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Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences

Degree Types: PhD

The Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences PhD Program produces researchers who combine strength in core methodologies of operations research (e.g., optimization, stochastic modeling and simulation, statistics, and data analytics) with the ability to apply them to yield practical benefits in solving problems that are important in the real world. The program offers students the opportunity to use skills in computing, mathematical analysis and modeling, and economics to produce research that helps to improve the efficiency, quality, and the potential of organizations to fulfill their missions. The program prepares students for research-based careers in industry, academia, non-profit, and government.

Areas of specialization include Analytics, Stochastic Analysis & Simulation, Optimization, Financial Engineering, Logistics & Operations, Healthcare Engineering, Applied Statistics &Statistical Learning, and Management Science.

Applicants must have a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant discipline, but need not have a degree in industrial engineering. The program has attracted students of applied mathematics, computer science, economics, finance, mathematics, physics, statistics, and most other engineering disciplines.

Additional resources:

Program Statistics

Visit PhD Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.

Program Contact

Contact Brittany Jasin
Graduate Program Assistant
847-491-4394

Degree Requirements

The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.

Master's

Those students enrolled in the IEMS PhD program receive the MS as they progress toward the PhD. For students who are progressing to the PhD, the master's degree is generally awarded upon completion of the following:

Minimum GPA 3.0

Total Units Required: 12 

Course Title
First Year Core Courses
IEMS 401-0Applied Mathematical Statistics
IEMS 402-0Statistical Learning
IEMS 435-0Stochastic Simulation
IEMS 450-1Mathematical Optimization I
IEMS 450-2Mathematical Optimization II
IEMS 460-1Stochastic Processes I
IEMS 488-0Economics and Decision Analysis
OPNS 516-0Stochastic Foundations
Electives (4)
 

Other MS Degree Requirements

  • Examination on a research paper at end of first year

PhD

Total Units Required: 15

Course Title
First Year Core Courses
IEMS 401-0Applied Mathematical Statistics
IEMS 402-0Statistical Learning
IEMS 435-0Stochastic Simulation
IEMS 450-1Mathematical Optimization I
IEMS 450-2Mathematical Optimization II
IEMS 460-1Stochastic Processes I
IEMS 488-0Economics and Decision Analysis
OPNS 516-0Stochastic Foundations
Two applied courses from the following list:
IEMS 481-0Logistics
IEMS 482-0Operations
IEMS 486-0Introduction to Smart Grid Systems
IEMS 441-0Social Network Analysis
IEMS 473-1Financial Engineering I
IEMS 444-1Healthcare Management Science
OPNS 521-0Foundations of Operations Management
OPNS 524-0Empirical Methods in Operations Management
Program of Coursework
Courses in major area (at least three)
Courses in minor areas (two courses)

Other PhD Degree Requirements

  • Examinations: candidacy examination on a research paper at end of first year
  • Prospectus: Initial part of dissertation research, to be completed by the end of the third year in the program.
  • PhD Dissertation: based on independent research
  • Final Evaluations: oral defense of dissertation
  • Other: at least one experience as an instructor or teaching assistant; satisfy TGS English proficiency requirement

Last Updated: September 12, 2023