At its core, the work of an industrial or management engineer is about orchestrating the conditions for peak performance. How can people and the systems they support work more productively? How can companies overcome complex operational challenges into seamless, sustainable workflows?
These questions may not grab attention as much as product designers or R&D leads, data shows how crucial this sub-field in engineering is. Their employment rate is projected to grow much faster than the average by 12%, with about 25,200 jobs opening up each year. The median annual wage in the US is US$101,140.
If you seek to turn advanced study into high‑impact career pathways, consider the three leading US universities below. They transform master’s students into in-demand experts in an increasingly automated, globalised economy.
University of South Florida continues to break the status quo in the industrial engineering field. Source: Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Department
University of South Florida
Being bold is to show a willingness to get things done despite the risks. Being bold at the University of South Florida means breaking the status quo and shaping the future with groundbreaking innovation and research. As many as 50,000 students are striving to do just that here, backed every step of the way by a globally acclaimed faculty, nearly 750 million US dollars in yearly research funding, and an overall strong system of education and research recognised by the Association of American Universities (AAU), a select group of universities in the U.S.
For those seeking to lead the field of engineering, the path to success starts with a MS in Engineering Management (MSEM) degree. It is designed for engineers as well as business professionals who want to enhance their skills for managing people, processes, and technology with data-driven tools. Here, you will develop proficiency in areas like fundamental principles of engineering management, technical management, process optimisation, quality and continuous improvement, safety, entrepreneurship, and engineering analytics.
Alternatively, consider an MS in Industrial Engineering (MSIE). This advanced programme prepares professionals in the fields of engineering and the sciences in decision-making to solve problems that arise in manufacturing, supply-chain and logistics, transportation, banking, healthcare, and other technology fields using data intelligence gathered by optimisation models, statistical learning, and AI/ML tools.
Whichever MS degree you choose, your USF training in data intelligence — through optimisation models and AI/machine learning tools — is paired with a sharp understanding of complex engineering systems as well as business strategy. This dual fluency positions you as a sought-after professional across industries. Over the years, USF’s Industrial and Management Systems Engineering graduates have secured internships and full-time positions at companies such as Boeing, Cummins, Microsoft, Amazon, Disney, Citibank, Goldman Sachs, and more. In 2025, US News & World Report ranked Industrial Engineer as #1 in Best Engineering Jobs.
Apply to the University of South Florida now.
Oklahoma State University is currently home to over 35,000 students. Source: Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University
When there is a will, there is a way. If you’re looking to pursue a graduate degree in industrial engineering, but you are unable to be an on-campus student, you can earn your degree fully online at Oklahoma State University. Thanks to the Carnegie-classified R1 research university offering programmes online and on campus, anyone can join its School of Industrial Engineering and Management, ranked #23 among US public universities.
A bigger pool of applicants means a more diverse cohort. The industrial engineering programmes are open to those from related disciplines, and there are over 100 countries represented in the school. The unique experiences and backgrounds of our programme students converge to enliven every class. But as the student-faculty ratio is 20:1, you’re guaranteed the attention you need, whether on campus or online.
If you want to design a system that streamlines the direct process of manufacturing to ensure that it’s as efficient as possible, then look to the Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management programme (MSIEM). If you’d rather enhance your management skills, such as strategic planning, entrepreneurship, systems engineering, and technical project planning, then check out the Master of Science in Engineering and Technology Management (MSETM) — it’s a more holistic view on operations with a business flair.
Both programmes mix coursework, including hands-on research or experience. The MSIEM allows for an independent study, internship, or practicum to account for research hours. That is one of the two plans to choose from, which also excludes a thesis. The other plan comprises 24 hours of coursework, six hours of research, and a thesis. Both programmes have faculty who have extensive published research and are industry leaders. Professors have a wide range of expertise, with technology-driven research and computing work, alongside the more traditional research in operations. They’ve mentored their students to excel in research that wins awards and grants.
And both have strong online programmes. The overall university’s online engineering graduate degrees are listed in the top 10 online learning programmes by OnlineMastersDegrees.org. Online students use Canvas to watch lectures, complete their assignments, and talk to their mentors and peers.
Apply to the University of Oklahoma State University now.
Oregon State University is located in Corvallis, Oregon, which ranks #2 on BestColleges’ 10 Best College Towns list for its rural, nature-filled landscape. Source: College of Engineering – Oregon State University/Facebook
Oregon State University
Oregon State University is an R1 research institution as deemed by the Carnegie Classification. They rank #75 for the best graduate engineering schools in the US. Its online programme stands as one of the nation’s best. The Ecampus bachelor’s programme has been ranked in the top 10 for 10 years straight by the US News & World Report.
But enough about rankings. Oregon State’s main campus is located in Corvallis, a college town away from the busier Portland city, rich with natural landscapes. The campus houses students from more than 70 countries. In fact, 20% of their graduate students aren’t from the US, so there’s a chance to connect with people from different corners of the world and forge new experiences.
Plus, at Oregon State, you have several options to choose from for your industrial engineering programme. There’s the Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering programme, for a total focus on practical application in a coursework-only approach. Then, there’s the option to take it as a graduate minor. For those keen on conducting more research, the PhD programme or a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering would fit best. Graduates get to choose from five areas of study: Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Management, Human Systems Engineering, Information Systems Engineering, and Manufacturing Systems Engineering.
And as if that wasn’t flexible enough, there’s Ecampus too. Its Master of Engineering programme is designed for professionals who’ve already built a STEM background, mixing business, financial, and management subjects to give you an edge in a competitive field. So, if you have commitments that won’t allow you to move to Oregon for on-campus classes, you’ll still get the same diploma.
Apply to Oregon State University now.
*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International
