So You Want to be a Grad Student? | NC State ISE

#1 Because You Love It

Passion is the reason most people choose a career. By seeking an education at the graduate level in a subject you are passionate about, you get to learn more about that subject. Our flexible graduate curricula enable you to tailor your degree program to suit your particular needs and passions.

#2 R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Earning an advanced degree is difficult. Employers know this and that is why they often have a higher level of respect for those who complete graduate programs. The degree proves you are capable of setting a goal, following through, and obtaining the results you want. At NC State, you will work and build personal relationships with some of the most respected and recognized faculty members in the field.

#4 Working it Like a Boss

Graduate school helps you improve your leadership skills. An advanced degree lets potential employers know that you are willing and able to be a leader in your chosen field. Industrial and systems engineers improve quality and productivity while at the same time cutting waste like time, materials, money, and energy. This is why many NC State industrial and systems engineers often get promoted into management positions. At many major employers, a master’s degree has become the de-facto credential for leadership roles within the company.

#5 Building Your Network

Earning a graduate degree means spending more time in school. This gives you more time to build up a portfolio of professional connections. These can help you find a better job than you could have on your own. They can also give you advice and help guide your career. At NC State, you will meet with industry leaders, either as faculty members or as part of your education process. Also, your classmates will become part of your network and those connections can lead to promotions or job placements in the future.

Advanced Manufacturing explores cutting-edge issues in manufacturing including 3D printing, process design, robotics, automation, and smart manufacturing. This area is also discovering the next frontier in biomedical technology by developing custom medical implants, prosthetic devices, and medical instruments.

Health Systems Engineering focuses on improving the design and implementation of processes that will enhance a medical facility’s ability to care for its patients. This includes reducing people’s wait time to see a doctor, organizing volunteers at a disaster site, and effectively distributing food to people in need.

Human Factors and Ergonomics solves human physical and cognitive performance issues in industrial, service, and transportation systems. It uses cutting-edge technologies like virtual/augmented reality, motion-capture, and brain-computer interfaces to keep workers safe and injury-free.

Supply Chain and Logistics work to improve complex socio-economic systems and keep the materials, products, labor, and services of a growing global economy moving throughout the supply chain. The goal is to produce the goods and services the world needs in an affordable and sustainable manner.

Systems Analytics and Optimization pushes the boundaries of BIG DATA to improve the ways the world decodes and applies insight into the analytics used by today’s top companies. This area uses technologies like blockchain, simulation models, and artificial intelligence to solve some of today’s biggest challenges.