Students must select either a thesis or non-thesis option upon enrolling in a program.

The Master of Science program in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research thesis option requires that students complete a total of 30 credits. Candidates for the M.S. degree take a core curriculum consisting of M&I-ENG 620, 657, 684; at least one of 651 or 697Q; at least one of 686 or 754. They must take a total of at least six core courses as approved by their advisor. A master’s thesis or a special project must be completed. Students may select theoretical or applied research projects related to either the industrial, financial, or public sector; projects in the public sector have been concerned with health care delivery, the environment, energy, transportation, and community service. Additionally, all students must register for M&I-ENG 794 every semester.

The requirements of the Coursework Only option are:

1) The student must successfully complete at least 30 graduate (500 level or above) credits. Thesis or project credits do not count towards this total.

2) At least 21 credits must be at the 600 level or above.

3) At least 18 credits must be Mechanical and Industrial Engineering courses.

4) A maximum of 6 credits can be for independent study.

5) The student must take the five named IEOR core courses required for the MS Thesis option (see above for a listing).

6) Credits that apply to any other degree program, with the exception of graduate certificate programs, cannot be applied to this degree.

Master's students who select the Coursework Only option will not usually be considered for assistantships or tuition waivers.