Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE)

The Master of Engineering in industrial and systems engineering is a 30-credit, course-based graduate degree designed for working professionals and engineers seeking advanced technical and leadership skills. A thesis is not required.  Students interested in research or an applied project should consider a Master of Science.

Learning outcomes

Graduates apply systems engineering principles to solve complex industrial challenges through data-driven decision-making and integrated problem-solving. They optimize manufacturing, logistics and service systems, lead multidisciplinary teams, communicate technical solutions effectively and apply emerging technologies including automation, robotics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to improve operational performance and sustainability.

Class format

The program can be completed full time, part time or online Engineering Outreach. Working with a faculty adviser, students create a personalized plan of study aligned with their professional interests and career goals.

The M.Engr. in industrial and systems engineering draws on the College of Engineering's strengths in robotics, AI and cybersecurity. Students can expect rigorous coursework, applied projects and industry-connected learning, to develop the tools to tackle real automation challenges across production, manufacturing and service industries.

This degree requires 30 graduate credits, including five core courses, nine credits in an industrial or systems engineering specialization, a capstone project and three elective courses that allow students to tailor the program to their career goals.

Program faculty

Faculty expertise includes:  

• Engineering management  
• Systems engineering  
• Sustainable manufacturing  
• Smart manufacturing  
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning  
• Automation and robotics 

Find a faculty advisor 

Related clubs and organizations

The College of Engineering offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Learn about clubs related to your major:

• Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE) 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Connect with your program: Funding for Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) students is generally not available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships or fellowships. This degree is designed as a professionally oriented, coursework-based program rather than a research-funded graduate track. Students who are interested in conducting research and developing advanced research and analytical skills should consider the Master of Science (M.S.) option for this program, which may offer opportunities for funding through assistantships or fellowships depending on availability and departmental support.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

Recognized STEM program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes 

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Program contact:  

Ean Ng
Clinical Associate Professor
eann@uidaho.edu  
208-885-4098

Javier Calvo-Amodio
Associate Professor
javier@uidaho.edu
208-885-4099

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions:  
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu  
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find industrial and systems and engineering program faculty advisors

Program availability    

• Concentration: Non-thesis
• Semester intake: Spring and Fall  
• Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
• The program is not eligible for international students requiring F-1 visa status
• Deadlines: This program offers rolling admissions with the following recommended application deadlines:  
  • Fall applications: July 30  
  • Spring applications: November 1

For additional details, please visit the Graduate Admissions Deadlines webpage.

University requirements:  

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a related or similar field
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0
  • Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.
• Letters of recommendation: Three academic or professional references
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• English proficiency for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
• Accepted tests:  
  • TOEFL: 4.5
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Duolingo: 115
  • PTE-A: 58

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.