The Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering offers opportunities for graduate study leading to the master of science and the doctor of philosophy degrees in industrial and systems engineering. In the PhD program, four areas of specialization are available, each designed to produce graduates capable of leading new and developing areas within industrial and systems engineering. The four areas are: decision science/operations research, health systems, human factors and ergonomics, and manufacturing and production systems. The specialization in operations research, optimization, and analytics trains students in analytical methodologies useful for solving decision problems, especially problems that involve the allocation of scarce resources, and the design, planning and operation of complex systems. Graduate study focuses on optimization modeling and algorithms, applied probability and stochastic modeling, and decision analysis. The health systems engineering specialization seeks to train students to look at broad issues in health care, including long-term care, prevention, quality improvement, health care financing, and system evaluation. Understanding how people solve problems is a basic requirement for health systems engineers, who must apply scientific methods in a value-laden setting. The specialization in human factors and ergonomics is concerned with the quality of work lives, ergonomics, and occupational safety and health for both workers and management. By examining, designing, testing, and evaluating the workplace and how people interact within it, human systems engineers can create productive, safe, and satisfying work environments. The specialization in advanced manufacturing and industrial AI is intended to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to compete successfully in a manufacturing environment. These skills include knowledge of the theory of manufacturing materials and processes and their control; knowledge of the essentials of manufacturing systems design and analysis; and knowledge of and hands-on experience with modern manufacturing technology.
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.
| Requirements | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fall Deadline | December 1 |
| Spring Deadline | September 1 |
| Summer Deadline | December 1 |
| GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) | Required. |
| English Proficiency Test | Every applicant whose native language is not English, or whose undergraduate instruction was not exclusively in English, must provide an English proficiency test score earned within two years of the anticipated term of enrollment. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Requirements for Admission policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1241. |
| Other Test(s) (e.g., GMAT, MCAT) | n/a |
| Letters of Recommendation Required | 3 |
Applicants from any discipline that provides foundations for research in Industrial and Systems Engineering (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.
Application deadlines are strictly enforced and ALL application materials including transcripts, GRE and English proficiency test scores MUST be included and submitted by the application deadline.
*Note that our office does not provide feedback to applicants as to their potential for admission. Applicants should review both the Industrial and Systems Engineering (I SY E) department and Graduate School requirements for admission and if you feel you meet the necessary criteria for applying, please do so.
Do not send materials/documents to the Industrial and Systems Engineering (I SY E) Department or Graduate School until you are recommended for admissions. All documents should be uploaded with your application.
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.
If you choose to attend UW–Madison and plan to pursue funding on your own, the following sites could be very helpful:
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.
For information specific to graduate assistantships within the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, please consult the department's graduate program handbook.
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 UW-Madison financial aid here.
For information on international student funding and scholarships, visit the ISS website.
On This PageReview the Graduate School minimum academic progress and degree requirements, in addition to the program requirements listed below.
| Face to Face | Evening/Weekend | Online | Hybrid | Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | No | No | No | No |
Accelerated: Accelerated programs are offered at a fast pace that condenses the time to completion. Students typically take enough credits aimed at completing the program in a year or two.
Evening/Weekend: Courses meet on the UW–Madison campus only in evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate typical business schedules. Students have the advantages of face-to-face courses with the flexibility to keep work and other life commitments.
Face-to-Face: Courses typically meet during weekdays on the UW-Madison Campus.
Hybrid: These programs combine face-to-face and online learning formats. Contact the program for more specific information.
Online: These programs are offered 100% online. Some programs may require an on-campus orientation or residency experience, but the courses will be facilitated in an online format.
| Requirements | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Credit Requirement | 51 credits |
| Minimum Residence Credit Requirement | 32 credits |
| Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement | 26 credits must be graduate-level coursework. Refer to the Graduate School: Minimum Graduate Coursework (50%) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1244. |
| Overall Graduate GPA Requirement | 3.00 GPA required. Refer to the Graduate School: Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-1203. |
| 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. |
Students choose one of the following research areas. Work with your faculty advisors to answer any questions and to form a plan of study.
| 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 649 | Interactive Data Analytics | 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 pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
| 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 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 521 | Machine Learning in Action for Industrial Engineers | 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/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 |
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Topics vary for this course. Obtain advance approval from your faculty advisor.
| 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 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 823 | Special Topics in Operations Research | 1-3 |
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
Topics vary for this course. Obtain advance approval from your faculty advisor.
| 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 562 | Human Factors of Data Science and Machine Learning | 3 |
| 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/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 PhD students must complete an additional coursework and exam component. | ||
| 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 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/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 |
These pathways are internal to the program and represent different curricular paths a student can follow to earn this degree. Pathway names do not appear in the Graduate School admissions application, and they will not appear on the transcript.
