DEGREE Industrial Engineering, PhD

Doctoral degree in industrial engineering

As a PhD student in our very highly ranked industrial engineering program, you’ll be able to specialize in one of four areas, each of which is designed enable you to be a leader in new and developing areas within industrial and systems engineering. You can choose advanced training in decision science/operations research, health systems, human factors and ergonomics, and manufacturing and production systems.

View department Graduate handbook

At a glance

Industrial and systems engineering department

faculty scholarly productivity index

undergraduate ranking among public universities

graduate ranking among public universities

Facts & stats

Learn more about what information you need to apply.

Graduate admissions

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.

Fall Deadline	December 15
Spring Deadline	October 1
Summer Deadline	December 15
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)	Required.*
English Proficiency Test	Every applicant whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must provide an English proficiency test score and meet the Graduate School minimum requirements (https://grad.wisc.edu/apply/requirements/#english-proficiency).
Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT)	n/a
Letters of Recommendation Required	3

Students from any discipline that provides foundations for research in ISyE topics are encouraged to apply. For example, applicants may come from industrial, electrical, or mechanical engineering, or mathematics, statistics, computer science, psychology, or economics. Applicants are strongly advised to review the prerequisites for each area of specialization at the department website.

Each application is judged on the basis of previous academic record, Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores for the general test, three letters of recommendation, and the statement of purpose. Admission is very competitive and application deadlines are extremely important.

GRE scores will not be required for Spring, Summer, or Fall 2022 admission due to challenges taking the exam during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Application deadlines:

Fall: Dec. 15th
Spring: Oct. 1st
Summer: Dec. 15th

Reentry applicants: July 15 (fall), December 1 (spring), and must notify an academic advisor.

Additional reentry information

Note: Although we accept summer applications we recommend applying for fall or spring as there are not many courses offered in the summer.

Application requirements

Application deadlines are strictly enforced and ALL application materials including transcripts, GRE and TOEFL scores MUST be included and submitted by the application deadline.

*Please note our office does not provide feedback to applicants as to their potential for admission – please review both the ISyE department and Graduate School requirements for admission and if you feel you meet the necessary criteria for applying, please do so.

Applicants must first meet all of the requirements of the Graduate School. Click here for more information about these requirements.
Applicants must also meet department specific requirements as outlined below:

B.S. degree or equivalent

Application steps

Fill out an online application through the Graduate School website and pay the application fee.
List three recommenders and their contact information as part of the online application. An email will be sent to the recommender, asking that they submit their letter online using the Graduate School’s recommendation form. Applicants can log back into their online application to re-send the email request if the recommender loses the email. Letters of recommendation must be submitted electronically.
Submit a Statement of Purpose with your online application.
TOEFL Exam Information: Ask ETS to submit your GRE and/or TOEFL scores to the UW–Madison Graduate School (Institution Number 1846). If you have your scores sent to UW–Madison, they will be available online to all departments to which you have applied. The institution code, therefore, is the only number needed. For more information please visit the Graduate School Requirements page. Please note: Exam information must be valid at start date of the semester that you are applying for (nonexpired).
GRE Exam Information: The IE graduate program requires the GRE exam be taken by prospective students as part of the application. Note there are no specific scoring guidelines for the exam as the GRE is only one part of consideration for admission into the program. Please note: Exam information must be valid at start date of the semester that you are applying for (nonexpired).
Electronically submit one copy of your official transcript with your application. Unofficial copies of transcripts will be accepted for review but official copies are required for admitted students.

Note: Please do not send materials/documents to the ISyE department or graduate school until you are recommended for admissions. All documents should be uploaded with your application.

Questions?

Check out the Admissions FAQ or contact us at iegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu.

Tuition

Tuition and segregated fee rates are always listed per semester (not for Fall and Spring combined).

View tuition rates

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

All ISyE PhD students are provided funding and tuition remission, provided they are making satisfactory academic progress. This funding may be in the form of a teaching assistant, research assistant, or project assistant position, or as an external fellowship. The type position providing the funding support may change from semester to semester and is determined based on a combination of factors including the availability of research funds by the student’s faculty advisor and the need for teaching assistants in ISyE courses.

Requirements for students assigned teaching assistant positions

Students hired into a TA position are required to attend the New Educator Orientation (NEO) training in late August. For more details, please see this website.

