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Engineer your
success at the University of Arkansas
If you’re looking for a future-proof career, industrial engineering is a smart choice. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% growth in industrial engineering jobs from 2023 to 2033, with about 25,200 new job openings created each year.
To get ahead in this field, you need the right education. Situated in Northwest Arkansas, the University of Arkansas benefits from proximity to industry giants like Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt. This thriving ecosystem provides you with access to internships, research projects, and career pathways that turn academic knowledge into real-world success.
At the heart of this innovation-driven ecosystem is the College of Engineering. Its graduate programmes, ranked in the top three of Best Graduate Schools, provide the advanced knowledge and skills needed to drive technological advancements and shape the future of the STEM workforce in Arkansas and beyond.
Study industrial engineering your way: on campus or off campus?
Study industrial engineering your way:
on campus
off campus
In-person graduate programmes
Students interested in earning a graduate degree in industrial engineering on campus can choose between two options:
Master of Science in Industrial Engineering (MSIE)
Take your engineering expertise to the next level with a master’s from the Department of Industrial Engineering. Designed for flexibility, you can specialise in industrial and system engineering or pursue a general master’s education while selecting from thesis, non-thesis, or project tracks. This structure allows you to build a foundation for PhD research or step into roles in the public and private sectors.
Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)
Home to one of the top PhD programmes in industrial engineering, the Department of Industrial Engineering stands out for its strong research focus and collaborative environment. PhD candidates undergo rigorous academic training, gaining expertise in operations research, analytics, reliability, and engineering decision-making. Their independent research leads to original, high-impact scholarly work.
“The programme offers a unique platform for students interested in solving large-scale optimisation problems or developing machine learning and AI models to drive data-informed decision-making. These skills have been essential in addressing complex, real-world challenges across diverse industries,” says PhD student Fereydoun Adbesh.
The Career Booster programme
With its 93% graduate employment placement rate, you can trust that the Department of Industrial Engineering delivers results. Graduates secure roles at companies like Amazon, Google, American Airlines, PepsiCo, and Disney, excelling as industrial engineers, operations managers, research analysts, and more.
What makes this possible? A faculty committed to student success. By combining personalised guidance with industry-relevant training, they ensure students gain the technical knowledge and problem-solving skills essential for career success.
Ridvan Gedik, Senior Applied Scientist at Amazon Ads.
“The programme offers a unique platform for students interested in solving large-scale optimisation problems or developing machine learning and AI models to drive data-informed decision-making. These skills have been essential in addressing complex, real-world challenges across diverse industries,”
Hear from the students
"As a native Arkansan, I am so thankful that the University of Arkansas Department of Industrial Engineering gave me the opportunity to continue my graduate studies in Fayetteville. Building upon the foundation that my undergraduate IE degree laid, I was able to thrive in my graduate studies. During my graduate career, I had the opportunity to work with a partner corporation and create real deliverables that added value to their existing workstreams. This allowed me to hone skills that directly translated to the workplace. My MSIE degree at the University of Arkansas helped to uniquely prepare me for my career and I am better for it!"
Valerie Jackson
Associate Consultant at Mastercard
“Pursuing a PhD in Industrial Engineering in a foreign country has been a defining milestone in both my personal and professional journey. From my initial interaction with the Graduate Coordinator to the moment I received my diploma, the faculty and staff at the University of Arkansas provided outstanding guidance and support. Their professionalism, approachability, and unwavering assistance contributed significantly to my academic success and made the experience profoundly enriching. Throughout my doctoral studies, I had the opportunity to serve as both a teaching assistant and a research assistant. These roles allowed me to work on diverse projects with government and private industry sectors, significantly expanding my technical expertise and fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning.”
Fereydoun Adbesh
Senior Data Scientist for Operations Research at Walmart Global Tech
“My PhD in Industrial Engineering at the University of Arkansas has been a life-changing experience, both academically and personally. The programme’s supportive academic environment and advanced research opportunities have allowed me to explore cutting-edge topics such as data analytics, simulation, and machine learning.
Collaborating with knowledgeable peers and instructors, I have developed innovative solutions to challenges in multimodal transportation systems. The skills and knowledge I have gained here have enriched my academic journey and positioned me for success in industry and academia."
Maryam Aghamohammadghasem
Graduate Research Assistant at University of Arkansas
“Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to experience a supportive and enriching learning environment, thanks to patient mentors, dedicated staff, and a collegial student community. Pursuing graduate studies and a research career has been immensely rewarding, offering countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. Earning my MSIE and PhD degrees in Industrial Engineering would not have been possible without the support and guidance of my academic advisor, who went the extra mile to secure funding and development opportunities for my career.
At times, I doubted my ability to become a professor, but with the department’s support, that dream is now a reality. I now can mentor students from diverse backgrounds, helping them achieve their career goals and becoming well-rounded researchers and professionals — just as the University of Arkansas once did for me.”
Jose Carlos Hernandez Azucena
Faculty member at North Carolina A&T State University
"As a native Arkansan, I am so thankful that the University of Arkansas Department of Industrial Engineering gave me the opportunity to continue my graduate studies in Fayetteville. Building upon the foundation that my undergraduate IE degree laid, I was able to thrive in my graduate studies. During my graduate career, I had the opportunity to work with a partner corporation and create real deliverables that added value to their existing workstreams. This allowed me to hone skills that directly translated to the workplace. My MSIE degree at the University of Arkansas helped to uniquely prepare me for my career and I am better for it!"
Valerie Jackson
Associate Consultant at Mastercard
Hear from the students
"As a native Arkansan, I am so thankful that the University of Arkansas Department of Industrial Engineering gave me the opportunity to continue my graduate studies in Fayetteville. Building upon the foundation that my undergraduate IE degree laid, I was able to thrive in my graduate studies. During my graduate career, I had the opportunity to work with a partner corporation and create real deliverables that added value to their existing workstreams. This allowed me to hone skills that directly translated to the workplace. My MSIE degree at the University of Arkansas helped to uniquely prepare me for my career and I am better for it!"
Valerie Jackson
Associate Consultant at Mastercard
Hear from the students
An enriching student experience awaits at the University of Arkansas
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