The Master of Science degree can be completed through a thesis option or project option. The project option is available only to candidates who have been professionally employed in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering or a related field and are working in their field at the time of application for admission to graduate study. The IE&M master's programs is designed to equip students with the ability to analyze, design, and manage industrial and business systems as well as to enable students to develop scholarly abilities to further pursue a Ph.D. degree in industrial and manufacturing engineering. Students have an opportunity to conduct research in the development of theoretical concepts and industrial systems.