industrial engineering phd in usa

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

DEGREE Industrial Engineering, PhD

Doctoral degree in industrial engineering

As a PhD student in our very highly ranked industrial engineering program, you’ll be able to specialize in one of four areas, each of which is designed enable you to be a leader in new and developing areas within industrial and systems engineering. You can choose advanced training in decision science/operations research, health systems, human factors and ergonomics, and manufacturing and production systems.

At a glance

Industrial and systems engineering department, learn more about what information you need to apply., how to apply.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Applicants from any discipline that provides foundations for research in Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) topics are encouraged to apply. For example, applicants may come from industrial, electrical, or mechanical engineering, or mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, or economics. Applicants are strongly advised to review the prerequisites for each area of specialization at the department website .

Each application is judged on the basis of previous academic record, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores for the general test, three letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Admission is very competitive and application deadlines are extremely important.

Reentry Applicants

Reentry applicants must notify an academic advisor and apply by the following application deadlines for the appropriate term.   Read more information about the   additional reentry information .

Although we accept summer applications we recommend applying for fall or spring as there are not many courses offered in the summer.

• Fall:   December 1
• Spring: September 1

Application Requirements

Application deadlines are strictly enforced and ALL application materials including transcripts, GRE and English proficiency test scores MUST be included and submitted by the application deadline.

*Note that our office does not provide feedback to applicants as to their potential for admission. Applicants should review both the Industrial and Systems Engineering (I SY E) department and Graduate School requirements for admission and if you feel you meet the necessary criteria for applying, please do so.

• Applicants must first meet all of the requirements of the Graduate School.  Click here for more information about these requirements .
• BS degree or equivalent

Application Steps

• Complete an  online application  through the Graduate School website .
• ​ An email will be sent to the recommender, asking that they submit their letter online using the Graduate School’s recommendation form. Applicants can log back into their online application to re-send the email request if the recommender loses the email. Letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically.
• In this document, applicants should explain why they want to pursue further education in Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) and discuss which UW faculty members they would be interested in doing research with during their graduate study. 
• ​Request scores from  ETS  to submit your GRE and/or TOEFL scores to the UW–Madison Graduate School (Institution Number 1846).
• If you have your scores sent to UW–Madison, they will be available online to all departments to which you have applied. The institution code, therefore, is the only number needed.
• For more information, visit the  Graduate School Requirements  page. Note that exam information must be valid at start date of the semester that you are applying for (nonexpired).
• ​ The Industrial Engineering graduate program requires the GRE exam be taken by prospective students as part of the application. Note that there are no specific scoring guidelines for the exam  as the GRE is only one part of consideration for admission into the program.
• Note that exam information must be valid at start date of the semester that you are applying for (nonexpired).
• Official transcripts of all undergraduate and previous graduate work are required. Unofficial copies of transcripts will be accepted for review, but  official  copies are required for admitted applicants.
• Do not send transcripts or any other application materials to the Graduate School or [email protected].
• Upload your resume in your application .
• ​ Submission must be accompanied by the one-time application fee. It is non-refundable and can be paid by credit card (MasterCard or VISA). By state law, this fee can only be waived or deferred through the conditions  outlined here by the Graduate School.

Do not send materials/documents to the Industrial and Systems Engineering (I SY E) Department or Graduate School until you are recommended for admissions. All documents should be uploaded with your application.

Check out the  Admissions FAQ  or contact us at  [email protected] .

Tuition and funding

Tuition and segregated fee rates are always listed per semester (not for Fall and Spring combined).

View tuition rates

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Financial Assistance

If you choose to attend UW–Madison and plan to pursue funding on your own, the following sites could be very helpful:

• Graduate School Funding Resources
• Graduate School Costs and Funding

Program Resources

All ISyE PhD students are provided funding and tuition remission, provided they are making satisfactory academic progress. This funding may be in the form of a teaching assistant, research assistant, or project assistant position, or as an external fellowship. The type position providing the funding support may change from semester to semester and is determined based on a combination of factors including the availability of research funds by the student’s faculty advisor and the need for teaching assistants in ISyE courses.

For information specific to graduate assistantships within the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, please consult the department’s  graduate program handbook . 

Additional Resources

Federal loans.

Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be eligible to receive some level of funding through the federal direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least 4 credits during the fall and spring semesters, and 2 credits during summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about UW-Madison financial aid here.

International Student Services Funding and Scholarships

For information on international student funding and scholarships, visit the ISS website.

The UW-Madison Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering is a national leader in research funding. At the cutting-edge of industrial engineering and systems research, the department offers state-of-the-art facilities for faculty, staff and students to work in. Our faculty are leaders in their fields, respected nationally and internationally for their research.

View our research

Curricular Requirements

Minimum graduate school requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum  academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Required Courses

Students choose one of the following research areas . Work with your faculty advisors to answer any questions and to form a plan of study.

Operations Research, Optimization, and Analytics 1

These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

Health Systems Engineering 1

Topics vary for this course. Obtain advance approval from your faculty advisor.

Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial AI 1

Human factors and ergonomics 1, human factors and ergonomics course requirement.

