Ranked #1

Online Master's in Industrial Engineering

U.S. News & World Report, 2026

100% Online

Learn on your own schedule

30 Credit Hours

Customize your plan of study

Program 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

The Master of Science in Industrial Engineering requires 30 credit hours total with at least 21 credit hours of industrial engineering courses and 9 credit hours of other graduate-level coursework.

Coursework includes subject areas such as:

  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Manufacturing Systems Engineering
  • Operational Research
  • Production Systems Engineering
Full Curriculum Graduate Student Handbook

Admissions Requirements

Criteria for Admissions

Math Background:

  • Multivariate Calculus, Linear Algebra and Differential Equations

Educational Background:

  • BS or equivalent, preferred in Engineering, Science, Mathematics or Technology
  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0

Full admissions requirements can be found here.

Application Requirements

The following documents are required to complete an application:

Application Deadlines

For Fall start:

  • August 1

For Spring Start:

  • December 1

For Summer Start:

  • May 1

Tuition

Resident of Indiana/VA Educational Benefit:

  • $1,139 per credit hour

Nonresident of Indiana:

  • $1,459 per credit hour

Domestic students and permanent residents may qualify for the following types of 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.

Eligible students may use VA education benefits toward tuition and fees. Coverage varies based on the student’s benefit type and eligibility, and additional provisions may apply to qualifying military-connected students. To ensure qualification for the VA Educational Benefit tuition rate, students should work closely with the Veteran and Military Student Success Center.

Online MSIE student balances graduate school with work 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.

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Contact Us

You are not alone in taking your next giant leap. Connect with a Purdue University online enrollment counselor to get your questions answered, receive personalized application support and start planning your degree journey with confidence. Simply fill out this form to request more information and receive additional program materials. 

It’s your first step toward becoming a Purdue Boilermaker, joining a community of innovators, leaders and changemakers committed to making giant leaps that shape industries, advance ideas and move the world forward.