Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

Master of Engineering (M.E.), Master of Science (M.S.), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering

Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (M.S., M.E., Ph.D.)

More Information

About the program, curriculum, or academic issues:

Dr. William Duff
Professor-In-Charge
(970) 491-5859
bill@engr.colostate.edu

About admissions:

Karen Mueller
Graduate Program Coordinator
(970) 491-3872
Karen.Mueller@colostate.edu

About distance education and registration:

Michele Sterling
(970) 491-2520
msterling@learn.colostate.edu

Degree Overview

You will gain a strong disciplinary background in mathematical and statistical modeling and are exposed to computational issues in practical problem solving and decision-making. The Master of Engineering is a course work only degree and the Master of Science degree requires a formal thesis.

This degree will prepare you for teaching and research careers in telescope manufacturing, transportation systems, health care systems, fuel economy and pollution control, telecommunications networking, combat threat analysis, food and energy production and distribution, strategic political and military response, and environmental pollution control.

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.

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 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, independent study, research, internship, or practicum 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.

Master of Science (M.S.)

  • A thesis and a thesis defense are required.
  • Contact the Professor-In-Charge.
    Dr. William Duff

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Robert Meeks Succeeding in a high-tech company requires staying current in your field through both experience and education. With CSU I could advance my education without sacrificing years gaining experience. I liked the program so much that after earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, I returned to take additional classes and earned a graduate certificate in statistics. I strongly recommend CSU to anyone looking for a flexible, high-quality education.

– Robert Meeks

Curriculum

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

M.E., M.S., and Ph.D. Required Courses

Ph.D. Required Courses

Once you have completed the required courses, 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.

Admission and Application

Calculus through differential equations, a calculus-based statistics course, and Engineering Economics. (A make-up course MECH 410 (Engineering Economy Principles/Calculations) is available online for those who do not have this prerequisite).

B.S. degree in engineering or science required. Students with B.S. degrees in mathematics or statistics are encouraged to apply. Depending on your experience, you may be asked to take two or three courses in a mechanics, materials, or thermofluids sequence.

This program follows Department of Mechanical Engineering general admission requirements and procedures.

Degree at a Glance

Delivery

Online, DVD/VCD, and workshop. A few days of on-campus attendance is required for some courses.

Total Credits

M.E. - 30 credits
M.S. - 30 credits

Tuition

$520 per credit
(financial aid available)

Time Frame

Master's programs can be completed in two years. Doctoral program can be completed in four years. Program duration may vary based on previous course work, intensity of study, and course availability. Summer courses may be required to complete the master's and doctoral programs.

Designed For

Engineers who want to further their careers with industrial firms and governmental agencies; those interested in teaching and research; those who want to pursue a career in private practice.