M.S. and Ph.D. in industrial engineering

Program at a glance

Degrees offered

  • M.S. in industrial engineering
  • Ph.D. in industrial engineering

Admission requirements

To be considered for the M.S. or Ph.D. programs, you must have an undergraduate degree in a related field (preferably engineering, mathematics, or physics) and meet the following minimums:

  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • GRE: * GRE is not required but highly encouraged for applicants who wish to be considered for an assistantship.
  • Minimum TOEFL: 79 (or IELTS 6.5) for international students.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters highlighting academic or professional potential.
  • Curriculum Vitae/Resume - M.S. and Ph.D. applicants: Please submit a curriculum vitae or resume with application.

Application deadlines

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but for full funding consideration, please adhere to these dates:

  • Fall Enrollment: March 15
  • Spring Enrollment: October 31

About the M.S. and Ph.D. in industrial engineering

M.S. in Industrial Engineering

The Master’s program balances advanced technical coursework with practical system optimization.

  • Plan A (Thesis): Focuses on original research in areas like operations research, human factors, or supply chain logistics.
  • Plan B (Non-Thesis): Emphasis on advanced coursework and a capstone project for professional practice.

Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering

A research-intensive degree for those seeking careers in academia or high-level industrial R&D. Students work alongside faculty on complex problems such as stochastic modeling, manufacturing automation, and healthcare systems engineering.

Research‑driven education

Industrial Engineering graduate students at Nevada engage in original research under the mentorship of accomplished faculty and have access to interdisciplinary collaborations across engineering, business, computing, health sciences, and sustainability‑focused initiatives. Research areas may include:

  • Systems modeling and optimization
  • Logistics, supply chain, and transportation systems
  • Data analytics and decision sciences
  • Human factors and ergonomics
  • Manufacturing and service systems engineering

Graduate students gain experience designing studies, analyzing complex data, and publishing research that advances both theory and applied practice—skills essential for doctoral research and advanced professional roles.

Program Director

For more information, please contact the director of the graduate program.

How to apply

You can start your application through The Graduate School website, which provides detailed instructions on the application process.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. To receive full consideration for funding, apply by the deadlines below:

  • Fall enrollment: March 15
  • Spring enrollment: October 31

 

Find a faculty advisor

Professor Dev Chidambaram stands with a graduate student

Your advisor is your primary guide for research and funding. It is recommended that:

  • Master’s students declare an advisor by the end of their second semester.
  • Ph.D. students declare an advisor by the end of their third semester.

Note: Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to faculty members specializing in their area of interest (e.g., Data Analytics, Ergonomics, or Simulation) prior to applying to discuss research assistantship (RA) opportunities.

Get to know our faculty
 

Fundin and scholarships

College of Engineering graduate assistantships

Details on graduate research assistantships funded by the College of Engineering are available on the College website.

Funding resources from the Graduate School

The Graduate School maintains lists of additional funding opportunities from both University and external sources. 

Funding resources for international students

Information about scholarships and financial aid for international students is also available on the Office of International Students and Scholars website.

Program cost

  • Graduate Assistantships: Both Teaching (TA) and Research (RA) assistantships are available on a competitive basis.
  • Industry Fellowships: Specific fellowships may be available for students focusing on Lean Manufacturing or Systems Safety.

Why choose the University of Nevada, Reno?

Located just 45 minutes from world‑famous Lake Tahoe, the University of Nevada, Reno is an R1 Carnegie Research Institution with the highest level of research activity. UNR’s Industrial Engineering graduate program is uniquely positioned near the Tahoe‑Reno Industrial Center—the largest industrial park in the United States, home to more than 100 companies spanning logistics, distribution, advanced manufacturing, energy, and data infrastructure, including global firms such as Tesla, Panasonic, Walmart, FedEx Supply Chain, PetSmart, and Google. This proximity provides graduate students unparalleled access to industry‑engaged research, applied systems optimization challenges, internships, and strong pathways to leadership roles across complex, high‑impact industrial systems

Ready to apply?

Apply for Fall 2026
Apply for Spring 2027