Various courses in the categories of Research Methods, Statistics, Qualitative Research, Biomechanics Methods, and Psychology count as “Tools and Methods.” The Human Factors and Ergonomics faculty group updates the list of “Tools and Methods” courses, and advisors decide which set of courses are appropriate for each student.  Work with your faculty advisor regarding non-I SY E course work.

Prior to defending their dissertation, Human Factors and Ergonomics PhD students must complete at least six seminar/special topics courses numbered 700 or above totaling a minimum of 12 credits; at least 6 credits of these must be in the Human Factors and Ergonomics area. Seminar credits outside the Human Factors and Ergonomics area may be used to satisfy the Industrial Engineering Breadth requirement. Other courses may qualify. Students may submit courses to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Area group for consideration. Transfer students should submit a course syllabus or description and transcript for any courses from other institutions that they would like to have considered for satisfaction of this requirement. The Human Factors and Ergonomics Area group will make this decision.

Additional Requirements for all Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) PhD Students

• PhD students must complete the Breadth requirement for their degree program by completing a cohesive group of courses outside the Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) major in order to add breadth to their program.
• Teaching Assistant: Recognizing the importance of instructional training to our PhD students, each student in the PhD program is required to serve as a teaching assistant for at least one semester during their program. Requests for a partial or full waiver of this requirement should be submitted in writing to the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies and will be reviewed by the Academic Affairs Cluster. 
• Colloquium/Lecture Series: For at least two semesters, students must regularly attend a colloquium series. The appropriate colloquium series must be approved by the student’s faculty advisor. It is not required to meet this requirement by registering for a course (indeed some colloquium series have no associate course). Instead, attendance at the approved colloquium series must be confirmed by the student’s faculty advisor when the student submits their PhD Plan of Study prior to their preliminary examination. Example of colloquium series that can be used to meet this requirement include the Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) Colloquia and the Systems, Information, Learning and Optimization (SILO) seminars.
• For additional information, contact [email protected] .

Graduate Student Services [email protected] Room 3182 Mechanical Engineering Building 1513 University Avenue Madison, WI 53706

Doug Wiegmann, Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs [email protected]

Industrial and systems engineering news

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PhD Studies - Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering - Purdue University

Doctoral (PhD) Program Overview

Purdue's Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering continues to offer one of the nation's preeminent PhD programs, providing  research areas  in human factors, manufacturing, operations research, and production systems.  Our focus is to expand IE's role in addressing 21st century challenges, expanding industrial frontiers, and designing and building the enterprise of the future.

Our PhD students work closely with an energetic and well-qualified faculty, most of whom have already achieved recognition as leaders in their specialization areas. The School was home to one of the first National Science Foundation (NSF) Engineering Research Centers and Department of Defense (DOD) University Research Initiatives, and now – with the help of our PhD students - is performing cutting edge and impactful research in the above areas.

PhD students are encouraged to participate in multidisciplinary studies and multi-cultural educational efforts in one or more of our diverse topical areas, including:

• Aviation Human Factors
• Digital Human Modeling
• Distributed Control
• Energy Systems
• E-work, E-business, E-service Systems 
• Financial Engineering
• Global Systems
• Group Work and Communications
• Health Care Engineering
• Human-Robot Interaction
• Intelligent Systems
• Information Visualization
• Machining Processes
• Materials Processing
• Nano-Manufacturing
• Nonlinear Optimization
• Safety Engineering
• Service Engineering
• Simulation Optimization

Program Highlights

• Typical Completion: Students take a combination of advanced technical courses, focusing their study on areas of interest, earning a Doctorate in 4-6 years. 
• Career Catalyzation: Most graduates enter careers in diverse fields, often on advanced leadership tracks. 

Why Choose a Doctorate Degree in Industrial Engineering?

• Increased Employment Opportunities : According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for industrial engineers will increase about 8% between now and 2028. 
• Increased Earning Potential .  Our alumni self-report that Purdue Industrial Engineering PhD  graduates earn 15% or more than their peers with a Master's degree.

Why Choose Purdue?

• Field Defining Innovation & Research:  The School of Industrial Engineering has been defining the field and educating future leaders in industrial engineering for 65 years. The graduate program is ranked in the top 10 and the IE on-line degree program is ranked #1 in the nation. Our researchers perform field-defining research that is regarded worldwide for its impact and quality.
• Excellence at Scale : As one of the top 10 engineering graduate programs in the nation, Purdue's College of Engineering is one of the largest and strongest programs in the nation with 13 different schools and departments.
• Affordable Tuition : Tuition for our program is considerably cost effective compared to other programs.
• Low Cost of Living : The cost of living in the Greater Lafayette-West Lafayette area is one of the lowest in the nation, with housing rent ranging from 23% to 179% less expensive than competing university cities (numbeo.com). 

Admission Requirements & Deadlines

How to apply.

We invite highly motivated individuals to join our program. Prospective PhD students are encouraged to consult with faculty members with whom their interests align prior to applying for admission. You can learn about our  research areas and the faculty doing work in them here , and can directly peruse faculty profiles via our  IE Faculty Directory .

