Accelerated Masters Degree Program in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research

4+1 year B.S. + M.S. Program in Industrial Engineering

The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering offers a five year program through which students can obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research within a five year time frame. The B.S. and M.S. degrees offered through this program are identical to the individual B.S. and M.S. degrees offered by the MIE Department. The combined five year program provides students with the opportunity to obtain these degrees in less time than would be required when pursuing them independently. In addition, the 4+1 program offers a fast track process for admission to the Graduate School by waiving the otherwise required GRE scores, letters of reference, and statement of purpose.

Structure of the 4+1 Program

To manage all the required courses for the B.S. and M.S. degree in five years, different provisions in the B.S. degree schedule are necessary. The main provisions are:

Two graduate level courses (500 or 600 level) may be taken during the first four years (typically the senior year), to be later transferred into the M.S. program. Note that these two courses can be counted towards the B.S. degree since university policy allows "double counting" of two courses (500 or 600 level) in this accelerated program. With this provision, eight courses need to be taken during the fifth year in the M.S. program.

Two independent study courses (MIE 696) may be taken during the summer between the fourth and fifth years, so only eight lecture-based courses need to be taken during the fifth year in the M.S. program.

Participants in the 4+1 program will be advised on an individual basis to ensure that their study plan meets the necessary requirements. It should be noted that, although desirable, it will not be mandatory to complete the M.S. program in only one year, as the students may choose to prolong their study beyond the fifth year.

Eligibility Requirements

The 4+1 year B.S + M.S. program is open to all undergraduate students at UMass Amherst who are enrolled as majors in Industrial Engineering with a minimum GPA of 3.5 based on at least 30 credits of engineering courses or other courses required for the engineering degree. For the GPA requirement, the cumulative GPA at the end of the third year, including all required 300 level MIE courses, is used.

All admissions to the 4+1 year B.S+M.S. program are conditional. Specifically, admission into the M.S. program through the fast track process is contingent upon the student completing their B.S. degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Application and Admission Process

There are two steps to enter the 4+1 program.

1 - During the spring semester of your junior year, fill out the MIE 4+1 Interest Form. Note that the interest form is not a formal application, and you will not receive a response to the form - it simply helps us track interest in the program. Students are encouraged to plan their course schedule for their senior year accordingly. Students who qualify for fast-track admission have the commitment of the MIE Department that they will be admitted to the M.S. program in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Engineering Management after completion of their B.S. degree as long as the minimum GPA requirement for the B.S. degree is met.

2 - During the Fall semester of senior year, formally apply to one of the three MIE MS program through the Graduate School. Choose the Coursework option. Students who meet the fast-track GPA requirements do not have to fill out the otherwise required GRE scores and letters of reference. In the statement of purpose section, please write that you are applying as a 4+1 candidate. If you also meet fast-track admission, please indicate this here as well. Once you apply through the Graduate School, email Kevin Romani (kromani@umass.edu) and inform him that you have applied as a 4+1 student. Fast-track eligible students will be admitted quickly, assuming you meet the GPA requirements. Note that if you miss the application deadline, you may be able to still apply. If this is the case, please contact Professor Lackner.

Contact Information

Matthew A. Lackner, Associate Professor

Director, Five Year B.S./M.S. Program
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Room 324, ELAB I
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Email: lackner@umass.edu