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Industrial Engineering

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The Department of Industrial Engineering is committed to advancing state-of-the-art industrial engineering research and degree programs. Our innovative and challenging curricula are designed to meet the ever-increasing global demand for industrial engineering graduates.

Information on admission requirements, financial assistance, and academic policies and procedures can be found in the IE Undergraduate Catalog and the IE Graduate Handbook.

Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering Program

The Department of Industrial Engineering at Clemson University collaborates with departments across the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences to offer students interdisciplinary degree programs in Systems Engineering. This program offers a Master of Engineering in Systems Engineering (MENG SYSE) and a Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering (SYSE). Students need to successfully complete 10 courses (30 credits) for the MENG SYSE. Please see the MENG SYSE CURRICULUM SECTION for a detailed schedule of courses. An added advantage to this program is that students completing the first four courses will attain the Graduate Certificate in SYSE.

The MENG SYSE is a non-thesis graduate program designed to prepare students for careers in industry. Courses cover an array of topics essential to be successful in the evaluation, design, and administration of various engineering systems. They include foundational theories of systems engineering, engineering optimization, model-based systems engineering under risk, human-computer systems, and key aspects of project and quality management applicable to complex systems. The program also has two semesters dedicated to completing a capstone project. The final semester is designed to be residential and aims to plan and implement the capstone topic. Many students working in industry can complete their capstone project with their employer, a return on investment for employer-tuition assistance or a path forward in their corporation.

CONTACT: For additional information, please contact  SYSE at Clemson.

  • Program Overview

    MENG vs. MBA

    Many of our MENG students also considered pursuing an MBA degree before ultimately enrolling in a Master of Engineering program at Clemson University. MENG degrees are an attractive alternative to an MBA for engineering professionals because they combine technical engineering skills and approaches to decision-making that can equip both managers and technical leads for leadership positions. If MBA programs don't feel like the right fit for you and your goals, review the information below about our MENG SYSE curriculum. If you have more questions, contact us - we'd love to talk about your experience, goals, and how our program can help you achieve them.

    MENG SYSE vs. MENG IE

    The Department of Industrial Engineering at Clemson University offers two MENG programs: One in Industrial Engineering (MENG IE) and another in Systems Engineering (MENG SYSE). Each program serves the needs of different student populations and industries. The MENG IE has a strong focus on managing supply chains and implementing tools and models from industrial engineering and other disciplines. The MENG SYSE, on the other hand, covers key areas that are relevant to the unique demands of a career in systems engineering by incorporating specialized courses in systems design and integration, systems modeling, engineering optimization, and other areas that make the MENG SYSE program from Clemson University competitive and relevant in a variety of industries.

    Delivery Method

    The MENG SYSE has been developed so that most courses are delivered using online technologies and collaboration tools. Lectures and assignments are available via Clemson's online course management system, Canvas, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Video lectures can be viewed online or downloaded to a computer or mobile device for convenient viewing. Assignments are completed in various electronic formats and then sent to instructors for review and grading. The final capstone course is designed to be residential and during the last summer term of the program. The 2-year plan of study for the MENG SYSE begins in the Fall. Please see the MENG SYSE CURRICULUM SECTION for a detailed schedule of courses.

  • MENG SYSE Curriculum

    The MENG SYSE curriculum has been designed for students to start with the four courses of the SYSE certificate. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this program, students can also transfer four courses from another graduate certificate of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Science (CECAS) from Clemson University. The below sample curriculum is for students interested in taking two courses per term.

    MENG SYSE 2-Year Plan of Study
    Term Fall Spring Summer
    Year 1 SYSE 8010 & Course in Engineering Optimization and Analysis SYSE 8020 & Course in Model Based Systems Engineering SYSE 8590 (1st Term of Capstone)
    Year 2 IE 8090 & SYSE 8530 IE 8020 & Course from other CECAS Graduate Certificates SYSE 8590 (2nd Term of Capstone)

    MENG SYSE 2-Year Plan of Study (Combined with another CECAS Graduate Certificate)
    Term Fall Spring Summer
    Year 1 Two CECAS Certificate Courses Two CECAS Certificate Courses SYSE 8590 (1st Term of Capstone)
    Year 2 IE 8090 & SYSE 8530 IE 8020 & Course from the MENG SYSE Core SYSE 8590 (2nd Term of Capstone)

    MENG SYSE Core Courses

    SYSE 8010: Systems Engineering I
    SYSE 8020: Systems Engineering II
    IE 8090: Modeling Systems under Risk
    SYSE 8530: Improving Systems using Quality and Lean Principles
    IE 8020: Design of Human-Computer Systems
    SYSE 8590: Capstone Project (two semesters)

  • Applying to the Program

    Requirements

    • Graduate School application.
    • A baccalaureate degree in engineering, computer science, physical sciences, mathematics or other related majors with strong mathematical backgrounds.
    • Competence in calculus, linear algebra and probability/statistics.
    • GRE scores (optional).
    • Typically, at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
    • TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students).
    • At least one year of relevant professional experience (internships will apply).
    • One letter of recommendation (from a supervisor, preferrable).

    How to Apply

    Students interested in applying to the MENG SYSE master program and SYSE graduate certificate must be accepted to the Clemson University Graduate School. Please find below the steps that will assist you starting the application process. International students are welcome to apply and must meet Graduate School requirements for TOEFL and GRE scores.

    Please follow these steps:

    1. Start with the Graduate School Application Form ( https://gradapply.clemson.edu/apply/)
    2. Create an account (see link at the bottom of the page)
    3. Select the academic year of your application: 2024 or 2025
    4. Select program from the main menu: Master’s
    5. Under master’s programs, browse the list of programs and select: Systems Engineering (MENG) and (Blended)
    6. Note: We are currently offering this program as a blended format with one semester on campus at the end of your career, and the rest of the courses online.
    7. Start term: Fall
    8. Continue filling out the form with your information

    Additional information concerning deadlines and program contacts can be found in the  IE Graduate Handbook. Enrollment in the SYSE programs is open to all students with degrees in the physical sciences, mathematics, or related majors with a strong mathematical background.

    Required Documents

    • Graduate School Online Application Form (see above)
    • Unofficial Transcripts. Official Transcripts are required upon acceptance. Do not send official transcripts until you have received your letter of acceptance
    • Letters of Recommendation (at least one from a supervisor)
Apply to Clemson
Contact IE Department

The Department of Industrial Engineering is committed to advancing state-of-the-art industrial engineering research and degree programs. Our innovative and challenging curricula are designed to meet the ever-increasing global demand for industrial engineering graduates.

Information on admission requirements, financial assistance, and academic policies and procedures can be found in the IE Undergraduate Catalog and the IE Graduate Handbook.