MSIE Requirements

Programs of Study

A variety of MSIE program tracks are provided to accommodate students' needs and specializations. As a result, there are a total of three possible tracks that can be pursued by the student.

  • Students may pursue a traditional MSIE where they are allowed to choose between a Thesis or Non-Thesis Option, or
  • Students may pursue an MSIE with Specialization in Engineering Management; however, this program does not require a thesis.

The following information applies to all MSIE students unless otherwise noted.

  • As described in "Academic Procedures," students should choose a major professor, supervisory committee, and file a degree plan as soon as possible after admission. These steps must be taken no later than the end of the second semester of study.
  • By the end of their first semester, MSIE students are required declare their status as a Thesis or Non-Thesis MSIE Candidate. Students may switch between these two options during the course of their study by submitting an updated degree plan form. (Students who enrolled before Fall 2000 may also opt between the Thesis and Non-Thesis Options.)
  • Students may only repeat two courses one time or repeat one course two times.
  • Only two courses (6 credit hours) taken prior to admission will be credited toward an MSIE Degree.

Students should ensure that they read and meet the requirements for their respective university as detailed in the Graduate Bulletin, as well as meet the requirements of the College and Department.

MSIE - Thesis Option

*There are three sets of courses under the traditional MSIE program: core courses, specialization IE courses and electives.

Each MSIE student who intends to complete a thesis is required to:

  • Take a minimum of thirty (30) graduate credit hours - twemty-four (24) hours of course work and 6 thesis hours, of which at least eighteen (18) of the course work hours must be in the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department.
  • File a degree plan, where students must specify one of the Department's areas of concentration as their major:
    • Manufacturing Systems and Engineering, or
    • Quality Engineering and Industrial Systems.

      • If the desired area of concentration is different from the initial area assigned (based on the student's graduate application), a petition to the Director of Graduate Studies must be submitted requesting the change.
  • Fulfill each area's own requirements in addition to the Departmental requirements, which will be determined by the student's advisory committee.
  • Obtain a synopsis of curricula requirements and course descriptions for MSIE Thesis Option Program.
  • Achieve a grade of "B" or better in each core course. Students not achieving a "B" must either retake the course or take another course in a related area that will be determined by the program advisor in consultation with the instructor of the core course in which the student did not achieve at least a "B".
    (Students who graduated in Spring 2003 or before may have no more than one grade of "C" in their core courses.)
  • Obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above to graduate.

NOTE: All committee members and the student must be physically present during the entire defense. In cases where this is not possible, the department allows no more than one member to attend the defense in real time by participating via distance technology. The distance technology must allow two way audio and visual links. That is, the committee member who is away can be seen and heard by all other members and the student and vice versa. Communication link that allow only audio (i.e. teleconferencing) is not acceptable in a defense.

MSIE - Non-Thesis Option

Students are required to:

  • Complete a minimum of thirthy-three (33) credit hours of course work at the graduate level, of which at least twenty-four (24) must be taken in the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department.
  • Obtain a synopsis of curricula requirements and course descriptions for MSIE Non-Thesis Option Program.
  • Achieve a grade of "B" or better in each core course. Students not achieving a "B" must either retake the course or take another course in a related area that will be determined by the program advisor in consultation with the instructor of the core course in which the student did not achieve at least a "B".
    (Students who graduated in Spring 2003 or before may have no more than one grade of "C" in their core courses.)
  • Obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above to graduate.
  • Effective Fall 2009, all MSIE non-thesis option students must complete the status form at the beginning of each semester or the department will not approve your graduation.

MSIE with Specialization in Engineering Management

Students are expected to:

  • Complete 33 hours of course work, regardless of whether or not they elect to write a thesis.
  • Obtain a synopsis of curricula requirements and course descriptions for MSIE Engineering Management Program, which provides information regarding possible Business School and Industrial Engineering electives.
  • Achieve a grade of "B" or better in each core course. Students not achieving a "B" must either retake the course or take another course in a related area that will be determined by the program advisor in consultation with the instructor of the core course in which the student did not achieve at least a "B".
    (Students who graduated in Spring 2003 or before may have no more than one grade of "C" in their core courses.)
  • Obtain an overall GPA of 3.0 or above to graduate.

Suggested Study Timetable for MSIE Thesis and Non-Thesis Students

Before first semester registration

  • Meet with the Director of Graduate Studies or your temporary graduate advisor to plan a course of study for your first semester and to confirm any prerequisite needs.

During the first semester

  • Begin the process of identifying faculty research interests compatible with your career goals.

Before the end of the second semester

At least one semester before the final semester

  • Develop and present a thesis proposal (Thesis Option only).
  • Schedule proposal defense through committee chair (Thesis Option only).

During final semester

  • Apply for the degree.
  • Make a thesis research progress presentation at least six weeks prior to the final thesis defense (Thesis Option only).
  • Pay the diploma fee.
  • Schedule the final oral examination through committee chair (Thesis Option only).
  • Arrange for cap and gown at FAMU or FSU bookstore.