PhD in Industrial Engineering

Students pursuing the PhD in Industrial Engineering have the option of entering the program with a B.S. or MS degree. If entering with a B.S., students may earn their MS degree during the program or not at all. For additional information regarding our PhD programs and process, see PhD Degree Information.

Entering with approved MS/MA degree

  • IE 599 Thesis Research (min-max applied toward the degree)—32 hours
  • IE 590 Seminar (registration for 0 hours every term while in residence)—0 hours
  • Elective courses – chosen in consultation with advisor—32 hours
    (subject to Other Requirements and Conditions below)

  • Total Hours 64

Other Requirements and Conditions (may overlap)

  • Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall—16 hours
  • A maximum of 4 hours of IE 597 (or other approved independent study) may be applied toward the elective course work requirement. This course does not count toward the IE 500-level requirement.
  • 4 hours of the elective courses must be from a College of Engineering department, including ABE and CHBE.
  • A maximum of 4 CR-graded credit hours in non-IE courses may be applied toward the degree.

PhD exam and dissertation requirements

  • Qualifying exam: should be taken no later than the third semester for those entering with approved MS or MA degree.
  • Preliminary exam
  • Final exam or dissertation defense
  • Dissertation deposit

Minimum GPA: 3.0

Entering with approved BS/BA degree

IE 599 Thesis Research (min-max applied toward the degree) 40
IE 590 Seminar (registration for 0 hours every term while in residence) 0
Elective courses – chosen in consultation with advisor 56
(subject to Other Requirements and Conditions below)
Total Hours 96

Other Requirements and Conditions (may overlap):

  • Minimum 500-level Hours Required Overall—24 hours
  • A maximum of 4 hours of IE 597 (or other approved independent study) may be applied toward the elective course work requirement. This course does not count toward the 500-level requirement.
  • 4 hours of the elective courses must be from a College of Engineering department, including ABE and CHBE.
  • A maximum of 4 CR-graded credit hours in non-IE courses may be applied toward the degree.

PhD exam and dissertation requirements:

  • Qualifying exam: should be taken no later than the fifth semester for those entering with approved BS or B. degree.
  • Preliminary exam
  • Final exam or dissertation defense
  • Dissertation deposit

Minimum GPA: 3.0