Degrees

Industrial Engineering and Operations ResearchMaster of Science, Master of Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Offered through the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the master's and doctoral program specializations in industrial engineering and operations research emphasize the application of mathematics, statistics, engineering economics and computer methods to the problems of manufacturing, government, and service industries.

Prerequisites

Calculus through differential equations, a calculus-based statistics course, and MECH 410 (Engineering Economy Principles/Calculations).

Non-engineering degree students, especially those with backgrounds in mathematics, statistics and the sciences, are encouraged to apply. Depending on their experience, such students may be asked to take two or three courses in a mechanics, materials or thermofluids sequence.

Program Requirements

Courses may be taken in your program before you are formally admitted, but this will reduce the number of credits you may transfer from other institutions.

Master of Science (M.S.)

• A minimum of 30 semester credits of graduate work in an approved course of study.
• A minimum of 24 semester credits must be earned at Colorado State University, 21 of which must be earned after formal admission to the Graduate School. At least 18 credits must be in 500-level or above courses (not including thesis and independent study credit).
• Thesis (6 to 12 credits).
• Thesis defense.

Master of Engineering (M.E.)

• A minimum of 30 semester credits of graduate work in an approved course of study. All course work is in formal academic courses. No thesis or independent studies credits will be accepted.
• A minimum of 24 semester credits at the 500-level or above must be earned at Colorado State University, 21 of which must be earned after formal admission to the Graduate School, and 15 of which must be within the mechanical engineering department.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

There is no residency requirement for this doctoral program.

• A minimum of 72 semester credits of graduate work in an approved course of study. (A master's degree from an accredited university may be accepted for a maximum of 30 credits.).
• For students submitting a master's degree, a minimum of 32 semester credits must be earned at Colorado State University after formal admission to the doctoral program. At least 21 of these credits must be earned in 500-level or above courses, and a minimum of 12 of these credits must be earned in regular courses (not including thesis and independent study credit).
• Ph.D. students are expected to satisfactorily complete the core courses ENGR 510, MECH 509, MECH 510, MECH 512 and MECH 513 before continuing in the Ph.D. program. Any of these courses may be exempted by course work taken prior to admission that has substantially the same content. Such exemptions must be formally approved by the professor-in-charge of the program.
• Written diagnostic examination.
• Scholarly paper.
• Preliminary examination.
• Dissertation research.
• Dissertation defense.

Program Curriculum

Your program of study will depend on the specialization you wish to pursue and is developed after discussions with your advisor.

M.S. and M.E. Required Courses

M.S. students only

Ph.D. Required Courses

Once you have completed the core program (ENGR 510, MECH 509, MECH 510, MECH 512 and MECH 513), your remaining individual Ph.D. course requirements will be determined with the concurrence of your graduate committee.

Exemption from a required course program may only be obtained via course work taken prior to admission to the Colorado State University program that is substantially the same as the required course work. Exemptions must be approved by the professor-in-charge of this program.

Electives

Typical electives are listed below.

Application and Admission Requirements

This program follows the general admission or Track II admission requirements and procedures with the following adaptations:

1. A 3.0 GPA on undergraduate course work. (Exceptions may be made if there is other evidence of an ability to complete advanced degree requirements.)
2. A personal statement must be submitted that addresses what motivated your interest in the Industrial Engineering and Operations Research Program, your aspirations once you complete the degree and, if applicable, an explanation for any deficiencies in your qualifications.