jason Saleem
3 At least fifteen (15) credit hours of coursework must be in IE/technical electives.
START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION
Course Descriptions
-
My bachelor’s degree is not in engineering. Can I still apply to earn the online industrial engineering degree?
-
What are the academic prerequisites recommended in order to be a successful applicant to the online masters in industrial engineering program?
Calculus I or higher.
-
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 MSIE program?
Yes. International students will not be issued a U.S. visa, if admitted to the MSIE 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 engineering program?
Yes. Students may request to transfer up to six (6) credit hours from another accredited graduate program.
-
Does the IE department offer financial aid to incoming online MSIE 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 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.
-
What else do I need to know after being admitted to the online masters in industrial engineering program?
Please consider reviewing additional information in the new graduate student handbook and orientation; if your concerns are not addressed, then please contact Dr. Lihui Bai.
-
Is an online degree accepted in Industrial Engineering?
Yes, online industrial 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 Engineering take?
A typical online Master's in Industrial Engineering takes 1.5-2 years to complete, with flexibility to adjust your pace and take time off if needed.
-
What's the difference between Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management?
Industrial 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.