Graduate Students | NC State ISE

Graduate Students

Welcome to one of the strongest engineering communities you can join. You are part of a top 15 program in the United States. Moreover, this ranking shows the strength of our faculty, students and industry partners. As a result, you gain strong value when you choose our department.

The goal here is to help you:

About Our Department

Industrial and systems engineering is gaining unprecedented momentum and popularity with students.

Our Department celebrates more than 95 years of excellence and is a top-ranked program by US News & World Report. ISE prepares students for a variety of careers. They push the boundaries of 3-D printing, regenerative medicine and supply chain logistics. The College of Engineering ranks us #1 for Student Satisfaction, Job Placement and Job Placement in their Field of Study. Currently, there are more companies looking to hire our graduates than there are students to fill those positions.

Industrial and systems engineering is gaining strong momentum with students. Moreover, you enter a department that celebrates more than 95 years of excellence and holds a top national ranking (#14) from US News & World Report.

As you move through the program, you will be prepared for many career paths. That is because we offer a wide variety of research areas, including:

Additionally, the College of Engineering ranks our department #1 for student satisfaction, job placement and job placement in their field of study.

Right now, more companies want to hire our graduates than there are students to fill those roles. Consequently, you step into a field filled with opportunity.

Living in Raleigh

Living in Raleigh, NC, consistently ranks among the top five places to live and work in the country. Furthermore, the city enjoys moderate weather with an average temperature of 71°F. Additionally, you’re only two hours from the beach and three hours from the mountains. Raleigh welcomes families and individuals, offering a well-educated workforce and a diverse, multicultural environment. As a result, this vibrant city provides a high quality of life and many opportunities for everyone. Consequently, many people find living in Raleigh the ideal way to settle down and thrive.

  • #6 Best Place to Live in the US (US News & World Report, 2024-2025)
  • #13 Top 25 America’s Best Cities Best Cities, 2024)
  • #11 Best Place to Live in the US for Young Professionals (U.S. News, 2023-2024)
  • Best Cities to Move to After College (USA Today, 2024)
The city of Raleigh Skyline at night
The Raleigh skyline at night
I want to explore Raleigh

Campus Life

As an industrial engineering student at NC State, you enjoy strong academics and an active campus life. Moreover, you meet new friends, join clubs and take part in many activities while earning a top-quality education.

The Talley Student Union serves as the hub for student life. Additionally, you can cheer in the stands, play on the field or enjoy a solid workout. With hundreds of year-round arts programs, you gain the tools to bring your ideas to life and join a supportive creative community.

NC State offers many housing options. For example, you can live in traditional residence halls, themed village communities or on- and off-campus apartments for upperclassmen and graduate students.

NC State Dining also offers a variety of choices. Furthermore, you can enjoy quick-service eateries, all-you-can-eat dining halls, familiar fast-food chains, specialty cafes, coffee bars and food trucks.

I want to Explore what living on campus is like

Tour the ISE Department

We think seeing is believing. So we invite you to tour the Department and explore the many areas within ISE. Moreover, you will discover spaces that show how our students learn and create. These include our:

  • World-class 3D printing lab
  • Robotics and automation lab
  • Virtual reality cave and biomechanics lab
  • Biomedical 3D printing lab

While you are here, you can also sit in on a simulation modeling or product development class. Additionally, you can meet students and see how they apply what they learn.

To get started, just fill out an ISE Campus Visitation Form and plan your visit.

I want to visit the ISE Department

Got Questions? (FAQ)

We know you have many questions, and we are here to help. Moreover, you can find clear answers to many of the most common questions.

I have a question and want answers

Degrees

We prepare you for careers in industry, service, consulting and government organizations. Moreover, you gain the skills you need for advanced study at leading engineering, business and management universities. We also offer graduate degrees that range from a Master of Industrial Engineering to a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering.

Graduate

Online Degrees

I want to Learn more about ISE Degrees
I’m Ready to Apply to NC State

Current Ph.D. Students

Our Ph.D. students and research teams are changing the world of advanced manufacturing, operations and service systems. Moreover, you will see how we push the boundaries of 3-D printing, regenerative medicine and health systems engineering. As you explore our work, you will notice that our graduate program produces students who excel in industry and academia. They become innovators, educators and even Nobel Peace Prize recipients.

Show me the Current PH.D. Students

Admissions

So are you ready to become a member of Wolfpack Nation? Great!

Discover what you need to apply to our graduate program, as well as the answer to the question, “Can I afford it?“

I’m Ready to Become Part of the Wolfpack!