Industrial engineers are experts in the
management of industrial production processes including logistics,
quality control, human work factors and cost analysis. Individuals
interested in distance learning opportunities in industrial management
can find online programs at the master's level.
An online master's degree program in industrial engineering
emphasizes concepts and principles in quality and reliability
engineering, operations research, production systems, management systems
for engineering and information systems. Required coursework helps
students improve their ability to analyze, understand and resolve
problems within complex organizations to improve production and
profitability. Study topics often include logistics, distribution,
warehousing and transportation. Online learners are typically required
to hold a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related degree in the
physical, mathematical or behavior sciences.
Requirements for an online graduate degree in industrial engineering
usually include approximately 33-40-credit hours. Graduate students can
expect to complete an industrial engineering master's degree online in
2-2.5 years of continuous study. Coursework is available in fully online
and hybrid format, which combines online and on-campus courses. Courses
are typically delivered through streaming video and interactive
Internet-based learning applications. Students communicate with faculty
and fellow students through e-mail and online discussion boards. Both
thesis and non-thesis options are available.
Accessing online courses require the use of a computer, meeting
hardware and software requirements, and an Internet connection.
Real-time conferences and online discussions may require the use of a
headset and audio equipment, as well as a webcam.
Common Online Coursework for an Online Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering
Online courses required for a master's degree in industrial
engineering focus on providing students with the advanced knowledge
needed to improve systems, productivity and processes in order to
enhance work environments. In addition to those courses detailed below,
common topics include automation and control, production systems, human
factors engineering and computer simulation.
Management Decision and Control System Course
Lessons focus on the design, development and implementation of
computer-based information systems to support management decisions.
Resource management for quality control, decision support, cost
effectiveness, process improvement and system evaluation is emphasized.
Manufacturing Systems Course
This course covers types of operations, aggregate production
planning, lead times, lot sizes and pull production systems. Students
learn to analyze bottlenecks, queuing and flow.
Engineering Economy Course
Students study advanced engineering economy topics, such as economic
worth, utility theory and economic optimization. Constraints, risk and
uncertainty are also a focus of discussion.
As companies continue to look for ways to raise productivity while
reducing costs, the need for industrial engineers to develop processes
that are more efficient in order to reduce delays, waste and costs will
continue to increase. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
projected employment opportunities within the industry to grow by 14%
from 2008-2018 (
www.bls.gov). As of May 2009, the BLS reported
that industrial engineers earned an annual median wage of $75,110.
According to the BLS, most positions within this field are at the
management level.
The Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE) offers a variety of
voluntary certificate programs in a number of specialties, including
engineering management,
healthcare management, lean enterprise, risk management and supply
chain management. Certificate programs usually require a series of
seminars and may or may not include a final examination. The IIE also
offers practicing engineers additional training and continuing education
opportunities through regional conferences, webinars, corporate
training programs and an annual convention.
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