Why This Matters

  • INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING JOBS INCREASING 8%

    The job outlook for industrial engineering is strong, with 23,800 new jobs expected by 2028. The versatility of this position contributes to job growth, with opportunities in a variety of fields.

  • 118,300 MANAGEMENT ANALYST JOBS EXPECTED

    An industrial engineering degree also prepares individuals for consulting jobs focusing on improving efficiency at various companies. These jobs are expected to increase by 14% by 2028.

  • INCREASE YOUR SALARY BY $16,340 PER YEAR

    Industrial production managers, who typically have an advanced degree, earn $103,380 per year on average. Comparatively, industrial engineers with a bachelor’s earn an average of $87,040 annually.

Our Research

A Master of Science (MS) is the most common graduate degree awarded in industrial engineering. Some programs may have an industrial and systems engineering focus. This list specifically targets master’s degrees, for students seeking advanced training in industrial engineering.

All of the programs can be completed online, although some are also offered on-campus, or in on-campus/online hybrid formats. You can select the delivery method that works best for your schedule and learning preferences.

We only included programs that are regionally accredited, guaranteeing that they meet high standards of quality in higher education. There are also many programs accredited by ABET, which awards programmatic accreditation to engineering and technology programs.

Once we narrowed our list to the top programs, we evaluated them based on faculty, cost, course offerings, flexibility, and reputation. We then gave each program an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Our top picks for the best online master’s in industrial engineering are affordable, flexible and well-regarded. (For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.)

  • 61 hours to write this article
  • 133 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 269 education programs we compared

The Top 30 Online Master’s in Industrial Engineering Programs

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What You Should Know About This Degree

Industrial engineering is a versatile degree that draws on a range of skills and aptitudes. Successful industrial engineers must be adept at math, problem-solving, critical-thinking, communicating, and creativity. If you are considering entering or advancing in this field, it’s helpful to reflect on your natural abilities, and if you possess the qualities necessary to be successful in this field.

As more manufacturing jobs are automated and outsourced, the need for industrial production managers is expected to be somewhat stagnant in the coming decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts little or no change in the number of industrial production manager jobs through 2028, meaning competition for these jobs will be stiff. Individuals with degrees will have an advantage, but be prepared to broaden your job search to consulting and other types of jobs for the best career prospects.

Industrial engineers who seek to advance in the field need to obtain a state-issued Professional Engineer (PE) license. Licensure eligibility requirements include a degree from an ABET-accredited program, work experience, and successful completion of exams. There are also a number of voluntary certifications for industrial production managers, such as the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) credential from the American Productions and Inventory Control Society (APICS).

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Industrial Management programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Because many master’s programs in industrial engineering seek to build upon existing skills and knowledge, they may require students to have an undergraduate degree and/or prior professional experience in industrial engineering or a related field. Check the program’s eligibility requirements to ensure you have the right educational and work background before applying.
  • Does this program offer the focus I want? Some programs have specific orientations in areas like business, logistics, or systems management. Consider your career goals to help you find a program that aligns with your particular interests.

Reviewing the admission requirements and application deadlines for programs is also an important part of researching industrial engineering degree programs. You will want to gather your application materials ahead of time to ensure a smooth admissions process. For more information, you can contact the school’s admissions department.

You should also start researching options for funding your graduate education, including loans, scholarships, assistantships and employee tuition benefits if you are currently employed.