• Create an account  to start a new application.
• Choose up to 2 campuses and/or graduate majors in priority order.  
• Pay the  Nonrefundable Application Fee .

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PhD in Industrial Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial Engineering is awarded to students who demonstrate high academic achievement and research competence in the field of industrial engineering. To earn a PhD, a student must complete approved and advanced course work and submit and defend an original dissertation of independent research. The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering expects all successful doctoral candidates to show depth of knowledge and research innovation in their chosen field of specialization.

The MIE department admits applicants to the PhD program either directly after earning a suitable bachelor’s degree (i.e., bachelor’s entry) or after earning a master’s degree (i.e., advanced entry).

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• Degree Requirements - Advanced Entry
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Innovative Curriculum

This advanced degree combines research with industry leaders and real world experience to prepare for a career in research, academic or business professions.

• An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering/scientific/quantitative problems
• An ability to explain and apply engineering design principles, as appropriate to the program’s educational objectives
• An ability to produce solutions that meet specified end-user needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
• An ability to recognize and advance industrial engineering tools/principles needed for in many areas, including healthcare systems, supply chains, logistics and transportation engineering, manufacturing, sustainability, resilient systems, energy systems, and human-in-the loop systems
• Located in downtown Boston, which facilitates tremendous collaborations with other nearby academic institutions, hospital facilities, and tech firms.
• Conduct research alongside faculty in labs, research centers, and research institutes. Many faculty hold young investigator awards, other national recognitions, and are elected fellows of professional societies for contributions to the engineering profession.
• The department has 12 collaborative research themes, including robotics, energy systems, sustainability & environmental protection, resilient & sustainable service systems, mechanics, human-technology integration and systems, materials for the future, intelligent manufacturing, networks and complex systems, and more.
• Can be combined with a Gordon Engineering Leadership certificate.
• Learn more.
• Scholarship Report
• Burcu Ozek, PhD'24
• Razan Al Lawati, PhD'23
• MD Mahmudul Hasan, PhD'22

Experiential Learning

Northeastern combines rigorous academics with experiential learning and research to prepare students for real world engineering challenges. The Cooperative Education Program , also known as a “co-op,” is one of the largest and most innovative in the world, and Northeastern is one of only a few that offers a Co-op Program for Graduate Students. Through this program students gain industry experience in a wide variety of organizations, from large companies to entrepreneurial start-ups, while helping to finance their education. Students can also participate in an internship or the university’s Experiential PhD program.

Academic Advising

The Academic Advisors in the Graduate Student Services office can help answer many of your questions and assist with various concerns regarding your program and student record. Use the link below to also determine which questions can be answered by your Faculty Program Advisors and OGS Advisors.

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Admissions & Aid

Ready to take the next step? Review degree requirements to see courses needed to complete this degree. Then, explore ways to fund your education. Finally, review admissions information to see our deadlines and gather the materials you need to Apply.

• TUITION & FINANCIAL AID

Student Experiences

PhD Spotlight: Burcu Ozek, PhD’24, Industrial Engineering

Burcu Ozek, PhD’24, industrial engineering, focused research on developing objective pain assessment methods through machine learning, aiming to accurately quantify uncertainty and preexisting pain conditions. She co-authored six peer-reviewed journal articles, with four as lead author.

PhD LEADERs Program Helps Alum Secure Multiple Job Offers and Shape Career Path

Burcu Özek, PhD’24, industrial engineering, credits Northeastern’s LEADERs program with helping her effectively communicate the value of her machine learning research in healthcare, leading to multiple job offers and ultimately guiding her career path.

2024 Lux. Veritas. Virtus. Inductees

23 engineering graduate students were inducted into the newly established Lux. Veritas. Virtus. society, a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional graduate students who exemplify the university’s mission, ideals, and values.

COE Research Expo Displays Promising Work of PhD Students

The College of Engineering held a research expo to highlight the work of PhD students. Participants presented their research to a panel of judges and gained critical presentation and communication skills. They also displayed their research during the poster showcase and students were recognized with awards.

H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering

College of engineering, ph.d. in industrial engineering.

The Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering degree provides rigorous coverage of core industrial engineering and operations research methodology, with application to challenges within critical systems such as supply chains, healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and energy. The degree is offered in one general track and four different specializations:

• Supply Chain Engineering Curriculum  
• Statistics Curriculum  
• Economic Decision Analysis Curriculum  
• Systems Informatics and Control Curriculum  
• General Industrial Engineering Curriculum

This degree recognizes students with demonstrated proficiency and high achievement in research within the disciplines represented in the School faculty. Students earning the Ph.D. in IE focus on critical challenges in key systems, including supply chains, healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and energy. After adequate preparation, the successful Ph.D. candidate must complete an authoritative investigation of a special area in their chosen field, culminating in a written dissertation describing the unique contributions created by that investigation.

New Ph.D. students are admitted for each Fall semester only, and the admissions process is coordinated by the Associate Chair for Graduate Studies. Decisions on applicants to our various Ph.D. programs are determined jointly by a committee of faculty members, potential faculty research advisors, and the Associate Chair. All applicants must select and apply to a specific degree program, although it is possible in some cases to switch programs after enrollment.

A prior Master's degree is not a requirement for admission into our Ph.D. programs, and students can earn an M.S. degree typically within the first two years of Ph.D. study. For those unsure about applying to a Master's program versus a Ph.D. program, please note that students in our Master's programs are not guaranteed admission into a Ph.D. program here; we do offer a simplified application scheme. If you are interested in research and a Ph.D. degree, you should apply to a Ph.D. program directly.

Application Requirements

• Transcripts : Transcripts of prior academic work are required, as is evidence of an earned Bachelor's degree. Applicant transcripts should demonstrate strong academic preparation and capability, especially in advanced mathematics and computing coursework. Those with less preparation in mathematics and engineering are expected to use coursework at Georgia Tech to quickly establish proficiency. 
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) : Scores from the general test are required, and strong performance on the quantitative section is expected. Scores from the Mathematics Subject Test are not required, but can help a student demonstrate proficiency in advanced mathematics.  **The GRE is optional for PhD applicants. The absence of scores will not affect the consideration of your application.**   However, if you decide not to submit GRE scores, the rest of your academic record should make up for the lack of the test score. If you have GRE test scores and wish to submit them for Fall 2023, they will be accepted and considered.  
• Statement of Purpose : The written statement of purpose should describe clearly why the applicant wishes to pursue the Ph.D., including research and career goals. While the statement should describe past experiences, it should also identify clearly the research area of interest to the applicant and the members of our faculty that might serve as research advisor(s).
• Resume: A resume outlining academic experience, research experience and accomplishments, industry experience, specific skills, and outside interests of the applicant is required.
• Letters of Reference:   Three (3) credible letters of reference are required that attest to the preparation of the applicant and the likelihood for success in a Ph.D. program. At least two (2) letters should be from faculty members.  

Each year, we receive many more applications from qualified students than we have the capacity to admit into our programs. To help admitted students learn more about our programs and meet potential research advisors, we hold an invitation-only Ph.D. Applicant Visit Day annually in early March.  

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ISyE produces well-rounded graduates who go on to make an extraordinary mark on the world through their leadership in engineering and technology. With broad skill sets and innovative minds molded by the number one school of industrial engineering in the country, our graduates are out changing the world and paving the way for future generations..

A sample of companies our Ph.D. graduates launched their careers with

• BHP Billiton
• Norfolk Southern
• Descartes Associates
• GE Global Research
• JP Morgan Chase
• Suntrust Bank
• Delta Technologies
• Capital One
• United Airlines

A sample of academic institutions our Ph.D. graduates launched their careers with

• MIT (Sloan/ORC)
• Carnegie Mellon (Business, Statistics)
• Purdue (Industrial Engineering)
• Harvard (Statistics)
• Iowa (Business)
• Arkansas (Industrial Engineering)
• Texas-Austin (Operations Research)
• Northwestern (IEMS, Business)
• Lehigh (Industrial Engineering)
• Florida (Industrial Engineering)
• North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Operations Research, Business)
• Middle East Technical University [Turkey] (Industrial Engineering)
• Duke (Business)
• Chicago (Business)
• Minnesota (Industrial Engineering)
• University of Chile (Industrial Engineering)
• Texas A&M (Industrial Engineering)
• Virginia Tech (Industrial Engineering)

Future Student Resources

New student checklist, graduate orientation resources, graduate handbook, financial aid.

Yes, the IELTS exam is accepted. See here for score requirements:  https://www.grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency  

Transfer credit is accepted only in rare cases, and must be approved by the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies, ISyE. The review and approval process typically takes place during a student’s first semester in the program. A maximum of six total credit hours are transferrable. 

You may begin your application here: http://www.grad.gatech.edu/apply-now

Applicants should track their status through the CollegeNet online status check found here: https://www.grad.gatech.edu/status-checking

All ISyE Ph.D. students receive some type of funding and this is typically via a graduate assistantship (GRA or GTA). Sometimes students are supported by external fellowships. Please see here for more information on support: https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/doctoral/current-students/financial-support  

It is common for Ph.D. students to earn a Master’s degree as they progress through their Ph.D. program of study. That is, appropriate courses taken as part of their Ph.D. program are often applied to satisfy relevant degree requirements for a single Master’s degree. The review and approval process must go through the Associate chair for Graduate Studies.  Ph.D. students will not however be granted multiple Master’s degrees from ISyE. 

No. All Ph.D. students studying in ISyE receive financial support in the form of a graduate assistantship. There is no separate application required.  https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/doctoral/prospective-students/financial-support

Yes. ISyE Ph.D. students must be enrolled in the Atlanta campus.

Exceptions are given to applicants from countries where English is the SOLE OFFICIAL language of instruction. An applicant is also exempt if they have studied for at least one academic year at a U.S. college or university. Please visit https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency for further information on the English Proficiency requirements for international students.

Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Purpose describing his or her motivation for pursuing the Ph.D. in ISyE, including a description of current research interests. Additionally, all applicants are required to submit transcripts of prior academic coursework, official GRE exam scores, and three recommendation letters.  

Please review the Georgia Tech English Proficiency Requirements here: https://grad.gatech.edu/english-proficiency .

The best preparation for a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering or Operations Research at Georgia Tech is a technical program in mathematics, industrial engineering, operations research, statistics, or computer science. Students are expected to have strong understanding of calculus, applied probability, statistics, linear algebra, and computing. Also desirable are proof-based mathematics courses.  

Please see our admissions page here for additional information:  https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/doctoral/phd-industrial-engineering/admissions

The application deadline for our Ph.D. program is December 15. We offer fall admission only and classes begin in August.

Copies of your transcripts should be uploaded with your online application. If you are admitted to the program and decide to enroll, you will be required to have official transcripts sent to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Studies Georgia Institute of Technology 631 Cherry St., Room 318 Atlanta, GA 30332-0321

Our goal is to have all Ph.D. applications reviewed and official admissions decisions out by the end of February. 

Please refer to our ISyE Graduate Handbook .

Please visit our website for information related to: Admissions, Curriculum, Specializations, Financial Support, Research Faculty, Placement, etc.  https://www.isye.gatech.edu/academics/doctoral/industrial-engineering

Academic recommendations are strongly preferred. We require a total of three and they should be very strong. 

Academic recommendation letters are strongly preferred.  We ask for three letters of recommendations and they should be very strong.    

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• Northwestern Engineering

PhD in Industrial Engineering

Leading innovation in optimization, statistical learning, and stochastic models for better decision-making.

The Department of Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences (IEMS) at Northwestern University pioneers data science for better decision-making through algorithms, computation, and mathematical modeling. To achieve this, we couple an engineering systems approach with optimization, simulation, and statistical machine learning to discover impactful solutions to societal challenges.

Our PhD program is designed for analytically talented students interested in developing tools to create societal change through solving problems in business, manufacturing, healthcare, public policy and the service sector.

Request Info Learn How to Apply

Why Northwestern?

Work with renowned faculty in a uniquely collaborative environment

Consistently ranked in the top 5 programs in the nation

according to US News and World Report.

World-renowned faculty

Many have been honored by leading professional societies, including INFORMS, IIE, and ASA, and sit on editorial boards of flagship journals in their fields.

Meet our faculty >

other departments with which we actively collaborate

across five Northwestern schools, including the Kellogg School of Management and the Feinberg School of Medicine

Research Specializations

Our PhD Program aims to produce researchers who combine strength in core operations research methodologies (e.g., optimization, stochastic modeling and simulation, statistics, and decision analysis) with the ability to apply them to yield 
practical benefits in solving real-world problems.

Our areas of research specialization include:

Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems

Energy and sustainability.

Explore our research

Opportunities for PhD Students

Receive the training and make the connections you need for success

Collaborate with researchers across Northwestern

Our department collaborates closely with research centers across Northwestern. These multidisciplinary centers serve as focal points for research, teaching, and outreach.

• Center for Deep Learning
• Center for Optimization and Statistical Learning
• Center for Engineering and Health
• Center For Engineering Sustainability and Resilience
• Center for Science of Science and Innovation
• Ryan Institute on Complexity
• Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems
• Northwestern University Transportation Center

Work on research funded by the government and industry

Our research is supported by grants from the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the National Security Agency, the National Institutes of Health, the Office of Naval Research, and many industrial corporate sponsors.

Current projects cover a spectrum of theory, computation, and applications, often integrating these aspects within individual studies.

Network with classmates from diverse academic backgrounds

Although many of our PhD students have a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, the majority do not. The program attracts students with backgrounds in applied mathematics, computer science, economics, finance, mathematics, physics, statistics, and most engineering disciplines, ranging from automation and control to systems engineering.

A thriving community for research opportunities

Our location close to Chicago provides PhD students with a multitude of research and internship opportunities, including in the transportation, healthcare, and financial industries, to name a few.

The basics at-a-glance

Through our innovative curriculum, we educate future leaders and foster a strong community among faculty, staff, students, and alumni.

Students typically complete the program in 4-5 years.

Fifteen one-credit courses must be taken for a letter grade, including eight core courses in industrial engineering and management sciences that provide fundamental knowledge.

Majors and Minors

In addition to core coursework, PhD students also complete one three-course major and one two-course minor chosen from the following areas: analytics (minor only), applied statistics and statistical learning, financial engineering, healthcare engineering, logistics and operations, management science, optimization, and stochastic analysis and simulation.

Interdisciplinary Learning

Students may also opt to take some courses offered by another Northwestern school in areas such as mathematics, economics, finance, marketing, or social sciences. Some students then write a thesis jointly advised by an IEMS faculty member and a faculty member from another department.

All Northwestern PhD students serve in an instructional capacity for at least one academic quarter. Our PhD students usually fulfill this requirement by serving as teaching assistants in IEMS courses.

Dissertation

The degree is awarded following an oral final examination and submission of the completed dissertation.

View Curriculum Details

Yian Yin PhD ’22

What students are saying.