All international students assigned to a teaching assistant position must meet the UW–Madison Graduate School’s requirement for spoken English. This requirement can be fulfilled in two ways:

Pass the SPEAK—you can register for the SPEAK test through Aaron Webster in Room 3180 ME, aaron.webster@wisc.edu.
Receive a 26 or higher on the speaking portion of the TOEFL test (or equivalent). Provide a copy of your score to Aaron Webster in Room 3107 ME, aaron.webster@wisc.edu

The UW-Madison Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering is a national leader in research funding. At the cutting-edge of industrial engineering and systems research, the department offers state-of-the-art facilities for faculty, staff and students to work in. Our faculty are leaders in their fields, respected nationally and internationally for their research.

View our research

Minimum graduate school requirements

Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.

University General Education Requirements
Requirements	Detail
Minimum Credit Requirement	51 credits
Minimum Residence Credit Requirement	32 credits
Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement	Half of degree coursework (26 credits out of 51 total credits) must be completed graduate-level coursework; courses with the Graduate Level Coursework attribute are identified and searchable in the university’s Course Guide.
Overall Graduate GPA Requirement	3.00 GPA required.
Other Grade Requirements	Grades of C and D received by a candidate in any graduate course will not be counted as credit toward the degree. These grades will be counted in the graduate GPA. See additional grade requirement for HFE Ph.D. students below.
Assessments and Examinations	Qualifying exams, preliminary exams, and a final dissertation defense are required of all students. Details may be found in the program handbook.
Language Requirements	No language requirements.
Doctoral Minor/Breadth Requirements	All doctoral students are required to complete a minor. The program also has additional breadth requirements. See details below.

Students choose one of the following research areas. Work with your faculty advisors to answer any questions and to form a plan of study.

Decision Science/Operations Research Area¹

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Courses Recommended for DS/OR Qualifying Exam:
I SY E/COMP SCI/E C E 524	Introduction to Optimization	3
I SY E/COMP SCI/MATH/STAT 525	Linear Optimization	3
I SY E 620	Simulation Modeling and Analysis	3
I SY E 624	Stochastic Modeling Techniques	3
I SY E/MATH/OTM/STAT 632	Introduction to Stochastic Processes	3
I SY E/COMP SCI/MATH 728	Integer Optimization	3
Courses Recommended for Optimization Qualifying Exam:
I SY E/COMP SCI/E C E 524	Introduction to Optimization	3
I SY E/COMP SCI/MATH/STAT 525	Linear Optimization	3
I SY E/COMP SCI/MATH/STAT 726	Nonlinear Optimization I	3
I SY E/COMP SCI/MATH 728	Integer Optimization	3
I SY E/COMP SCI/MATH 730	Nonlinear Optimization II	3
Other Suggested Courses:
I SY E 412	Fundamentals of Industrial Data Analytics	3
I SY E/COMP SCI/MATH 425	Introduction to Combinatorial Optimization	3
I SY E/M E 512	Inspection, Quality Control and Reliability	3
I SY E 516	Introduction to Decision Analysis	3
I SY E 517	Decision Making in Health Care	3
I SY E 575	Introduction to Quality Engineering	3
I SY E 603	Special Topics in Engineering Analytics and Operations Research	1-3
I SY E 604	Special Topics in Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management	1-3
I SY E 612	Information Sensing and Analysis for Manufacturing Processes	3
I SY E/MATH/OTM/STAT 632	Introduction to Stochastic Processes	3
I SY E 645	Engineering Models for Supply Chains	3
I SY E/COMP SCI 719	Stochastic Programming	3
I SY E/COMP SCI 723	Dynamic Programming and Associated Topics	3
I SY E/COMP SCI 727	Convex Analysis	3

These tracks are internal to the program and represent different pathways a student can follow to earn this degree. Track names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.

Health Systems Engineering Research Area¹

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Highly Recommended Courses:
I SY E 417	Health Systems Engineering	3
I SY E 517	Decision Making in Health Care	3
I SY E/MED PHYS 559	Patient Safety and Error Reduction in Healthcare	2
I SY E 606	Special Topics in Healthcare Systems Engineering	1-3
I SY E/B M I 617	Health Information Systems	3
I SY E/POP HLTH 703	Quality of Health Care: Evaluation and Assurance	1-3
Other Suggested Courses:
I SY E 412	Fundamentals of Industrial Data Analytics	3
I SY E 415	Introduction to Manufacturing Systems, Design and Analysis	3
I SY E 555	Human Performance and Accident Causation	3
I SY E 575	Introduction to Quality Engineering	3
I SY E 601	Special Topics in Industrial Engineering ²	1-3
I SY E/PHARMACY 608	Safety and Quality in the Medication Use System	3
I SY E 615	Production Systems Control	3
I SY E 620	Simulation Modeling and Analysis	3
I SY E 624	Stochastic Modeling Techniques	3
I SY E/M E 643	Performance Analysis of Manufacturing Systems	3
I SY E/PSYCH 653	Organization and Job Design	3
I SY E/M H R 729	Behavioral Analysis of Management Decision Making	3
I SY E/POP HLTH 875	Cost Effectiveness Analysis in Health and Healthcare	3
B M I/COMP SCI 576	Introduction to Bioinformatics	3
B M I 773	Clinical Research Informatics	3
B M I/COMP SCI 776	Advanced Bioinformatics	3

Topics vary for this course. Obtain advance approval from your faculty advisor.

