Industrial Engineering

Graduate Degrees Available: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering, Master of Science in Operations Analytics, and Doctor of Philosophy

Graduate Programs

Unlock Your Future with the Industrial Engineering Graduate Program

If you are interested in a master's degree or aiming for your doctoral degree, our customized programs are designed to fuel both your academic and professional journey.

The Industrial Engineering Graduate Program ranked in the top third of Best Graduate Schools in U.S. News & World report. Coming in at 32 out of 99 schools ranked.

For students pursuing in-person graduate studies in the field of industrial engineering we offer two options:

The Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Arkansas has a strong and diverse master's program that provides opportunities for study in specific areas in industrial and systems engineering, as well as general master’s study. Thesis, non-thesis and project tracks are available for all students. Master’s graduates can select a plan that leads to advanced study at the Ph.D. level, or one that prepares them to challenging positions in the public or private sectors. Prospective Master’s students should have a strong academic background that is commensurate with their desired field of study within the department.
The Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Arkansas has a reputation as one of the top Ph.D. programs. This reputation stems from the cutting-edge research conducted here and by the collaboration of a strong and experienced faculty with the top graduate students in the field. Doctoral students in industrial engineering experience rigorous academic study, requiring independent investigation that results in original scholarly work of the highest quality. Graduates are well prepared for positions in both academia and the private or public sector. Prospective Ph.D. students should have a strong academic background that is commensurate with their desired field of study within the department.

 

For students pursuing online or hybrid graduate studies in the field of industrial engineering we offer three options:

The Master of Science in Operations Management is a flexible and affordable graduate program designed for professionals who want to develop or update skills in managing business and government operations. Every industry and government organization needs operations management professionals to develop products and services. Learn to apply the Ten Operations Management Decisions to lead and manage day-to-day and long-term business and government operations.

The Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) integrates technical engineering skills with essential management principles, preparing you for leadership roles that require both expertise. An MSEM can open doors to higher-level positions in engineering management and gain crucial leadership knowledge and decision-making skills enabling you to manage teams and projects effectively.

The program reinforces your engineering knowledge while teaching you to apply the knowledge in a business context in courses like engineering emamagement strategic management and planning, financial management, and legal issues and ethics. Understanding how the business operates enables you to develop and deliver new products and services to create value for your customers.

A Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) degree is a good fit for students who have already earned a bachelor of science in engineering or computer science and would like to take graduate-level courses in a variety of engineering topics. We will not limit you to just one area of engineering. The M.S.E. program is fully customizable, allowing students to create a curriculum that meets their professional and educational goals.
The Master of Science in Operations Analytics program is an intensive program that will guide students through the theory and practice of the quantitative modeling of enterprise operations via descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics. Students will develop knowledge of the principles and practices of analytics modeling methods, such as optimization, statistical modeling, machine learning, simulation, and computing methods, as they apply to the strategic, operational, and tactical control of operations.

Why Choose this Program

  • Receive technical training with real-world preparations 
  • Extensive funding opportunities from both government and industry 
  • Faculty expertise in logistics, healthcare, energy, and security 
  • Course opportunities in multiple areas of operations research and analytics 
“The faculty members were dedicated to nurturing my research interests and guiding me through the process of conducting rigorous and impactful research,” he says. “They provided constructive feedback, challenged me to think critically, and encouraged me to explore new avenues of inquiry.”

- Ridvan Gedik | Senior Applied Scientist | Amazon Ads

Paying for College

We have a limited number of research assistantship (RA) and teaching assistantship (TA) positions. The TA positions are handled centrally by the department and the RA positions typically depend on individual faculty members’ ongoing research program and research funding. There is no separate application for the RA and TA positions.
All accepted students are considered for these positions. A committee of faculty members evaluates the applications considering many factors including GPA, GRE scores, English proficiency, research and teaching experience and interest, etc. Among the students accepted we make RA and TA offers based on committee recommendations.

Connect with Graduate Student Support Offices

Graduate Admissions and Recruitment

340 N. Campus Drive
Gearhart Hall 213

1-866-234-3957
gradinfo@uark.edu 

Graduate Fellowships and Program Support

340 N. Campus Drive
Gearhart Hall 273

479-575-5869
gradfunding@uark.edu 

Graduate Student Support

340 N. Campus Drive
Gearhart Hall 272

479-387-3841
gradsupport@uark.edu 

Additional Degree Information

Admissions Requirements

All Requirements and deadlines apply to PhD and MS programs except GRE

GRE

PhD: Valid Scores

MS: Not Required

GPA

3.0 GPA

English Requirements (for students who didn’t complete degree from a U.S. university whose first language is not English)

English proficiency exam taken within 2 years of application, for list of approved exams and required scores click here.

Other materials

Statement of Purpose, CV/Resume, Three letters of recommendation

Deadlines

Fall semester

  • Application Deadline to Receive Priority Consideration for Funding: December 1 of prior year.
  • Application Deadline to be Considered for Admission: August 1 of current year.

Spring semester

  • Application Deadline to Receive Priority Consideration for Funding: October 1 of prior year.
  • Application Deadline to be Considered for Admission: December 1 of prior year.
We evaluate complete applications until we run out of time at the end of each semester. Then we stop and defer remaining applications to the next semester.


Graduate Program Coordinator:
Dr. Ashlea Milburn, E-mail: ashlea@uark.edu 

Apply Here

Additional Application Help