Online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering
About the Program
The online graduate industrial engineering program at Purdue University is ranked #1 among online industrial engineering master's programs by U.S. News & World Report, 2023, and Purdue's online graduate engineering program is consistently ranked among the top three in Best Online Master's in Engineering Programs by U.S. News & World Report (2023). The online master's program features flexible plans of study with a format that allows you to study where you are.
Courses offered in the following topic areas:
- Human Factors Engineering
- Manufacturing Systems Engineering
- Operational Research (Mathematical Programming; Simulation & Stochastic Processes)
- Production Systems Engineering
Curriculum
- 21 Credit Hours of IE Courses
- 9 Credit hours graduate-level courses work from either industrial engineering or related area. Pre-approved areas listed below:
- other engineering disciplines
- mathematics, statistics, computer sciences, biology
- psychology, sociology
- economics, management
Please visit the nonthesis master's plan of study requirements for further detail.
Further Industrial Engineering Degree Options
An option is also available to earn an industrial engineering concentration within the Interdisciplinary Master of Science in Engineering (MSE/MS) with a concentration in Industrial Engineering. A thesis-based MSIE is not available online; it must be applied directly to the School of Industrial Engineering as an on-campus student. Requirements for the full MSE/MS includes 30 credit hours with a block of courses dedicated to industrial engineering specific course. Visit the MSE/MS course page to learn more.
Admission Requirements
Criteria For Admissions
- Minimum GPA of a 3.2
- M- GRE Scores: Recently admitted students typically have had average scores of GRE in the following sections: Verbal Reasoning - 154, Quantitative Reasoning - 165, Analytical Writing
- Visit the requirements page for further details.
Application Requirements
- Transcripts from all universities attended
- Diploma
- 3 recommendation letters
- Academic Statement of Purpose
- Personal History Statement
- GRE
- A professional resume
- English Proficiency Exam
- Math prerequisite checklist, if applicable
- Full admissions requirements
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
- July 5
Spring Term:
- November 5
Further details can be found on the graduate requirements page.
Tuition
Resident of Indiana
- $1,139 per credit*
- $34,170 total
Nonresident of Indiana
- $1,459 per credit*
- $42,770 total
Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid:
- US federal financial aid
- Military, veterans, and military-connected students
Further information available.
*The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
What degree would I earn with the Online program?
You would earn a Master of Science or a Master of Science in Engineering.
Is there a minimum course registration required each semester?
You need to register for at least one credit to be considered an active student. If you do not enroll for more than two consecutive semesters, you will lose your student status and must reapply.
Are all courses available every term?
No, all courses are not available every term. You can see our course availability on the Courses List page.
How long does it take to finish the program?
The program requires 30-33 credits. You may complete the program as a full time or part time student. A full-time student takes at least 8 semester credit hours every term and may be able to complete this program within 12 to 18 months. A part time student takes less than 8 semester credit hours every term (on average 3-6). As a part-time student, you may complete the program within 2 to 4 years. The average time to complete the program is 3 years.
Can I take time off during my program?
You may take a maximum of two consecutive semesters off. If you take more than two semesters, you will need to reapply to the program.
Are letters of recommendation from employers acceptable?
We suggest that you try to get at least one academic reference. If that is not possible, recommendations from employers will be accepted.
How are the online courses structured?
The courses will be offered asynchronously. We upload recordings of live lectures for you to view on your time. You will follow along weekly to complete your assignments, projects, and/or exams. Exams may require a proctor (virtual or in-person depending on the faculty).
Are scholarships or funding offered for students?
Scholarships and funding are not available through Purdue as this program is a course-based, self-funded master's program. U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for federal financial aid. The Purdue Division of Financial Aid can answer your questions. Veterans can visit the Dorothy Stratton Veteran and Miltary Success Center to learn more about wrap-around support services for Purdue students who are veterans, members of the military, or benefit-using family members.
Is there prerequisite coursework required for this program?
Please visit the admission criteria page for information.
Are there career services of resources after graduation?
Yes, students will have access through the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities.