Online Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering
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Master of science in industrial and systems engineering, online
The graduate degree at the University of Louisville is designed for working professionals across a variety of industry backgrounds looking to expand their technical engineering skills, as well as business concepts understanding, who are preparing to lead diverse teams and projects or solve complex engineering problems.
Industrial and systems engineers are problem-solvers at scale. They design smarter systems, reduce inefficiencies and turn complex data into strategic decisions.
UofL’s online MS in industrial and systems engineering offers a broad range of courses across three focus areas in high demand across industries, with strong market growth potential and an engineering lens applicable to:
- Human factors
- Data analytics and operations research
- Logistics and supply chain
The online master of science in industrial and systems engineering is offered through the J.B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. UofL’s School of Engineering has been consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report among Best in the Nation for its Graduate Engineering programs, academic excellence and student support.
UofL's Online MSISE
100% online, no GRE required. Apply today and be a part of 100 years of engineering excellence legacy!
Master of science in industrial and systems engineering
100% online
The big picture
The online MSISE equips you with advanced analytical tools and cross-functional expertise to improve performance across manufacturing, health care, logistics, technology and beyond.
This 30-credit-hour graduate degree program is uniquely positioned to help you succeed where engineering principles and systems thinking intersect. The complex systems that run our modern world require the coordination of people, equipment, energy, material and information.
A master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering prepares you with the skills and knowledge you need to bring logistics and order to an increasingly connected and chaotic world.
At UofL, you can customize your degree to match your career goals with focus areas in:
- Human factors
- Data analytics and operations research
- Logistics and supply chain
You can also earn your master's in industrial and systems engineering by progressively building your knowledge through UofL's online Stackable Engineering Certificates pathway.
Online MSISE degree highlights
- Build advanced expertise in optimization, analytics and systems design.
- Apply engineering solutions to real-world operational challenges.
- Develop leadership-ready decision-making skills.
- Gain cross-industry versatility in high-growth sectors.
- Advance your engineering career in industries such as health care, supply chain, manufacturing, automotive, entertainment, banking, insurance and more.
- Complete the 10 required courses in as quickly as one to two years; all courses are 3 credit hours and taught over 8-week terms.
Start when you’re ready (with UofL’s 6 starting terms each year) and move through the degree at your own pace.
"The MSISE program has been the perfect program for me to pursue a graduate degree, while also starting a full-time job. Since the courses are online and asynchronous, I was able to travel to Germany for my work for over three months and still stay on track. The faculty has been so kind in helping me obtain my degree and been flexible with my changing schedule. I am so excited to graduate in only one year and forever thankful to the MSISE program for presenting me with such a brilliant opportunity."
Keeley Slade
Online MSISE graduate
Are you ready to build the systems that drive the modern world forward?
How to apply to UofL’s online MSISE degree
Is UofL’s online MSISE program the right one for you?
The online MSISE program accepts students with undergraduate degrees in both engineering and non-engineering disciplines. Unlike many graduate programs, our online master of science in industrial and systems engineering program at the University of Louisville does not require GRE test scores for admission.
Our admission process focuses on each applicant's potential to succeed and make an impact as an industrial and systems engineer. If you have a technical degree or relevant experience and a passion for industrial and systems engineering, our program could be a great fit for you.
Check out typical application deadlines for the MSISE degree program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall (Term I) | August |
| September 1 | Fall (Term II) | October |
| November 15 | Spring (Term I) | January |
| February 1 | Spring (Term II) | March |
| April 1 | Summer (Term I) | May |
| May 1 | Summer (Term II) | June |
Note: Admissions are on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. Although admissions are granted for a specific term up to the day classes start, we recommend you submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
Steps to apply for the online MSISE degree
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
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What are admissions requirements for the online master’s in industrial and systems engineering?
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- A bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- A minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Required application packet materials include:
- Transcripts showing Calculus I or higher
- Two letters of recommendation
- Current resume
*Your application portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Online master of science in industrial and systems engineering international applicants
The master of science in industrial engineering program is open to international students. If you live outside of the United States (U.S.) and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to review these additional requirements for international students. International students will not be issued a U.S. visa if admitted to an online program since there are no campus attendance requirements.
- All international transcripts must be certified as authentic and translated verbatim in English.
- Students whose primary language is not English must show English language proficiency by attaining one of the following:
- TOEFL scores of 79 or higher on the internet-based test OR
- Duolingo English test score of 105 or higher OR
- English proficiency can also be met by submitting official IELTS scores of at least 6.5 overall band score from the academic module exam
Online MSISE transfer credits
Transfer up to six (6) credit hours from another graduate engineering program at UofL or from an accredited college or institution* (subject to department approval).
*See the Graduate School Transfer of Credit Policy for more information.
Are you ready to build the systems that drive the modern world?
How much does it cost to earn an online MSISE degree at UofL?
Academic year tuition
$850 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities may exist for exceptional applicants contingent upon availability of funding. These limited scholarships, designed to partially offset the tuition, are determined on a rolling basis at the time of admission. The official acceptance letters to individual students will contain details, if qualifications are met.
Students who wish to apply for a merit-based scholarship through the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering must submit a one-page statement of purpose demonstrating qualifications and intent towards the program outcome, with demonstrated strengths and accomplishments.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
What will you learn in the online master of science in industrial and systems engineering?
The MS in industrial and systems engineering curriculum blends analytical rigor with applied systems thinking. Core coursework builds advanced competency in probability, statistics and experimental design, while specialized focus areas allow you to deepen expertise in analytics, supply chain optimization or human-centered systems engineering. Whether you pursue a thesis, project or course-only pathway, you will graduate prepared to solve complex operational challenges using data-driven methods.
Online courses
The online MSISE is a 30-credit-hour (10 course) program with course options that allow you to pursue your interests in areas spanning from management or communications to geography. The program is 100% online and courses are delivered asynchronously, in standard term length.
Choose from thesis, project or course-only options to align your degree with your professional goals.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Students may customize their degree by selecting courses from across all available options or choose to focus their coursework on one of three specialized areas:
- Human factors
- Data analytics and operations research
- Logistics and supply chain
Courses offered each semester may vary and are subject to availability.
"The industrial and systems engineering program provided by the University of Louisville was extremely flexible to my needs. When I first entered the program, I was not originally prepared for intense mathematics since my background came from business. Instead of dismissing me or giving up on me, the academic advising team brainstormed a rescue plan. They were incredibly supportive and had incredible patience. This taught me resilience. I eventually overcame the hurdle I thought I never could. Success is built on a foundation of failure. Never give up."
Caemen Herzberg
Online MSISE graduate
Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What can I do with a master's in industrial and systems engineering?
The online MSISE degree at UofL can prepare you to contribute at all levels of product or service innovation, from design inception to delivery to the end user. The depth and breadth of knowledge embedded in this degree will provide a boost to your professional career at a pace convenient to you.
You will gain the expertise and skills needed to undertake higher responsibilities in your current role, rise up in your company or pursue a new role in a strategic or growing area.
According to Lightcast.io occupation outlook data, on average, jobs in the industrial and systems engineering field are projected to grow 8% between 2025 and 2033, with 28,442 annual job postings. The median salary for industrial and systems engineering jobs is nearly $121,200 (Lightcast.io).
Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
UofL MSISE graduates have landed jobs at leading companies such as Tesla, Boeing, Disney, Johnson & Johnson, UPS and eBay, in positions including:
- Operations engineer/manager
- Supply chain analyst/consultant
- Procurement engineer/manager
- Data scientist
- Data analyst/manager
- Human factors engineer
- User experience designer/manager
- Health systems engineer
- Process improvement engineer
- Project manager
Skills and roles for industrial systems engineers
Prepare to elevate your engineering impact. Move from technical contributor to systems leader and innovator.
What your support network looks like
Success in a technical graduate program requires more than strong coursework – it requires the right support. From application through graduation, industrial and systems engineering graduate students are backed by a knowledgeable team that understands the demands of working professionals. Enrollment counselors, academic advisors, program leadership staff and faculty collaborate to provide clear guidance, timely support and practical insight so you can stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Charlie Nattrass | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Leigh Ann Elles | Assistant Director of Graduate Programs | leigh.elles@louisville.edu |
502.852.4415
|
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Dr. Jacob Read | Program Director | jmread02@louisville.edu | 502.852.6281 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What else should you know?
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission, internship process and options or how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
My bachelor’s degree is not in engineering. Can I still apply to earn the online industrial and systems engineering?
Yes. The minimum requirement for admission is a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. We welcome applicants with undergraduate degree from diverse areas or background such as business, psychology, political science, mathematics, chemistry, physics or computer science. In some cases, remedial work may be required and can be accomplished in advance by taking course(s) either at UofL or at recommended community colleges. For instance, students who do not come from a STEM field will need to have Calculus I to be admitted into this program.
What are the academic prerequisites for successful applicants to the online master's in industrial and systems engineering program?
The industrial and systems engineering department requires all applicants complete the Calculus I class prior to application/admission to the MSISE program. You can complete this prerequisite as a non-degree student at UofL or elsewhere.
At UofL, you can take: Math180 - Elements of Calculus - QR, OR Math 205 - Calculus I – QR. Check the Schedule of Courses for more information. You can also satisfy the Calculus I requirement at Straighterline.com.
Is GRE/GMAT score required?
No, you do not need to submit GRE/GMAT scores.
I am an international student. Can I apply to the MSISE program?
Yes. Please note, however, that international students will not be issued a U.S. visa, if admitted to the MSISE online program since there are no campus attendance requirements.
When do I need to send my official transcripts?
Official transcripts are required as a part of a complete application at the time of application for full consideration. Unofficial transcripts, with degree posted, can be accepted until official transcripts are received.
Can I transfer graduate courses completed at another institution to UofL’s online master’s in industrial and systems engineering program?
Yes. Students may request to transfer up to six (6) credit hours from another accredited graduate program.
Does the ISE department offer financial aid to incoming online MSISE students?
Scholarship opportunities may exist for exceptional applicants contingent upon availability of funding. These limited scholarships, designed to partially offset the tuition, are determined on a rolling basis at the time of admission. Official offer letters to individual students will contain details.
What are the eligibility requirements and timeline for receiving the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering merit-based scholarship?
The merit-based scholarship is designed to partially offset the tuition for classes that a student is taking. Students who wish to apply for scholarship must submit a one-page statement of purpose demonstrating qualifications and intent towards the program.
Demonstrated strengths will be assessed in a holistic manner with focus on, but not limited to, current work profile and future goals, prior industry experience (internships/co-op, full-time), accomplishments in prior academic work (e.g., undergraduate, certificates), plans for successfully completing the degree, applying knowledge to practice and advocating for IE professionals.
When can I expect to receive the admission decision?
You will be informed within four weeks of the Graduate School receiving your complete application.
Is an online degree accepted in industrial and systems engineering?
Yes, online industrial and systems engineering degrees are fully accepted and accredited just like on-campus programs, providing the same quality education and career opportunities.
How long does an online master's degree in industrial and systems engineering take?
A typical online master's in industrial and systems engineering takes one to two years to complete, with flexibility to adjust your pace and take time off if needed.
What's the difference between industrial and systems engineering and engineering management?
industrial and systems engineering focuses more on optimizing complex systems and processes, while engineering management emphasizes leading technical teams and engineering operations
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