Manufacturing and Production Systems Research Area¹

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Possible Courses:
I SY E 412	Fundamentals of Industrial Data Analytics	3
I SY E 415	Introduction to Manufacturing Systems, Design and Analysis	3
I SY E/M E 510	Facilities Planning	3
I SY E/M E 512	Inspection, Quality Control and Reliability	3
I SY E/M E 513	Analysis of Capital Investments	3
I SY E 515	Engineering Management of Continuous Process Improvement	3
I SY E 575	Introduction to Quality Engineering	3
I SY E 601	Special Topics in Industrial Engineering ²	1-3
I SY E 603	Special Topics in Engineering Analytics and Operations Research	1-3
I SY E 604	Special Topics in Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management	1-3
I SY E 605	Computer Integrated Manufacturing	3
I SY E 612	Information Sensing and Analysis for Manufacturing Processes	3
I SY E 615	Production Systems Control	3
I SY E/M E 641	Design and Analysis of Manufacturing Systems	3
I SY E/M E 643	Performance Analysis of Manufacturing Systems	3
I SY E 645	Engineering Models for Supply Chains	3
STAT/M E 424	Statistical Experimental Design	3
I SY E 816	Special Topics in Systems Design	1-3
I SY E 823	Special Topics in Operations Research	1-3

Topics vary for this course. Obtain advance approval from your faculty advisor.

Quality Engineering Research Area¹

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Possible Courses:
I SY E 412	Fundamentals of Industrial Data Analytics	3
I SY E 417	Health Systems Engineering	3
I SY E/M E 512	Inspection, Quality Control and Reliability	3
I SY E/M E 513	Analysis of Capital Investments	3
I SY E 515	Engineering Management of Continuous Process Improvement	3
I SY E 520	Quality Assurance Systems	3
I SY E 575	Introduction to Quality Engineering	3
I SY E 601	Special Topics in Industrial Engineering ²	1-3
I SY E 612	Information Sensing and Analysis for Manufacturing Processes	3
I SY E 620	Simulation Modeling and Analysis	3
I SY E/M E 641	Design and Analysis of Manufacturing Systems	3
I SY E/PSYCH 653	Organization and Job Design	3
I SY E/PSYCH 854	Special Topics in Organization Design	1-3
M H R 700	Organizational Behavior	3
OTM 770	Sustainable Approaches to System Improvement	4
OTM 758	Managing Technological and Organizational Change	3
STAT 333	Applied Regression Analysis	3
STAT 349	Introduction to Time Series	3
STAT 411	An Introduction to Sample Survey Theory and Methods	3
STAT 421	Applied Categorical Data Analysis	3
STAT 701	Applied Time Series Analysis, Forecasting and Control I	3
STAT/MATH 803	Experimental Design I	3
STAT 849	Theory and Application of Regression and Analysis of Variance I	3

Topics vary for this course. Obtain advance approval from your faculty advisor.

Human Factors and Ergonomics Research Area¹

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Possible Courses:
I SY E/COMP SCI/DS 518	Wearable Technology	3
I SY E 552	Human Factors Engineering Design and Evaluation	3
I SY E 555	Human Performance and Accident Causation	3
I SY E/MED PHYS 559	Patient Safety and Error Reduction in Healthcare	2
I SY E/B M E 564	Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics	3
I SY E 601	Special Topics in Industrial Engineering ²	1-3
I SY E 602	Special Topics in Human Factors	3
I SY E/PSYCH 653	Organization and Job Design	3
I SY E/B M E 662	Design and Human Disability and Aging	3
I SY E 699	Advanced Independent Study ²	1-5
I SY E/PSYCH 854	Special Topics in Organization Design ²	1-3
I SY E/PSYCH 859	Special Topics in Human Factors Engineering	1-3
I SY E 961	Graduate Seminar in Industrial Engineering ²	1-3
CIV ENGR 679	Special Topics in Transportation and City Planning	3
Tools and Methods Courses ³
HFE Ph.D. students must complete an additional coursework and exam component.