“The curriculum and mentorship in the program helped me develop a strong analytical mindset, enabling me to abstract and solve real-world problems using advanced mathematical frameworks — something I consider one of my unique strengths as a computational social scientist.”

Learn more about Yian Yin

Career Paths

Where do we go from here?

Our PhD graduates go on to academic positions in engineering, business, and applied mathematics at top schools or into a variety of corporate research and development positions at well-known companies.

In addition, our students also benefit from professional development opportunities including seminars, internships, and travel grants to conferences and workshops. Students also have access to extensive career placement resources via both Northwestern Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement .

Where our alumni work in academia

Where our alumni work in industry

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PhD Program

Fellowships for year one, guaranteed funding until completion..

Ranked Industrial Engineering Graduate Program by the U.S. News & World Report (2025)

Ranked U.S. Public University QS World University Rankings (2019-2023)

University of Michigan Industrial and Operations Engineering (U-M IOE) PhD students have fellowships for year one, guaranteed funding until completion and can access more than a dozen graduate student certificate programs across campus.

Our PhD students have extensive interdisciplinary opportunities available on campus. Take classes and work with faculty from different engineering departments, Michigan Medicine, and U-M schools and colleges such as the Stephen M. Ross School of Business and the School of Public Health.

PHD STUDENT NEWS

Celebrating the IOE graduate class of 2024

University of Michigan IOE PhD Student Yifan Li honored with teaching awards

IOE PhD student Jianhao Ma awarded a Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship

Students celebrated at U-M IOE Graduation Reception

Jacqueline Hannan awarded an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to further neonatal ventilation research

U-M IOE hosts its second annual Graduate School Workshop

FIND OUT MORE

PhD Program

Ranked no. 3 in the nation.

The application period for Fall 2025 admissions to the IEOR MS and PhD programs is now open.

Deadline To Apply: Monday, December 16, 2024, 8:59 p.m. PST

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Program Overview

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Our PhD program will prepare you with the latest theory, computational tools, and research methods for a career of discovery in academia or industry. You will learn to innovate in a wide range of domains, such as artificial intelligence, high-tech, healthcare, energy, finance, consulting, data science, management, robotics, logistics, and human factors.

Meet our PhD Ambassadors

Our PhD Ambassadors are a dedicated group of current students who are passionate about sharing their experiences and insights with prospective students. As ambassadors, they attend admissions events, offer firsthand perspectives on life as a PhD student at Berkeley, and are available to answer your questions about the program. Whether you're curious about the application process, research opportunities, or campus life, our ambassadors are here to help you learn more and make an informed decision about joining our vibrant academic community.

Alberto Gennaro, 4th-year PhD Student Email: alberto [dot] gennaro [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Alberto Gennaro

Alberto Gennaro is a 4th-year Ph.D. student in the IEOR department at UC Berkeley, working with Professor Mastrolia on Stochastic Optimal Control under time uncertainty. Originally from Torino (Italy), he completed his undergraduate and master's degrees in Mathematical Engineering at Politecnico di Torino, focusing on Stochastic Optimization and decision rules, and he has an M.Sc in Applied Math and Statistics from Collegio Carlo Alberto, where he pursued advanced studies in quantitative finance.

He is the treasurer of the Italian Society at Berkeley and is passionate about sports (football, tennis, and golf). With a strong interest in the hedge fund industry, he also aspires to continue teaching. His favorite IEOR class is IEOR 262B.

Grace He, 2nd-year PhD Student Email: grace [underscore] he [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Grace is a second-year PhD student from New Jersey in the IEOR department working with Professor Xin Guo. She obtained her Bachelor of Science from Columbia University with a major in IEOR and a minor in CS. During that time, she interned with the SEC, JHU Applied Physics Laboratory, and Bank of America where she gained experience in networks, software engineering, and quantitative risk. Here at UC Berkeley, Grace is interested in stochastic games with applications in finance. Outside of school, she enjoys dancing, weightlifting, and trying new restaurants in the area.

Ricky Huang

Ricky Huang 2nd-year PhD Student Email: yxhuang [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Hi, I'm Ricky =]. I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a major in mathematical sciences. My research interests are stochastic processes and robust optimization. At Berkeley, my hobbies are archery, badminton, and tennis. In the IEOR department, my favorite course is INDENG 263A Applied Stochastic Process I taught by Prof. Rhonda. Upon completing my PhD, I aspire to leverage my expertise in the art of decision-making analytics at industry frontiers.

Jelo Francisco

Jelo Francisco MS IEOR '25 Email: jelo [dot] francisco [dot] gb [at] berkeley [dot] edu

Jelo is currently pursuing his MS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research with a concentration in Financial Engineering. Born and raised in the Philippines, he obtained his undergraduate degree in IEOR from UC Berkeley in 2024, graduating with highest honors and receiving the department's Undergraduate Faculty Award. During his undergraduate studies, he interned at Citadel and CommScope in operations and project management roles, focusing on improving process efficiency through automations and data-driven analyses. He hopes to continue building intuitive tools to make processes better, faster, and cheaper.

