Admissions to the Manufacturing Systems Engineering, M.S. have been suspended as of fall 2022. If you have any questions, please contact the department.
The Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MSE) is an on-campus, multidisciplinary degree, drawing courses and faculty from engineering, business, computer sciences, and statistics. As the first program of its kind in the United States, and among the first in the world, MSE has long been recognized as a leading provider of resourceful engineers for global and dynamic manufacturing firms. Hands-on projects, along with classes taught by internationally recognized experts and state-of-the-art technology, provide an ideal foundation for anyone entering today's advanced manufacturing environment.
MSE graduates leave the program skilled beyond narrow specialties and equipped to lead technical teams. Students are exposed to practical problems and cutting-edge concepts, resulting in engineers who combine management skills with advanced technical abilities. Courses cover a broad range of manufacturing issues, while reinforcing a systems approach. The variety of subjects allows students to tailor their studies to individual goals or interests. More than 400 MSE alumni currently work in industry.
The student body of the MSE program is predominantly composed of students returning from industry or working for their degrees while employed. The program also has a substantial number of international students. Prospective students find the midsized program an ideal learning environment.
Specifically, the program addresses solutions to problems in the design, development, implementation, operation, evaluation, and management of modern manufacturing systems. A named option in the MSE M.S. degree titled Engineering Management Specialization is also offered, ideal for engineering students with a special interest in management issues pertaining to manufacturing. For students seeking advanced training in management, the School of Business offers an MBA in operations and technology management.
Students may also consider the fully online M.Eng. degree with a named option in Manufacturing Systems Engineering.
Admissions to the Manufacturing Systems Engineering, M.S. have been suspended as of fall 2022. If you have any questions, please contact the department.
Students apply to the Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering through one of the named options:
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
The Manufacturing Systems Engineering program does not offer Teaching Assistantships, Project Assistantships, or Research Assistantships. Students seeking Teaching Assistantships and Project Assistantships should directly contact academic departments that offer courses (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering). Research Assistantships are only available to students in the research thesis track. Students seeking Research Assistantships should directly contact faculty who they want to conduct thesis research with.
FEDERAL LOANS
Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may be eligible to receive some level of funding through the federal direct loan program. These loans are available to qualified graduate students who are taking at least 4 credits during the fall and spring semesters, and 2 credits during summer. Private loans are also available. Learn more about financial aid at their website.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES FUNDING AND SCHOLARSHIPS
For information on International Student Funding and Scholarships visit the ISS website.
Minimum Graduate School Requirements
Review the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 30 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 16 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 15 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Details can be found in the Graduate School’s Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) policy (https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244). The department recommends taking coursework in College of Engineering, the School of Business, the Department of Statistics, the Department of Biological Systems Engineering, or the Department of Computer Sciences. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. This program follows the Graduate School's policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203. |
| Other Grade Requirements | Grades of C or lower do not count toward the degree. |
| Assessments and Examinations | The research-thesis track requires student to submit a thesis and defend to a committee of faculty. The industry-thesis track requires students to submit an industry thesis and defend it to a committee of faculty. The course-only track does not require a thesis. |
| Language Requirements | No language requirements. |
Required COURSES
Select a Named Option for courses required.
Named Options
A named option is a formally documented sub-major within an academic major program. Named options appear on the transcript with degree conferral. Students pursuing the Master of Science in Manufacturing Systems Engineering must select one of the following named options:
Graduate School Resources
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
PROGRAM RESOURCES
THE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
An Individual Development Plan helps with self-assessment, planning, and communication:
- An IDP can help you communicate your professional development and career planning needs and intentions to others including your mentor, which can lead to helpful advice and resources.
- You can use the IDP to make sure you and your mentor’s expectations are clearly outlined and in agreement so that there are no big surprises, particularly at the end of your training.
- The current job market is challenging and research has shown that individuals who perform structured career planning achieve greater career success and satisfaction.
The onus to engage in the IDP process is your responsibility—although your mentor, PI, or others may encourage and support you in doing so. The IDP itself remains private to you, and you choose which parts to share with which mentors. Through the IDP process, you may decide to identify various mentors to whom you can go for expertise and advice.
ENGINEERING CAREER SERVICES
Julie Rae, Assistant Director for Graduate Student Career Services, graduate students in all engineering programs
- Resumes and Cover Letters
- Job Search Strategies
- Job Offers and Negotiation
- CPT for Graduate Students
- Student Appointments: Schedule Here
- Employer Recruitment List for Industrial Engineering Students
UW WRITING CENTER
6171 Helen C. White Hall
608-263-1992
The UW Writing Center provides free of charge face-to-face and online consultations that focus on a number of different writing scenarios (i.e. drafts of course papers, resumes, reports, application essays, cover letters, theses, etc). Writing Center instructors will not edit or proofread papers. Instead, their goal is to teach students to edit and proofread on their own in order to become a better, more confident writers.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of mathematical, scientific, and engineering principles in the field.
- Demonstrate an ability to formulate, analyze, and solve advanced engineering problems.
- Apply the latest scientific and technological advancements, advanced techniques, and modern engineering tools to these problems.
- Recognize and apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.