several students in computer lab

Engineering MS: Industrial and Systems Engineering
MS

Now is an ideal time to earn an MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering—and UWM is one of the best places to do it.

Whether you’re pursuing research, career advancement, higher pay or long-term job security, a graduate degree in industrial and systems engineering positions you for success in one of the most employable careers in the nation, according to a June 2024 UTS Online report.

As one of Wisconsin’s two R1 research universities, UWM sits in the heart of one of the country’s largest manufacturing and industrial regions. Here, you’ll benefit from deep collaborations with a vibrant network of industry partners who actively engage with our faculty, support our research and look to UWM talent as they adopt Industry 4.0 technologies and practices.

Our flexible program welcomes students from industrial engineering as well as related backgrounds—including applied mathematics, supply chain, applied computing, data science and other engineering disciplines—reflecting the broad reach and versatility of the field.

Plus, qualified UWM undergraduates can accelerate their path by beginning the master’s program during their senior year through the Accelerated Graduate Program.

At UWM, you’ll gain the advanced skills, industry exposure and research opportunities to lead in an increasingly connected, data-driven industrial world.

Program Type

Master’s

Program Format

On Campus

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Boost Your Career

An advanced degree in industrial and systems engineering can increase your salary, provide job security and open the door to new jobs and management positions.

Job prospects may be best for those with knowledge and experience in the most recent advances in the field.

At UWM, you’ll gain hands-on experience at our next-gen factory, a test bed where you can virtually simulate solutions to manufacturing challenges (applying AI to the manufacturing process, fluid flow management, and more) then physically execute them.

Next-gen lab on UWM's campus
Digital Manufacturing Test Bed Tour: CSI – A Model of Industry 4.0 Production

What to expect from an Industrial and Systems Engineering MS

In coursework, research labs, and in our next-gen factory, students acquire knowledge and skills in engineering statistical analysis, operations research in engineering management, scheduling, systems optimization, Lean Six Sigma, reliability engineering, realtime resource management, ergonomics, occupational biomechanics and more.

As you complete your studies, you will have the following options: 

Thesis option; non-thesis option

The thesis option is designed for people planning to pursue research. Students complete an original thesis research project, supervised by a faculty advisor. 

The non-thesis option is designed for working professionals. In lieu of a thesis, students take an additional seven hours of coursework.   

Teaching Assistantship / Research Assistantship

As a graduate student in Industrial and Systems Engineering, you can apply to work as a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant, which will help your education and build leadership skills. Typically, teaching assistantships are offered to students in the MS-Thesis track. Assistantship decisions are made by the academic departments only after an applicant has been accepted into the program.

More Information

Contact the College of Engineering & Applied Science Graduate Programs Office.

Leading-Edge Research Focus

You’ll have the opportunity work with faculty engaged in leading-edge research in areas such as:

  • Automation of manufacturing systems 
  • Data analytics 
  • Industrial ergonomics 
  • Lean manufacturing 
  • Logistics 
  • Material handling & distribution 
  • Occupational biomechanics  
  • Political redistricting 
  • Predictive analytics 
  • Process and systems optimization 
  • Real-time resource management 
  • Six Sigma 
  • Systems design modeling 

Research Labs

Advanced Manufacturing and Design Laboratory

The research conducted in this lab leads to better design of complex multi-physics systems ranging from CT scanners to EV batteries.

Connected Systems Institute/Next-gen factory

This institute includes an industry test bed and production line, a sandbox for students to learn about modern manufacturing and the sophisticated tools being used by leading industrial suppliers.

Industrial Assessment Center

This U.S. Department of Energy-supported lab helps manufacturers and utilities increase their productivity and competitiveness by reducing energy and water consumption, enhancing cybersecurity, and adopting smart manufacturing technology.

group of people touring a factory to assess industrial and systems engineering processes
Engineering Professor Ryo Amano (center), who directs the federally funded UWM Industrial Assessment Center, tours the Milwaukee plant of Husco International with his student evaluators.

As an R1 research institution, research is integral to our work at UWM and to the experience of students pursuing graduate degrees. Our college has a wide range of faculty-led labs that perform cutting edge research. Please see the Faculty tab to the right for the specific research interests and labs of each civil and environmental engineering faculty member. View a full list of our college’s research labs, centers and institutes.

Industrial Engineering Faculty

Abu-Zahra, Nidal
  • Professor, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Akundi, Satya Aditya
  • Assistant Professor, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Bilen-Green, Canan
  • Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, Academic Affairs
  • Professor, Industrial Engineering
Ghose, Rina
  • Professor, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
  • Geospatial Data Science Lab
Jang, Jaejin
  • Associate Professor, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
  • Department Chair, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Niu, Junjie
  • Richard and Joanne Grigg Professorship
  • Professor, Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
  • Affiliate Professor, School of Freshwater Sciences
Otieno, Wilkistar
  • Associate Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Co-Director (Co-PI), UWM Industrial Assessment Center
  • Director, NSF/S-STEM: Preparing Engineers Computer Scientists
Petering, Matthew
  • Associate Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Peters, Brett
  • Dean, Engineering & Applied Science Office of the Dean
Seifoddini, Hamid
  • Associate Professor, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Advising

Crary, Therese
  • Advisor, Graduate Programs
  • Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Health Informatics
Packard, Robert
  • Advisor, Graduate Programs
  • Civil/Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering
Academic Catalog
Schedule of Classes
Important Dates
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the U.S. Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Take a Virtual Tour of Industrial Engineering
Contact
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Contact Info: ceas-ime@uwm.edu

Street Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
3200 North Cramer Street
Milwaukee, WI 53211

Mailing Address
College of Engineering & Applied Science
P.O. Box 784
Milwaukee, WI 53201-0784