As a master's student, Jelo is serving as a graduate student instructor for a probability class. He is also involved in OR-oriented projects, including redesigning student-project matching approaches at the Fung Institute. In his free time, he likes playing the ukulele and pretending to sing.

Letter to Prospective Students - Alberto Gennaro

"When I was considering graduate school four years ago, I visited many U.S. campuses, but UC Berkeley stood out like no other. From the diverse architectural styles to the vibrant energy of the people you meet, every day feels inspiring, even when you’re just taking a stroll around campus. And for a tech enthusiast like me, the entire Engineering school serves as a constant reminder of the incredible advancements we've made in technology and innovation — and how much more we can achieve in the future. Of course, one of the main reasons many choose a graduate program is the strength of its faculty and the depth of the learning experience it offers. At Berkeley IEOR, both are truly unparalleled. One of the highlights of my time here has been taking 262A with Professor Ilan Adler. His engaging lectures, particularly his stories about George B. Dantzig (who I would define as the man behind my major and, of course, a UC Berkeley professor), made a lasting impression. Professor Adler also uses diverse examples to illustrate his teachings, and his tennis examples made this course a personal favorite. It’s rare to find professors who blend the depth of technical material with such captivating narratives, but that’s the kind of faculty we have here at Berkeley IEOR."

Read Alberto's Full Letter:

Hi Everyone,

My name is Alberto Gennaro, and I am a fourth-year PhD student in the IEOR Department at UC Berkeley. I wanted to share with you why I love being part of this incredible community and why I think it’s an excellent place to pursue your studies. I hope you’ll take a moment to read this, and please feel free to reach out — I’d love to connect and answer any questions you might have!

When I was considering graduate school four years ago, I visited many U.S. campuses, but UC Berkeley stood out like no other. From the diverse architectural styles to the vibrant energy of the people you meet, every day feels inspiring, even when you’re just taking a stroll around campus. And for a tech enthusiast like me, the entire Engineering school serves as a constant reminder of the incredible advancements we've made in technology and innovation — and how much more we can achieve in the future.

Of course, one of the main reasons many choose a graduate program is the strength of its faculty and the depth of the learning experience it offers. At Berkeley IEOR, both are truly unparalleled. One of the highlights of my time here has been taking 262A with Professor Ilan Adler. His engaging lectures, particularly his stories about George B. Dantzig (who I would define as the man behind my major and, of course, a UC Berkeley professor), made a lasting impression. Professor Adler also uses diverse examples to illustrate his teachings, and his tennis examples made this course a personal favorite. It’s rare to find professors who blend the depth of technical material with such captivating narratives, but that’s the kind of faculty we have here at Berkeley IEOR.

What stands out most to me is the overall excellence of the department, including both fellow grad students and professors. Since I was very young, I’ve always believed that we thrive when we’re in the right environment, and that’s exactly why I think the IEOR PhD program is the best in the country. We have incredibly talented and motivated grad students, from whom you can learn a lot, and an outstanding, supportive faculty who are passionate about both research and teaching. They care not only about your development as a researcher but also as a person. Plus, the staff are always ready to help with anything, from bureaucratic issues to academic challenges we face throughout the year. In such an environment, you’re in the best possible position to fully realize your potential — to become that ‘best version of yourself’ we all aim for in our New Year’s resolutions!

The flexibility of the program is another major factor that contributed to my choice of the IEOR Department here at Cal. I define myself as an engineer, but I also love quantitative finance and optimization, and I was able to tailor my courses, minors, and research in ways that are rarely possible anywhere else in the world.

Finally, when you decide to start a PhD journey, it’s important to realize that it is, in most cases, a medium- to long-term commitment — it’s a life choice. In this regard, Berkeley, with its proximity to San Francisco and the Bay Area, offers a huge advantage over nearly every other school in the world. You are just a BART ride away from one of the most exciting, fun, and interesting cities in the world, where the great minds of our generation are working to make the world a better place. To me, this sounds like a dream!

I look forward to seeing you start your own dream here and contribute to this great department. In the meantime, I wish you the best of luck with the entire application process.

Best regards, Alberto Gennaro

PhD Info Session

Join Innovative Researchers

As a PhD student in IEOR at Berkeley, you work with faculty that are leading experts in their field and become part of a determined cohort of researchers shaping a sustainable, safe, and inclusive future for our world.

Become Leading Academics

With a PhD in IEOR from Berkeley, you are well poised for successful careers in academia, serving as researchers and professors in various technical departments at some of the finest universities across the world.

Explore Exciting Careers

As a Berkeley IEOR PhD student, you gain theoretical and computational expertise to become an ideal candidate for innovative firms in domains like finance, healthcare, energy, services, and many more.

Contact us if you have any questions or concerns:

IEOR Graduate Admissions [email protected]

Doctoral Program in Industrial & Systems Engineering

PhD Application Deadline DECEMBER 15 View Application Steps

How to Apply

Funding & resources, usc graduate application, dissertation topics, phd alumni snapshot, research topics database.

Nathan Decker

Anthony Nguyen

Christopher Henson

Industrial & systems engineering doctoral students citizenship, industrial & systems engineering doctoral students age, tour one of our research labs, recent department videos.

