Online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering

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30 Credit Hours Customize your plan of study
#1 Ranked Online Master's in Industrial Engineering Programs U.S. News & World Report, 2026

Overview

Ranked #1 by U.S. News & World Report, 2026, the fully online Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE) empowers professionals to master advanced engineering concepts, analyze and optimize complex systems, and innovate their industries. This program combines prestige and accessibility, giving students exposure to what matters in industrial engineering right now through flexible online coursework with no thesis required. By working with expert faculty in Purdue University’s Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, students develop technical and analytical skills tailored to their career goals, including operations research, supply chain management and data-driven decision-making.

Designed for professionals in engineering, manufacturing, logistics and beyond, this program equips graduates to lead diverse teams, improve operational efficiency and address real-world challenges with confidence. In the MSIE, students can customize their plan of study to fit their unique career goals and network with other accomplished engineering professionals. Graduates leave the program with a valuable credential from an institution with an engineering reputation known worldwide.

Curriculum

This degree requires 30 credit hours total including:

  • 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
    • The following subjects from the Daniels School of Business: economics, finance, management information systems, quantitative methods, supply chain and operations management.
      • Accounting, organizational behavior and human resource management, strategic management, and marketing subjects are allowed on a case-by-case basis or for students enrolled in a Dual MBA/MBT or obtaining the Business Essentials Graduate Certificate.

We offer coursework in:

  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Manufacturing Systems Engineering
  • Operational Research (Mathematical Programming; Simulation & Stochastic Processes)
  • Production Systems Engineering

For more information please see Graduate Student Handbook.

student working in lab

Prerequisites

  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0

  • Math Background: Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations
  • Engineering Background: Preferred undergraduate degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Technology.

    • Requirements

  • Transcripts from all universities attended
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Academic statement of purpose
  • Personal history statement
  • Professional resume
  • Math checklist, if applicable
  • Visit the requirements page for further details.

    • Deadlines

    For Fall start:

  • August 1

    • For Spring start:

  • December 1

    • For Summer start:

  • May 1

    • Tuition*

    Resident of Indiana:

  • $1,139 per credit hour

    • Non-resident of Indiana:

  • $1,459 per credit hour

    • Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of financial aid:

  • US federal financial aid
  • US veterans financial aid

    • *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.

    online master's program student Ayrton Birnbaum

    Online master’s in industrial engineering student balances graduate school with work at Lilly and assignment abroad

    According to Birnbaum, one of the biggest benefits of Purdue’s industrial engineering master’s program is that it combines technical expertise in engineering with management and business courses. “It’s a good alternative to something like an MBA (Master of Business Administration),” he said.

    By pairing advanced technical expertise in engineering with business acumen, Birnbaum hopes he can keep his options open. At Lilly, he can pursue higher-level engineering roles or management positions. His master’s and the new skills he’s built are likely to increase his chances of qualifying for both kinds of opportunities.

    “I’m building a really strong technical foundation at work and in the program,” Birnbaum said. “I can always dive deep into something I might want to specialize in in the future. There are so many courses available [in the online program]. It gives me options.”

    Frequently Asked Questions

    You would earn a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering.

    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.

    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.

    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).

    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.

    We suggest that you try to get at least one academic reference. If that is not possible, recommendations from employers will be accepted.

    The program requires 30 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.

    Yes, students will have access through the Purdue Center for Career Opportunities.

    No, all courses are not available every term. You can see our course availability on the Courses List page. Use the gold bar to filter your view.

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