Why This Matters

  • INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS MAKE $88,020 PER YEAR

    The median annual salary for an industrial engineer is more than twice the average earnings for all other occupations.

  • 30,000 MORE INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS ARE NEEDED BY 2029

    As businesses look for new ways to increase efficiency and reduce costs, the job outlook for industrial engineers is expected to be significantly better than those of other occupations.

  • DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERS IS EXPECTED TO RISE BY 10%

    Over the next decade, the manufacturing and health care industries will rely on the expertise of industrial engineers as they adapt to the rapid globalization and technological advancements of the 21st Century.

Our Research

This list covers graduate programs in industrial engineering that teach advanced engineering concepts and prepare students for leadership roles across multiple industries. Degrees offered include Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, Master of Industrial Engineering, Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Master of Industrial Engineering & Management. Students can choose from on-campus, online, and hybrid learning formats.

Accreditation is given to graduate industrial engineering programs that adequately prepare students for the global workforce. National accreditors, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), recognize schools with high academic standards in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Programs also receive regional accreditation to verify the quality of their curricula. Schools on this list are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), and Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 63 hours to write this article
  • 192 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 286 education programs we compared

The Top 45 Master’s in Industrial Engineering Degree Programs

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What You Should Know About This Degree

When choosing a graduate program in engineering, also consider pursuing a Master of Engineering Management degree. While industrial engineering programs focus on training team leaders and project coordinators, engineering management programs prepare graduates for management and senior-level positions in the field of engineering. Both programs include advanced engineering concepts, such as modeling, simulation, and optimization. Engineering management programs emphasize business principles, such as finance, organizational skills, and leadership best practices. Determine which type of career path you’d like to pursue when deciding on a program.

Graduates might wish to pursue certifications to gain a competitive edge and demonstrate their expertise to potential employers. Most certifications require students to pass an exam to verify their retention of course information. Industrial engineering graduates may obtain industry certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management, Value Methodology Associate Certification, Associate Standards Professional Certification, and Certified Six Sigma Blackbelt.

The job outlook for industrial engineers is positive, with a much higher average growth rate than those of other professions. Changes in the healthcare industry are expected to create a high demand for industrial engineering services.

What’s Next?

Ask yourself these questions when researching master’s in industrial engineering programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant field is needed for students who wish to pursue a master’s in industrial engineering. Many programs also require professional work experience, as well as minimum GPA and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score.
  • How long does it take to complete this online degree? Students can expect to complete a master’s in industrial engineering in two years. The programs on our list require students to have between 30 and 45 credits to graduate.

Each program has specific entry requirements and application deadlines. Visit the school website or contact the admissions department to find detailed information about the program before you apply.

Consider how you’ll cover the financial costs of your graduate degree. Some employers might help pay for tuition fees and other study-related costs. Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you’re eligible for a grant, loan, or other government funding.