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, Human Factors and Ergonomics PhD students must complete at least six seminar/special topics courses numbered 700 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 Human Factors and Ergonomics 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 Human Factors and Ergonomics Area group will make this decision.
The Graduate School’s Academic Policies and Procedures provide essential information regarding general university policies. Program authority to set degree policies beyond the minimum required by the Graduate School lies with the degree program faculty. Policies set by the academic degree program can be found below.
Credits are not allowed for the graduate residence credit requirement but students can transfer up to 6 credits from another institution or of coursework numbered 300 or above from the undergraduate career completed at UW-Madison toward the graduate degree credit requirement. Transfer credits from other institutions must be equivalent to the rigor of UW-Madison courses numbered 300 and above. The 50% graduate coursework requirement can only be met by courses numbered 700 or above. Coursework earned ten or more years prior to admissions to a doctoral degree is not allowed to satisfy requirements.
Graduate students should always seek advice from their advisor prior to enrolling for courses.
Many PhD students are assigned a faculty advisor when they are admitted to the program, based on a match between their research interests and those of the assigned advisor. Some PhD students are not initially matched to a faculty advisor for their research when admitted. Such students are advised by the associate chair for graduate studies in their first year. During their first year, these students explore research possibilities with different faculty in the department and choose a faculty advisor by the end of the first year.
Changing advisors during the graduate program may be necessary due to changes in a student's interests or changes in the funding sources for their support. Students should discuss an advisor change with the faculty in their interest area and request a change of advisor with the Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) Student Services in Room 3182 in Mechanical Engineering Building.
Attainment of a PhD degree requires the preparation of a thesis on a research topic selected by the student and their advisor. Once a research project is selected, the student must choose his or her thesis committee. The Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) Graduate Program requires the thesis committee shall consist of at least four members for the Preliminary Exam Committee and at least four members for the Final Ph.D. Defense Committee including:
Enrollment of 12 credits or less recommended. (Full time status considered 8-12 credits).
The qualifying examination requirement must be satisfied by the end of the fifth semester of enrollment after entering any UW-Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) graduate program (including UW-Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) masters' programs).
The preliminary exam must be completed within 4 years of entering any Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) graduate program (including UW-Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) masters' programs), and within 3 years of passing the qualifying exam.
The dissertation defense must be completed either within two years after passing the preliminary exam or by the end of the 6th year in the graduate program, whichever is later.
Exceptions to these time limits may be granted by the Academic Affairs Cluster through a petition process.
These resources may be helpful in addressing your concerns:
If a graduate student feels unfairly treated or aggrieved by faculty, staff, or another student, the University offers several avenues to resolve the grievance. Student’s concerns about unfair treatment are best handled directly with the person responsible for the objectionable action. If the student is uncomfortable making direct contact with the individual(s) involved, they should contact the advisor or the person in charge of the unit where the action occurred (program or department chair, section chair, lab manager, etc). Many departments and schools/colleges have established specific procedures for handling such situations; check their web pages and published handbooks for information. If such procedures exist at the local level, these should be investigated first. For more information, see the College of Engineering Policies and Procedures. The Assistant Dean for Graduate Affairs provides overall leadership for graduate education in the College of Engineering (CoE), and is a point of contact for graduate students who have concerns about education, mentoring, research, or other difficulties.
Procedures for handling graduate student grievances against ISyE faculty, staff, or students:
Take advantage of the Graduate School's professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.
An Individual Development Plan helps with self-assessment, planning, and communication:
The onus to engage in the IDP process is on you – 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.
Julie Rae, Assistant Director for Graduate Student Career Services
Graduate students in all Engineering programs
Location: 6171 Helen C. White Hall
Phone: (608) 263-1992
The UW Writing Center provides free 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 better, more confident writers.
Laura Albert Oguzhan Alagoz John D. Lee Jeffrey Linderoth Kaibo Liu James Luedtke Ranjana Mehta Robert Radwin Raj Veeramani
Doug Wiegmann
Shiyu Zhou (Chair)
Alberto Del Pia
Tony McDonald
Gabriel Zayas-Cabán
Dan Li Carla Michini Yonatan Mintz Hantang Qin Andi Wang Qiaomin Xie
Hannah Silber Sinan Tas Tina Xu
Michele Crandell Missy Moreau
Industrial and Systems Engineering
College of Engineering
I Sy E
Graduate Student Services
iegradadmission@engr.wisc.edu
3182 Mechanical Engineering Building
1513 University Ave., Madison, WI 53706
Doug Wiegmann, Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs
assoc.chair.grad@ie.wisc.edu
Graduate Program Handbook
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