HFE Course Requirement

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
To take the qualifying exam, a student will have to have received a grade of AB or better in at least 3 credits in each of the three areas below. Courses taken during undergraduate studies can be used to satisfy this requirement:
Cognitive Ergononics:
I SY E 555	Human Performance and Accident Causation	3
I SY E/MED PHYS 559	Patient Safety and Error Reduction in Healthcare	2
I SY E 601	Special Topics in Industrial Engineering ²	1-3
I SY E 602	Special Topics in Human Factors ²	3
I SY E 699	Advanced Independent Study ²	1-5
I SY E/PSYCH 859	Special Topics in Human Factors Engineering ²	1-3
Sociotechnical Systems / Macroergonomics:
I SY E 555	Human Performance and Accident Causation	3
I SY E/MED PHYS 559	Patient Safety and Error Reduction in Healthcare	2
I SY E/PSYCH 653	Organization and Job Design ²	3
I SY E 601	Special Topics in Industrial Engineering ²	1-3
I SY E 602	Special Topics in Human Factors ²	3
I SY E 699	Advanced Independent Study ²	1-5
I SY E/PSYCH 854	Special Topics in Organization Design ²	1-3
Physical Ergonomics:
I SY E 555	Human Performance and Accident Causation	3
I SY E/B M E 564	Occupational Ergonomics and Biomechanics	3
I SY E/B M E 662	Design and Human Disability and Aging	3
I SY E 601	Special Topics in Industrial Engineering ²	1-3
I SY E 602	Special Topics in Human Factors ²	3
I SY E 699	Advanced Independent Study ²	1-5
I SY E/PSYCH 854	Special Topics in Organization Design ²	1-3

Topics vary for this course. Obtain advance approval from your faculty advisor.

Various courses in the categories of Research Methods, Statistics, Qualitative Research, Biomechanics Methods, and Psychology count as "Tools and Methods." The Human Factors and Ergonomics faculty group updates the list of "Tools and Methods" courses, and advisors decide which set of courses are appropriate for each student. Work with your faculty advisor regarding non-I SY E course work.

Prior to defending their dissertation, HFE Ph.D. students must complete at least six seminar/special topics courses at the 700 level or above totaling a minimum of 12 credits; at least 6 credits of these must be in the Human Factors and Ergonomics area. Seminar credits outside the Human Factors and Ergonomics area may be used to satisfy the Industrial Engineering Breadth requirement. Other courses may qualify. Students may submit courses to the HFE Area group for consideration. Transfer students should submit a course syllabus or description and transcript for any courses from other institutions that they would like to have considered for satisfaction of this requirement. The HFE Area group will make this decision.

Additional Breadth Requirements for all ISyE PhD Students

Colloquium/Lecture Series: For at least two semesters, students must regularly attend a colloquium series. The appropriate colloquium series must be approved by the student’s faculty adviser. It is not required to meet this requirement by registering for a course (indeed some colloquium series have no associate course). Instead, attendance at the approved colloquium series must be confirmed by the student’s faculty adviser when the student submits their PhD Plan of Study prior to their preliminary examination. Example of colloquium series that can be used to meet this requirement include the ISyE Colloquia and the Systems, Information, Learning and Optimization (SILO) seminars.
Industrial Engineering Breadth Requirement: The breadth requirement is to make sure the Ph.D. student achieves minimum competence in multiple areas of industrial and systems engineering. It consists of taking at least two courses (6 credits) in two different areas outside of the student’s focus area. Students can choose from a select set of courses and must attain a grade of B or above in both courses. The courses selected by the student must be approved by the student’s adviser. These courses must be completed before a Ph.D. student can request their Preliminary Warrant. Courses the student has taken before entering the Ph.D. program can be counted toward this breadth requirement, including courses taken as an undergraduate. Students should submit the course title and syllabus to the student services coordinator who will then seek approval from the chair of graduate affairs.

Graduate Student Services
iegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu
Room 3182 Mechanical Engineering Building, 1513 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706

Jim Luedtke, Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs
jrluedt1@wisc.edu
608-890-2560
Room 3236 Mechanical Engineering Building
1513 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706

View the Graduate Guide for program-specific information on admission, coursework, policies, rules and regulations.

More information

Industrial and systems engineering news

Our faculty are leading the way in education and cutting edge research in areas that span decision sciences and operation, health and human factors, and manufacturing.

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4/27/2022

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DEGREE Industrial Engineering, PhD

Doctoral degree in industrial engineering

At a glance

Industrial and systems engineering department