MS in Industrial Engineering in USA: Top Colleges, Cost, Eligibility

You should pursue an MS in Industrial Engineering in the US because of the diverse nature of the course, top universities, and the scientific industry-oriented program structure. There are about 305 universities in the US that offer a course in Industrial Engineering, with a unique focus and specialisation. 

Scope

Moreover, according to recent studies, the US also projects a 12% growth in the employment of industrial engineers, increasing the employability of the students of Industrial Engineering in the field.

Top Universities

The USA has universities that offer 305 courses in Industrial Engineering master's. Top universities like Georgia Tech, Purdue University, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offer an MS in Industrial Engineering, where you get both thesis and non-thesis options. 

Research Options 

US universities that offer an MS in Industrial Engineering are known for their high-end research facilities. This promotes innovation and practical problem-solving skills among students. If you opt for a research-based Master’s in Industrial Engineering, you can specialise in analytics and computational science.

High-Paying Career Opportunities 

US degrees are highly valued and regarded globally, leading to a strong return on investment, due to high employability and competitive salaries. The average salary of an industrial engineer is USD 37.60 per hour, and for senior industrial engineer positions, you can get up to USD 115,000 per year. 

Global Recognition and High ROI  

Graduates from the US are in high demand across multiple sectors, from healthcare to technology. The US market for industrial engineers is projected to grow 12% from 2022-2032, which would ensure better job opportunities for graduates in the field. All these added factors make the field a highly demanded career option for many students.

With 29% of universities in the top 100 in the USA, many excellent universities offer an MS in Industrial Engineering.

Let us take a look at the top ten universities in the US that offer courses in Industrial Engineering:

1. University of California, Berkeley

The MS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research at UC Berkeley is one of the best programs in the US. The MS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research program consists of rigorous academics, research innovations, and a strong industrial network. 

2. University of Michigan

An MS in Industrial and Operations Engineering at the University of  Michigan is one of the most prestigious degrees. It is renowned for its academic excellence, innovative research, and strong industry connections, helpful in launching outstanding careers for students in the field.

3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Master’s program in Industrial Engineering provided at the University of Illinois Urbana has a comprehensive curriculum structure and is known for its intense research outputs. Furthermore, the university's strong alumni network helps the students with internships and job placements. 

4. The Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University’s MS in Industrial Engineering program offers a comprehensive education that prepares students to excel in various sectors such as manufacturing, supply chain, data analytics, and human factors. The course design further helps students in understanding and participating in complex ideas related to the field.

5. Purdue University 

Purdue University provides a unique online course for an MS in Industrial Engineering. This course includes subjects like operations research, supply chain management, and data-driven decision-making, and helps you improve operational efficiency. This research-driven course with practical coursework helps you to gain real-life experiences, creating a strong professional profile.

6. Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the best universities for tech and engineering-related fields in the US. Its MS in Industrial Engineering program is known for innovative research outputs and strong connections with companies, which provide students with valuable hands-on knowledge.

7. Texas A&M University

The Department of Industrial Engineering at Texas A&M offers you a dynamic study environment, developing your advanced problem-solving skills in complex systems. This advanced modulation of their MS in Industrial Engineering helps you build a strong professional profile for your career.

8. University of Southern California

The Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Southern California offers students rigorous coursework, access to resources, and a strong network in the field. The coursework for the MS in Industrial Engineering is inclusive of subjects like computational systems, research learning, and artificial intelligence, which also helps the students take part in interdisciplinary career choices.

9. The Arizona State University 

The Industrial Engineering program at Arizona State University is well-regarded for its MS in Industrial Engineering. The university offers its students to specialise in certain fields like supply chain management and business analytics, which places its graduates in high demand in the job market.

10. The Ohio State University

The Industrial Engineering Systems program at the Ohio State University combines technical and theoretical knowledge, which helps in building a comprehensive and integrated mode of learning. The thesis work within the course also helps you gain valuable work experience for the job market.

The course curriculum for MS in Industrial Engineering in the US is typically consistent with 30-36 credit hours, offering both thesis and non-thesis course options. Although the course curriculum varies based on the university, let us take a look at the general structure of the course curriculum:

• Core: The core paper of this course includes subjects like Operations Research, Statistics and Data Analysis, Manufacturing and Production Systems, Human Factors and Ergonomics, and Systems and Project Management. 
• Electives: Universities also offer a diverse range of elective or specialisation subjects, such as analytics, lean systems, reliability engineering, and more, that students can choose depending on their interests. 
• Students are also allowed to choose between thesis and non-thesis coursework depending on their preferences.

Pursuing a Master’s in Industrial Engineering in the USA is a dream for many Indian students, as it offers a wide range of specialisations, career options, and placement opportunities. Let us take a look at some of the top industrial Engineering courses that are offered in America. 

MS in Industrial Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology 

The Georgia Institute has consistently been among the best universities offering tech and engineering courses in the US. According to some 2025 rankings, Georgia University ranks first in industrial engineering. This university, renowned for its research and partnerships, offers its graduates diverse job and internship opportunities.

MS in Industrial Engineering at Purdue University

Purdue University, ranked at number 29 by QS world ranking, offers one of the best online courses in this field, with research opportunities and its longstanding tradition. 

M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley 

The University of California, Berkeley, is ranked 5th among universities in North America, with an acceptance rate of 12%. The Department of Industrial Engineering at Berkeley offers a research-driven curriculum and prestigious faculty guiding students to gain real-life expertise in the field. 

