Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE) | NC State ISE
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)
Last Updated: 10/29/2024 | All information is accurate and still up-to-date
The Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE) degree gives you focused study in a specific area and requires you to complete a research thesis. This degree prepares you to succeed as a consulting, industry or government researcher.
As a research-focused program, the MSIE can also help you qualify for entry into our Ph.D. program. You’ll also receive priority for assistantship awards.
To earn the MSIE degree:
- You need at least 31 credit hours. At least 24 hours of coursework and 3-6 hours of thesis research (ISE 695).
- Your Plan of Graduate Work must include one 700- or 800-level ISE course, excluding thesis credits.
- You are required to take ISE 601 as part of your degree coursework.
- You must form a research advisory committee with at least three members who have Graduate Faculty Status.
- At least two members must be ISE faculty.
- At least one member must be from outside the ISE Department.
- An ISE faculty member will serve as the committee chair.
- A co-chair is optional and may be from outside ISE.
- With the approval of the Director of Graduate Programs, you may add members from outside the University.
- Your committee may set standards above these minimum requirements.
- Your credit-hour requirements do not include undergraduate prerequisites.
- Your minor is optional, but you may pursue one if desired.
- Contact the minor department for specific course requirements.
- Official minors will be listed on your transcript.
- For examples, see the List of Hypothetical Minors
To meet this requirement:
- Choose one course from three of these Breadth Requirement Course Listing (9 credit hours):
- Economic Analytics and Decision Making
- Human Factors and Ergonomics
- Manufacturing Systems
- Supply Chain
- Systems Analytics and Optimization
- Select one course from Group F (Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics) in the Breadth Requirement Course Listing.
- ISE PRO TIP: If you have an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, discuss these breadth requirements with the Director of Graduate Programs.
Statistics
Statistics courses are not required for the MSIE degree. However, many ISE faculty expect advanced coursework in statistics. Many graduate courses require entry-level statistics knowledge (ST 507, ST 511, ST 513, and ST 515). Statistics courses often included in a minor are ST 516, ST 708, ST 711, ST 730, and ST 731. Refer to the Guidelines for Minors in Statistics for more information.
Your Thesis
- Review NC State’s Thesis and Dissertation Guide for general requirements.
- Don’t wait to complete all coursework before starting your thesis research.
- Begin planning your thesis research in your first semester in residence. You may start research early in your program, using “directed study” courses (ISE 637 and ISE 639) as an alternative to formal coursework.
- These courses allow you to conduct preliminary (pilot) research with faculty supervision.
- A written proposal approved by your advisory committee is recommended but not required before beginning final thesis research.
- There will be an oral examination of your thesis.
- If you don’t pass, you have one opportunity to retake the oral exam.
- Use the required Graduate School format; Microsoft WORD and Latex Templates are available.
- As a department custom, provide your committee with a copy of your thesis at least two weeks before the oral exam.
Scheduling your Final Oral Examination and Thesis Review
The Graduate Services Coordinator will request approval to schedule your master’s oral examination from the Graduate School when:
- You have completed all coursework, or
- You are in your final semester of completing coursework.
In addition:
- You must be registered during the semester when the oral exam is held.
- Submit the Request for Approval to Schedule Masters Oral Examination Form to the Graduate Services Coordinator at least two weeks before the exam date.
- Review the ETD System; the Graduate School’s ETD Process page has all the necessary details.
Your Final Oral Examination and Thesis Review
- The final oral exam is open to all interested students and faculty.
- You will typically present your thesis research for 30 to 45 minutes.
- After your presentation, your advisory committee may ask questions about your work.
- Some thesis revisions may be required afterward.
- Once you receive an unconditional pass on your oral exam, the Graduate School’s thesis editor will review your thesis for compliance with the Thesis and Dissertation Guide requirements.
Submitting Your Thesis to the Graduate School
The procedure for electronic thesis submission is detailed in ETD – Thesis and Dissertation Guide. You should download and complete the MSIE Degree Checklist (PDF 80KB). Also, during your final semester of coursework, you should have your Graduate Services Coordinator notify the Graduate School that you are eligible to graduate. This must be done no later than four weeks before the last day of classes. To receive a diploma (at graduation) you must apply through MyPack Portal.
For electronic thesis submission, follow the steps in the ETD – Thesis and Dissertation Guide. Download and complete the MSIE Degree Checklist (PDF 80KB). In your final semester, ask your Graduate Services Coordinator to notify the Graduate School of your eligibility to graduate, ensuring this is done at least four weeks before the last day of classes. To receive your diploma at graduation, apply through the MyPack Portal.
Got Questions? Please contact our Graduate Services Coordinator | ise-gradoffice@ncsu.edu | 919.515.6410.