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Nathan Decker PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I've received a lot of great advice over the years, (including from my faculty advisor here at USC), but my favorite advice comes from my grandfather, who passed away last year at the age of 100.  He would often remind me to cultivate a heart of gratitude by not taking for granted the small things that God blesses us with each day.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?

During the height of the pandemic, I decided to splurge - and prioritize self-care - by getting a set of adjustable-weight dumbbells, since I couldn't go to the gym.  It took 3 months for them to arrive, but when they finally did, it upped my home-workout game immensely!  I'm also way less likely to skip a workout, since there's no excuse now.

Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.

My research focuses on the application of artificial intelligence to 3D printing.  I try to make printers smarter by enabling them to learn from their past mistakes and leverage diverse sources of sensor data, resulting in parts that are more accurate.  This is important for applications where the part must be functional, which are increasing in frequency as 3D printing becomes more utilized.  I love my research, since it forces me to work across a number of fields and learn a little bit about everything to solve problems.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

Before I realized that I have a passion for engineering, I was a Philosophy major for a year during my undergraduate studies, and really enjoyed the experience.  Had I not come to that realization, I might have tried to pursue a career as a Philosophy professor.

What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?

My love for USC began from a young age!  Sadly, from 1995 (the year I was born) to 2015, Los Angeles lacked an NFL team, meaning that if you wanted to cheer for a football team, USC and UCLA were the only game in town.  Thankfully, my dad chose correctly, and decided that our family would root for USC.  He took me to watch open football practices on campus growing up, where you could meet players and coaches, as well as a good number of games in the Coliseum.  When it came time to decide where I would go to grad school, I could say that it was USC's outstanding reputation, the fantastic resources that my department offers, the amazing Trojan family, or the great fit with my advisor and lab that sealed the deal, but deep down, I think it was the memories with my father that convinced me I couldn't be anywhere else.

If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?

What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?

What's one thing about you that might surprise me?

What are your plans after graduation?

In my career, I hope to continue working on challenging problems and learning from brilliant people, wherever that may be.

Hometown (city, country):

La Mirada, CA

Personal Website (if any):

www.nathanidecker.com

Faculty Advisor:

Prof. Qiang Huang

Anthony Nguyen PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

You can't optimize life. Don't be afraid to pivot and embrace opportunities that present themselves.

Completing my Eagle Scout when I was growing up. This accomplishment helped shape my mindset and gave me the courage and confidence to be ambitious with my goals.

I recently purchased my first set of golf clubs and a new pair of rock climbing shoes. I love spending my free time participating in sports activities.

My research is focused on decision making in healthcare settings. This includes clinical, operational, and policy level decisions. Most of my recent work has been on building infectious disease models for HIV and COVID-19 that incorporate human behavior to help local policymakers make more informed decisions for LA County. What excites me most about this research is the cross disciplinary and collaborative nature of the work as well as the fact that it is directly applicable to the local community.

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

If I was not an engineer, I would likely be a physician specialized in either surgery or emergency medicine. I have always been interested in improving patient care and patient quality of life. Engineering allows me to do this at a systemic level. Being a physician enables attaining this goal at a patient level. 

My main reasons for selecting USC were: (1) I had an instant connection with my faculty advisors (2) Being located in Southern California, I knew I would enjoy the environment and lifestyle beyond time spent doing research, and (3) Knowing that USC excels in a wide range of fields, I knew I would be able to engage in interesting cross-disciplinary research. 

(1) Korea Town, Little Tokyo, and other food hubs in LA, (2) San Diego (3) San Francisco.

Department happy hours! It's always great enjoying a drink with your professors, admin, and classmates. 

I try to balance my time between research and playing sports. Even after starting my PhD, I have taken time almost every week to surf, climb, train for races, and now to play golf! A great week is a week when I can manage to do all of these activities.

I plan to go into management consulting with a focus on health related sectors. 

Yorba Linda, California.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ anthonycnguyen/ 

Co-advised by:

• Professor Sze Chuan Suen (ISE)
• Professor Shinyi Wu (Social Work)

Christopher Henson PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering

Do all things unto the Lord.

Getting honorable mention in the ASME best student presentation competition for my work on failure detection in additive manufacturing.

I purchased a Le Creuset dutch oven which has been so enjoyable to work with in the kitchen.

I work on quality improvement software for additive manufacturing. I am most excited about the commercial application of research in my field. 

If I were not an engineer I would most likely be working in finance.

The research area was unique among the schools I applied to and was by a wide margin the most exciting and the best fit. I was also excited about the research providing me with relevant expertise to an industry research setting.

Griffith Park/Observatory (at night) the view of the city is incredible. LA Live has great nightlife/food. Grand Central Market is a very neat place to go for good street food and it is in a cool part of down town. Bonus: California Science Center is right across the street from campus and has a lot of great exhibits.

Going to USC football games with friends after stressful weeks.

I love to cook and entertain for guests.

I hope to work for NASA in a research capacity.

Escondido, California.

Qiang Huang