MS in Industrial Engineering at Texas A&M University

The industrial engineering course offered by Texas A&M College ranks 10th in industrial engineering in North America. It has strong ties in the field, giving students valuable networking opportunities. Additionally, it also allows its students a lot of funding options to aid them financially. 

Pursuing an MS in Industrial Engineering in the USA can be fascinating, given the beneficial dynamics of the course. However, you must keep track and follow a few steps recommended by various universities to get into one of the top universities in the USA. Let us take a detailed look at the eligibility and the documents recommended by the universities in the USA. 

Eligibility Criteria 

To get admitted into any university, it is essential to follow the eligibility criteria recommended by the university. Some of the basic eligibility criteria for MS in Industrial Engineering are:

• Bachelor's Degree: You must have a valid bachelor's degree from a recognized institution to apply for the MS in industrial engineering in US universities. Having a degree in an engineering-related field is preferred for admission. 
• English Language Proficiency Test: If you are an international student whose native language is not English, you are required to submit the TOEFL or IELTS as evidence of English proficiency. The official scores need to be sent directly from ETS, and it must be less than two years old from the first day of your class at the entry. 
• GRE or GMAT Score: GRE or GMAT is most widely accepted worldwide when it comes to studying an engineering or business-related program. You are encouraged to have either a GRE score of 280 - 320 or a GMAT of 625 and above to get into the best MS in industrial engineering in USA universities.

Work Experience

for studying a master's in industrial engineering in the USA, students need to have a minimum amount of experience. However, not all US universities demand the same.

US Student Visa

A copy of your passport and a US student visa is mandatory to upload in the application. If you don't have a passport, you will be required to have one before submitting visa eligibility documents. Make sure to apply for the visa as soon as you get the admission letter.

Documents Required for an MS in Industrial Engineering in the US 

To get admission into the Industrial Engineering Master's in the USA, you must have some essential documents for submission. A majority of them include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Institutional Certificates Original
• Scorecards of ELP and GRE, or GMAT
• Statement of Purpose
• Two or three letters of recommendation
• Updated Resume or CV
• Personal Essay
• A valid copy of your passport
• Proof of Financial Resources

The average cost of studying industrial engineering in the US ranges from USD 23,000 to USD 58,000 (INR 20 Lakhs to INR 50 lakhs). This includes your tuition fees and living expenses. Let’s discuss each in detail:

Tuition Fees 

For an MS in Industrial Engineering in the US, your tuition fees will range from USD 13,000 to USD 38,000 (INR 11.6 lakhs to INR 32.6 lakhs) per annum. Many universities also offer affordable tuition. Let’s discuss each in detail:

• The best universities offering an MS in Industrial Engineering are UC, Berkeley, and Purdue University.
• Affordable universities offering MS in Industrial Engineering in the US are California State University, Oregon State University, and the University of Central Florida.
• At affordable universities, you can earn an MS in Industrial Engineering in the US at USD 12,000 to USD 18,000 (INR 10 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs).

Living Expenses in the US

The cost of living in the US as an international student can range from USD 1000 to USD 1500 per month (INR 86,000 to INR 1.3 lakhs). The biggest chunk of expenses goes into accommodation (around USD 700 to USD 1200 on average), followed by food, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. 

Let’s look at the cost of living in the US as an international student

There are several scholarships for pursuing a Master’s in industrial engineering in the USA for Indian students. These can be university-specific, from external agencies, or funding from organisations like the Fulbright scholarships. Let’s discuss the top scholarships for international students, the eligibility criteria, and what are the benefits you can derive from them:

To apply for an MS in industrial engineering in the US, follow the recommended steps maintained by the universities. You will find each university’s eligibility criteria and admission requirements on their official websites. Let’s take a look at some of the general steps to apply for an MS in Industrial Engineering:

Research and Shortlist Universities

Research and shortlist universities that offer an MS in Industrial Engineering in the US. You can use Yocket’s university finder and eligibility checker tool to find the best university for you.

Check Eligibility Criteria 

After selecting the universities, visit the websites and look for general requirements, like GPA, test scores, LORs, statement of purpose, and others.

Apply Online

Each university in the US requires individual applications. Apply to the chosen universities on their admissions portal, and pay the application fee. After finishing the application, you will get a confirmation via email. 

Completing an MS in Industrial Engineering in the US opens up a wide range of job opportunities across multiple sectors. 

Let us take a look at some of the important points to secure a job after an MS in Industrial Engineering in the US:

Eligibility criteria

To get a job in the US after completing your MS in Industrial Engineering, some of the key requirements to start your career as an Industrial Engineer you'll need to meet certain basic requirements.

• You must have a Master's degree in Industrial Engineering or any other Relevant field.
• Although not mandatory, most high-end companies look for a strong academic background, with at least a 3.0 GPA in the course. 
• You'll also need to apply for an OPT or Optional Practical Training, which will allow you to stay for 12-36 months, depending on the course, to work after a Master's in the US.
• Language Proficiency test scores are also an important criterion that most companies look for in non-native English speakers. 
•  Certifications outlining your proficiency in the field are also considered to be highly favourable. 

Job Roles and Salaries

Industrial engineers have access to diverse job roles in the US. Let us take a look at a few of the job options and their respective salaries open to an Industrial Engineer:

A Master's in Industrial Engineering from the USA gives significant changes in your career prospects. With top universities, top-notch education, and innumerable career prospects, it will offer a great return on investment for your future. Overall, studying at US universities can be one of your best decisions for earning a master's degree. However, if you get stuck at any step in your admission process or need any assistance, connect with our Yocket Professionals. They will surely guide you in your study abroad journey.